What are converse shoes?

Converse shoes are a popular brand and a fashion statement for all ages, both men and women. They are good-looking and comfortable, and the wearer may feel extra special wearing this brand.

Did you know, however, that Converse shoes have been around for quite some time?

The history

Converse shoes were originally made in the USA during the earlier years of the 20th century and were part of an explosion of interest in making shoes of rubber.

Initially closely associated with baseball, by the 1950s and 1960s they had managed to achieve virtual cult status – something that they have managed to maintain even into the 21st century and through a difficult period in the 1970s and 80s when their iconic status was challenged by certain other brands of what were, at the time, the newly arrived trainers.

In fact, they underwent an incredible boost in popularity during the 1950s, which paralleled the rise of the teenager as a concept. Prior to this period, there were two types of people, children and adults or perhaps in some situations, young adults.

As the idea of the teenager developed, younger people picked up converse shoes and adopted them almost as a form of badge of office.

Today

Quite incredibly for a type of shoe that was first developed a century ago, today converse shoes are wardrobe essentials for a wide range of people and their star and chevron logo is as commonly seen today as it has ever been.

Their fashionable style continues to make them very appealing to teenagers and younger people but they are almost equally popular with more mature people who value their practicality and timeless style.

They come in a wide range of designs, some of which maintain a great deal of continuity with the past, with echoes of their baseball boot origins. Others are rather more contemporary in appearance reflecting trainer or soft casual shoe styles.

They also do a range of other sports and associated casual clothing, which may complement the look as part of a total package.

Many manufacturers look upon converse’s brand presence with envy and today wearing converse shoes or accessories is still something of a status symbol – particularly for those who are a little more fashion conscious.