Columbus Unveils Custom ‘Chucks’
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowThe city of Columbus is partnering with Converse to offer custom Chuck Taylor sneakers. Taylor was captain of the Columbus High School basketball team from 1916-1919. The shoes are available in Columbus North Bull Dog blue or Columbus East Olympian orange.
October 22, 2014
News Release
Columbus, Ind. — Chuck Taylor is the most famous name in footwear, and Columbus is the hometown of the man behind the brand.
Community members have the opportunity to honor Taylor's hometown heritage with special-edition Converse All Star Chuck Taylor sneakers that feature an exclusive Columbus design.
Mayor Kristen Brown partnered with Converse and Hoosier Sporting Goods to produce the unique shoes to raise awareness of Taylor’s history with the city and generate community spirit. Taylor was captain of the Columbus High School varsity basketball team from 1916-1919 before he went on to become a traveling salesman and marketing force for Converse All Star shoes. His efforts earned him his signature on the ankle patch of the shoes in 1932.
“Chuck Taylor is the most recognizable name in footwear, but many people do not realize he grew up playing basketball right here in Columbus,” Mayor Kristen Brown said. “Our community can celebrate Chuck's heritage with exclusive Columbus-style sneakers thanks to the generosity of Converse and Hoosier Sporting Goods.”
The shoes feature Taylor's signature on the classic Columbus “Dancing C” logo and the outline of a basketball court. The free-throw lane is shaped like the state of Indiana, and the Converse five-point star designates the city's location.
The design was created by Conner Writt, a former Indiana high school basketball player studying marketing and fashion design at Indiana University. Mayor Brown, Indiana University Center for Art+Design Director Kelly Wilson and Hoosier Sporting Goods Owner Mike Bodart collaborated with Writt and helped guide the design. Bodart also gathered feedback from his store customers during the design’s development.
The exclusive sneakers are available in both adult and children sizes and come in Columbus North Bull Dog blue or Columbus East Olympian orange. They can be purchased at Hoosier Sporting Goods, 611 Washington St., or online at www.hoosiersportinggoods.com. Adult-size sneakers are $57.99; children’s sizes are $38.99. The shoes are being offered at a 23-percent discount off the retail price of $75.
The Columbus “Chucks” are only available for a limited amount of time and must be purchased by Nov. 9. They are expected to be delivered around Dec. 5 and can be picked up from Hoosier Sporting Goods. The store will notify customers when they are available.
Community members are encouraged to wear their Columbus “Chucks” or any other pair of Converse All Star Chuck Taylors on Dec. 18 and Dec. 19 to work and school and for the Columbus East vs. Columbus North girls and boys basketball games.
Mayor Brown will be proclaiming each day in honor of Chuck Taylor and the Converse All Star sneakers that he established as the most successful and iconic footwear ever.
Converse says the All Star Chuck Taylor sneakers are the most successful footwear franchise in the history of footwear. Estimates indicate more than 800 million pairs of “Chucks” have been sold.
For more information about Chuck Taylor and the exclusive Columbus “Chucks,” visit www.wearyourchucks.com. To order the shoes, visit Hoosier Sporting Goods website.
– See more at: http://www.columbus.in.gov/news/community-celebrates-chuck-taylor-with-exclusive-sneakers/#sthash.jaXic7VY.dpuf