Converse has been a staple in the sneaker world forever. They became popular because of the aesthetics and their comfort and they are now an iconic symbol of American culture and urban fashion. The thing that has made them even more popular is that their price point has been maintained at a reasonable level and their designs have evolved with the culture, which has allowed them to remain relevant.
Despite having a very long history, there is very little that is known about the construction of these shoes, and one of the things that has stumped fans of the company forever is the existence of the two holes in the sides of the shoe that appear on almost all Converse models. Sometimes these holes are open and sometimes they are plugged shut, which makes them more a design feature than anything else, but they must have had a purpose at some point or be a remnant of a different time.
The Converse design question that everyone has
In 1908, when Marquis Mills Converse founded the Converse Rubber Shoe Company in Massachusetts, the company manufactured footwear with rubber soles intended for work and sports activities. It was in 1921 that the brand took a decisive turn, thanks to a collaboration with Chuck Taylor, a basketball player who not only helped design a model geared toward his sport but also became its greatest endorser.
Thanks to his charisma and ability to connect with athletes and coaches, Chuck Taylor managed to have Converse adopted massively by basketball teams across the country and his contribution was so significant that his name ended up printed on the side patch of the shoe, thus giving birth to the Chuck Taylor All Star. This distinction has remained intact ever since, becoming a symbol of authenticity and legacy.
The Converse All Star soon was more than just a popular sport shoe, and became a staple of alternative and musical culture. In the 1970s and 1980s, they began to be seen on the feet of musicians, artists, and cultural rebels. Figures such as Kurt Cobain, members of the Sex Pistols, and the Rolling Stones wore them on stage, on album covers, and in photo shoots.
It is no wonder that this model has remained popular over the years, after all the high sides and low platform make it practical for everyday wear and activity alike, plus the design makes it feel a lot more custom and in today’s fashion climate they can either be dressed down or made to look intentional as formal wear.
The hole was put there when it was a sport stapple for the obvious reason of offering ventilation to its wearer during stressful and sweaty activities like a game. Given that at the time they were made out of materials like canvas, which can retain some heat and moisture, the side holes allow air to circulate inside the shoe. This helps keep feet cool during prolonged use and by preventing excessive foot sweat it also helps reduce unpleasant odors.
But they also have another purpose that is a lot less known, and that is to allow the ability to adjust the laces differently. Although most people overlook this option, the side holes are designed for a more secure fit on the arch of the foot, which is especially useful for people with high arches or for those who want extra support in specific situations, such as long walks.
This purpose was likely used a lot more when they were almost exclusively used by basketball players, but if you like the aesthetics of the shoe but are missing a bit of functionality, you may want to try a few new different lacing techniques.