Are Converse a Closet Staple?

A timeless and classic sneaker. We say timeless because this shoe was created in the year 1917, and after all these years they are still strongly loved and worn by people of all ages. 

(Converse Non-Skid All Stars, 1923. Photograph courtesy of The Converse Archive)

The history of the company and the shoe is very interesting. So before we get into the topic of, if converse are a timeless shoe that everyone should have in their closet, let's do a brief history of the company. 

The company was founded in the year 1908 by Mr Marquis Mills Converse. The company was founded as a rubber company and spent its early years doing any type of rubber work they could. Examples of their work are leather duck-hunting boots, automobile tires, tennis shoes and then, eventually they would fall into making basketball shoes, which were  introduced to keep Converse’s seasonal staff on the assembly line all year, instead of just seasonal. 

Before the basketball shoes the staff only worked in the Fall, Winter, and Spring. The founder wanted to be able to be open and work all year long, which would include the summer months. So those tennis shoes were a glimpse into what they could do to make that happen. 

Introducing the basketball shoes ( a sport that was growing in popularity)  Converse Chuck Taylor All Star which  made its debut in 1917. Might have been an unlikely start to a success story, with the fact that WWI was raging on and not to mention you also had the Spanish flu pandemic. But they made it just like how they will make it through several other historical events. 

Even with just that small glimpse, we can see that the company has a long history and with buying and owning a pair you are a part of their history and legacy. 

If you are familiar with the Marvel movies, Captain America can be seen wearing converse when he comes back from the ice. Fan theories have surfaced saying he wears them because they are one of the few things he recognizes from before his deep sleep. That theory always gets me emotional ( I am aware he is a fictional character…). 

There is also something about this sneaker that really gives personality to an outfit. From being paired with dresses (cue that Demi Lovato song) to becoming skate shoes and competing with shoes like vans, being worn casually with a simple pair of jeans, these are maybe one of the most versatile shoes. It also has never mattered what age you are, everyone of all ages have been seen wearing these completely judgment free. 

(Photo from official Converse website)

They come in so many colors as well so you can fit them with your own personal style. The actual look and style of the shoe has not changed much over the years, they have a lower cute one, the popular high-tops and not to mention the iconic knee high ones that they had for a while ( if you know you know type shoe). 

You can wear them all year long, they look good for every season. Yes, including summer and winter. 

I would say they are a staple piece that everyone should have in their closet. They are timeless while also being trendy