Converse

What Converse does

Converse, Inc. is a footwear and apparel company founded in 1908 and headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, operating as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nike, Inc. since its 2003 acquisition for $305 million. The company designs, manufactures, and distributes canvas and leather sneakers anchored by the Chuck Taylor All Star silhouette (in continuous production since 1917), with adjacent lines including Chuck 70, One Star, Jack Purcell, Run Star Hike, platform variants, the SHAI 001 basketball signature shoe, and skate-specific products. Its technology platform, Converse By You, enables consumers to digitally configure customized sneakers across high-tops, low-tops, platforms, slip-ons, boots, and heels via an e-commerce interface.

Converse monetizes primarily through one-time unit sales of footwear and complementary apparel across three channels: direct-to-consumer e-commerce (converse.com plus 40+ country-specific sites), owned flagship retail stores, and wholesale partners including Foot Locker. Pricing ranges from approximately $45 for kids' footwear to $150 for premium collaborations such as the Tyler the Creator 1908 Bronco Boot, with Custom By You products priced $85-$135. Revenue is supplemented by licensing and royalty income from designer collaborations (Comme des Garçons, Collina Strada, Madhappy, Eric Emanuel, Vaquera, Minions) and brand partnerships. Primary customer segments are youth and young adults (15-35), kids and families, basketball and skate enthusiasts, and customization-seeking consumers across more than 40 markets in the Americas, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Africa.

Converse currently faces a severe operational contraction, with quarterly revenue declining 28-35% year-over-year through Q3 FY2026 ($264 million) and management indicating sales will reach a 15-year low. The company has responded with corporate layoffs, a 44% marketing expense reduction, manufacturing realignment closer to Nike's factory partners, and technology consolidation into Nike's Beaverton headquarters. Despite these headwinds, Converse continues offensive investment in geographic expansion (largest India flagship in Bengaluru, June 2026), cultural collaborations, and the customization platform, while Nike has publicly rejected divestiture speculation.

Name

Converse

Legal name

Converse, Inc.

Website

https://converse.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1908

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

5,001–10,000 employees

Short description

Converse, a Nike-owned footwear and apparel brand founded in 1908, designs and sells the iconic Chuck Taylor All Star sneaker and related silhouettes through DTC e-commerce, retail flagships, and wholesale partners across 40+ countries, serving youth, families, and customization-seeking consumers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Footwear & Apparel

NAICS

Footwear Manufacturing (3162), Shoe Retailers (4582)

SIC

Footwear, (No Rubber) (3140), Retail-Shoe Stores (5661)

akta.pro primary industry

Casual & Lifestyle Footwear (CRAAACAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Athletic Footwear & Sport Apparel Retail (CRAMABAC), Specialty Footwear Retail (Dance, Skate, Cleats, Bowling, etc.) (CRAAADAJ)

Keywords

• Canvas sneakers
• Lifestyle footwear
• Custom sneakers
• Basketball shoes
• Skateboarding shoes

Headquarters

HQ city

Boston

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Footwear Sales: Core revenue from canvas and leather sneakers including Chuck Taylor All Star, Chuck 70, platforms, and slip-ons sold through direct e-commerce, owned retail, and wholesale channels
2. Apparel and Accessories: Secondary revenue stream from clothing, hoodies, t-shirts, socks, and laces complementing footwear purchases
3. Licensing and Collaborations: Revenue from branded collaborations with fashion designers, artists, and entertainment properties including Tyler the Creator, Comme des Garçons, Vaquera, and Minions
4. Brand Partnerships: Partnerships with music and lifestyle platforms like Deezer for brand exposure and co-marketing initiatives

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Converse designs, manufactures, and sells canvas and leather sneakers led by the Chuck Taylor All Star and Chuck 70 lines, alongside platform, slip-on, skate, and basketball performance footwear (including the SHAI 001 signature shoe), plus apparel and accessories. Products are sold globally through owned e-commerce (converse.com and country sites), flagship retail stores, and wholesale partners like Foot Locker, with the proprietary Converse By You platform enabling made-to-order personalized sneakers.

Product overview

Converse is a footwear and apparel brand owned by Nike since 2003, offering a unified portfolio anchored by the iconic Chuck Taylor All Star and its variants (Chuck 70, platform lifts, lugged styles). The core product line spans classic canvas sneakers, premium heritage reissues, and performance athletic footwear including the SHAI 001 basketball signature shoe. The Converse By You customization platform enables customer personalization across all major silhouettes. Additional offerings include skate-specific footwear, seasonal Pride collections, and limited-edition collaborations with designers like Tyler the Creator, Comme des Garçons, and Collina Strada. The brand operates flagship stores positioned as cultural spaces alongside e-commerce distribution.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Chuck Taylor All Star: The iconic flagship sneaker line that has been in production since 1917
• Chuck 70
• Converse By You
• First String
• 1908

Products and services

• Chuck Taylor All Star Flagship Converse sneaker and iconic canvas high-top shoe in production since 1917, available in multiple colorways, materials (canvas, leather, suede), and styles (high top, low top, platform) for men, women, and kids.
• Chuck 70 Premium reissue of the original 1970s Chuck Taylor All Star with higher-quality materials, vintage details, and elevated construction.
• Converse By You (CBY) Customization Platform Global digital customization platform allowing customers to design and personalize Converse shoes with colors, prints, charms, and materials across multiple Chuck Taylor and other silhouette styles.
• Chuck Taylor All Star Lift Platform Elevated platform version of the classic Chuck Taylor with thicker sole for added height, targeting fashion-forward consumers.
• SHAI 001 Signature Basketball Shoe Signature basketball sneaker designed by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as Converse Basketball Creative Director, featuring multiple colorways including Winter Red, Steel, and Camo, and marking the first player signature shoe since Elton Brand in 2010.
• Jack Purcell Classic sneaker originally designed for badminton champion Jack Purcell, featuring signature smile-form stripe and minimalist design, part of the First String heritage collection.
• Converse Basketball Converse's basketball category featuring performance footwear for on-court athletic use, including the SHAI 001 signature line and AS 1 Pro performance basketball shoe.
• Converse Skate Skateboarding-focused footwear category with durable construction and grip-focused outsoles designed for skateboarders.
• Pride Collection Annual Pride-inspired sneaker and footwear collection featuring rainbow-themed designs across Chuck Taylor, Chuck 70, and platform styles, including customizable By You options.
• 1908 Bronco Boot (Tyler the Creator Collaboration) Tyler the Creator's collaborative sub-brand with Converse featuring the 1908 Bronco Boot with textured suede, rubber toe overlays, lug soles, and interchangeable laces.
• Converse x Collina Strada Collection Designer Hillary Taymour collaboration reimagining four Converse silhouettes with colorful gummy beads, silver charms, plaid and floral lace details, and gem embellishments.
• Converse x Minions Collection Converse x Minions collaboration featuring Chuck 70 and Chuck Taylor All Star with Minions-themed designs in yellow/black/white colorways for adults and kids.
• Converse x Vaquera Collection Collaboration with fashion label Vaquera featuring exaggerated Chuck Taylor All Star reinterpretations emphasizing materiality and disruptive style.
• Converse x Madhappy Collection Streetwear brand Madhappy collaboration reworking Chuck 70 with washed canvas and raw edge details.
• SHAI 001 Camo Colorway Camouflage colorway variant of the SHAI 001 signature sneaker, the first print on SGA's signature shoe, launching at $130.
• Run Star Hike Chunky platform-style sneaker combining retro running aesthetics with contemporary streetwear trends, featuring aggressive outsoles and bold proportions.
• Converse Flagship Retail Stores Flagship retail locations positioned as cultural spaces blending skate, art, music, and youth expression, featuring customization services and artistic installations.

Named customers4 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Minions/IlluminationminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 25 June 2026Converse x Minions collaboration featuring Chuck 70 and Chuck Taylor All Star with Minions-themed designs in yellow/black/white colorways. Products range from $45-$95 for kids and adults.
• Bhaane GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 19 June 2026Indian fashion group partnered with Converse to open the brand's largest flagship store in India at Phoenix Mall of Asia, Bengaluru. The store introduces Converse By You customization platform to India for the first time, featuring artistic installations including 'Play for Peace' skateboard installation by artist Ansh Kumar.
• Foot LockercoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 13 May 2026Foot Locker's 'Hoops Lives Here' year-round basketball brand platform features Converse alongside Nike, Jordan Brand. Campaign spans broadcast, social, digital, out-of-home, in-store, and e-commerce channels featuring NBA and WNBA stars as ambassadors.
• DeezerminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 19 March 2026Deezer partnership platform Deezer for Business includes Converse among brand partners. The music streaming platform offers AI detection technology for identifying AI-generated music and combating royalty fraud, extending existing relationships across music ecosystem.
• Tyler the CreatorcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 13 November 20251908 Bronco Boot collaboration with Tyler the Creator featuring four colors at $150 with textured suede, rubber toe overlays, lug soles, and interchangeable laces celebrating Converse's legacy.
• VaqueraminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 5 November 2025Fashion label Vaquera partnership with Nike and Converse featuring exaggerated Chuck Taylor All Star reinterpretations. Collection emphasizes materiality and construction integrating disruptive style with classic designs.
• MadhappyminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 21 August 2025Streetwear brand Madhappy collaboration reworking Chuck 70 with washed canvas and raw edge details. First collaboration between the brands featuring new design elements.
• Tyler the Creator (GOLF le FLEUR*)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOngoing collaboration with rapper Tyler the Creator featuring the 1908 Bronco boot collection launched November 2025. Four colorways at $150 featuring textured suede, rubber toe overlays, lug soles, and interchangeable laces.
• Comme des Garçons (PLAY)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-standing collaboration featuring PLAY Comme des Garçons heart logo sneakers. Featured in Launch section of converse.com indicating ongoing partnership and limited edition releases.
• Collina StradaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDesigner Hillary Taymour collaboration reimagining four Converse silhouettes with colorful gummy beads, silver charms, plaid and floral lace details, gem embellishments. Collection debuting June 15, 2026.
• Eric EmanuelminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration applying denim and leather materials to Chuck 70 and Weapon Ox silhouettes.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• Vans: VF Corporation-owned Vans is a heritage casual/skate sneaker brand targeting the same youth, skate, and streetwear consumer as Converse, with overlapping silhouettes, cultural collaborations, and wholesale distribution through Foot Locker and similar channels.
• New Balance: New Balance competes directly with Converse in the lifestyle/casual sneaker category (e.g., 550, 997) while extending into performance running. It shares Converse's positioning around heritage, broad demographic reach, and growing relevance with younger consumers.
• Puma: Puma competes with Converse in casual/lifestyle sneakers (Suede, RS, etc.) and is similarly reliant on celebrity and cultural collaborations (e.g., Rihanna's Fenty era) to drive cultural relevance with youth consumers.
• Skechers: Skechers directly competes with Converse in affordable casual and lifestyle footwear, with similar wholesale distribution, value-tier pricing, and family/youth appeal across core sneaker styles.
• Steve Madden: Steve Madden competes with Converse in casual lifestyle and platform sneakers, particularly in women's and youth fashion segments, with comparable price points and a similar reliance on trend-driven design.
• Dr. Martens: Dr. Martens is a heritage casual footwear brand with strong cultural relevance and youth appeal, similar to Converse. Both monetize iconic silhouettes, music/subculture associations, and collaborations (e.g., CDG, Tyler the Creator) at premium price points.
• Crocs: Crocs competes with Converse in casual, comfort-oriented footwear with broad demographic appeal and strong wholesale distribution. Like Converse, Crocs has leveraged collaborations and customization/Jibbitz to drive cultural relevance and pricing power.

Broad incumbents

• Adidas: Adidas is a broad athletic and lifestyle incumbent whose Originals line (Samba, Gazelle, Stan Smith) directly competes with Converse in heritage casual sneakers, and whose Yeezy/franchise model mirrors Converse's collaboration strategy.
• Nike: Nike is Converse's parent company and a broad incumbent across athletic and casual footwear. Nike's Dunk, Air Force 1, and Cortez directly compete with the Chuck Taylor franchise, and Nike's wholesale/DTC scale dwarfs Converse's.
• Reebok: Reebok (owned by Authentic Brands Group) competes with Converse in lifestyle/classic sneakers (Club C, Classic Leather) and targets a similar value-tier casual consumer, making it a structural substitute brand.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/c/converse
• Instagraminstagram.com/converse
• TikToktiktok.com/@converse
• Xx.com/ConverseFM
• Facebookfacebook.com/converse
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/converse

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Converse