Converse is owned by Nike.
Our “Planet” rating evaluates brands based on the environmental policies in their supply chains, from carbon emissions and wastewater to business models and product circularity. Here we rate Converse “It's a Start”. These are a few factors influencing its score:
- It uses few lower-impact materials.
- To minimise waste, it reuses some of its textile offcuts.
- It’s set a science based target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in both its direct operations and supply chain but there’s no evidence it is on track.
- It’s set a target to eliminate hazardous chemicals by 2025 and claims it’s on track to meet its target.
- There’s no evidence it’s taking actions to protect biodiversity in its supply chain.
Workers’ rights are central to our “People” rating, which assess brands’ policies and practices on everything from child labour to living wages and gender equality. Here we rate Converse “It's a Start”. These are a few factors influencing its score:
- Its social auditing program is certified by Fair Labor Association (FLA).
- It received a score of 51-60% in the 2022 Fashion Transparency Index.
- It has a basic policy to support diversity and inclusion in its supply chain.
- It claims to have a program to improve wages but there’s no evidence it ensures its workers are paid living wages in most of its supply chain.
- During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, it disclosed some policies to protect workers in its supply chain from the virus.
Brands’ animal welfare policies and, where applicable, how well they trace their animal-derived products are the focus of our “Animals” rating. Here we rate Converse “Not Good Enough”. These are a few factors influencing its score:
- It has a basic policy covering animal welfare but no clear implementation mechanisms in place.
- It appears to use leather, and wool.
- It doesn’t appear to use down, fur, angora, exotic animal skin, or exotic animal hair.
- There’s no evidence it traces any animal-derived materials to the first production stage.
Based on all publicly available information we’ve reviewed, we rate Converse “It's a Start” overall.
FAQs
Reducing Environmental Footprint
Converse is all about using eco-friendlier materials in their stuff to be kinder to the planet. They're super into being sustainable. And when it comes to being eco-savvy, they're not wasting a thing. They give leftover textile bits a new life instead of trashing them.
How is Converse socially responsible? ›
Converse will match personal donations to our approved charities, dollar-for-dollar, up to $10,000 per year. For every hour you volunteer, we will reward you with $10 to donate to the eligible charity of your choice.
Is Converse cruelty free? ›
First of all, all our glues are synthetic and non-animal based. All our canvas, Chuck Taylor All Stars styles are vegan-friendly. While the majority of our materials are animal-by-product free, the products could be manufactured in a facility which could contain animal-by-products.
Is Converse a good brand? ›
Converse is one of the premier footwear brands in the world. Their logo is internationally recognized as a symbol of the highest quality, durability, and comfort.
Are sustainable shoes good? ›
Recycled materials such as recycled rubber and polyester are frequently used to create sustainable shoes. These materials have a lower environmental footprint than those made from raw materials. Natural rubber is another preferred material as it's biodegradable, meaning it won't end up in landfills.
Is Converse owned by Nike? ›
Since 2003, we have been part of Nike, Inc. Our shoes have gained added support, stability, and technology—and our workforce has too. Joining Converse today offers you global reach, personal impact and all the benefits of being owned by Nike, while working within a nimble and independent environment.
Why is Converse so special? ›
While Converse made its name in the basketball sphere, the brand is also recognized as a wardrobe staple in skater closets, too. In the '90s, the sneaker gained popularity in the skate and punk scenes, and the label saw it as an opportunity to cater to another demographic.
What percent of people own Converse? ›
In total, 40% of U.S. sneakers owners say they like Converse. However, in actuality, among the 90% of U.S. respondents who know Converse, 44% of people like the brand. What is the usage share of Converse in the United States? All in all, 26% of sneakers owners in the United States own Converse.
What is the Converse company scandal? ›
This time it's a famous shoe brand Converse — it is claimed that they deliberately stole the designs of a young designer and released the collection without giving her any credit or compensation.
Why did Converse sue Nike? ›
In the complaint that they filed in a federal court in Oregon in July, Nike and Converse claimed that Waskowiak – who was employed by Nike as a footwear developer from 2014 to 2019 before starting his own company – and KickRich are on the hook for making “custom” footwear products that “combine purportedly genuine Nike ...
Whilst Converse is not a vegan shoe brand, many of its styles are vegan friendly. All of its shoes are made with non-animal glues, inks and adhesives, meaning that specific shoes that don't use leather or suede are vegan.
Is Converse socially responsible? ›
Converse, owned by Nike, has set some ambitious environmental goals in recent years. Currently, the brand uses some eco-friendly materials including organic and recycled cotton and polyester. It minimises off-cuts in parts of the manufacturing process and has a waste reduction strategy for most of its supply chain.
Why did Converse almost go out of business? ›
Although canvas-rubber shoes regained popularity in the 1980s as casual footwear, Converse eventually became too dependent on the "All Stars" basketball brand, whose market collapsed by 1989–1990. By 2000, Converse was slipping repeatedly into receivership as debt piled up yearly.
What are the pros of Converse? ›
Livvi DiCicco said, “They're currently my go-to shoe if I have to do a lot of walking, which is also my preferred exercise. I'd say they're comfy but also stylish. My favorite thing about Converse, though, is that there's no break-in period (in my experience).
Does Converse use recycled materials? ›
Although cotton canvas can often be treated with polyvinyl chloride, Converse “uses some eco-friendly materials including organic and recycled cotton and polyester” (Wolfe).
What is a sustainable sneaker? ›
Shoes made with high quality materials that are low impact and nontoxic like vegetable tanned leather, recycled rubber, and even plant-based options like hemp or cork offer unique performance benefits while being environmentally responsible.
Are luxury brands really sustainable? ›
As long as those involved in luxury supply chains aren't paid living wages, materials are not sourced responsibly, and parts of the industry remain shrouded in secrecy, the sector just can't be considered sustainable.
