Marquis M. Converse opened the Converse Rubber Shoe Company in Malden, Massachusetts in 1908 and started out with winterized footwear for men, women, and children. Through innovations, leadership and contributions Converse has built a shoe brand around the heritage and soul of American sports in the 20th century. Keeping up with the evolution and popularity of basketball, tennis, football, baseball and track, Converse shoes have become a favorite worldwide. Over the years, Converse has created collections in Sports Performance, Sports Lifestyle and Sports Classics. With nearly a century of sports history and footwear innovation, Converse is more than shoes. Its rich history tells a story of American sports and innovators that came together for the love of sports.