Amanda Knapp
Converse shoes, also known as Chuck Taylors, were introduced in 1917 to take on the basketball market and had a stronghold until the 1970s. Converse has since released the All Star Pro BB, a lightweight basketball shoe designed for speed, support, and comfort. However, some reviews suggest that the shoe lacks adequate traction and ankle support, which could lead to injuries, especially for players who are used to modern basketball shoes with more advanced features.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Speed | Converse shoes are built for speed |
| Support | Converse shoes are built to provide support |
| Comfort | Converse shoes are built for all-day comfort |
| Style | Converse shoes are designed for style and performance |
| Traction | Converse All Star Pro BB has poor traction |
| Lightweight | Converse shoes are extremely light |
| Fit | Converse All Star Pro BB has a one-to-one fit |
| Ankle support | Converse shoes lack ankle support |
| Grip | Converse shoes lack grip |
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What You'll Learn
Converse All Star Pro BB review
Converse All Star Pro BB is the company's first performance basketball shoe in a long time. Designed by Eric Avar, the shoe is retro-inspired and feels a lot like a Kobe model. It features a React drop-in midsole, the first time Converse has used React technology since the early 90s.
The shoe fits true to size but is very snug, especially at the toe. The minimalistic shoe is made with textiles, canvas, and super-thin TPU overlays that move nicely with your feet. The base is decently wide, and the heel counter prevents any heel slippage. The tongue, however, has a tendency to move to the side and requires constant readjustment. The shoe is also not very durable and may quickly show signs of wear and tear.
Traction is a divisive aspect of the All Star Pro BB. While some users praise the traction on clean courts, others complain about inconsistency, especially on dustier courts. The outsole has a film on it that needs to be worn away, and users may feel that the outsole is too slick at first. The shoe also lacks adequate support for basketball gameplay.
The React insole is firm and works best for players who value responsiveness and court feel over impact protection. The cushion is smooth and offers a slight bounce when brand new. However, the insole lining has been criticised for being too coarse, causing blisters and rubbing the feet raw.
Overall, the Converse All Star Pro BB is a solid performance basketball shoe. While it has its drawbacks, particularly in terms of traction and support, it offers a good fit and feel, and its lightweight design makes it a good option for those seeking responsiveness and court feel.
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Converse's history in basketball
Converse has a long history in basketball, dating back to the early 20th century. The company, founded by Marquis Mills Converse in 1908, initially produced galoshes and work-related rubber shoes. However, they soon recognised the growing popularity of basketball and set out to develop a shoe specifically for the sport.
In 1917, Converse designed the forerunner of the modern All Star shoe, which they marketed as the "Non-Skids". The shoe was redesigned in 1922 when semi-professional basketball player Charles "Chuck" Taylor joined the company and suggested improvements to enhance its flexibility and ankle support. The restyled shoe featured a distinctive All-Star logo on the circular ankle patch, along with Taylor's signature, earning it the name "Chuck Taylor All Stars".
The Chuck Taylor All Stars quickly gained popularity among basketball players, capturing about 70 to 80 percent of the basketball shoe market by the 1960s. They were the official shoe of the Olympics from 1936 to 1968 and were widely worn by professional, college, and high school basketball players. The classic black and white high-top model, introduced in 1949, became particularly iconic in the world of basketball.
However, in the 1970s, Converse began to face competition from other brands, and their market share declined. Athletes started favouring shoes with leather uppers and harder rubber soles, offered by both Converse and its competitors. Despite this setback, the Chuck Taylor All Stars experienced a comeback in the 1980s and 1990s as casual, retro-style footwear. They became popular among subcultures, artists, musicians, and younger generations for their distinctive looks, colours, and comfort.
Today, Converse continues to be associated with basketball, and the company has expressed intentions to return to the sport. In recent years, they have launched new basketball shoes, such as the All Star Pro BB, aiming to combine their historical design with modern innovations. While the Chuck Taylor All Stars are no longer widely used in professional basketball, they remain iconic, with over 600 million pairs sold during their eighty years of manufacturing.
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Converse's performance for speed and support
Converse shoes have a long history in basketball, with the Converse All-Stars, or "Chuck Taylors", introduced in 1917 and remaining popular well into the 1950s and 1960s. However, opinions vary on their performance for speed and support in the present day.
Some sources claim that Converse shoes are extremely light, with a slim profile that could help with lateral movement on the court. This suggests that they may offer some advantages in terms of speed and agility. In addition, the Converse All Star Pro BB has received positive reviews for its lightweight feel and one-to-one fit, although the insole lining has been criticised for being uncomfortable.
On the other hand, the lack of padding and ankle support in Converse shoes is often cited as a major drawback, with some claiming that this increases the risk of injury, especially for players who are used to wearing modern basketball shoes with more supportive features. The stiffness and grip of Converse shoes have also been questioned, with suggestions that they may not provide enough confidence when jumping for layups or rebounds.
Overall, while Converse shoes may offer some benefits in terms of speed and agility due to their lightweight construction, they may fall short in terms of support and protection, especially when compared to modern basketball shoes designed with advanced features for optimal performance and injury prevention.
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Converse's comfort for long periods
Converse shoes are not generally considered comfortable for long periods. They lack arch support and have inadequate padding, which can lead to discomfort and foot fatigue. The shoes also don't have much cushioning in the soles or heel area, which can result in pain in the heels, arches, or back.
People with wider feet may find Converse particularly uncomfortable due to their narrow fit. Loosening the laces can help alleviate some of the tightness, but even with adjustments, Converse may not provide sufficient support for extended wear.
To improve the comfort of Converse for long-term wear, some people recommend using shoe inserts or cushioned insoles, which can provide extra padding and support. Additionally, breaking in the shoes with thick socks or a shoe stretcher can make a difference. Different models of Converse also offer varying levels of comfort, with the Chuck 70s, for example, providing more cushioning than the classic Chuck Taylors.
While Converse may not be ideal for extended periods, they are suitable for casual and short-term wear due to their lightweight and breathable design. However, when it comes to activities like basketball, where quick movements and jumping are involved, the lack of ankle support and stiffness in Converse can increase the risk of injury. Therefore, while Converse may be stylish, they may not be the best choice for activities requiring prolonged wear or intense physical activity.
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Converse's suitability for basketball in 2023
Converse shoes have a long history in basketball, with the brand releasing the first shoe designed specifically for the basketball court in 1917. Converse has continued to innovate and advance its basketball shoes, with newer models like the All Star BB Prototype, Run Star Motion, and Fastbreak Pro utilising the most advanced technology. These modern Converse basketball shoes feature CONS traction rubber outsoles, CX foam cushioning, CX sockliners, and heel pads, providing shock absorption, comfort, traction, range of motion, and support.
However, some people argue that Converse shoes are not suitable for playing basketball. They claim that Converse shoes lack the necessary support, cushioning, and traction for competitive basketball, and that wearing them could lead to discomfort or injury. The narrowness of Converse shoes is also said to cause discomfort, especially due to the lack of heel support, which can put strain on the knees.
On the other hand, Converse shoes do offer some benefits for basketball players. The rubber plating over the toe box provides extra shielding, and the brand is known for its distinctive features, including the star insignia, the All Star's rubber sole, smooth rounded toe, and wrap-around strip.
Ultimately, while Converse has a rich history in basketball footwear and continues to release new basketball sneakers, the suitability of their shoes for playing basketball in 2023 may depend on individual needs and preferences. Some players may prioritise the advanced features and style of newer Converse basketball shoes, while others may opt for specialised performance basketball shoes from other brands that are designed specifically for competitive play.
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Frequently asked questions
Converse shoes are extremely lightweight and provide a slim profile that could help with lateral movement. However, they lack ankle support and stiffness, which could lead to injuries. Overall, while Converse shoes have a rich history in basketball, modern alternatives offer more advanced features specifically designed for the sport.
Some popular alternatives to Converse for basketball include Nike, Jordan, and Kobe. These brands offer basketball-specific shoes with features such as padded ankle support and advanced traction.
Converse shoes are known for their style and versatility. They can be a good option for those who prefer a minimalist shoe with a slim profile, providing freedom of movement. Additionally, Converse has a rich history in basketball, and some players may prefer the classic look and feel.
The main disadvantage of using Converse for basketball is the lack of ankle support and stiffness. This can increase the risk of injuries, especially if you are used to playing with supportive shoes. Additionally, the traction on Converse shoes may not be optimal for quick movements and cuts.
Converse has released the All Star Pro BB, designed by Eric Avar. While the shoe is lightweight and provides a snug fit, reviewers note that the traction could be improved, and the insole lining could be more comfortable. The shoe is considered a minimalist basketball shoe, and some players may prefer a more supportive and padded option.
