Amanda Knapp
Larry Bird, one of the greatest basketball players of all time, wore Converse Weapon shoes during the 1986 and 1987 NBA finals. Converse endorsed Bird in the 1980s for its Weapon line of basketball shoes. Bird wore Converse Pro during the early days of his career and was seen playing in them throughout 1980-1984, winning two championships and establishing himself as one of the best in the NBA.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year | 1986 & 1987 |
| Brand | Converse |
| Model | Weapon |
| Color | Green canvas with white leather chevron and star |
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What You'll Learn
Larry Bird wore Converse Weapon shoes in the 1986 finals
Larry Bird is one of the greatest basketball players of all time. He played for the Boston Celtics during his entire 13-year professional career, leading them to five NBA finals appearances and three NBA championship wins.
Bird wore Converse Weapon shoes in the 1986 finals. Converse was a popular sports footwear brand, and Bird signed an endorsement deal with them early in his career. Converse designed the Weapon shoe specifically for Bird and his rival, Magic Johnson, in 1986. The shoe was a high-top sneaker tailored to the demands of the basketball court.
The Converse Weapon shoe became iconic in basketball, and Bird's influence on basketball shoe culture is undeniable. His signature shoes, in the Boston Celtics' iconic colours, are remembered as much as his legendary performances on the court.
Bird's shoes from the 1986 finals were later sold at a charity auction. They were advertised as "1986 NBA Finals shoes" and came with a picture from Game 3 of the finals. The buyer was able to match the shoes to Game 3, Game 5, and Game 6 of the 1986 NBA Finals.
In Game 6 of the 1986 finals, Bird recorded a triple-double of 29 points, 11 rebounds, and 12 assists, leading the Celtics to their 16th NBA Championship.
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He wore the same shoe model in the 1987 finals
Larry Bird wore the Converse Weapon in the 1987 NBA Finals. The Converse Weapon was the shoe of choice for Larry Bird until the 1991 season. Converse, which started producing basketball shoes in 1917, had a monopoly on basketball sneakers in the NBA at one point. The Converse sneakers were widely worn by NBA stars in the 1980s.
The 1987 NBA Finals were fought between the Celtics, led by Larry Bird, and the Lakers, led by Magic Johnson. The Lakers won the championship, clinching the series 4-2. The rivalry between Bird and Johnson is considered one of the greatest in sports. The two players and their teams were polar opposites, and their rivalry revived the NBA.
The Converse Weapon was also endorsed by Magic Johnson, and the two players featured in a famous commercial for the shoe. The commercial helped turn the rivalry between the two players into a friendship. The Converse Weapon was released in 1985, and it put Converse on the map. Converse had bought out PF Flyer, one of its biggest competitors, in the 1970s, which helped bring the brand into the modern era.
Larry Bird wore Converse Pros for five years after his rookie season. He then wore the Converse Weapon, followed by the Converse Cons in the later stages of his career. The Converse Cons were probably the most stylish pair of sneakers he ever wore, although style was never a priority for Larry Bird.
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Converse Pro Canvas sneakers were worn by Bird in the early 1980s
Larry Bird wore Converse Pro Canvas sneakers during the early 1980s, specifically from 1980 to 1984. During this period, he won two NBA championships and solidified his reputation as one of the best players in the league. The Converse sneakers were green with a white leather chevron and star, matching the Boston Celtics uniforms. Converse tags and logos were featured on the tongues and heels of the shoes, and they bore Bird's signature in large black lettering.
The Converse Pro Canvas sneakers were worn by Bird during the formative years of his illustrious career. Known for his competitive spirit and determination, Bird led Celtics teams in the 1980s that were exceptionally successful, capturing NBA titles in the 1980-1981, 1983-1984, and 1985-1986 seasons. Bird's talent and influence, along with that of his contemporary, Magic Johnson, helped revitalise the NBA and captivate fans.
The Converse sneakers were a significant part of Bird's early career attire, and they hold a special place in basketball history. They represent not only Bird's emergence as a basketball legend but also an era of the NBA defined by his rivalry with Johnson. The green and white colourway of the sneakers, designed to match the Celtics uniforms, showcases the style of basketball footwear during that period.
The Converse Pro Canvas sneakers endorsed and worn by Bird hold historical value for basketball enthusiasts and collectors. Their design, featuring the Converse branding and Bird's signature, is a testament to the collaboration between the athlete and the brand. The wear and tear on these game-used sneakers would also showcase the intensity and vigour of Bird's playing style.
The Converse sneakers from the early 1980s are a testament to Bird's impact on basketball culture and fashion. They symbolise his journey to becoming one of the greatest players in NBA history, known for his skill, competitiveness, and influence on the league and its fans. These sneakers, now sought-after collectibles, embody Bird's legacy and the era in which he rose to stardom.
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The sneakers were signed by Larry Bird
Larry Bird wore Converse sneakers throughout his career, with a notable preference for the Weapon line. During the early days of his career, from 1980 to 1984, he wore Converse Pro Canvas sneakers in green with white leather chevron and star details, colours that matched the Boston Celtics uniforms. These sneakers were signed by Larry Bird, with the signature featuring in large black lettering.
The Converse sneakers endorsed and worn by Larry Bird during the 1986 and 1987 NBA Finals are another example of sneakers signed by the basketball legend. These shoes were auctioned off in 2013, with the 1986 pair donated by Larry Bird himself to a charity auction. The sneakers were advertised as "Larry Bird 1986 NBA Finals shoes" and came with a picture from game three of the finals, allowing for easy authentication.
The Converse Weapon sneakers worn by Larry Bird during the 1986 and 1987 NBA Finals are highly sought-after by collectors, with the sneaker market going "bonkers" in recent years. The guest on an episode of Antiques Roadshow who brought in the sneakers was advised that the wear on the shoes actually increases their value, as game-used memorabilia is highly desirable for collectors. The guest was also able to match the wear on the sneakers to specific games, including game three, game five, and game six of the 1986 NBA Finals.
The Converse sneakers signed by Larry Bird hold significant value for collectors, with the market for game-worn and autographed memorabilia continuing to grow.
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Converse Weapon shoes were endorsed by both Bird and Magic Johnson
Larry Bird wore Converse Weapon shoes during the 1986 NBA Finals. Converse Weapon shoes were endorsed by both Bird and his rival, Magic Johnson, in a 1980s Converse commercial. Bird wore the shoes during his games in 1986 and 1987, and even had a pair signed by him from the '87 finals. The Converse sneakers were green with white leather chevron and star details, matching the Boston Celtics uniforms. The Converse tags and logos appeared on the tongues and heels of the shoes.
Bird's game-worn sneakers have become collector's items, with pairs being sold at auctions and on sites like eBay and Amazon. The popularity of the sneaker market has soared in recent years, with collectors seeking game-used memorabilia. The wear and tear on the shoes are now seen as desirable, as they tell a story of the game and the player.
Bird and Johnson's rivalry brought a new level of interest to the NBA in the 1980s. They were polar opposites in almost every way, from their backgrounds and personalities to their playing styles. Bird, an introvert from a small town, played gritty, defensive basketball for the Celtics, while Johnson, the gregarious personification of LA glitz and glamour, led the Lakers' fast-paced Showtime offense. Despite their differences, both players endorsed the Converse Weapon shoes, showing that their rivalry extended to the basketball court but not to their choice of footwear.
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Frequently asked questions
Larry Bird wore the Converse Weapon shoes in the 1986 NBA finals.
Yes, Larry Bird had an endorsement deal with Converse. He wore the Converse Pro Canvas sneakers during the early days of his career from 1980 to 1984.
Larry Bird also wore Converse sneakers during the 1987 NBA finals.
You can find Larry Bird's Converse sneakers on e-commerce websites like Amazon and eBay, as well as auction sites like Sotheby's.
The Converse Pro Canvas sneakers signed by Larry Bird were green with white leather chevron and star details. The colourway matched the Boston Celtics uniforms. The Converse tags and logos appeared on the tongues and heels, with "Larry Bird" signed in large black lettering.
