Converse All Star: the legendary trainer!

Converse All Star: a trainer that has spanned a century

You open your wardrobe and there they are, right at the back. A slightly worn pair of Converse, the canvas yellowed at the edges, the sole still carrying the memory of your teenage giggles. We all have a pair somewhere. And yet we never tire of bringing them out again, season after season, as if they were part of our wardrobe's survival kit. But do you really know what lies behind the myth?

This little marvel first appeared in 1917. It was originally designed for basketball players — a model built for sport and performance. Yet at first it went almost unnoticed, just one trainer among many, with nothing to really set it apart. Then along came a certain Chuck Taylor, a 1920s basketball player who became the brand's ambassador. In 1923, his name was added to the shoe: the Converse All Star Chuck Taylor was born, complete with a generous dose of idolisation! That is how a simple technical model turned into an object of fascination.

What came next? An impressive trajectory. The little shoe dressed generation after generation, and the brand even supplied pairs to the US Army. It looked like a success story without a cloud in the sky… but like many successes, momentum faded. Still worn, still sold, Converse was gently forgotten, relegated to the status of just another trainer. The brand lost its shine, and the company found itself in trouble. That's when Nike, Inc. stepped in and bought the house. An unexpected rescue?

We like to think Nike gave it a new lease of life. The least you can say is that since then, Converse has been back on the streets in force! Available in a multitude of colours, materials and shapes — yes, the stiletto-heel version really exists, and it makes quite an impression! — they are back in the spotlight with rubber soles and clever campaigns. The latest coup? Sofia Coppola slipped a pair of Converse into the wardrobe of her Marie-Antoinette. What could be more natural, after all!

Now, how do you wear it without it turning into a costume? That's where texture and print come in. Coated canvas or a graphic motif wakes up an otherwise plain outfit and effortlessly accessorises an all-black look! Style it with raw denim or a midi skirt: it gently breaks the seriousness of an outfit. A silver pair, meanwhile, is worn like jewellery — choose it first for its material and drape, more than for its colour. A metallic pair slips a touch of light into a dark outfit and works as well with jeans as with a flowing dress. In short, the Converse All Star lifts every style, fills our wardrobes and appeals to men and women alike. It is universal, quite simply!

If you have a tired pair tucked away somewhere, don't panic. For care, skip the washing machine and stick to the gentle method: a little mild soap, a brush, and rub without soaking the canvas! This avoids getting the shoe too wet and helps the pair last longer. And before buying a new pair, a look at second-hand platforms is often worth it — many pairs there are almost new, for a fraction of the price.

Budget: what it really costs

On the budget front, expect around £60 to £85 for a classic Chuck Taylor All Star, in low-top or high-top canvas. Enough to treat yourself without breaking the bank. Special editions, platform models and collaborations can easily climb to £90 to £130 — you're paying for design or rarity, not necessarily comfort. The price varies depending on the material — canvas, leather, coated canvas — the season and limited editions.

Where to find them? At the official Converse store, from most trainer retailers, and of course on the second-hand market for sold-out models, often at half price. So there is something for every taste and every budget.

You've got it: after a slight lull, the Converse All Star is back on the streets, rejuvenated, sometimes restyled. A classic, a legend! How did it become such a success? In the simplest way possible: a touch of chance, a handful of idolisation and a dash of luck.