by tumblingdumpling
I received my first pair of Converse shoes when I was 13. It was a black pair of low cut Converse with white laces, and I was absolutely elated. My friends had been wearing Converse models since we were 11, so I had eagerly awaited this day when I too, would hop on the trend. I wore my pair of black Converse everywhere — to school, when doing sports, when travelling about — and I took pictures, lots of pictures.
And when my black Converse wore out? I bought another pair, and another, and another. Since then, I do not recall a single year when I did not have a pair of Converse sitting on my shelf. I loved the look and feel of the shoe, and more than anything, I love the durability. Each pair usually lasts me about two years, and as long as the sole is still intact, a quick wash always gets my shoes looking as good as new.
The funny thing is, I’m not the only one with a stubborn loyalty to Converse. Many of my friends have told me that they too have owned, and loved, shoes from the brand. Some wear them for leisure, and others wear them for sports, but one thing these friends and I have in common is that we know this is a brand that will stick with us through the years.
But of course, I’m not here to advertise for the brand, today I’ll attempt to break down what makes Converse shoes so attractive.
Withstanding the test of time
While shoes are often considered forms of Fashion design, and a way for designers to express their personalities and creativity, Converse takes a slightly different approach by using a near “cookie-cutter” formula. Although the brand has had some success with a few of its modified styles, its classic Chuck Taylors still comprise a substantial proportion of the company’s revenue.
In my view, Converse is the epitome of “Industrial Design”. To put things simply, its designers found a “formula” that works — the sleek outline of the shoes is aesthetically pleasing enough for people to incorporate into their outfits, the design is simple enough to manufacture on a large scale, and the shoes are practical enough for regular wear.
Going back to the origins of the Chuck Taylors, Converse (high-tops) initially began as basketball shoes, intended for comfort and durability. Although the shoes topped the charts for several years, as more high-tech options took over the sports sector, Converse repositioned itself to dominate the casual wear market, tweaking its designs, materials and marketing strategies to appeal to the average youngster.
Inspired design
In that sense, while the fundamentals of Converse shoes remain as a design that was inspired by the purpose of playing basketball, I believe that the reason why the brand has survived for so long also lies in its ability to reflect the changing needs of the people.
Making sense of art and design industries 