From the 1970s, the company lost its dominant position as competitors presented their own styles. It was one of the few producers of athletic shoes and for over a half century the company dominated the American athletic shoe market. ĭuring World War II, Converse shifted its manufacturing to make footwear for the military. Founded in 1908, it has been a subsidiary of Nike, Inc. Converse ( / ˈ k ɒ n v ər s/) is an American shoe company that designs, distributes, and licenses sneakers, skating shoes, lifestyle brand footwear, apparel, and accessories.
