Retro look with modern comfort.
1908 | MASSACHUSETTS, USA | Marquis Mills Converse

Founded in 1908 by Marquis M. Converse, who worked for the Beacon Falls Rubber Company, a rubber products company, Converse was created to utilize his expertise to produce rubber-soled shoes. In Massachusetts, a city with heavy snowfall and many wetlands, Converse shoes, which were resistant to rain and snow, became popular among workers, and within two years of its founding, the company grew to employ 350 people.

Several years after its founding, and once its business foundation had stabilized, the company began developing further products. Their attention then turned to basketball, which was showing signs of becoming popular at the time. After much research and trial and error, the "CANVAS ALL STAR," which remains a flagship product of Converse today, was created in 1917. This shoe, with its strong grip and ankle support, became popular among basketball players.

In 1935, under the production of badminton/tennis player Jack Purcell, the "JACK PURCELL" shoes for court sports were released. These shoes, which were simple, clean, and functional, and also boasted excellent design with the instantly recognizable "smile" on the toe and "mustache" on the heel, became popular as a fashion item as well.

Subsequently, in 1940, they released the tennis-specific "SKIDGRIP," in 1969 the "STAR&BARS" characterized by two lines for reinforcement, in 1974 the "ONE STAR" which used smooth leather for high durability, in 1975 the "ALL STAR TRAINING SHOES" which responded to the jogging boom, and in 1986 the masterpiece basketball shoe "WEAPON."

Since 2000, Converse has been revamping its archives by retaining the look of past masterpieces while utilizing modern technology to improve comfort and durability. In 2005, the 70th anniversary of the Jack Purcell, the "JACK PARCELL" was created, featuring a cup insole and wave slit sole for reduced weight. Furthermore, in 2008, the 100th anniversary of Converse, they produced the "CONVERSE ADDICT," which adopted a Vibram sole and Outlast for the classic ALL STAR, and in 2014, they launched "TimeLine," which revives past archives. They have succeeded in modernizing their designs while maintaining Converse's signature retro look.