Is Converse Good for Skateboarding? Expert Analysis Inside
The Converse is one of the most popular shoe brands, known for its casual style and versatility. They have highly durable shoes that provide great comfort, making them suitable for all kinds of usages.
But, Is Converse good for skateboarding? Converse shoes are very comfortable. Even though the brand does not specifically manufacture shoes for skateboarding, they are suitable for use. The durability, breathability, grip, and so on ensure that these shoes are a great choice for skateboarders.
In this guide, we will talk about “Can you skateboard in Converse?” or not in detail. We will also discuss the brand’s value in skateboarding and other relevant topics. So, read on to learn more.
A Brief Born-History of Converse
The Converse brand was born way back in 1908 as the Converse Rubber Shoe Company. It was founded in Malden, Massachusetts, by Marquis Mills Converse. Marquis worked as a manager at a footwear firm.
At the time of its birth, the company manufactured winterized rubber-soled boots, tennis shoes, galoshes, and other non-footwear items.
The Evolution of Converse
Let’s see the evolution of Converse over time. This will help you to realize their impact on the footwear industry.
1916-1917
In 1916, the Converse basketball line was born. Later in 1917, the Converse All-Star basketball was also established, which was a success during World War 1.
See also: Converse All-Star Skate Sneaker Review: Unfiltered Truth
1923- 1939
In 1923, Charles H. “Chuck” Taylor, a basketball player, started working at the company, promoting the shoes. And in 1932, his signature was added to the All-Star Converse, particularly on the high-topped sneakers. Later in 1939, the Stone Family bought the company.
- 1939-1960
In 1941 during World War two, the company started making protective suits, rubberized footwear, and outerwear for the military. However, they resumed producing athletic shoes at the end of the war. And in 1953, the company put up the Coastal Footwear Corporation in Canovanas, Puerto Rico.
- 1939-1972
In 1961, Converse produced the low-cut sneaker style, which was available in school colors by 1966. And in 1972, the Eltra Corporation acquired Converse from the Stone Family before selling it in 1979.
See also: What Kind of Shoes Are The Best for Longboarding?
- 1979-2001
In 1979, the Allied Corporation acquired Converse. Converse would later lose its athletic shoe monopoly around the 1970s as competitors, such as Nike and Adidas, grew in popularity. During this time, the market for the All-Stars basketball brand also started collapsing.
- 2001-2002
In 2001, the company filed for bankruptcy and even closed down its manufacturing plants in the U.S. In the same year, Bill Simon and Marsden Cason facilitated the acquisition of the brand.
- 2003-Present
In 2003, the Nike company acquired the Converse brand and relaunched the footwear in 2010. Today, Converse manufactures a wide range of apparel and sneakers like the Chuck Taylor All-Star and Converse Skate sneakers.
See also: Are Vans Skate Shoes Good for Longboarding?
Types of Converse Skate Sneakers
Converse produces a range of skate sneakers designed specifically for skateboarders. The three most common types I suggest you try include:
Low-Top Sneaker
As the name suggests, this type of sneaker boasts a low-cut profile. This means the shoe’s top is designed to sit below your ankle. Even better, it features a reinforced suede or canvas upper, padded collar, and tongue for added support and comfort.
Generally, low-top Converse skate sneakers come in many colors and styles. Some of the best low-cut sneakers I highly recommend include the One Star Pro Bones and CONS One Star Pro Suede. I also suggest you try out the CONS Louie Lopez Pro and CONS One Star Alltimers.
Mid-Top Sneaker
This type of Converse skate sneaker boasts a mid-cut profile. Therefore, the sneaker’s top usually sits just above your ankle but below the calf. Consequently, it offers more support and protection for the ankle than the low-top style.
My recommendation for the best mid-top Converse skate sneakers includes the CONS Louie Lopez Pro Mid and CONS Fastbreak Pro Leather. You could also try the CONS Fastbreak Pro Alltimers, which are all created with comfort in mind.
See also: What to Consider When Purchasing the Best Skate Shoes? And How Do I Do It?
High-Top Sneaker
Another type of Converse skate sneaker is the high-top, which boasts a high-cut profile. This sneaker’s upper is designed to extend just above your ankle and up to the calf. As such, it offers more support and protection for your ankles.
Why Is Converse Good For Skateboarding?
Reason 01. Durable
Converse shoes are made with a durable rubber sole and paired with a canvas upper. These make the shoe withstand the wear or tear of skateboarding.
Reason 02. Good Grip
The rubber sole of Converse shoes provides a good grip on the skateboard deck. This minimizes the risk of slipping accidents and injuries.
Reason 03. Comfortable
Converse shoes are known for their simple and classic designs with comfortable material inside. These designs help to provide a comfortable fit for skateboarding.
Reason 04. Personal Preference
Personally, I used this brand and some of my skater friends prefer the classic style and feel of Converse over dedicated Skate shoes.
Reason 05. Affordable
Converse shoes are usually more affordable than some dedicated skate shoe brands. This allows skateboarders to get shoes within a small budget, making them accessible to a wide range of people.
The Ups and Downs of Converse
Converse shoes come with both pros and cons. These advantages and disadvantages will provide you with a better understanding. Take a look at the pros and cons table we have prepared below.
Advantages
- Long-lasting performance
- Reasonable pricing
- Ensures good grip
- Provides outstanding comfort
- Great styles and designs
- Outstanding popularity
Disadvantages
- No impact protection
- Sole wears out very quickly
- Bad traction pattern
- Limited Technology
See also: 21 Best Skate Shoe Brands 2023: Ultimate Shredding Styles!
FAQs Regarding Converse Shoes
Check out some frequently asked questions to clear your confusion!
What Can I Replace Converse With?
⇒ Vans
⇒ DC Shoe Co.
⇒ Etnies
⇒ Maranas
⇒ Nike SB
⇒ Adidas Skateboarding
Several outstanding brands are operating in the market. All of these brands provide excellent shoes that are suitable for a wide range of purposes, including skateboarding. Let us look at some top brands you can replace Converse with.
Which Converse Are The Best Quality?
The Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star is considered one of the best quality Converse shoes. This has been a popular choice for several decades. Conversely, high-quality Converse shoes include the Jack Purcell and the One Star.
How Do You Know If Converse Are Fake?
Inspecting the logo and the stitching, you can tell whether a Converse is fake. Not only that, but factors such as price, packaging, and so on can also tell you about authenticity.
How Long Should Skateboarding Shoes Last?
Generally, skateboarding shoes should last from six months to a year. However, longevity typically depends on the intensity of use and the quality of the materials, grip, and so on.
What Type Of Shoes Are Best For Skateboarding?
Skate shoes are typically the best option for skateboarding. This is because the shoes are specifically designed for this purpose and can provide proper support, durability, and protection.
Conclusion
Before summing up, we hope you got the answer to whether Converse is good for skateboarding. Converse shoes are great for skateboarding as they have all the required features. Undoubtedly they are one of the most efficient shoes for skateboarding and are known for their simplicity.
However, before purchasing a Converse or any skate pair of shoes, make sure to focus on durability, material, grip, comfort, and other relevant considerations. That said, good luck with your venture, and spend wisely!
