Editing Converse (brand)

{{Short description|American lifestyle brand owned by Nike, Inc.}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2021}}
{{Infobox company
| name = Converse
| logo = [[File:Converse logo.svg|149px|class=skin-invert]]
| logo_size = 149
| image = Converse Headquarters building 2015.jpg
| image_caption = World headquarters building on [[Boston]]'s Lovejoy Wharf
| type = [[Subsidiary]]
| industry = {{ubl|[[Footwear]]|[[Textile industry|Textile]]}}
| founded = {{start date and age|1908|2}} in [[Malden, Massachusetts]], U.S.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://chucksconnection.com/articles/ConverseArt73.html |title=Converse turns 100 |website=Chucksconnection.com |date=May 29, 2008 |access-date=August 31, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110813145847/http://chucksconnection.com/articles/ConverseArt73.html |archive-date=August 13, 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
| founder = Marquis Mills Converse
| hq_location = Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
| num_locations = 136 (2023)<ref name="10K"/>
| area_served = Worldwide
| key_people = Jared Carver ([[President (corporate title)|president]] and [[Chief executive officer|CEO]])
| products = {{ubl|[[Sneakers]]|[[Clothing]]|[[Fashion accessory|Accessories]]}}
| brands = {{Hlist|[[Chuck Taylor All-Stars]]|Cons|[[Jack Purcell]]|One Star|The Weapon}}
| revenue = {{increase}} {{US$|2.4 billion}} (2023)<ref name="10K"/>
| parent = {{Plainlist|
* Eltra Corporation (1972–1979)
* [[Allied Corporation]] (1979–1982)
* [[Interco (furniture company)|Interco]] (1986–1994)
* [[Nike, Inc.]] (2003–present)
}}
| website = {{URL|converse.com}}
}}

'''Converse''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|k|ɒ|n|v|ə(r)|s}}) is an American [[lifestyle brand]] that markets, distributes, and licenses [[footwear]], [[apparel]], and [[fashion accessory|accessories]]. Founded by Marquis Mills Converse in 1908 as the '''Converse Rubber Shoe Company''' in Malden, Massachusetts, it has been acquired by several companies before becoming a [[subsidiary]] of [[Nike, Inc.]] in 2003.<ref name="nike03"/>

Converse initially produced winterized rubber-soled shoes and boots. During [[World War II]], it shifted manufacturing to make footwear for the military.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ailworth |first=Erin |date=2008-03-02 |title=Pros and Cons |work=Boston.com |url=http://archive.boston.com/news/local/articles/2008/03/02/pros_and_cons/ |access-date=2022-04-26}}</ref> Initially, it was one of the few producers of [[athletic shoe]]s and dominated the U.S. market, but lost its position in the 1970s as competitors introduced their styles.

Converse's portfolio includes products under the [[Chuck Taylor All-Stars]], Cons, [[Jack Purcell]], One Star, and Star Chevron trademarks. It frequently collaborates on special-edition product releases with other brands such as [[John Varvatos (company)|John Varvatos]]. The growth of Converse as a casual fashion accessory contributed to $2.4 billion in revenue in 2023.<ref name="10K">{{Cite web |title=Nike 2023 Form 10K |url=https://s1.q4cdn.com/806093406/files/doc_downloads/2023/414759-1-_5_Nike-NPS-Combo_Form-10-K_WR.pdf |access-date=August 19, 2023 |publisher=Nike, Inc.}}</ref>

==History==

===1908–1940: Early years===
Forty-seven-year-old Marquis Mills Converse, a manager at a footwear manufacturing firm, opened the Converse Rubber Shoe Company in February 1908, in [[Malden, Massachusetts]].<ref name="Bertho-2008">{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=VaxzCgAAQBAJ&q=converse+history+timeline&pg=RA2-PA231|title=The Impact of Globalization on the United States [3 volumes]|last1=Bertho|first1=Michelle|last2=Crawford|first2=Beverly|last3=Fogarty|first3=Edward A.|date=September 30, 2008|publisher=ABC-CLIO|isbn=9780313083198|language=en}}</ref> The company was a rubber shoe manufacturer, and its early inventory included winterized rubber-soled footwear, [[galoshes]], tennis shoes, and some non-footwear items like automobile tires. In the summer of 1916, the Converse [[basketball]] line was established; by 1917 the [[Chuck Taylor All-Stars|Converse All-Star]] basketball shoe was introduced and quickly became successful during [[World War I]] and the [[Spanish flu]].<ref name=":0" /><ref name="Bertho-2008"/><ref name="Foreman">{{Cite web |last=Foreman |first=Katya |title=Converse shoes: In the all star game |url=https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20140606-art-on-canvas-converse-shoes |access-date=2022-08-19 |website=[[BBC]]}}</ref>

In 1922, basketball player [[Chuck Taylor (salesman)|Charles H. "Chuck" Taylor]] walked into Converse complaining of sore feet, and Converse gave him a job as a salesman and ambassador. He promoted the shoes around the U.S., and in 1932 Taylor's signature was added to the All-Star patch on the high-topped sneakers. He continued this work until shortly before his death in 1969.<ref name=Dalesio /> Sales for the All-Star soared until 1929 when the company fell into bankruptcy. In 1939, Converse was sold to the Stone Family, who owned Converse until 1972 when the [[AlliedSignal|Eltra Corporation]] proposed an acquisition.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=How Converse Became Fashion's Favorite Sneaker |url=https://www.instyle.com/history-of-converse-7098393 |access-date=2023-04-25 |website=[[InStyle]]}}</ref>

=== 1941–2001: War, rise, and bankruptcy ===
When the U.S. entered [[World War II]] in 1941, Converse shifted production to manufacturing rubberized footwear, outerwear, and protective suits for the military. After the war's end, the company resumed production of athletic footwear and chiefly made a high top shoe, in either black or white.<ref name=":0" /> In the 1950s and 1960s, Converse promoted an American image with its Converse Basketball Yearbook. Artist [[Charles Kerins]] created cover art that celebrated Converse's role in the lives of high school and college athletes.<ref name="AskART">{{Cite web |title=Charles Kerins - Biography |url=https://www.askart.com/artist/Charles_Kerins/105517/Charles_Kerins.aspx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151030123148/http://www.askart.com/artist_bio/Charles_Kerins/105517/Charles_Kerins.aspx |archive-date=2015-10-30 |access-date=2023-05-16 |website=AskART}}</ref> In 1957, Converse came out with a low-cut style of All-Stars. By 1966, the shoe was also available in school colors.<ref name=":0" /> 

{{multiple image
|align = right
|direction = horizontal
|total_width = 400
|image1= Converse red.JPG
|caption1 = Red pair of Converse Chuck Taylor All Stars
|image2 = Black Converse sneakers.JPG
|caption2 = Black Converse sneakers
|footer = 
}}
Converse customized shoes for the [[New York Renaissance]] (the "Rens"), the first all-[[African-American]] professional basketball team. The shoes were designed to be "non-skid", which gave basketball players better grip.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The History of Converse's Chuck Taylor & Basketball |url=https://www.shoepalace.com/blogs/all/the-history-of-converse-s-chuck-taylor-basketball |access-date=2023-03-30 |website=Shoe Palace |date=August 27, 2022 |language=en}}</ref> An extra strip of rubber was eventually added to protect the shoes from constant pivoting; this was called the "pivot button".<ref name="Mr. Porter">{{Cite web |title=A Brief History Of The Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Sneaker |url=https://www.mrporter.com/en-us/journal/fashion/history-converse-chuck-taylor-all-star-sneaker-icon-1276662 |website=Mr. Porter}}</ref> In [[1961–62 NBA season|1962]], center [[Wilt Chamberlain]] of the [[1961–62 Philadelphia Warriors season|Philadelphia Warriors]] scored 100 points in a [[National Basketball Association]] (NBA) game while wearing a pair of All-Stars, taking a 169–147 victory over the [[1961–62 New York Knicks season|New York Knicks]] in [[Hershey, Pennsylvania]], on March 2.<ref name=rewghan>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=0BMrAAAAIBAJ&pg=2432%2C576737 |newspaper=Reading Eagle |location=Pennsylvania |agency=Associated Press |title=Wilt Breaks NBA Record; Gets 100 Against Knicks |date=March 3, 1962 |page=7}}</ref>

By the early 1970s, Converse had diversified to include manufacturing sporting goods and industrial products. Converse was acquired by the [[AlliedSignal|Eltra Corporation]] in 1972, and bought out one of its biggest competitors at the time, [[PF Flyers]], from [[Goodrich Corporation|B.F. Goodrich]]. However, federal courts ruled the sale a monopoly and the deal was subsequently broken up through anti-trust litigation. Converse only retained the trademark rights to the [[Jack Purcell]] line, which it still produces.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1972-07-04 |title=Converse and Eltra Sued By U.S. on Goodrich Deal |work=[[The New York Times]] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1972/07/04/archives/converse-and-eltra-sued-by-us-on-goodrich-deal.html |access-date=2022-11-12 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref name="IDCH">{{Cite book |author=Grant |first=Tina |url=http://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/converse-inc-history/ |title=International Directory of Company Histories |date=February 14, 2000 |publisher=[[St. James Press]] |isbn=978-1-55862-390-3 |volume=31 |location=Detroit, Michigan |ol=8607051M |via=Funding Universe}}</ref> The [[Chevron (insignia)|chevron]]-and-star insignia—a logo that remains on a large portion of Converse footwear—was created by Jim Labadini, an employee.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.complex.com/sneakers/2012/12/the-25-best-logos-in-sneaker-history/ |title=The 25 Best Logos in Sneaker History |date=December 6, 2012 |website=Complex |access-date=February 17, 2018 |quote=Jim Labadini helped cook up the Converse 2.0 logo during a time when sneaker brands where getting extremely competitive. The Converse Chevron logo marked the move forward into what would become an exciting time for the brand, thanks to some guys with nicknames like Dr. J, Magic, and Legend.}}</ref> 

Eltra was acquired by [[Allied Corporation]] in 1979.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1982-03-05 |title=Allied Sells Converse Unit |work=[[The New York Times]] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1982/03/05/business/allied-sells-converse-unit.html |access-date=2022-11-12 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Allied moved out of the consumer products business in the 1980s, and in October 1986, Converse was acquired by [[Interco (furniture company)|Interco Incorporated]] and [[Corporate spin-off|spun off]] in 1994.<ref name="IDCH" />

Converse lost its athletic shoe monopoly from the 1970s onward, as new competitors, including [[Puma (brand)|Puma]], [[Adidas]], and [[Nike, Inc.|Nike]], grew in popularity. A decade later, as [[Reebok]] introduced new designs and technology to the sports market, Converse was no longer the official shoe of the NBA.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-11-19 |title=Converse Is Getting Back Into the NBA |url=https://www.gq.com/story/converse-basketball-shoes-return-oubre |access-date=2022-04-26 |website=[[GQ]]}}</ref> Although canvas-rubber shoes regained popularity in the 1980s as casual footwear, Converse eventually became too dependent on the "All Stars" basketball brand, whose market collapsed by 1989–1990. By 2000, Converse was slipping repeatedly into receivership as debt piled up yearly.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/gen/news/2000/1017/823135.html |title=Converse Nears Corporate Extinction |last=Rovell |first=Darren |date=October 18, 2000 |website=ESPN |access-date=February 17, 2018 |quote=Industry sources have confirmed that Converse has racked up $180 million in debt, and the announcement of the company's death is merely a formality.}}</ref>

Converse filed for [[bankruptcy]] on January 22, 2001. On March 30, its last manufacturing plants in the U.S. closed down, as production fully moved overseas.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://billingsgazette.com/business/converse-closes-chuck-taylor-plant/article_aa78045e-5e0e-5bd4-bf02-ef7033bc27c5.html |title=Converse closes Chuck Taylor plant |publisher=Associated Press |date=March 30, 2001 |website=Billings Gazette |access-date=March 29, 2023 |quote=The Lumberton plant that has churned out 8 million to 10 million pairs of Chuck Taylors a year has sent its 475 employees home, and the factory officially closes Saturday. Plants in Mission, Texas, and Reynosa, Mexico, are also being closed by the 93-year-old company.}}</ref> In April 2001, Footwear Acquisitions, led by Marsden Cason and Bill Simon, purchased the brand from bankruptcy and added industry partners Jack Boys, Jim Stroesser, Lisa Kempa, and David Maddocks to lead the turnaround.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2001-jul-16-fi-22900-story.html |title=Getting Sneaker Maker Converse Back on Its Feet |last=Pope |first=Justin |date=July 16, 2001 |website=Los Angeles Times |access-date=February 17, 2018 |quote=Investors Marsden Cason and William Simon, through their company Footwear Acquisition, saw an opportunity in the Converse name.}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Gatlin |first=Greg |date=2001-06-12 |title=The New All-Stars: Converse Names New CEO & Management Team |url=https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Daily/Issues/2001/06/12/Finance/The-New-All-Stars-Converse-Names-New-CEO-Management-Team.aspx |access-date=2024-01-25 |website=[[Boston Herald]] |via=[[Sports Business Journal]]}}</ref> During this period, Converse moved its headquarters from [[North Reading, Massachusetts]], to [[North Andover, Massachusetts]]. The company was located in the town of North Andover for 13 years.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Marchetti|first=Garrin|date=April 10, 2015|title=Converse hangs it up in North Andover|url=https://www.eagletribune.com/business/converse-hangs-it-up-in-north-andover/article_e0be69e8-8570-5957-8cab-a308b2a2ffa4.html|access-date=January 31, 2021|website=Eagle Tribune|language=en}}</ref>

===2002–present: Acquisition by Nike and new headquarters===
In July 2003, [[Nike, Inc.|Nike]] paid {{US$|309 million|link=yes}} to acquire Converse.<ref name="nike03">{{Cite news |last=Wayne |first=Leslie |date=2003-07-10 |title=Nike Purchasing Converse, A Legend on the Blacktop |work=[[The New York Times]] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/07/10/business/nike-purchasing-converse-a-legend-on-the-blacktop.html |access-date=2022-11-27 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Tkacik |first=Maureen |date=9 July 2003 |title=Nike to Buy Converse For About $305 Million |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB105778918424757500 |access-date=2024-02-28 |work=[[The Wall Street Journal]] |language=en-US}}</ref> In January 2013, Converse announced plans for a new headquarters building. It was constructed near [[North Station]] in downtown Boston, on the [[Lovejoy Wharf]], as part of a site overhaul and restoration of public waterfront access.<ref>{{cite press release|url=http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20130108006830/en/Converse-Announces-Global-Headquarters-City-Boston|title=Converse Announces New Global Headquarters in the City of Boston|date=January 8, 2013 |access-date=May 10, 2018}}</ref> The 10-story {{convert|214000|ft2|adj=on}} office building includes a permanent music recording studio, {{convert|5000|ft2|adj=on}} gym with separate yoga studio, and a {{convert|3500|ft2|adj=on}} retail store.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Converse Officially Opens World Headquarters in Boston and Debuts New Flagship Store|url = http://media.converse.com/news/converse-officially-opens-world-headquartesr-in-boston-and-debuts-new-flagship-store#/inline/33242|website = Converse Media|access-date = February 15, 2016|archive-date = June 11, 2016|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160611032315/http://media.converse.com/news/converse-officially-opens-world-headquartesr-in-boston-and-debuts-new-flagship-store#/inline/33242|url-status = dead}}</ref>

In May 2023, Converse hired Jared Carver as the new president and CEO.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Verry |first=Peter |date=2023-05-30 |title=Nike Exec Moves Continue: Converse Taps Jared Carver as President and CEO |url=https://footwearnews.com/2023/business/executive-moves/converse-jared-carver-president-ceo-1203470675/ |access-date=2023-05-31 |website=Footwear News |language=en-US}}</ref>

== Legal issues ==
Starting in July 2008, Converse sent around 180 cease-and-desist letters to over 30 companies that they claimed were violating the [[Chuck Taylor All-Stars]] trademark and selling so-called look-alike sneakers. In October 2014, Converse filed a lawsuit against 30 companies for allegedly infringing on its generic sneaker style's bumper toe, striped midsole, and toe cap. The brand argued that companies were violating an alleged common-law trademark by importing sneakers with similar elements. Several companies settled with Converse and they were dropped from the list.<ref>Schiavenza, Matt, "Why Converse is Fighting to Keep All Stars Cool," The Atlantic, October 15, 2014.</ref><ref>Butler-Young, Sheena, "Iconix and Fila Settle in Converse Lawsuit Saga," Footwear News, April 9, 2015.</ref>

In November 2015, Charles Bullock, chief administrative judge at the [[International Trade Commission]], preliminarily ruled that several brands Converse filed against were violating Converse's outsole design trademarks, i.e. the pattern on the bottom of the sole of the shoe. The soles of the shoes are designed to allow players to jump or move in all directions. The diamond pattern makes this possible.<ref name="Mr. Porter" /> Judge Bullock further ruled that while [[Skechers]] "Twinkle Toes" brands did share similarities to Converse, "Twinkle Toes" were different enough and marketed in a way for it not to be mistaken for Chuck Taylor All-Stars.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Converse Trademark Lawsuit: Skechers Declares Victory, Mixed Ruling Expected Overall|url = http://footwearnews.com/2015/business/uncategorized/converse-trademark-lawsuit-ruling-skechers-twinkle-toes-bobs-171481/|website = Footwear News|access-date = February 11, 2016 |language = en-US|first = Margaret|last = Sutherlin| date=November 19, 2015 }}</ref> Judge Bullock also ruled that most of the shoes sold by Highline United under the Ash brand did not infringe and that Converse did not have a valid common law mark for its midsole.

On June 23, 2016, the anniversary of the death of Chuck Taylor, the International Trade Commission ruled that Converse's alleged trade dress for the midsole design of a combined toe cap, toe bumper, and stripe was not entitled to trademark protection under the common law and found invalid Converse's federal trademark registration. The case was appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, which ruled that the ITC had used the wrong test and remanded the case. On remand, the ITC ruled that Converse's trade dress was protectable but not infringed.<ref>{{Cite web|title=In Long-Running Dispute, ITC Rules Chuck Taylor Sneakers Protectable But Not Infringed|url=https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/in-long-running-dispute-itc-rules-chuck-38274/|access-date=2021-07-07|website=JD Supra|language=en}}</ref>

== Products ==
=== Chuck Taylor All-Stars ===
{{Main|Chuck Taylor All-Stars}}
[[File:Largest collection of Converse All-Stars.JPG|thumb|Joshua Mueller, ''[[Guinness Book of World Records]]'' holder for a most significant collection of "Chucks", photographed in 2006]]
Converse started making an early basketball shoe in 1917 and redesigned it in 1922, when [[Chuck Taylor (salesman)|Chuck Taylor]] asked the company to create a better shoe with more support and flexibility. After Converse added Taylor's signature to the ankle patch they became known as Chuck Taylor All Stars. By the 1960s the company had captured about 70 to 80 percent of the basketball shoe market, but the shoe declined in popularity during the 1970s when basketball players wore competing brands. Chuck Taylor All-Stars enjoyed a comeback in popularity in the 1980s as retro-style casual footwear.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://cultedge.com/history-of-converse-chuck-taylor/|title=OG of OGs: History of Converse Chuck Taylors|website=Cult Edge|date=February 4, 2018 }}</ref><ref name=Dalesio>{{cite news| first= Emery P. | last= Dalesio |title=Converse closes out Chuck Taylor plant |newspaper=Kentucky New Era|location=Hopkinsville|agency=Associated Press |date=2001-03-28 |page=A7 |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Fv4rAAAAIBAJ&pg=1717%2C8232748 |access-date=2018-08-07}}</ref>

Chuck Taylor All-Stars have made an appearance in over 650 films, such as ''[[Back to the Future]]'', ''[[I, Robot (film)|I, Robot]]'', ''[[Grease (film)|Grease]]'' and ''[[Stand by Me (film)|Stand by Me]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.chucksconnection.com/films.html|title=All Star Films|website=www.chucksconnection.com|access-date=June 14, 2018}}</ref> [[David Tennant]] (playing the [[Tenth Doctor]]) wore red and cream versions of Hi-top Converse on science-fiction show ''[[Doctor Who]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=McAlpine |first=Fraser |date=July 19, 2011 |title=How to Dress Like the Tenth Doctor |url=http://www.bbcamerica.com/anglophenia/2011/07/how-to-dress-like-the-tenth-doctor/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120205111413/http://www.bbcamerica.com/anglophenia/2011/07/how-to-dress-like-the-tenth-doctor/ |archive-date=2012-02-05 |access-date=2022-11-20 |website=[[BBC America]]}}</ref>

=== The Weapon ===
[[File:Converse Weapons.JPG|thumb|right|The Weapon, manufactured in many different color schemes]]
In 1986, Converse released "The Weapon" basketball shoe. Manufactured in two color schemes to match the kit colors of basketball teams, it has been available in both [[high-top]] and low-cut varieties. It had leather construction throughout, including the inside heel which was also heavily padded for comfort. The first endorsers of "The Weapon" were [[Larry Bird]] and [[Magic Johnson]], who were prominently featured in a Converse commercial set in Bird's hometown of [[French Lick, Indiana]] in 1985.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-09-03 |title=Converse Weapon: A Brief History of the Iconic Basketball Shoe |url=https://www.highsnobiety.com/p/converse-weapon-history/ |access-date=2022-06-28 |website=Highsnobiety}}</ref> They were also worn by [[Axl Rose]] in the [[Guns N' Roses]] music video "[[Estranged (song)|Estranged]]".

Converse re-released "The Weapon" classic (which [[Kobe Bryant]] wore at least three times in 2002 and [[Andre Miller]] wore in 2002 from mid-August to early September) several times from 1999 to 2003 and after, "The Loaded Weapon" in 2003, "The Weapon 86" in 2008 (and the Poorman version in 2009, and the [[John Varvatos]] version in 2012), "The Weapon EVO" in 2009, and its successor "The Star Player EVO" (sometimes reduced to "The Star Plyr EVO" or "The Star Ply EVO") in 2010.{{Citation needed|date=October 2022}}

Before "The Weapon", Converse launched the "One Star" in 1974, the "Pro Leather" in 1976 and the "Starion" in 1984, all known for basketball and basketball performance.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Converse – History + Official Release Dates 2020 |url=https://sneakernews.com/category/converse/ |access-date=2023-04-01 |website=Sneaker News}}</ref>

=== Chuck Taylor II ===
A redesigned model of the Chuck Taylor All-Star, the "Chuck Taylor II", was released in July 28, 2015. Incorporating Nike technology, it retains most of the original's outward appearance while employing newer materials for the insole.<ref name="CTII">{{Cite web |last=Luna |first=Taryn |date=July 21, 2015 |title=Converse's new Chuck Taylors get a comfort boost |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/business/2015/07/21/after-years-converse-set-unveil-chuck-taylor/RdAdxoiLOs8dva8tHtVxLN/story.html |access-date=2023-06-16 |website=[[The Boston Globe]]}}</ref>
[[File:converseFashion.jpg|thumb|Converse fashion in [[Paris]]]]

==Sponsorships==
In 2019, Converse returned to performance basketball with the All-Star Pro BB. [[Kelly Oubre Jr.]] was the first player to try out the new product,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.complex.com/sneakers/2019/10/kelly-oubre-jr-converse-interview|title=Kelly Oubre on Signing to Converse Basketball: "It Felt Like Home"|author=Ben Felderstein|publisher=complex|date=2019-10-24|accessdate=2021-11-22}}</ref> which combined the traditional Converse silhouette with the contemporary Nike technology. Thereafter Converse signed [[Draymond Green]] in March 2020,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.si.com/nba/2020/03/04/draymond-green-warriors-shoe-deal-converse|title=Report: Draymond Green Signing Shoe Deal With Converse|author=Ben Pickman|publisher=Sports Illustrated|date=March 3, 2020|access-date=May 22, 2020}}</ref> [[Natasha Cloud]] (the first [[WNBA]] player) in June,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2020/06/08/natasha-cloud-converse-deal/|title=Mystics' Natasha Cloud gets shoe deal from Converse, for her activism as much as her play|newspaper=The Washington Post|author=Kareen Copeland|date=June 8, 2020|access-date=November 16, 2020}}</ref> [[Shai Gilgeous-Alexander]] in July,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/29425631/shai-gilgeous-alexander-signs-converse-joining-draymond-green-kelly-oubre-jr|title=Shai Gilgeous-Alexander signs with Converse, joining Draymond Green and Kelly Oubre Jr.|author=Nick DePaula|publisher=ESPN|date=July 9, 2020|access-date=July 10, 2020}}</ref> and, thereafter, [[Rudy Gay]], [[P. J. Tucker]], [[DeAndre' Bembry]], [[De'Anthony Melton]], [[Nickeil Alexander-Walker]], [[Immanuel Quickley]], [[Deividas Sirvydis]], [[Jordan Clarkson]], [[Josh Richardson]], [[David Duke Jr.]], [[Brandon Williams (basketball, born 1999)|Brandon Williams]]. Some of the aforementioned players also wear other brands.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://kixstats.com/brandstats/converse|title=Kix Stats|publisher=Converse|accessdate=2021-10-27}}</ref>

Gilgeous-Alexander, point guard for the [[Oklahoma City Thunder]], has become the new face of the brand. The shoe, "Chase the Drip" was released on September 13, 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-09-14 |title=Oklahoma City Thunder Guard Collaborates with Converse on New Shoes |url=https://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/oklahoma_city_thunder_guard_collaborates_with_converse_on_new_shoes/s1_17071_37878809 |access-date=2023-05-02 |website=Yardbarker}}</ref>

===Basketball===
====Former college teams====
* [[Marquette Golden Eagles men's basketball|Marquette Golden Eagles]] – switched to [[Jordan Brand]] following most famous alum, [[Dwyane Wade]]<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2011/04/05/dwyane-wade-gets-his-first-jordan-signature-shoe.html|title=Dwyane Wade Gets His First Jordan Signature Shoe|last=Rovell|first=Darren|date=April 5, 2011|work=CNBC|access-date=October 19, 2018}}</ref>
* [[Western Kentucky Hilltoppers basketball|Western Kentucky Hilltoppers]] – shoes only

====Former basketball teams====
* {{flagicon|ITA}} [[Auxilium Pallacanestro Torino]] (1984–1988)

===Football===
====Soccer club teams====
* {{flagicon|England}} [[Liverpool F.C.|Liverpool]]  (From 2023–2024 season)

====Former Soccer teams====
* {{flagicon|COL}} [[Atlético Nacional]] (2001–2002)
* {{flagicon|ROU}} [[SSU Politehnica Timișoara|Politehnica Timișoara]] (2006–2008)

== Skateboarding ==
In the 1980s, Converse sponsored several influential skaters including [[Jason Jessee]], [[Rodney Mullen]], and [[Mark Rogowski]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Warnett |first=Gary |date=2015-12-09 |title=CAN IT SKATE?: Skateboarding's History of Cannibalizing the Footwear Market |url=https://032c.com/magazine/can-it-skate-skateboardings-history-of-cannibalizing-the-footwear-market |access-date=2023-06-21 |website=[[032c]]}}</ref> Under the "Cons" name, Converse launched its skateboarding program in 2009 with a team of "ambassadors": Kenny Anderson, Anthony Pappalardo, Nick Trapasso, Sammy Baca, Ethan Fowler, Raymond Molinar, and [[Rune Glifberg]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Cons Comes Back: A Look at Converse Skateboarding|url=http://push.ca/blogs/andrewsk/archive/2009/05/13/cons-comes-back-a-look-at-converse-skateboarding.aspx|work=Push.ca|publisher=Bell Canada|access-date=September 9, 2012|author=asayer|date=May 13, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100211123538/http://push.ca/blogs/andrewsk/archive/2009/05/13/cons-comes-back-a-look-at-converse-skateboarding.aspx|archive-date=February 11, 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2012, the company added Jason Jessee and Mike Anderson to its ambassadors team.<ref name="Cons">{{cite web|title=Ambassadors|url=http://www.converse.com/content/landing/index.aspx?command=N:3066-100060|work=Converse.com|publisher=Converse Inc|access-date=September 9, 2012|year=2012}}</ref>

In August 2012, Converse sponsored a skate event at [[Huntington Beach]], [[California]], U.S. Trapasso, Tom Remillard,<ref>{{cite web|title=Nick Trapasso, Tom Remillard & Robbie Russo at Coastal Carnage! Week ... |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c0-ChrtyTyQ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/c0-ChrtyTyQ| archive-date=2021-12-11 |url-status=live|work=YouTube|publisher=Google, Inc|access-date=January 20, 2013|author=RIDE Channel |author2=Rob Brink |author3=Erica Yary|format=Video upload|date=August 3, 2012}}{{cbignore}}</ref> [[Aaron Homoki]], Greyson Fletcher, Ben Raemers, Ben Hatchell, Robbie Russo, and Ben Raybourn participated in the competition that was held. Raybourn eventually won the US$20,000 grand prize, and Homoki won the US$3,000 Best Trick contest.<ref>{{cite web|title=RAYBOURN CRUISES THROUGH CARNAGE|url=http://xgames.espn.go.com/skateboarding/article/8238185/ben-raybourn-wins-converse-coastal-carnage|work=ESPN Action Sports|publisher=ESPN Internet Ventures|access-date=January 20, 2013|author=Lance Dawes|author2=Cory Williams|date=August 6, 2012|archive-date=July 9, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150709194353/http://xgames.espn.go.com/skateboarding/article/8238185/ben-raybourn-wins-converse-coastal-carnage|url-status=dead}}</ref>

As of July 2014, the Cons skateboard team consisted of original members Anderson, Trapasso, Baca, and Glifberg, while Jessee, Anderson, Julian Davidson, Remillard, [[Zered Bassett|Zered Basset]], [[Ben Raemers]], Jake Johnson, Eli Reed, [[Louie Lopez]], [[Sage Elsesser]], and Sean Pablo were subsequently added.<ref name="Cons"/> Bassett filmed a new advertisement that was broadcast online in July 2014, in which he skateboarded through [[New York City]] in a newly launched skate shoe version of the Converse Weapon model.<ref>{{cite web|author1=Brian Farmer|title=Converse Launches the CONS Weapon Skate Shoe with Short Film featuring Zered Bassett|url=http://www.highsnobiety.com/2014/07/20/converse-cons-weapon-skate/|website=High Snobiety|publisher=Titel Media|access-date=July 26, 2014|date=July 20, 2014}}</ref>

In February 2024, Converse and [[Phaidon Press|Phaidon]] launched a book titled ''Skateboard'', about the history of skateboarding from the 1950s to today.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Brenner |first=Julia |title=Phaidon X Converse Launch New Book 'Skateboard'—Counterculture Design From The 1950s To Today |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/juliabrenner/2024/02/23/phaidon-x-converse-launch--new-book-skateboard--counterculture-design-from-the-1950s-to-today/ |access-date=2024-02-28 |website=Forbes |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Mast |first=Haley |date=2024-02-27 |title=Converse X Phaidon Launch New History of Skateboarding Book |url=https://www.skateboarding.com/trending-news/converse-x-phaidon-launch-new-history-of-skateboarding-book |access-date=2024-02-28 |website=TransWorld SKATEboarding Magazine |language=en}}</ref> The book was put together by [[Jonathan Olivares]], a designer and skater.<ref name=":2" />

==Philanthropy==
A special collection called "1Hund (RED)", whereby fifteen percent of the profits are used to support [[HIV/AIDS]] prevention, was released by the brand. One hundred artists from around the world were chosen to create designs for the collection as part of the (RED) campaign. Professional skateboarder Anthony Pappalardo released a (RED) edition of his high-selling signature skate shoe model in February 2010.<ref name="Blocks">{{cite web|title = Anthony Pappalardo|url = http://site.48blocks.com/anthony-pappalardo|work = 48 Blocks|access-date = January 20, 2013|year = 2012}}</ref><ref name="Trans">{{cite web|title = ANTHONY PAPPALARDO'S PROJECT RED CONS PRO MODEL|url = http://skateboarding.transworld.net/1000096243/gear/shoes/anthony-pappalardos-project-red-cons-pro-model/|work = Transworld Skateboarding|publisher = Bonnier Corporation|access-date = January 20, 2013|author = Blair Alley|date = December 2, 2009}}</ref> Pappalardo explains:

<blockquote>I got into woodworking about two years ago, through a buddy of mine who I used to skate with every day—he turned into a woodworker. So he gave me this scrap box of wood ... It just definitely started consuming me as skating did. I wanted to read about it, you know? Go on the internet and watch videos about it, and just learn anything and everything I could about woodworking. The first thing I ever made was a bench, and that's, kinda, what I've been making ever since. The cool thing about working with Product (RED) is just by doing the two things that I love, I'm also able to help people.<ref name="Pops">{{cite web|title=Anthony Pappalardo and (RED)|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wvkTUwB26Zo |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/wvkTUwB26Zo| archive-date=2021-12-11 |url-status=live|publisher=[[YouTube]] |access-date=January 20, 2013|author=Aaron Meza|author2=crailtap|format=Video upload|date=November 30, 2009}}{{cbignore}}</ref></blockquote>

In 2012, Converse was listed as a partner in the (RED) campaign, together with other brands such as [[Nike, Inc.]], Girl, and Bugaboo. The campaign's mission is to prevent the transmission of the HIV virus from mother to child by 2015 (the campaign's byline is "Fighting For An AIDS Free Generation").<ref>{{cite web |title=(RED) |url=http://www.joinred.com/aboutred/red-partners/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120528191704/http://www.joinred.com/aboutred/red-partners/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=May 28, 2012 |work=(RED) Partners |publisher=(RED), a division of The ONE Campaign |access-date=October 13, 2012 |year=2012 }}</ref>

In the winter of 2018, Converse teamed up with several influential figures in the Los Angeles area to create a collection paying to those who help move the culture forward in the city. Among those selected by the Boston-based footwear brand for this L.A.-themed collection are [[Vince Staples]], Dr. Woo, Rocket, BornXRaised, and Clot.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Krastz |first=Roger |date=January 22, 2018 |title=Vince Staples Teases New Collaboration With Converse |url=https://www.xxlmag.com/vince-staples-teases-collaboration-with-converse/ |access-date=2022-11-08 |website=[[XXL Mag]]}}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category}}
* {{Official website|https://www.converse.com/}}
{{Nike, Inc.|state=collapsed}}
{{Running shoe brands}}

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