Converse: This is what the little holes on the side are for (2024)

Updated

by Lola Bee

Have you ever wondered what the little holes on the sides of your Converse are for? Here’s the explanation!

Converse: This is what the little holes on the side are for (1)

© Camila Damásio/UNSPLASH

Do you own a pair of Converse and have never understood what the little holes on the sides are for? Don’t worry, we’ve solved that mystery for you!

To ventilate the feet?

Contrary to what might immediately come to mind, the little holes are definitely not there to ventilate your feet when you wear your Converse! Because these trainers are first and foremost sports footwear, these holes are actually there to improve the support of your feet.

In fact, threading your laces through these holes gives your feet more support and, as a result, prevents you from spraining your ankles.

Converse: This is what the little holes on the side are for (2)

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Converse, an iconic shoe

These trainers are timeless, and we all have a pair in our wardrobe. Converse have managed to become a necessity and eternal classic.

The brand was started in 1908 in Massachusetts in the United States. First called ‘Converse Rubber Shoe Company,’ it was founded by Marquis Mills who gave the company his mother’s name.

They first specialised in rubber clogs, and the company then decided to change direction and produce trainers with one very specific goal: stopping people from falling over! In fact, after Marquis Mills painfully slipped over, he came up with the idea for a shoe that wouldn’t slip.

The first trainers that were sold were the Converse All Star Canvases, followed by the Converse Chuck Taylor All Stars in 1918, which were a huge success. This second pair was designed by Chuck Taylor, a young basketball player who made the brand popular. Little by little, the world of professional trainers accepted and incorporated Converse and made them the shoe of choice.

A success over time

These shoes never get old and never go out of style. In 2015, a billion pairs were sold around the entire world. Adored by the youngest social media users (where the hashtag #Converse has been used in thousands of posts), praised by their first worshippers, these famous trainers are still loved by many!

Converse: This is what the little holes on the side are for (2024)

FAQs

What are the side holes for in Converse? ›

Well, wonder no more - it turns out their first purpose is to provide a little ~ventilation to your feet. The holes allow air to circulate around and stop your feet getting all sweaty.

What are the tiny holes in Converse? ›

Initially made for playing basketball, the holes allow air to get into the shoe - much like the breathable material your gym trainers are made out of - and help stop your feet getting sweaty.

What are the 2 holes on the side of shoes for? ›

Ever wonder what those extra shoelace holes on your sneakers are for? They aren't just for show. They're actually intended to keep your foot snug in your shoe, thereby preventing extra friction.

What are the two holes for on Converse high tops? ›

Aside from allowing your feet to breathe when you are not wearing socks, the holes are also meant to be used for “bar lacing.” This method allows your shoes to be tighter around your feet.

What is the loop in Converse for? ›

It's an especially good option if your heels tend to slide around in your shoes, which may be causing the tongue to slip to the side. Since the loop holds the laces in place at the top of the tongue, there won't be a ton of friction pulling your tongue to one side or the other.

What is the difference between Converse All Star and Chuck Taylors? ›

What is the difference between Converse and Chuck Taylors? Converse is the name of the company that makes the Chuck Taylor, like Nike is the brand that makes Air Jordan sneakers.

What are the holes on the side of shoes called? ›

Eyestay, or lace stay, is the part of a shoe that houses the eyelets. There are two eyestays in laced shoes, each running along the length of the shoe on opposite sides of the shoe. Eyestays serve as reinforcement around the eyelet holes – where shoelaces are threaded through.

Are you supposed to wear socks with Converse? ›

It is always recommended that you wear some form of socks with your footwear. Luckily, there are plenty of types of socks to wear with Converse, though.

What do fake converses look like? ›

Check the stitching and paint

Authentic Converse sneakers all have sturdy stitches on the upper. The stitching usually comes in white, except for the monochrome and ivory color versions that have tonal stitching. The paint on the rubber piping should also be straight and solid. Fake ones are usually faded and uneven.

Why is there a hole on the side of my shoes? ›

Most road shoes will have a mesh upper, with tiny holes, to allow heat to escape from the feet and keep them comfortable. A well fitted shoe should also have mesh which is strong enough to withstand the demands placed on it through running, for the duration of the shoe's useful life.

Why do I get holes on the side of my shoes? ›

Repetitive pressure & rubbing from your big toe or your little toe may cause small holes to appear on the upper of your shoes, what does this mean? Some possibilities include: Choose a shoe with a wider toe box to allow some wiggle room. Try half a size larger shoe.

What is the purpose of the extra hole in sneakers? ›

That extra eyelet is the key to employing a heel lock, also called a lace lock or a runner's loop. Tied properly, it holds the heel tightly in place, providing support and preventing excess rubbing that might cause blisters. Using the eyelet to create a heel lock is simple: Lace up your shoes normally.

Why do my feet hurt after wearing Converse? ›

Converse sneakers

Sneakers are supposed to be safe footwear bets, but this old classic shoe has a high foot-pain rating (they can cause heel pain, stress fractures and tendinitis) thanks to their flat, stiff soles.

Do you wear socks with high top Converse? ›

You should never make the mistake of wearing Converse sneakers (or any shoe) without socks. Not only will you get blisters, but it's extremely unhygienic and almost always leaves an unpleasant smell that never seems to leave your shoes.

How are you meant to wear Converse high tops? ›

“High top Converse are great because they go with literally any type of jean,” says Ella-Louise. “My favorite way to wear them is with boyfriend-style straight-leg jeans, as these tend to come with a raw edge (meaning it's slightly jagged and not hemmed).

Why do people squat in Converse? ›

Converse shoes are a decent option for squats - they have a flat sole, and they lack cushion, which means that the foot will remain firmly planted on the ground, allowing the athlete to maintain proper form and balance.

Why is everyone lifting in Converse? ›

So why do powerlifters wear Converse shoes? Converse shoes are great for powerlifting because of their flat sole and high ankle support. The flat sole allows lifters to feel better connected to the floor, which increases balance and reduces the overall range of motion (during deadlifts).

Is it good to walk in Converse? ›

Are Converse Good for Walking? Converse sneakers can be good for walking short distances, but it's better to wear a pair of walking shoes. They're very flat-bottomed, so they aren't the best for walking long distances.

What's more popular Vans or Converse? ›

Converse's brand is ranked #831 in the list of Global Top 1000 Brands, as rated by customers of Converse. Vans's brand is ranked #16 in the list of Global Top 100 Brands, as rated by customers of Vans. Their current valuation is $8.55B.

Which Converse are more popular? ›

According to the Converse website, low and high-top platform Chuck Taylor All-Star Lifts are the best-selling sneaker for women, while the Chuck Taylor All-Star classic (high and low top), as well as Chuck 70 Vintage Canvas, remain the brand's best sellers in the men's category.

Why are Converse All Star shoes so popular? ›

Converse All Stars also became the official shoe of the Olympic Games from 1936 to 1968, a fact not known by many. Olympic Games got the shoes its cool tag and rest is history, soon it became a household name with people who didn't want to wear just sneakers.

How long do Chuck Taylors last? ›

Longevity. OG Chuck Taylors are not at all a long-lasting shoe. Most people who have them in regular rotation generally find they last around a year before the heels wear through and the canvas starts to fall apart.

What are tiny holes on the shoes called? ›

As we know, an eyelet is a small hole punched in the shoe's upper that allows the shoe to be tied. The eyelets are reinforced with metal grommets which can protect the upper shoe structure and avoid damage. The eyelet has the same basic function: to hold the shoelaces in place so that the shoes can be tightened later.

Why did my Converse break so easily? ›

Thin rubber sole: The sole of Chuck Taylors is made of thin rubber, which can wear down and crack easily, especially with regular use. Lack of arch support: Chuck Taylors have a flat sole with minimal arch support, which can cause the sole to bend and wear down more easily.

Are Converse owned by Nike? ›

In July 2003, Nike paid US$309 million to acquire Converse. Around 2010, Nike relaunched the footwear, taking advantage of the wave of 1980s revival. The company also expanded the Converse brand to include apparel and accessories, akin to Nike's other brands.

Which side is the original Converse logo? ›

Converse shoes have their logo on the inside, the only exceptions were the Jewel All Star (logo on the outside) and the All Star 2000 (logo on both sides). Thanks!

What is the original Converse shoe? ›

The Converse All-Star began life as an elite basketball shoe back in 1917 in its original canvas and rubber make up, which still remains today, available in a natural brown with black trimming as its first colour way.

What are the heart Converse called? ›

Comme des Garçons PLAY is the most popular and sought-after diffusion line of Comme des Garçons. It is primarily known for its iconic bug-eyed red heart motif designed by the New York-based artist Filip Pagowski, which has become the face of the line.

Are Converse good for daily wear? ›

Converse are durable shoes thanks to the high quality materials they are made with. The gum rubber soles are made to withstand high impact and daily use, and the tough canvas upper is difficult to tear or damage without excessive force.

How many eyelets do Chuck Taylors have? ›

A: My Chucks are the same - 6 eyelets.

What is the fuzzy stuff on the bottom of Converse? ›

So, why is it there in the first place? It turns out that that felt is there not for functional reasons, but for economic ones—shoes with fuzzy soles are taxed less when imported than those with rubber ones.

What Colour were the original Converse? ›

When first designed in the early decades of the twentieth century, the Converse All Star had three main styles: a monochromatic shoe with a black canvas upper and black rubber soles, an all-white, high-top model with blue and red trim (designed for the 1936 Olympic Games), and an all black leather and rubber shoe.

How long should shoes last? ›

As a general rule of thumb, shoes should be replaced every 8-12 months for most people or every 500-700 kilometres for running shoes. Some shoes will last longer, and some will wear out more quickly.

How long should on cloud shoes last? ›

The lifespan of a pair of On Cloud shoes will vary depending on how often you run, your body type, and the conditions where you train. Most running shoes last somewhere around 500 miles, but that can vary. If you're unsure, carefully inspect the shoe for wear and tear.

What was the B side of hole in my shoe? ›

Smiling Phases

Why do my pinky toes poke holes in my shoes? ›

The combination of toenails that are too long and running shoes that don't fit your foot properly can cause one or more of your toes to wear holes through the top of your shoe.

What are sneaker balls for? ›

Sneaker Balls Shoe Deodorizer and Freshener Balls for Shoes, Gym Bags, and Lockers remove foot odors and other odor-causing bacteria from shoes, gym bags, gear bags, lockers, and closets.

What are eyelets on sneakers? ›

An eyelet is a hole in the upper of a shoe or boot through which the laces are threaded.

Should you lace the last hole? ›

The extra shoelace hole is actually for preventing blisters and for stopping your foot sliding around while you run. This is how it works: Lace up your shoes as normal. Then, use the extra holes to create loops on each side of your shoe.

Should Converse fit tight? ›

In general, Converse fit bigger than your average shoe. On their site, the brand states that Converse fit a half size bigger but some people say to go down a full size, especially if you wear a larger size to start with.

Are vans and Converse bad for your feet? ›

Vans & Converse are two good examples. Both are commonly worn by young people in Ireland, but both are famous for having flat soles and offering no arch support (though Converse did introduce a new line with arch support in 2016), which can be quite harmful, particularly to young people who are still growing.

How can I make my Converse more comfortable to walk in? ›

Throw Them In The Wash

Give them a wash! The fabric on your chucks may be a little stiff and until you really wear them in, it may take some blisters. So speed up the process by throwing them in the wash to get the fabric softened up a bit. What is this?

Am I too old to wear Converse high tops? ›

As long as you like them and they're comfy go for it! Never too old. In my opinion, one is NEVER too old to buy and wear Converse shoes!

Can you wear Converse high tops with jeans? ›

While both dark and light high top Converse will work well with white jeans, the look works best in monochrome. So go all white for the bottom half of your look, then layer darker shades on your top half.

Why do my feet squeak in Converse? ›

What Causes the Squeak? The noises you hear when your shoes are squeaking may be caused by air or moisture getting trapped different parts of the shoe. Predominantly, this is usually in the insole area and when the insole rubs against another part of the shoe, it creates that squeaking noise.

Can you wear high top converse with mom jeans? ›

High rise “mom jeans” look the best with high top Converse. … especially the kind that lightly flare out at the bottom and are a little cropped, but unfortunately I don't have that kind of pair. You want them to be high waisted due to that whole proportions thing.

What pants go with black Converse? ›

A great way of styling your black Converse shoes with earthy tones such as beige, cream and khaki for example, and we recommend in that case the black High-Top Chuck Taylor Converse shoes with slim fit or straight leg trousers. Black on Black.

Why do girls work out in Converse? ›

Converse chuck taylors are great for weightlifting as they provide a stable flat base for your feet. There is absolutely no give so you are practically on flat ground. This way your legs push down on the ground firmly without any cushion to make your legs all wobbly under a heavy weight.

Should I squat in Converse or barefoot? ›

So are squat shoes or converse shoes better for squatting? If you are a tall lifter, squat in a low bar position, or have poor ankle/hip mobility, you should use squat shoes. If you squat in a wide stance, use a low bar position, or have adequate ankle/hip mobility, you should use converse shoes.

Are you supposed to lift in Converse? ›

The simple answer – yes! Although originally designed for basketball, Converse are considered a good beginner shoe for weightlifting and powerlifting. What is this? This is because they have flat rubber soles that enforce correct posture on movements such as squats, deadlifts and bench presses.

Can you stand in Converse all day? ›

Also, keep in mind Converse have basically no arch support. And at the end of the day, there's defnitely pressure on the bottom and sometimes top of my feet. So yes, I can walk in Converse all day, but for optimal comfort you're better off picking the likes of a good sneaker, Keens, Dr.

Why does the Converse logo face inwards? ›

Because converse means opposite, thus the logo is placed inside the shoes as the inside is the opposite side of the shoes.

Why did Converse move their logo? ›

The motivation to redesign comes from the company's new purpose statement, “Converse exists to serve the daring spirit of youth with tools that enable movement(s).” The parenthetical “s” is very intentional here, being used to speak to both physical activity and cultural change.

What are the benefits of wearing Converse? ›

Converses tend to lack the cushioning that normal shoes typically have. And that's a big benefit for people who want to get into lifting, as the lack of excess cushioning provides a better feeling for the ground and more stability so that you can remain firmly on your feet, even when lifting heavy weights.

What are the weaknesses of Converse? ›

Some of the key weaknesses of Converse are: Lack of Differentiation: Though Converse has different names for different categories of shoes, they have a lot of products on one line with minute differences that is not easy to spot. This lack of differentiation often creates confusion in the mind of the customers.

What are the most comfortable Chuck Taylors? ›

Which Chuck Taylors are most comfortable? The most comfortable Converse Chuck Taylors are the Chuck 70 because it has better arch support and more cushioning in the sole.

What are the two holes of chucks? ›

What are the two holes for in Converse sneakers? They exist for air circulation and to put a lace through, however many people don't see the point of putting a lace through those holes. Converse are meant to be worn without socks(yes not even no show socks) and the two holes help keep your feet cool.

What are the metal holes in Converse shoes called? ›

eyelet Add to list Share.

What are the metal holes in Converse called? ›

The metal rings are called aglets or aiglets. These keep the laces from unraveling.

Can I wear Converse without socks? ›

You should never make the mistake of wearing Converse sneakers (or any shoe) without socks. Not only will you get blisters, but it's extremely unhygienic and almost always leaves an unpleasant smell that never seems to leave your shoes.

What are drill chucks used for? ›

Drill chucks are spindle-mounted mechanisms that hold a drill or other cutting instrument. They come in keyed, keyless, and hybrid systems, allowing for rapid drill bit changes. Drill Chucks are frequently linked to a machine's spindle through a Drill Chuck Arbor that may be removed.

Why do people squat in chucks? ›

Due to their higher rise, high-top Converse provide a little more ankle support and stability than low-tops, although no Converse have padding or cushioning for your ankle joints. They are, therefore, the better choice for squats, as they will stabilize your ankle as you descend and ascend during each rep.

Why are Converse shoes called Chucks? ›

Converse started making an early basketball shoe in 1917 and redesigned it in 1922, when Chuck Taylor asked the company to create a better shoe with more support and flexibility. After Converse added Taylor's signature to the ankle patch they became known as Chuck Taylor All Stars.

Why are Converse laces so long? ›

Whether you wear a size 7 or a size 20, the shoe manufacturer has to ensure that all shoes can be fully laced up. As a result, the length that was deemed necessary for that size 20 sneaker is the same length you receive. This way, shoes don't have to be returned simply because the laces were too short to tie.

Where is the soul of the shoe? ›

Sole: This is the entire part of the shoe that sits below the wearer's foot. As opposed to the upper. The upper and sole make up the whole of the shoe.

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