PUMA has developed an experimental version of its most iconic sneaker, the SUEDE, to test for a product to make it biodegradable. By doing so, PUMA aims to meet the growing demand for sustainable products for a better future.

At home or while traveling, comfortable and casual shoes are a must for getting around.

2017 marks the 100th year anniversary of the ever-popular Converse All Stars.

"All Star Rocks" (CC BY 2.0) by Lel4nd

The Converse Rubber Shoe Company was founded in 1908 by Marquis Mills Converse, and in 1917 the business created the All-Star design. The comfortable training shoe was originally designed for professional basketball players: for the first time, shoes were made up of a canvas body with a rubber sole and were presented in various colors and patterns. The firm sponsored a basketball team called the Converse All Stars and player Charles ‘Chuck’ Taylor became the face of the team. Chuck travelled around the States teaching and promoting the basketball game in schools and sports clubs, endorsing the All-Star shoes along the way.

Since then, Converse All Stars have never been out of fashion. They are a consistently trendy design which are worn by men and women alike and have even been an accepted fashion item for children.

Women Embrace the Unisex Style

To celebrate the upcoming 100th anniversary of the All Stars, coupon experts Couponbox interviewed Elizabeth Semmelhack, author of Out of the Box: The Rise of Sneaker Culture and curator of a shoe museum in Toronto. She explains how the original male basketball shoe slowly became a women’s fashion necessity, pointing out that the All Stars hit unisex shelves during the hipster fashion era of the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Female celebrities have endorsed the style over time and are regularly photographed and filmed on TV sporting the trendy shoe. But who are we talking about? Let’s have a look at a few stars who have been spotted wearing them.

Hollywood Fans

In the acting world, Renée Zellweger, Jennifer Aniston and Drew Barrymore have all been photographed in a casually styled outfit with matching All Stars. Jodie Foster was seen at a film premiere in a blue silk suit with matching blue Converse and Keira Knightley has often been photographed in her favorite All Stars, coupled with baggy slacks and a knitted cardigan.

Jessica Alba sometimes kicks off her heels and has been photographed playing basketball in loose sports gear and purple All-Star shoes.

Hollywood darling Reese Witherspoon has shown up in a summery, cool outfit of shorts, white top, hat and white Converse All Stars.

Christina Ricci - via Twitter (@celebinconverse)

And check out Christina Ricci in the photo above, where she’s wearing casual jeans, a T-shirt and her All Stars. (see video below)

All Stars have not only been fashioned with the casual “baggy jeans” look by celebs. We have also seen them styled with smarter wear, accompanying evening dresses and red carpets.

For instance, Kristen Stewart is known for her imaginative flair for fashion and was photographed at the MTV Movie Awards in a red-and-black mini dress with black Converse All Stars.

Pop Stars and Their Converse

Katy Perry - via Twitter (@celebinconverse)

For instance, Katy Perry has been seen with several different styles of Converse and has even been on stage in a bubble-gum dress with bright pink All Stars.

As you see, Converse All Stars well deserve to celebrate their 100th year anniversary and could easily continue for another century as an affordable, long-lasting trendy fashion item. The simply designed training shoe has become a timeless statement that can be worn by A-list celebrities or Joe Bloggs and won’t be easily dismissed.

With the sunshine finally creeping into our lives I am sure that you have been through all your winter clothes and shoes and either thrown them out or put them to the side?

Converse as we know it, will be no more, for the first time since its introduction in 1917 the Converse Chuck Taylor is changing.

Making its debut on the 28 July 2015, the iconic sneaker will now be known as the Converse Chuck Taylor All Star II
“The launch of Chuck II is a ground-breaking moment for Converse as we continue to move the brand forward through creativity and innovation, ushering in not just a new sneaker, but a completely new way of thinking." Jim Calhoun, Converse President and CEO.

The new Converse Chuck Taylor All Star II new innovative features include;

• Nike Lunarlon sock liner for superior full foot cushioning and arch support
• Foam padded collar and non-slip gusseted tongue for 360-degree comfort
• A perforated micro suede liner, for breathability during extended periods of wear

New Premium details;

• Constructed from durable premium canvas, the exterior of the Chuck Taylor All Star II elevates the sneaker’s most recognizable features with premium details including:
• A fully embroidered All Star patch
• On-trend high foxing
• Monochrome matte eyelets

Converse as we know it, will be no more, for the first time since its introduction in 1917 the Converse Chuck Taylor is changing.

Making its debut on the 28 July 2015, the iconic sneaker will now be known as the Converse Chuck Taylor All Star II
“The launch of Chuck II is a ground-breaking moment for Converse as we continue to move the brand forward through creativity and innovation, ushering in not just a new sneaker, but a completely new way of thinking." Jim Calhoun, Converse President and CEO.

The new Converse Chuck Taylor All Star II new innovative features include;

• Nike Lunarlon sock liner for superior full foot cushioning and arch support
• Foam padded collar and non-slip gusseted tongue for 360-degree comfort
• A perforated micro suede liner, for breathability during extended periods of wear

New Premium details;

• Constructed from durable premium canvas, the exterior of the Chuck Taylor All Star II elevates the sneaker’s most recognizable features with premium details including:
• A fully embroidered All Star patch
• On-trend high foxing
• Monochrome matte eyelets