The Return of Converse Shoes

Converse is more than just a shoe brand, it is one of the most recognisable footwear designers in the world. The history behind the brand reveals a tale of ups and downs, celebrities and heroes, all pivoting around the sporting world, and men's and women's shoe trends.Their unique style, incorporating exclusive prints, a vast colour palette and stereotypical chunky white laces makes Converse a popular choice with sports stars and the celebrity fashion elite.Since Converse began trading in 1908 with the infamous classic trainer style, the brand has evolved and grown to compliment ever changing consumer tastes and fashion. Always one step ahead, Conserve's <a href="http://www.toryburchuksale.com/tory-burch-flipflops-c-5.html"><strong>tory burch flip flop</strong></a> popularity and brand reputation has gone from strength to strength.Â*The Early DaysÂ*Converse burst onto the footwear <a href="http://www.toryburchuksale.com/specials.html"><strong>tory burch online</strong></a> market in 1908 and within two years were producing 4,000 pairs of trainers per day to satisfy the growing demand. Soon recognised for their durable, high quality footwear, Converse were commissioned by the US military to make special rubber soled shoes for soldiers fighting in WWII. After reverting back to the consumer market in the 1950's, Converse failed to achieve the success that they did first time round and consequently lost the privilege of being the official shoe of the NBA (National Basketball Association).Following this difficulty, competition from new sports retailers; Puma, Nike, Reebok and Adidas all producing unique designs put increased pressure on the brand. Struggling to maintain their market share whilst competing with these sportswear giants, Converse soon declared bankruptcy.It was a deal struck up with Nike in 2003 worth over 300 million that resurrected the brand. <a href="http://www.toryburchuksale.com/tory-burch-flipflops-c-5.html"><strong>tory burch flip-flops</strong></a> Converse was re-established, re-branded and given a new lease of life. In no time, Converse was firmly back on the sports footwear map as a desirable, fashion-forward brand once again.Converse in 2011Over the years, Converse has created a wide range of men's and women's special edition shoes in collaboration with celebrities and rock stars including Metallica, The Ramones, The Clash, Ozzy Osbourne, Jimi Hendrix and Nirvana. These collaborations cemented Converse as a cool, aspirational brand which appealed to huge customer base; from students to A-List celebrities alike.Converse for CelebritiesCelebrities are often seen wearing Converse and many pro basketball players are sponsored by the company. Hollywood celebrities with a quirky sense of style such as Joaquin Phoenix have been snapped teaming Converse trainers with a smart suit for a funky contrast of style.Converse shoes are a big hit across many different age-groups, fashion genres <a href="http://inbookmark.com/mybookmark.php"><strong>tory burch wedges</strong></a> and social circles. As 2011 nears the end of the year, the stylish men's and women's trainers have, yet again, proved a popular choice; a trend that looks set to remain.