 | Converse is a American shoe company which has been making shoes since the early 20th century. As of 2007, Converse also produces a wide range of occupational safety shoes that resemble their regular athletic shoes, which does not include the popular 'Chuck Taylor' style. Converse is a wholly owned subsidiary of Nike. Also referred to as "Cons", "Connies", "Chuckers", "Chucks", "Converse", "Chuckies", "Chuckie T's", or "Chucker Boots" for the higher styles, for decades the Chuck Taylor All Star basketball shoe only came in black, or in white starting in 1947. Under pressure from basketball teams it was decided in 1966 to manufacture other colors. Different materials began to appear also, starting in the 1970s, such as leather, suede and vinyl, and even hemp, rather than just canvas. Besides high-tops, low-cuts and later knee-high versions were produced. The fabric is no longer 2-ply cotton canvas but 1-ply "textile" and many wearers have noticed different patterns of wear. |
