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. Soon after, a consistent line of sports performance and sport-inspired footwear including canvas shoes for tennis, Chuck Taylor® All Star® basketball shoes and Jack Purcell® shoes were created. 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.