You asked, we listened. A few months ago, we just touched on the sneaker’s varied past, and got a few requests for more of the same. So to start, we’re going to delve a bit more in to one of the oldest, most iconic, and recognized sneaker around: Converse’s Chuck Taylors.
Marquis Converse produced the first basketball show in 1917, but it was Indiana Hoops star Chuck Taylor, who made them famous. Not only did they go on to become the best-selling basketball shoe of all time, they also introduced the lucrative and popular trend of athletic product endorsement. Chuck Taylor’s product endorsement caused sales to soar and lead to his own label added to the ankle patch. This launched decades of multi-millionaire endorsement deals for athletes, from Nike to Adidas with athletes endorsing products that range from shoes to soft drinks.
Cons, Connies, Chucks…Who knew they would be the start of an industry, a trend, and a passion….
To be continued….

One of the original All Star shoe designs

Chuck Taylor’s signature patch added in 1923

Chuck Taylor
Our research is from the following sites. Check them out for further history!
http://chucksconnection.com/history1.html
http://www.sneakerhead.com/sneaker-history-p1.html
http://www.sneakerhead.com/manufacture-converse.html
http://www.helium.com/items/259227-the-history-of-the-converse-chuck-taylor-basketball-sneakers
http://www.hoopsvibe.com/sneaker-vibe/converse-8220-chuck-taylor-8221-all-stars-ar28902.html