Converse is without a doubt one of the most iconic and recognisable brands in the shoe game. Giving us some of the most beloved and best-selling silhouettes ever made, you’re never too far away from a pair. Whether you’re getting your first pair or considering a change of style, we’ve teamed up with our experts to put together the ultimate guide for ensuring your Converse fit well and stay fresh.
Everyone remembers their first pair of Chucks, so consult our handy Converse buyers guide to make the experience a breeze, covering everything from how your Converse fit, how to style them and ways to keep them looking good as new.
#1 Beginnings
Converse have been big from the beginning, making up over 80% of the sneaker industry in America when they launched in 1915. When basketball player Chuck Taylor came on board in 1923 the brand went from strength to strength, becoming a must-have on the American basketball scene. Fast forward and we’ve now firmly adopted converse into our day-to-day wardrobe, coming off the court and into the everyday. Seen in some of the most iconic films ever made and worn by legends, Converse is without a doubt one of the best-loved sneaker brands of all time.
#2 Converse Fit Guide
Standard unisex sizing
| UK | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 |
| EU | 35.5 | 37 | 38 | 40 | 41 | 42.5 | 44 | 45 | 46.5 | 47.5 |
| US men | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 |
| US Women | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 |
| Length (cm) | 21.5 | 22.4 | 23.2 | 24.5 | 25.3 | 26.2 | 27 | 27.9 | 28.7 | 29.6 |
Chuck Taylors All Star size chart
| UK | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 |
| EU | 35 | 36.5 | 37.5 | 39 | 40 | 41.5 | 42.5 | 44 | 45 | 46.5 |
| US men | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 |
| US Women | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 |
| Length (cm) | 21.5 | 22.4 | 23.2 | 24.1 | 24.9 | 25.8 | 26.6 | 27.4 | 28.3 | 29.1 |
#3 Are Converse true to size?
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.
A great way to find your Converse size is by manually measuring your foot. Stand on a piece of paper straight against a wall. Get someone to mark the top of your top and the back of your heel and then measure the distance between these two points. This can be far more reliable than relying on sizings that may not be uniform across different brands.
#4 How should I wash my Converse?
Though tempting, do not machine wash your converse!
To wash classic canvas Converse:
- Separate the laces from the shoes
- Soak a fabric brush in some warm water and mild soap, this will make the bristles a little gentler.
- Use the brush to scrub away any marks on the canvas and rubber sole.
- Avoid using too much water to prevent water stains and make them easier to dry.
- Place the laces into the bowl of water and soap, give them a wash with your hands.
- Lay the Converse and laces out to air dry. Stuff the shoe with paper to ensure they keep their shape.
