The surprising reason why Converse sneakers have fuzzy bottoms (2024)

The surprising reason why Converse sneakers have fuzzy bottoms (1) The surprising reason why Converse sneakers have fuzzy bottoms (2)

The surprising reason why Converse sneakers have fuzzy bottoms (3)

Flickr/Chris Evans

If you've ever wondered why your Converse All Stars have fuzzy bottoms, you may be disappointed to find out that it has less to do with "increased traction" (as some have speculated) and everything to do with the almighty dollar.

The felt soles on the bottoms of the All Stars — and other imported soles — are a perfectexample of "tariff engineering," explainsthepatent blog Gazetc.com.

Translation:The outsourced soles arespecially designed to fetch a lower US import tax.

In this case, the special felt bottoms of the All Star cover more than 50% of the shoe's sole and allow it to be classified as a "slipper."

Here's the kicker: Tariffrates for importing shoesinto the US can be as high as37.5% and vary widely based on material used, but classifying the shoe as a slipper guaranteesthe rate at 3%. When you sell in the volume that Converse does, this adds up to a significant amount of savings. In 2013, shoe importers paid the US $2.4 billion in duty fees, according to trade publication Joc.com.

Gazetc unearthed this weird factafter searching the patent code of the sole(6,430,844) on Google's patentsearching engine. What comes back is not a patent for a shoe at all, but something that looks like — and is described as — a slipper.

The surprising reason why Converse sneakers have fuzzy bottoms (4)

US Patent and Trademark Office

Fortunately, the fuzzy bottom doesn't affect the performance of the shoe.

Though some have complained that their Chucks tend to be slippery out of the box, many have reported that the fuzz is not permanent and completely rubs off after being worn for about a month.

The surprising reason why Converse sneakers have fuzzy bottoms (2024)

FAQs

Why do Converse shoes have fuzzy soles? ›

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 are the bottom of Converse shoes made of? ›

Converse proudly claims that they exclusively use natural gum rubber, with no synthetic rubber made from fossil fuels.

Why are there holes in the bottom of 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.

Why do people like Converse shoes so much? ›

Because of their sheer versatility, they make a great shoe to travel with. You can wear them en route to your destination, no matter how you're traveling, or stuff them into your suitcase with ease. Then, once you arrive, you can wear those Chucks with everything.

What is the fuzzy material on shoes called? ›

Suede. Fabric also known as. Fuzzy leather, napped leather, Ultrasuede.

What are the 2 holes at the bottom of 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.

Why do shoes have patterns on the bottom? ›

The wear pattern on the sole of your running shoe can provide important clues to how your weight is distributed as you run. It can also help you select the best running shoe for you. There are three different wear patterns - neutral, medial and lateral - that can indicate overpronation or supination.

What's the difference between Converse 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 makes Converse different from other shoes? ›

The Converse brand is emblematic; the design style is basic and classic. If you go out, on holiday, at work, or get married, you can wear a pair of Converse sneakers. Their flexibility eases tension for people who don't like wearing a lot of clothes while they're on their way.

Why do Converse soles turn yellow? ›

Why do white soles turn yellow? White objects - including your shoe soles - will turn yellow as a result of oxidisation. This is simple exposure to oxygen in the air that affects many white goods. They may also turn yellow over time from contact with dirt and mud.

Why do my feet hurt when I wear 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.

Are Converse meant to be worn 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 is so special about Converse? ›

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.

Why do girls lift with 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.

Why do girls work out in Converse? ›

They protect your feet

Converse provides you with a much-needed balance that's needed when lifting weights. They also really helpful because when you're trying to lift weights off the ground they make you closer to the floor, making a lot less work for you as there aren't any inches on the soles.

Are fuzzy shoes in style? ›

The Fall/Winter 2023 season has made it clear: furry shoes are in. Further proving that this is the It shoe trend of the season, Fashion month attendees have not been shy to sport fluffy shoes for top street style moments. From Copenhagen Fashion Week to London Fashion Week, furry shoes are here to stay.

What are fake shoes called? ›

1. Unauthorized/Replica. Pro Tip: If you're not sure if shoes are real or not, do a “Legit Check” on Twitter or Facebook.

What is the fabric fuzzy on one side? ›

Minky fabric, also known as plush fabric or microfiber fabric, is made from 100% polyester fibers that are knitted into fabrics of varying weights and pile heights. Most minky fabric is one-sided, meaning the plusher, fur-like texture is only on the top side.

What is the toe part on Converse called? ›

The toe cap, which is also known as the bumper or toe roll, is an extension of a sneaker's outsole that covers the very front of the toes in durable rubber material. The toe cap helps protect the frontmost portion of a sneaker, which can often be susceptible to wear. A toe cap is especially common in athletic shoes.

What are the hearts on Converse? ›

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. Established in 1908, Converse's legendary legacy began with their sneakers originally worn as basketball shoes.

What's the bottom of a shoe called? ›

Outsole: The piece of hard material on the bottom of the shoe. This can be leather - which is more breathable but also more vulnerable to moisture and water damage - or rubber - which offers some protection against the elements, but is less formal.

How do I stop wearing down heels? ›

If you wear the same pair of shoes everyday your heels will wear out quickly. Try rotating between a few pairs of shoes to get the most out of your heels. The heavier you are will also influence the force exerted on the heels and consequently the rate of wear.

Why do I wear out the heels of my shoes? ›

Shoes wear out over time for good reason. “The average person takes 5,000 to 15,000 steps a day,” Dr. Russ said. “Every time you strike your heel, you are striking with three times your weight and transferring some of that weight through the rest of your foot.

What is the rubber on Converse? ›

The gum rubber sole is usually implemented into sports shoes developed for indoor, hardcourt sports, such as squash, badminton, and tennis. There are some advantages to a gum rubber sole: 1) The rubber does not leave marks upon a hard court surface. 2) The rubber heats up as you play, providing additional grip.

Why do my shoes have cloth at bottom? ›

In the US, this has to do with import duties and tariffs. Footwear companies found that if they put just enough textile on the outsole of a shoe, it can come into the US at a much lower rate of duty than a shoe with a sole of leather or rubber. Why do shoe soles have cavity (hollow boxes in the ankle part)?

Why do my Converse make a weird noise when I walk? ›

As a first step, try drying up any moisture that has built up in the shoe. Talcum powder is perfect for this job, and it smells nice too. Baking powder or cornflour will work too if you don't have talc. If your insoles are removable, you can take them out and put the talc on the base of the shoe.

How can you tell the difference between fake and original Converse shoes? ›

Authentic Converse shoes will have a serial number on the label on the inside of the tongue and each shoe will bear this number. If you have two different numbers then something is off. This number should also be on the box they came in as well.

What is the rubber on shoes called? ›

Typically made of rubber, the outsole is the bottom of the shoe. The outsole provides traction and contributes to how soft or firm the shoe "rides" as well as its torsional rigidity and flexibility. Carbon Rubber – This durable rubber compound makes up the majority of running shoe outsoles.

Are Converse shoes rubber shoes? ›

Converse are high top shoes with eight silver eyelets on both sides , made with rubber and fabric.

Why do my Converse smell like rubber? ›

Because the base of the product is made from rubber, and it being brand new, it will emit this odor, which the process is called outgassing. This outgassing will dissipate in time, but to help speed up the process, there are a few things that can be done, and I personally had success doing this.

Why do sneakers have white bottom? ›

Their soles are made from blown rubber, a lower-density, softer material that contains more air and weighs less. Hence they are more popular to be used for sneakers to make comfortable soles. White color is a cool color and it reflects the heat waves which makes it cooler underside.

Should my Converse be tight or loose? ›

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.

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