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Friday, February 3, 2012

Converse All Star Ox Models Are Lower Cut Versions Of The Iconic Shoes

By Keith Cason


You have no doubt seen Converse All Stars. The men's basketball shoe has become an athletic inspired casual shoe. The players typically wear a hi-top design. Oxfords is the term used to refer to the traditional shoe. Converse All Star Ox models are lower cut versions of the iconic basketball shoe.

All Star hi-top basketball shoes go back almost 100 years. After starting his company, the Converse Rubber Shoe Company in 1908, Marquis Converse manufactured wet weather rubber shoes and boots. Around 1915 they ventured into the athletic shoe market with their first tennis shoes. A few years later, in 1917, the first All Stars were born.

In 1921 Chuck Taylor, a well-known player of the time, joined the company to market the line. In 1923, he redesigned the shoe to create what we see today. Affectionately called "Chucks", they have become one of the most popular shoes of all time.

His ideas were to make the uppers with heavy canvas. The canvas came above the ankles and laced tightly to help protect the players from twisting their ankles. The round patch on the outside helped protect the bones in the ankle that protrude from bruising. The patch now contains the corporate logo and his signature as a tribute. The squeak heard when watching a game is due to the rubber soles. The heavy rubber also created cushioning and increases traction and grip.

In the 1960s the Converse All Star Ox lower cut models were introduced. Already having gained popularity in the mainstream with the hi-tops, the more traditional looking oxfords added new fans. The look of the hi-top models portrayed somewhat of a rebellious attitude to the older generations. The more traditional look of the lower cut versions were more tolerated by parents and older people.

Models where leather replaced canvas in the upper part of the shoe were introduced in the 1970s. Leather gives everything that it is made into a distinct look and feel and All Stars are no different. Boots and shoes, including oxfords, are available in a number of styles for men, women and children.

The Converse All Star light series is designed exclusively for women and girls. Included in this series, along with oxford versions, are hi-tops, slip-ons and boots. With the older All Stars women wore the men's shoe in a smaller size. These newer models are have a slimmer profile and are lighter in weight to create a more feminine looking shoe.

For a different feel and fit oxford models are an option. Oftentimes a high top shoe takes some getting used to since they restrict movement of the ankle. Converse All Star Ox shoes retain the classic silhouette and the trademark toecap. They are comfortable and stylish enough to match with your favorite outfits for everyday wear or those times when you want a more casual type of footwear.




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