Unit 5: The story of converse

When Marquis Mills Converse started his shoe manufacturing business called the Converse Rubber Shoe Company in 1908, little did he know that the company would see such astounding success. Continuing success over the decades since the company was formed has catapulted Converse Shoes into a major brand in the footwear industry. Thanks to its endorsement by to basketball players in the country, they have become synonymous with this sport.

But Converse Shoes' road to accomplishment has hardly been easy. Situated in Malden, Massachusetts, the Converse Rubber Shoe Company was doing lukewarm business till basketball player Chuck Taylor came along. The NBA star Chuck Taylor often complained of pain in his feet while playing basketball. Converse Rubber Shoe Company, in the year 1917, introduced its most famous brand, the Converse All Star Basketball Shoe. This footwear invention became a rage in the world, and it continues to be one of the most sought-after sports shoes in the world even today.

During the 1980s, the company Converse Rubber Shoe Company was bought by Nike, but the brand Converse All Star continued to live.

In the present times, Converse shoes are worn not just by sports persons, but are also a huge favorite of the common man. Kids often wear them to school. While these shoes were available only in black and white color initially, but later the color swatch of Converse All Star Shoes was expanded to include seven additional colors.