Converse Chuck Taylor All Star, shoes of the century?

No need to introduce them, as they’ve been so present on the tarmac in 2007 (and for a long time previously). The Chuck Taylor All Star Converse model is known for its thick rubber, its half moon-shaped reinforcement in the front of the shoe and its high tops. Lots of basketball teams wore them in the beginning of the last century; Will Smith brought them into the fashion again in “i-robot”.

Eventually, the “All Star” Converse has survided across the decades without being outdated. It is now considered more than ever as “The cult sneaker”, if not “the fashion accessory that will never go out of fashion and is indispensable”.

Well-matched with a suit as well as with old jeans, they’re the longest-standing and most popular sport shoes.

The Converse Rubber Corporation Company (set up in 1908) released the first All Star model in 1917. Success only came some years later, when Charles « Chuck » Taylor went down in legend.
I’ve read that 60% of northern Americans already have worn Converse “Chuck Taylor” All Star! Personally, I have 3 pairs and I have to contain myself each time I see new shades…

So, how come it worked (and still works)?

1. A legend comes with the product: it created winning teams!
2. Its prescribers: everybody has already had his pair of Converses, including the stars!
3. Its price: between 50 and 100 dollars for leather models, it has convinced about 600 million people.
4. Its ability to renew its shades: dozens of new textures or shades each year.

A piece of evidence:

Links & ideas:

http://www.converse.com/

Are you gonna keep it for yourself ?