SNEAKER STORIES

Sneakers are born from vulcanized rubber and most have ties to the tire industry. Here are 3 stand-out brands to get you back to school, campus or work in style!

The American Original
Converse All Stars or “Chucks” are the classic sneaker. They were first produced in 1917 and basketball player Chuck Taylor was the brand’s first spokesperson.
Although the materials have varied for the tops, the design has not changed very much in 50 years. Currently in market is the Chuck Taylor II, same great design with an improved insole for better comfort and arch support.

The Re-Birth
PF Flyers were created and manufactured by BF Goodrich as another use for vulcanized rubber. Goodrich patented the Posture Foundation Insole in 1933. The shoes were popular with basketball players and were standard issue to the US Army. The brand changed hands a few times and eventually went out of fashion but not gone forever. In 2001 New Balance bought the brand and re-engineered the Posture Foundation as well as updating the style cues. The sneaker is a little chunkier than the Converse and has some great stripping details.

The European
Superga shoes were born in 1911 and the signature 2750 sneaker became the people’s shoe of Italy. Refinements to the design came about in the 1950s when Superga merged with Pirelli Tires. Perfect brand synergy. Today Superga collaborates with celebrities and models on some of their collections like Alexa Chung and the Olsen sisters’ brand The Row.