3 Different Types Of Converse Shoes

Pop quiz – What’s the most popular shoe in the United States? If you answered anything other than Converse, then you’d be wrong. That’s right, according to Seventeen Magazine in 2017, Converse was (and still is) the most popular shoe brand in the US.

The iconic shoe has a place in everyone’s heart, but as the brand has evolved, so has their selection. Now there are several different types of Converse shoes to choose from, making it a touch challenging to buy a new pair. 

But, with this simple little guide, you can see which converse shoes are best for you. So, keep on reading.

Converse History: Long Story Short

The story of the brand goes all the way back to 1908 when Marquis Mills Converse founded the Converse Rubber Corporation. For the first nine years, the company solely focused on rubber shoe soles. But, in 1917, the company took a somewhat drastic turn and began designing and making basketball shoes.

This first design became the basis of the All Star and was named “No-Skids.” As you can guess, the shoe had a rubber sole and a canvas upper. It took some time for the brand to completely take off, as the world was still reeling from the First World War and the Spanish Flu was right around the corner.

But when Charles “Chuck” Taylor joined the company as a salesman in 1921, things took a turn for the better. As a semi-professional basketball player, Taylor brought some knowledge and experience that allowed Converse to improve its shoes. 

They quickly adopted many of Taylor’s ideas, which included better ankle support and flexibility. The new design also incorporated an All-Star logo on a circular patch that covered the ankle. Later, Taylor added his signature as part of his endorsement, resulting in the shoes being called Chuck Taylor All-Stars, the first celebrity-endorsed athletic shoe.

From there, the shoes grew in popularity, with many professional basketball players wearing the shoes. They also became the official shoe of the Olympics from 1936. 

Unlike WW1, WW2 proved beneficial for Converse, as Converse All Stars were the official athletic training shoe of the US army. From there, the Converse All-Star quickly became the all-American shoe.

As the decades wore on, the shoe’s popularity waned. Until the 1980s and 90s. It went from the ultimate basketball shoe to the must-have retro-style sneaker. By the 2000s, Converse had sold over 600 million All Stars since 1917.

What About Nike?

If you’re a veteran sneakerhead, you probably know that Nike acquired Converse in 2003 for approximately $305 million. Despite this, they’ve stayed true to the brand, continuing to produce Chuck Taylor All Stars.

In recent years, Nike has enlisted famous shoe designers, including Tinker Hatfield, to design modern All Stars. Despite this, they’ve stayed true to the brand, continuing to produce Chuck Taylor All Stars.

Different Types of Converse

With the brand’s long, rich history, it’s no surprise that there have been several variations in design. As a result, there are several different types of converse sneakers. But each has the quintessential Converse All Star look. No wonder they’re one of the most sought-after collectible shoes. 

No matter the type or style though, these shoes always look good, whether it’s for simple casual wear or even a smarter, dress-up occasion.

Let’s look at the three main types of converse shoes.

Chuck Taylor All Star (Chuck Taylor All Star ’70)

As mentioned, the very first Converse shoe was the “No Skid.” But when one thinks about classic chucks, the original All Star comes to mind. In the beginning, Chuck Taylor All Stars only had three styles:

• The monochromatic look: all black/white canvas upper and rubber sole
• High Tops with blue and red trim
• Leather: all black upper and rubber sole 

But, as fashion evolved, so did the Chuck Taylor All Star. In 1949, Converse introduced an all-black canvas shoe with a white toe guard, laces, and outer wraps. This is the Chuck Taylor All Star everyone loves today. From there, Converse began making Chucks in all sorts of colors and prints, all sporting that now iconic white toe.

In 2013, Nike changed the name of the original All Stars to Chuck Taylor All Star ’70. So, if you’re looking for that classic converse look, then the 70’s are the converse for you. You can choose between low and high-top versions, whichever suits you.

Chuck Taylor All Star II

Two years later, Nike released another version of the classic shoe, the Chuck Taylor All Star II. They’re very similar to the originals, but featured several changes, including foxing and elastic bands on the tongue.

The Chuck IIs also came in various canvas textures. You could choose between the

Chuck II Knit, the Chuck II Shield Canvas, and even the Chuck II Rio Open Knit. The latter was released to celebrate the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Converse Modern

In 2017, an entirely new line of Converse sneakers was released, designed by a variety of famous sneaker designers. Amongst them is Tinker Hatfield and Mark Parker. Sneaker heads will recognize Tinker Hatfield as the man behind some of the greatest Air Jordans. 

This new line took elements from the original All Stars and made them unique. You now get a wide variety of Converse shoes for basically any occasion. 

Do you need a comfy business casual shoe? Then the flat, tennis-shoe style sneaker range is for you.   

What about a boot style shoe? Don’t worry, Converse has that covered too, with the Converse Run Star Hike sneakers.

If you’re a fan of the brand, but enjoy a chunky basketball shoe, similar to Air Jordans, then the Converse Weapon CX hi sneakers are just right. They’re great for lovers of modern retro shoes too. 

Essentially, no matter your personal style or the occasion, Converse has it covered.

Are you a sneakerhead on the hunt for new sneakers? Head on over to KicksCrew!

Choose Your Converse

Thanks to the many types of Converse shoes on the market, you can now have a pair for any occasion. So go ahead and pick and choose to your heart’s content. Not only are you getting a great shoe, but you’re stepping into a brand with a unique and interesting history. 

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