Marquis Mills Converse founded the Converse Rubber Shoe Company in 1908 in Massachusetts. In 1917 the company designed the modern All Star shoe that was named "Non-Skids." The shoe was and it's still composed of a rubber sole and canvas upper and was first designed for basketball players. From there on, the brand boasted partnership all over the world with a massive selection of different sneakers, apparel and everyday accessories.