The year was 1917, and Converse created and produced the first basketball sneaker. I’m sure many meetings, hours, hard work and sweat were put into delivering these shoes. In 1918, Charles "Chuck" Taylor had some ideas to share with the Converse sales office, In Chicago, IL. With support, traction and rubber soles, Converse would be able to out do anyone on the floor. The "Chuck Taylor" was born and endorsed by its creator. It was the first time an athlete had overseen his creative process; from his mind to his feet. While there were no lawyers, agents and media for the press release . . . present at the time - MONEY was no issue. The basketball shoe would bare the name and signature of its inventor. There was no 30-second commercial with a Neptune’s beat to showcase the fast break. No pop-up’s on the Internet from your local Foot Locker. No billboard, and No AND 1 DVD. Word of mouth gave the shoe its staying power. And players would grace the floor only wearing "Chucks". While Taylor was playing for the New York Celtics. . .High School, College and Professional basketball players would only be seen in the high or low "Chucks" fresh new shoe companies would bring out a different shoe or style; Converse never changed what people wanted to wear and buy. With so much history imbedded into the corporation, time would go by and the hype would only follow. Throughout the years Converse would keep the "Chucks" style but add color and other athletes sneakers to its collection. Dr. J spawned popularity for Converse when show boating at the first ever slam-dunk contest, while Larry Bird wore green & black with pride and Magic Johnson would dawn purple and gold- as the lights hit the floor. From the basketball courts, to the big screen, to the corner where break dancers did their thing; the classic "Chuck Taylor" would always be labeled-MVP.
The future and look of Converse is changing thanks to its recent buyer, "Nike". Basketball shoes will come and go. It’s those, which appeal to every gender and are not priced just to market an image. It’s about taking the sneakers out of the box, making a name, and finding a place on the court. The unforgettable Charles "Chuck" Taylor will stay in the game and score- Lets wait to see what the future, will have in store.
Marissa Avila
