Amanda Knapp
Converse has a long history with basketball, dating back to 1917 when they released the Converse Non-Skids—the first shoe designed for the basketball court. Converse continues to release basketball sneakers, including newer models like the All Star BB Prototype, Run Star Motion, and Fastbreak Pro, which feature advanced technology, traction, and comfort. The brand also offers unique and fashionable styles with a familiar basketball silhouette, such as the Eva Lift, Hi Utility, Alt Star, and Vapor. Converse basketball shoes are known for their grip, control, and iconic style, making them a popular choice for both casual and competitive players. However, some people express concerns about the lack of support, cushioning, and traction in certain Converse models for competitive basketball, highlighting the potential risk of discomfort or injury.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Popularity in basketball | Converse All Stars were worn by 90% of professional and college basketball players in the 1960s. |
| Historical performance | Converse dominated the U.S. basketball shoe market from the 1920s to the 1970s. |
| Current performance | Converse All Star BB Evo Low are the most played Converse basketball shoes (23% of tracked sneakers). |
| Pros | Inexpensive, comfortable, and better than expected. |
| Cons | Poor heel support, stiff sole, narrow fit, inadequate grip, and lack of cushioning. |
| Variants | Chuck 70s, Chuck Taylor All-Stars, Shai 001, and more. |
| Price | $49.97 - $130.00 |
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What You'll Learn
Converse shoes for basketball: pros and cons
Converse shoes have a long history in basketball, initially being developed as basketball shoes in the early 20th century. The design has remained largely unchanged since its introduction, with the shoe consisting of a stitched upper portion, a toe cap, and an outsole usually made of rubber. The original and most widely known version is made from cotton canvas, with the innovative detail of the original shoe being the "loose lining" of soft canvas that was intended to provide flexibility and prevent blisters.
Converse dominated the U.S. basketball shoe market from the 1920s to the 1970s, with Converse Chuck Taylor All Stars being worn by 90% of professional and college basketball players in the 1960s. However, the company began to struggle in the 1970s due to competition and poor business decisions as the shoe lost its popularity among basketball players. Many athletes switched to shoes with leather uppers and harder rubber soles, offered by both Converse and its competitors.
Today, Converse shoes are no longer used in professional basketball. However, they remain popular as casual footwear, with the company frequently releasing new editions and updated models that incorporate newer technology while retaining the original's appearance.
When considering the pros and cons of wearing Converse shoes for basketball, there are a few key points to note:
Pros:
- Converse shoes are distinguished by several features, including the company's star insignia, the All Star's rubber sole, a smooth rounded toe, and a wrap-around strip. These features provide a unique look that some players may prefer.
- The flat rubber soles of Converse shoes can enforce correct posture, which may be beneficial for certain movements such as deadlifts, squats, and bench presses.
- The canvas material of the shoes allows for complete ankle mobility, as the canvas does not cover the ankles.
- Converse shoes are widely available and affordable, with many editions and models to choose from.
Cons:
- Converse shoes may not provide adequate cushioning for basketball, which can lead to aching pain, especially when running constantly.
- The narrow design of Converse shoes can make them very snug and uncomfortable, especially without proper insoles.
- Heel support in Converse shoes is minimal, which can cause strain on the knees if not running on the toes.
- The sole of Converse shoes is stiff and may cause discomfort or injury due to torsion.
- The diamond pattern on the sole of Converse shoes is not ideal for outdoor or indoor basketball plays, as it does not provide optimal grip.
Overall, while Converse shoes have a rich history in basketball and offer some benefits in terms of style and ankle mobility, they may not be the best choice for optimal performance and comfort on the court. It is essential to prioritize comfort, support, and cushioning to prevent injuries and achieve the best basketball experience.
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History of Converse as a basketball shoe
Converse shoes were first introduced as basketball shoes in 1917, almost a decade after Marquis Mills Converse founded the Converse Rubber Shoe Company in 1908. The Converse All-Star, which was made of canvas and rubber, was the first mass-produced basketball shoe in North America and went on to become one of the most iconic shoes in sports history.
In 1921, Charles "Chuck" Taylor, a semi-professional basketball player, joined the Converse sales team. Within a year, the company had adopted his ideas for improvements to enhance the shoe's flexibility and ankle support. The restyled shoe also featured a distinctive All-Star logo on the circular patch that protected the ankle. In 1932, Taylor's signature was added to the ankle patch, and the shoe became known as the Chuck Taylor All Star.
By the 1950s, Chuck Taylor All Stars had become a standard among high school, collegiate, and professional basketball players. In the 1960s, Converse captured about 70 to 80 percent of the basketball shoe market, with ninety percent of professional and college basketball players wearing Converse Chuck Taylor All Stars. The shoe was also the official athletic training shoe of the U.S. armed forces during World War II.
However, in the 1970s, Converse began to struggle financially due to increasing competition from brands like Puma, Adidas, and Nike, as well as poor business decisions. Basketball players started wearing competing brands, and the popularity of the Chuck Taylor All Stars declined. Despite a brief comeback in the 1980s, the market for the All-Star brand collapsed by 1989-1990.
Today, while Chuck Taylor All Stars are no longer used in professional basketball, they remain popular as casual footwear and have appeared in over 650 films. Converse has continued to release new editions and updated models that incorporate newer technology while retaining the original's appearance.
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Converse's popularity in the basketball world
Converse shoes, particularly the Chuck Taylor All-Stars, were originally designed for basketball in the early 20th century, with the company dominating the American basketball shoe market from the 1920s to the 1970s. In the 1960s, Converse held 70-80% of the basketball shoe market, with 90% of professional and college basketball players wearing the Chuck Taylor All-Stars.
The shoe was composed of a rubber sole and canvas upper, with the canvas material providing flexibility and preventing blisters. However, with the rise of competitors in the 1970s, Converse began to lose its popularity among basketball players. Athletes started switching to shoes with leather uppers and harder rubber soles, offered by both Converse and its competitors.
Despite this shift, Converse shoes have regained popularity in recent years, with the company releasing new editions and updated models that incorporate newer technology while retaining the original's appearance. As of 2019, Converse sold products through 109 company-owned retail stores in the United States and has a presence in international markets as well.
While the Chuck Taylor All-Stars are no longer used in professional basketball, they remain popular as casual footwear, with some powerlifting athletes also embracing them due to their flat rubber soles that enforce correct posture during lifts. Additionally, Converse continues to release basketball shoes, such as the Shai 001, and has endorsements from NBA players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Kelly Oubre Jr., and Payton Pritchard.
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Converse basketball shoes: past vs present
Converse has a long history with basketball, dating back to the early 20th century when it designed the forerunner of the modern All Star shoe, marketed as "Non-Skids". The shoe, composed of a rubber sole and canvas upper, was initially intended for basketball players. In 1921, Charles "Chuck" Taylor, an American semi-professional basketball player, joined Converse as a salesman and helped improve the shoe's design for better flexibility and ankle support. The shoe was then renamed after him.
Chuck Taylor All-Stars, also known as "Chucks", were widely adopted by basketball players, capturing 70 to 80 percent of the basketball shoe market in the 1960s. Ninety percent of professional and college basketball players wore them. However, in the 1970s, Converse started to lose its dominance due to competition and poor business decisions. Athletes began switching to shoes with leather uppers and harder rubber soles, offered by both Converse and its competitors. Despite this shift, Converse All Stars regained popularity in the 1980s and 1990s as casual, retro-style footwear.
Today, Converse continues to sell basketball shoes, such as the Shai 001, the Pro Blaze 14, and the Weapon 11. The brand also offers customisable options, allowing customers to bring the league to their Chucks with 18 iconic NBA logos. While Converse basketball shoes are still worn by some professional players, they are not as prevalent as they once were.
Looking back, Converse basketball shoes have undergone a transformation, both in terms of design and market share. While they were once the shoe of choice for many basketball players, they now face stiff competition from other brands. Additionally, Converse itself has expanded beyond the basketball court, with its Chuck Taylor All-Stars becoming popular casual footwear.
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Converse alternatives for basketball
Converse shoes have been worn for basketball since the early days of the sport. However, some players have reported that the shoes are uncomfortable and provide inadequate support. If you're looking for an alternative to Converse basketball shoes, here are some options to consider:
Nike Blazers
Nike Blazers are a vintage leather basketball sneaker with a traditional basketball shoe look. They feature a suede bumper around the toe, bold colour blocks, and high tops that provide ample ankle support. While they may be slightly uncomfortable during the break-in period, many reviewers have reported that they become super comfortable once they're locked in. Nike offers various colours, primarily for the "swooshes," allowing you to add a pop of colour to your wardrobe while still being versatile.
Beckett Simonon
Beckett Simonon shoes offer amazing leather quality at a reasonable price. Their sneakers are made to order, so you may have to wait a few weeks for your shoes, but the brand maintains excellent communication throughout the process. The Beckett Simonon Garcia High Top is a minimalist version of a retro basketball sneaker, blending modern and vintage design elements. It's a great value-for-money option, with exceptional quality and craftsmanship.
PF Flyers
PF Flyers Centre Hi is a comfortable and well-constructed alternative to Converse All Stars. They feature a durable canvas upper and a rubber outsole, with the Posture Foundation's signature Ridge Wedge insole for added comfort. PF Flyers was founded in 1937 in the USA and has a long history in the footwear industry.
Cariuma
Cariuma sneakers offer superior quality and an impressive sustainability mission. They come in a variety of bright and fun colours, as well as more neutral options like white or black. Cariuma is known for its commitment to sustainability and ethical practices, making them a responsible choice for environmentally conscious consumers.
Novesta
Novesta is a Slovakian footwear brand that still manufactures its shoes exclusively in Europe. The Novesta Star Dribble features a cotton canvas upper, a rubber shell toe, and a vulcanized natural rubber sole. It offers a clean design and superior construction compared to the Converse All Star. Novesta's collaboration with Universal Works, the Star Hike, includes a moulded vulcanized midsole for extra comfort and durability.
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Frequently asked questions
Converse were initially developed as basketball shoes in the early 20th century and dominated the U.S. basketball shoe market from the 1920s to the 1970s. While they are no longer used in professional basketball, some people still use them for casual basketball games. However, some people have reported experiencing aching pain in their back and knees after running in them constantly.
Some alternatives to Converse that are specifically designed for basketball include the New Balance shoes, with Kawhi Leonard having a signature shoe with them.
Some popular Converse basketball shoes include the Chuck Taylor All-Stars, the All Star BB Shift, the All Star BB Jet, and the Shai 001.
