Converse
Nike, Inc. · United States
Converse is an American footwear brand best known for the Chuck Taylor All Star canvas sneaker. Founded in 1908 in Malden, Massachusetts, it has been owned by Nike, Inc. since 2003 and is headquartered in Boston.
| Founded | 1908, Malden, Massachusetts |
|---|---|
| Founder | Marquis Mills Converse |
| Owner | Nike, Inc. (since 2003) |
| Headquarters | Boston, United States |
| Chief executive | Aaron Cain (since August 2025) |
| Website | converse.com |
What is Converse?
Converse designs, markets, distributes and licenses footwear, apparel and accessories, with the Chuck Taylor All Star as its signature product. It is a subsidiary of Nike, Inc. and generated revenue of about 2.4 billion dollars in 2023. Aaron Cain, a former Nike executive, has been president and chief executive since August 2025.
History
Marquis Mills Converse founded the Converse Rubber Shoe Company in Malden, Massachusetts, in 1908. The All Star basketball shoe followed in 1917, and after basketball player Chuck Taylor joined as a salesman and promoter, his signature was added to the ankle patch in 1932. By the 1960s Converse dominated the basketball shoe market. The brand later lost ground to newer competitors, changed hands several times and filed for bankruptcy in 2001, when its last US factories closed. Nike acquired Converse in 2003 for about 309 million dollars. The One Star followed in 1974.
Products and positioning
- Chuck Taylor All Star in low and high tops
- One Star, launched in 1974
- Jack Purcell and other heritage models
- Apparel and accessories
- Personalised shoes via Converse By You
Today the brand is positioned mainly in casual and lifestyle footwear, relying on heritage, collaborations and broad appeal across age groups.
Business model and distribution
Converse sells through wholesale partners, its own stores, including a store at its headquarters on Lovejoy Wharf in Boston, and its own website. It also licenses its name for apparel and accessories in some markets.
Why it matters
Converse shows how a heritage product can be revived inside a larger group: after bankruptcy, Nike's ownership gave it global distribution and supply chain scale. The Chuck Taylor remains one of the most recognisable shoes in fashion and a reference point for timeless, low-cost design.
Frequently asked questions
Who owns Converse?
Converse has been owned by Nike, Inc. since 2003, when Nike bought it for about 309 million dollars. It operates as a subsidiary with its own headquarters in Boston.
Who was Chuck Taylor?
Chuck Taylor was a basketball player who joined Converse in 1922 as a salesman and promoter. His signature was added to the All Star shoe in 1932, which is why it is known as the Chuck Taylor All Star.