Why converse is no 1 choice among shoe buyers

Knee high chucks were First made in the USA For a time during the 1980's. They are an extra high-top shoe with twelve pairs of eyelets so you can lace all the way up to your knee. They also have a fold down position,and extra snaps are placed on the sides of the shoe to hold the canvas in place when you lace in the fold down position.

The traditional side patch is placed higher on the shoe, and there is a smaller interior patch in each shoe that is revealed when it is folded down.Many of the models feature a pattern alternate color interior.

Knee-high chucks were revived in 2003 by Converse, and have been made in both canvas and leather models, some based on the traditional knee-high, and others emulating the monochrome look. They are mostly made in small batches and usually quickly sell out. Knee-high chucks are very popular in Europe, and more models are made for thot market than lor the U.S. market. A few models are made just to be worn in the knee-high position. Canvas models of the knee-high have been made in black white,blue denim, black monochrome, black- neon pink, b|ack-orange, camouflage,khaki, green with multicolored pattern,gray-pink,light-blue-yellow,orage-yellow,parch ment-olive, red bandana, royal blue with multicolored pattern, and white with a multicolored pattern.

Variety of materials

Over the years seasonal chucks have come out in a variety af alternate upper malerials besides canvas. These have included uppers made from gold or silver metallic Fabric; a fur-like leopard pattern; embossed silk; corduroy; black blue, and natural white denim; black and navy blue hemp; and a variety of woven plaid models. Chucks made from leather uppers are also made occasionally, with the recent black and white high-top worn by Will Smith in the science fiction movie I Robot being the most prominent. These days most leather models are issued in black, brown or white and have a monochromatic look. One unusualline of leather chuck high-tops was the "jewel," These high-tops came in black or white glove leather and actually had the ankle patches on the outside at each upper instead at the inside.The patches weren’t the usual glued on rubber patches either. They were three dimensional plastic patches with white plastic stars inside.

Chucks represent freedom from the mundane world

It there is such a thing as a "philosophy of footwear,” you soon discover that wearing a pair of chucks represents Freedom: freedom from the world of work (although these days many people are fortunate enough to be able to wear them at work), freedom ofexpression (with many colors and styles to choose from to express your individuality), freedom from heavy boots and shoes that weigh your feet down, and the freedom associated with summers and vacations. Wearing chucks can make a difference in your life. Many people have commented on what a pleasurable moment it was when they laced up a pair of chucks for the very first time. That special feeling is one of the reasons that people continue to wear chucks throught their lives.

Chucks are great for special activities

While most people think of their chucks as a funcasual or athletic shoe, some people like to wear chucks for special activities. Onedevoted wearer of black high-tops states that he prefers to drive his hig performance car wearing chucks. "My chucksmold perfectly to the shape of the gas,brake, and clutch pedals. The rubber soleis iust thick and firm enough to prevent puncturing, yet thin enough to bend to the shape of whatever |'m stepping on.

Chucks epitomize retro appeal

An interesting development in recent years has been the growth of the "retro" footwear market. Turned off by the increasing high techno|ogy and expensive prices of high performance sneakers, people are choosing to wear classic models ofshoes made by Converse, adidas, and Puma instead. Retro shoes are popular becausethey have the look and sty|e that people love.

Chucks can go with just about any style of clothing

Although chucks are no longer confined to the basketball court, they still look great with basketball ierseys and shorts, and other athletic sportswear. The classic casual outfit for chucks is with a pair of ieans and a T-shirt or sweatshirt. This "look" has been officially recognized by LeviStrauss & Co and chucks are often shown in ads for Levis. ln warmer weather chucks look good with shorts, worn these days with or without socks. Chucks are practical for outdoor water activities, on rocks and in streams and rivers, because they are flexible, protect your feet, and dry out quickly. Chucks look great with more dressy outfits for men, like sport shirts and Dockers or even with dress shirts, slacks, and ties.

Chucks have great variety

No other shoe comes in so many colors,patterns, and styles as the Chuck Taylor All Star. Chucks fall into two cat- egories: the core models of classic high-top and low-cut black, red, navy blue, and white canvas, which are always available, and seasonal models, usually only made once, which come in bright and unusual colors and a variety of canvas patterns. Seasonal chucks come in high-top, low cut, knee high, and slip-on moclels.Seasonal chucks can be made with special fabric or even leather uppers. Seasonal chucks often have special features like multicolored canvas uppers, unique drawings or pictures,double tongues (in double colors), a wom or distressed look,or a Foldover (roll-down) design. It is now even possible to design your own special pair. Whatever it is that attracts you to chucks, you would have to agree that they make a statement. That is why you always notice someone wearing chucks in a crowd.

Article republished from

The Phenomenon of Converse Chuck Taylor All Stars By Hal Peterson