Converse

Converse launched in 1908 with a focus in the sportswear market — and a patent to vulcanize shoes — due to the growing professionalization of athletic teams across the United States. The now ubiquitous brand created their first “Non-Skid All Stars” sneaker in 1923, featuring a grippy outsole to provide traction for athletes who needed it most. Back then, Converse’s rise in prominence was closely tied to basketball’s increasing popularity, and now, over the course of the last century, Converse has made an impact on almost every culture and subculture there is.