Converse

Founded in 1908 in Malden, Massachusetts by Marquis Mills, the Converse Rubber Shoe Company borrowed its name from the founder's mother. In launching his brand, Marquis had the idea of creating a non-slip rubber-soled shoe. The first Converse shoes were lined boots, mostly destined for workers and those in penitentiary centres. Success came quickly and Marquis decided to specialise in sports footwear, suited to tennis and basketball players alike. As such, in 1917, the brand saw a real turning point when it launched its first All Star, Recognisable for its high top, this iconic basketball shoe was made in canvas, with a thick rubber soul and the brand's logo. In 1921, the American basketball player Chuck Taylor helped modernise the shoe, joining the brand as salesperson and representative. Chuck helped sell the shoe in American universities and in 1931, the brand renamed their classic shoe the "Chuck Taylor All Star". As years wore on, the shoes were spotted on the feet of celebrities like Elvis Presley, James Dean and Mick Jagger who even got married in a pair of Converse. The brand's rise was uneniably dazzling. Furthermore, the company proves itself able to evolve, designing new models in diverse colours and materials like the One Star or the Run Star Hike. Bought by the Nike Group in 2023, Converse is one of the most iconic labels in the world when it comes to trainers, and its shoes remain, still today, essentials in all wardrobes.