Most people know Converse for sneakers: Marquis Mills Converse founded the company in 1908 in Massachusetts, and the Chuck Taylor All Star became a classic. Here you will learn when Converse came out, who owns the brand, who makes Converse glasses and how they compare with Ray-Ban and Oakley.
Key points at a glance
- Converse was founded in 1908 by Marquis Mills Converse in Massachusetts. The All Star basketball shoe followed in 1917.
- Since 2003 Converse has belonged to Nike.
- Converse glasses are licensed products that carry the streetstyle of the Chucks, such as the star logo, over to frames.
- Next to Ray-Ban (eyewear classics) and Oakley (sport), Converse stands for relaxed everyday style.
Converse history: founder and origin of the brand
Marquis Mills Converse founded the Converse Rubber Shoe Company in Massachusetts in 1908. The brand’s origin therefore lies in the USA and in shoemaking. Eyewear came much later.
When did Converse come out? The Chuck Taylor All Star
The “All Star” came out in 1917 as a canvas basketball shoe. It owes its name “Chuck Taylor All Star” to the basketball player Chuck Taylor, who worked with Converse in the 1920s. Its trademark is the round patch on the inner ankle. So the company dates from 1908 and the basketball shoe from 1917.
When were Converse in fashion?
In the 1950s sneakers became the trademark of young people, above all the All Stars. In the hippie and punk era, fans painted their canvas shoes, with flowers and little hearts as well as with skulls or band logos. Today Chucks still shape streetstyle, often in a worn-in look. Behind it lie a sense of belonging and a touch of rebellion.
Who owns Converse, and who makes Converse glasses?
The sports label Converse has belonged to Nike since 2003. The glasses are licensed products: Converse provides the name and design language, and a licence partner makes the frames.
Converse glasses: style, shapes and materials
Converse eyewear carries the look of the Chucks over to frames: cool frame shapes, often in black, with the star logo and classic styles that recall the Chuck Taylor All Star through signature prints.
The range runs from classic Havana patterns and metal frames in browline style to eye-catching colour combinations. The brand has also had sunglasses, from an aviator look to round shapes in shades of brown. Material, measurements and colour are listed on each product page.
Who are Converse glasses for?
Converse glasses are for anyone who wants to give their frames a casual streetstyle touch, in everyday life, at university or in free time. Black or patterned frames suit the sporty vintage look especially well. Pay attention to shape: round faces carry angular frames well, angular faces suit soft curves. More in Which glasses frames suit my shape of face?.
Converse vs Ray-Ban vs Oakley: how do they compare?
Converse vs Ray-Ban: Ray-Ban is an eyewear brand through and through and known for classics such as the Wayfarer and the Aviator. Converse comes from sneaker culture and carries that casual streetstyle over to frames, with the star logo and signature prints. Ray-Ban vs Converse is therefore less a question of better or worse than of style: an eyewear icon or a relaxed sneaker look.
Converse vs Oakley: Oakley is known for sports and performance eyewear, Converse is about everyday style. Which suits you depends on what you need. More on the other two brands in A Classic: Ray-Ban Wayfarer and Oakley: the brand story.
Converse glasses and frames: current models
Converse frames available at the moment include the VCO063Q, VCO180, VCO185, VCO076Q and VCO118. Not every colour is always in stock, and the range can change. Whether Converse sunglasses are in stock right now, the shop shows. The module shows the current selection:
Converse VCJ012 955Y£25.75Converse VCO214 1AYY£25.75Converse VCJ011 0840£25.75Converse VCO063Q 840M£25.75Converse VCO180 0300£25.75Converse VCO214 0GBE£25.75Converse VCO076Q 0J57£25.75Converse VCO076Q 0L19£25.75Frequently asked questions about Converse glasses
Are Converse glasses good?
That depends on what you are looking for. Converse stands for a relaxed streetstyle. Check material, measurements and fit on the product page and try the frame on.
Who makes Converse frames?
Converse glasses are licensed products. The name and design language come from Converse, and a licence partner makes the frames.
When did Converse come out?
Converse was founded in 1908. The All Star basketball shoe followed in 1917, and it owes its name to the player Chuck Taylor.
Are there Converse sunglasses?
The brand has had sunglasses in its range. Whether models are in stock right now, the shop shows.
Can you wear Converse for business casual?
That depends on the dress code. Clean, dark Chucks can fit a relaxed office; in a formal setting most people choose other shoes.
