Info-Authority: Chucks

Chucks, also known as Chuckers, are the most iconic footwear image of modern American pop culture. Since 1917, Converse has made the canvas and rubber shoes, with little variation in style. Originally called the “All-Star,” Converse had mixed success marketing them to basketball players. Then Charles “Chuck” H. Taylor started playing in a pair.

Chucks: the First Basketball Shoe

Chuck Taylor was born in Indiana in 1901. In 1917, Marquis M Converse started the “Converse Rubber Company” and manufactured a shoe that closely resembles the All-Stars sold today. The following year, when Chuck Taylor graduated from high school, where he was captain of Columbus High School's basketball team, the first thing he did was to buy a pair of All-Stars -- the coolest shoes of the day. In doing so, the young Hoosier was destined to be part of basketball history.

The popularity of All-Stars grew as Chuck played professional basketball in them. He loved them so much that he went to the head office of Converse in Chicago to introduce himself. They were impressed by his innovative ideas for a more streamlined shoe, and in 1921, Chuck Taylor of the Akron Firestones started working for Converse and changed sports and fashion forever. It was the first basketball shoe endorsement. He will forever be remembered for adding the ankle patch with his signature, which was meant to support and protect the ankles of the basketball players; it completed the All Star's classic look.

Customizable Chucks

As time went on, customers looked for ways to customize shoes. Up until 1966, only two colors were available; white or black. Colored and patterned shoelaces became a fashionable way to customize the shoes to team colors. This trend would later be borrowed by wearers of the Adidas shelltoe shoes during the '80s.

Eventually Chucks became available in more colors, and the low-top Chuck and the knee-high Chuck were sold. Today, Chucks are available in many colors and cuts, but all stay loyal to the classic Chuck design. Limited leather models are also produced. You can even design and customize your own pair of Chucks to reflect your choice of color and style.

Wearing Chucks Today

Converse was bought by Nike in 2003, and much of its production was shipped overseas. The fabric used on the Chuck was changed from a 2-ply cotton canvas to a 1-ply textile.

The Chuck Taylor All-Stars set trends, and trendsetters are still known to wear them. Musicians have had a rich history of embracing the humble wear. Long-ago abandoned by professional basketball players, the shoes were appropriated and worn by an assortment of musicians ranging from punk bands to West Coast hip-hop stars and rockers.

By Doug Vanisky




	Chucks Chucks, also known as Chuckers, are the most iconic footwear image of modern American pop culture. Since 1917, Converse has made the canvas and rubber shoes, with little variation in style. Originally called the “All-Star,” Converse had mixed success marketing them to basketball players. Then Charles “Chuck” H. Taylor started playing in a pair. Chucks: the First Basketball Shoe Chuck Taylor was born in Indiana in 1901. In 1917, Marquis M Converse started the “Converse Rubber Company” and manufactured a shoe that closely resembles the All-Stars sold today. The following year, when Chuck Taylor graduated from high school, where he was captain of Columbus High School's basketball team, the first thing he did was to buy a pair of All-Stars -- the coolest shoes of the day. In doing so, the young Hoosier was destined to be part of basketball history. The popularity of All-Stars grew as Chuck played professional basketball in them. He loved them so much that he went to the head office of Converse in Chicago to introduce himself. They were impressed by his innovative ideas for a more streamlined shoe, and in 1921, Chuck Taylor of the Akron Firestones started working for Converse and changed sports and fashion forever. It was the first basketball shoe endorsement. He will forever be remembered for adding the ankle patch with his signature, which was meant to support and protect the ankles of the basketball players; it completed the All Star's classic look. Customizable Chucks As time went on, customers looked for ways to customize shoes. Up until 1966, only two colors were available; white or black. Colored and patterned shoelaces became a fashionable way to customize the shoes to team colors. This trend would later be borrowed by wearers of the Adidas shelltoe shoes during the '80s. Eventually Chucks became available in more colors, and the low-top Chuck and the knee-high Chuck were sold. Today, Chucks are available in many colors and cuts, but all stay loyal to the classic Chuck design. Limited leather models are also produced. You can even design and customize your own pair of Chucks to reflect your choice of color and style. Wearing Chucks Today Converse was bought by Nike in 2003, and much of its production was shipped overseas. The fabric used on the Chuck was changed from a 2-ply cotton canvas to a 1-ply textile. The Chuck Taylor All-Stars set trends, and trendsetters are still known to wear them. Musicians have had a rich history of embracing the humble wear. Long-ago abandoned by professional basketball players, the shoes were appropriated and worn by an assortment of musicians ranging from punk bands to West Coast hip-hop stars and rockers. By Doug Vanisky Related Links: Wikipedia - Chucks Wikipedia definition of Chucks.