Today’s random object was a bracelet charm in the shape of an All Star Converse, a tiny neon yellow shoe that led us straight into sneaker history.
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Converse All Stars hit the scene in 1917 with their non-skid rubber sole, making them the first basketball-specific shoe. Players loved them immediately, and in the 1920s Chuck Taylor took them on the road, teaching basketball clinics while promoting the shoes. By the 1950s and 60s, Converse dominated the courts. Nearly every college and pro player wore them, and the grip of those flat soles earned them a permanent spot in basketball lore.
But Converse didn’t stop on the court. Skaters discovered the same grip worked on their boards, and by the 70s and 80s sneakers were spreading into everyday wear. Dress codes relaxed, kids wore them to school, and hybrid shoes began to blur the line between casual and formal. Converse became more than shoes, they became part of culture. Even Barbie and Ken ended up with sneakers modeled after them, and imitations popped up everywhere. Over a century later, people still recognize those high tops and the star patch, whether in fashion spreads, music videos, or on the street.
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Also, if you, or a teacher friend, would like a 20-30 minute lesson plan on converse all stars, feel free to download and share this one:
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