Converse Men's Sage Green Stealth Boots

Long before Converse began cranking out combat boots, the brand became world-famous for its “Chucks.” Nowadays the American shoe company provides much more than a basic black basketball shoe.

Here’s a CliffNotes history lesson of more than a century of Converse.

• 1929 – The year Converse Rubber filed for bankruptcy, along with legions of others companies.
• $5 million – Despite earning more than $450 million in revenues in 1997, Converse posted a $5 million loss because shoppers moved away from athletic shoes, opting for work boots or casual footwear instead.
• 1 – Times basketball star Chuck Taylor complained that his feet hurt before Converse outfitted him in their brand and, in turn, created a lifetime spokesperson.
• 1970s – The year Converse began producing industrial boots.
• $305 million – The amount Nike paid for Converse in 2003.
• 11 – Nicknames Chuck Taylor All-Star shoes acquired through the years, which includes “Chucker Boots,” “Chucks” and “Cons.”
• 7 – Number of figures in the amount Converse paid for a five-year sponsorship of FIBA, or Federation Internationale de Basketball, in 1990.
• 1985 – The year its “Chucks” are named the official footwear of the National Basketball Association.
• 60 – Percentage its international business increased from 1987 to 1988 because of expansions in Europe, Asia and North America.
• 2 – YouTube slideshows featuring Converse military boots paired with horrific background music. Check out the better of the two below!

Not enough Converse history for you? Visit Funding Universe for the entire backstory.