Converse

Converse first started out in 1908, as a rubber shoe company who specialised in galoshes which was just a seasonal process. After a while, the designers decided to keep work going all year round by making shoes. Converse used rubber to make sneakers which they named the ‘All Star’. A silhouette which has had a large cultural impact on generations ever since.

The intended use of the All Star was to be worn on the court, but they have since become associated with music, culture and art, including fashion. The converse silhouette is a distinctive one, which is brimming with American heritage. It’s very rare to not see someone wearing a pair of Converse, they have become a statement shoe over the years, also known as the ‘baseball boot’ or the ‘plimsoll’.

In particular, the iconic silhouette is the Chuck Taylor high top which has earned its place as a statement piece of UK streetwear. The ‘All Star’ was produced in 1917, and was made most popular by Charles ‘Chuck’ Taylor, who was a basketball player for the Akron Firestones. Taylor realised the shoes potential and started working for Converse, even becoming a coach for the company’s basketball team, the ‘All Stars’. Chuck Taylor was so successful in promoting the shoe, his name was added to the iconic badge on the side of the shoe.

Here at Aphrodite we stock a wide range of the Chuck Taylor silhouette in both the low and high-top. The Chuck Taylor All Star is available in both canvas and leather uppers for a distinctive look. The Jack Purcell signature styles are also available in a range of colours. The Jack Purcell trainers are crafted from a softer leather, making them comfortable and breathable for the wearer. The sole unit of the shoe contains Nike Zoom Air Technology and Ortholite technology for a lightweight and cushioned experience.

To shop our range of Converse, click here or visit our Sunderland store.