Are you wondering if Converse are still in style in 2024? Whether you’re a guy or girl, you’ve probably owned or have considered buying a pair of Converse shoes.
Converse shoes have been around for over a hundred years and can be found in stores worldwide. As a shoe lover, over the last decade I’ve always had at least one pair of Converse shoes to go with my wardrobe.
Are Converse Still Fashionable?
Converse, the iconic American brand is still fashionable. Converse has essentially kept the same classic look that has been loved by consumers for over a century. Over the years, Converse has remained popular by collaborating with brands in order to stay innovative, fresh and relevant.
In this post, I share the history of converse, why people love Converse and everything you need to know about styling converse.
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The History of Converse
Back in 1908, Converse was founded by Marquise Mill Converse. The first shoe ever created by Converse was a waterproof rubber shoe.
In 1917, Converse entered the world of basketball, which was a pretty new sport at the time. Converse created the “Non-Skids” which had a rubber sole and a similar look to the now infamous “All Star”.
In 1922, Converse hired Charles Chuck Taylor as a part-time salesmen, player and coach for the Converse All Stars basketball team. Chuck Taylor had a huge impact on the brand and the design of the shoe.
He introduced changes to the shoe’s design that made Converse more comfortable, flexible and improved ankle support. Taylor incorporated branding and marketing into the shoe by adding the now legendary Converse All Star patch that is still seen on Converse shoes today.
Converse Grows in Popularity
The Chuck Taylor All Stars became the first ever athletic endorsed shoe. Over the years, the Chuck Taylors began growing in popularity among basketball players.
From 1936 to 1968, Converse became the official shoe for the Olympics. Throughout World War 2, the US Armed Forces chose Converse All Stars as their official training shoes.
After World War 2, Converse became a staple in American culture. Suddenly, Chuck Taylors were the most sought after athletic shoe on the sneaker market.
By the 1960’s, nearly 90% of NBA and college basketball players were wearing Converse shoes. By the 1970’s, Converse began facing competition from Nike and Adidas.
Changes in Sneaker Culture
With the rise in sneaker culture and the advancements in technology, Converse was no longer a popular athletic shoe. Luckily, Converse found success in other places.
Chuck Taylors became extremely popular in the music world, thanks to rock bands like Nirvana.
New Ownership For Converse
Over the years, Converse was becoming less and less popular due to competition and they even filed for bankruptcy multiple times. In 2003, Nike bought Converse for 305 million dollars.
Even though Nike bought Converse, they still kept the original All Star shoe design. Until 2015, when Converse released the Chuck Taylor 2, this sneaker was made with canvas material and a Nike insole.
This shoe was not received well and seen as a huge flop. Nike went back to the drawing board and turned to collaborating with other brands.
New Brand Collaborations
Converse collaborated with popular high fashion and streetwear brands Off-White and Comme Des Garçons. These collaborations became very popular and sought after by sneaker lovers.
Why Are Converse So Popular?
Converse are a popular shoe because of their timeless design and versatile style. Most pairs of Converse shoes cost under $100, which is a major reason why Converse are so popular. Converse Chuck Taylor All-Stars are very accessible, which makes them a very easy shoe to purchase.
Over the years, Converse has done a great job at being innovative and releasing cool shoe designs. This is major reason why Converse is still a popular brand.
Who Can Wear Converse Shoes
The cool thing about Converse shoes, is that they’re meant for everybody!
Here’s who can wear Converse shoes:
Students
When it comes to the most popular shoes for students, Converse is at the top of that list. Converse sneakers have been worn all over middle schools, high schools and colleges for over 50 years.
Converse shoes are timeless and they are the perfect sneaker for students. They’re comfortable, affordable and durable.
Athletes
Since Converse were originally designed as a basketball shoe, they have a history in sports. Although Converse can be worn while playing sports, there are better and more comfortable options.
However, the Converse Chuck 70 has become very popular in gyms. Since the shoes have a thin sole and offer good ankle support, many athletes have began wearing the Chuck 70s as weightlifting shoes.
Professional Workers
If you work in a professional environment, you can still wear Converse sneakers. As long as you keep the shoes clean and you pair them with the right outfit, there is no reason why Converse shoes can’t be worn to work.
Converse are great shoes for work since they’re very versatile and look good with various different outfits.
Kids
Even though Converse are more popular among Millennials and Gen Z, it doesn’t mean that they can’t be worn by kids. Converse offers a wide variety of styles in children’s sizes.
If you want a pair of shoes that your child can wear to school, Converse are a great option. I actually learned how to tie my shoes when I got my first pair of Converse as a young kid!
Why Do People Love Converse?
Converse shoes are loved by so many because they are stylish, comfortable, durable and affordable shoes. Since its inception, the Converse All Star sneakers have been seen as a nice shoe design. Everything from the shape, the materials and now retro style is what makes Converse shoes so universally loved.
Is Converse Still a Good Brand?
Converse is still a good brand, despite being around for over 110 years. The Converse brand takes pride in creating stylish, versatile, comfortable and classic shoes. Converse shoes are everything you could want in a shoe.
If you’re looking for Converse shoes, check these out:
Are Converse Shoes Popular?
Converse may not be popular for basketball ball players like it once was, but the brand has found other ways to remain relevant. Converse are still seen as an affordable, stylish and trendy shoes. Since 2020, Converse have become increasingly popular among Gen Z and Gen Alpha.
The collaboration with high-fashion brand Comme Des Garçons, was a huge success and played a big role in Converses new found popularity. Converse, the brand that was once popular for being an athletic sneaker, is now popular for being apart of modern day sneaker culture.
How Do You Style Converse?
Since Converse are such versatile shoes, they can be styled in many different ways. Whether you’re a guy or a girl, Converse All Stars go very well with jeans.
Levis 501 Jeans are very popular right now, and they go great with Converse shoes. Some people will roll up the bottom of their jeans in order to show off their Converse sneakers.
Converse come in many different colors, patterns and styles. This makes All Stars a very easy shoe to style with any outfit.
Here’s what Converse goes well with for men:
- Joggers
- Chinos
- Ripped jeans
- Slim-fit sweatpants
- Short shorts
- Track suit
Here’s what Converse goes well with for women:
- Cropped pants
- Ripped jeans
- Skirt
- Leggings
- Track suit
- Oversized clothing
How Do You Style Converse High?
Styling Converse with neutral colors is a great way to get the most out All Star high top sneakers. Wearing cropped pants will show off the high top detail of the shoes. Pants with a slightly looser fit, will allow for more room to move freely.
Converse high tops must be worn with high socks, as the shoes will look better and be more comfortable.
Can I Wear Converse With Skinny Jeans?
Wearing Converse with skinny jeans was very popular back in 2010, when skinny jeans were in fashion. Now, skinny jeans are beginning to go out of style, some may decide to wear loose fitting trousers, tapered jeans or joggers with their Converse instead of skinny jeans.
This doesn’t mean that Converse don’t look good with skinny jeans, it’s just no longer as popular and in style.
Will Converse Always Be in Style?
Converse shoes will go through phases of being more popular and less popular. However, Converse shoes have a timeless design so they will always look stylish. Converse has a similar shoe design since their first sneaker was release back in 1917.
Converse shoes are iconic and they will always be in style.
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Final Thoughts on Are Converse in Style?
Converse are shoes that I and many other people love. For a company to stick to its roots for over 100 years, and still keep its original design, is pretty amazing.
The Converse brand has proven time and time again that it will continue to pivot, innovate and push the boundaries of fashion to remain a popular shoe company. By the looks of it, Converse is not slowing down and it is only going to become bigger, better and more popular for generations to come.
Do you own a pair of converse? Please let me know in the comments below.
I have reached the conclusion that basically any kind of retro style footwear looks great on Gen Z – but ONLY on Gen Z!
The reason? Z’s look so futuristic and are super high-tech, and all that sophistication vibes so well – in a contrasting way – with the simplicity of vintage/classic footwear. It’s almost as if all those classic styles like Vans, Converse, AF1’s, and Blazers have been waiting around all these years for the Z’s to finally come along and rock them – it is truly a perfect match!