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Ked's
In 1892, the then Rubber Shoe Company, Goodyear, teamed up with the U.S Rubber Company, and they began to manufacture shoes made of canvas materials and rubber. They settled on the name Ked's. -
Birth of Charles Taylor
Charles (Chuck) Taylor was born this day. He grew up in Columbus, In. -
Birth of Jack Purcell
John Edward (Jack) Purcell is born in canada. -
Converse
Marquis M. Converse created the Converse Shoe Company. The shoes became popular in the game of basketball, and the company became an american icon. -
"Sneakers"
Sometime during the year 1917, an advertiser coined the nickname "Sneakers" for the Ked's shoes becaue they were virtually silent on almost all surfaces. -
All-Stars
Converse releases their Converse All-Stars, made for basketball performance. -
Adidas
Adidad, founded by Adi Dassler, were produced handmade, from his mother's laundry room. Without the use of electricity. -
Chuck Taylor's
An Indiana hoops star by the name of Chuck Taylor endorsed the Converse All Star brand, and the shoes became known as Chuck Taylor All-Stars. They started being worn by basketball players, kids, and the rebellious teens everywhere. -
Tennis shoes
Adidas makes the first tennis shoes, which soon become the most popular athletic shoes in the world. -
Jack Purcell's
Converse, endorsed by Jack Purcell, came out with shoes of that name. These shoes were worn by Hollywood stars, and bad boys alike. -
Pumas
Puma Rudolf Dassler is founded and the first football shoes are introduced. They were first worn by the West German football team. -
Period: to
Sneakers as a Fashion Statement
Through the 1950's kids started wearing sneakers as a fashion statement. They were easily obtained because they did not cost much. The liking grew after James Dean wore them in his movie "Rebel Without a Cause." -
Induction
Chuck Taylor was elected into the Sporting Goods Hall of Fame. -
Nike
The name Nike is used as a shoe labes, after the Greek goddess of victory. They were a low-cost and high-performance sneaker. -
Swoosh
Nike buys it's now famous Swoosh symbol from a college student for just $35. -
Air Jordan's
With endorsement from Michael Jordan, Nike releases their Air Jordans. -
Nike Shox
Nike Shox are introduced, they were the most high tech support system. -
Nike takes over
The Converse Co. is acquired by Nike. -
Music and Shoes.
Reebok releases it's G-Unit series, the first ever partnership of music and shoes. -
Adidas Won't be Outdone
Adidas buys up Reebok, so as not to be out done by Nike. -
Now
The Sneaker business is now a $13 billion industry.
