Oldest sneaker brand

Converse (USA) was founded in 1908 by Marquis Mills Converse. Originally known as the Converse Rubber Shoe Company, the firm has been in continuous operation ever since.

Converse was initially based in Malden, Massachusetts, USA, and specialized in galoshes (waterproof rubber overshoes). In 1910, however, the company began manufacturing sneakers for the first time, and in 1917 produced “Non-Skids”, the first basketball shoe to be marketed as such.