5* for looks, 3* for practicality (Converse)

Member Name: dogleggedhat

Product:	Converse
Date:	08/01/09 (86 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: look great, loads of choice of colours and designs, and pretty affordable

Disadvantages: don't keep your feet warm in the slightest and don't offer much support so can get uncomfortable

the Converse All-Star basketball shoe was introduced in 1917 and converse are showing no signs of fading out anytime soon. Converse are a distinctive trainer with a white rubber toecap and edging and they come in a variety of styles (shoe, hi-top etc) and so many different colours and designs that you couldn't even begin to list them-there is definitely something for everyone and even if there isn't, there is an American website which allows you to design your own converse (although unfortunately they don't deliver to the uk).

Converse are incredibly popular across a wide range of age groups, and at around £34.99 they are cheaper than a lot of other brand named shoes. They're pretty versatile in terms of what you can wear them with, and the good thing is that unlike most shoes, they still look good even when they're grubby and worn.

Whilst converse are very popular they do have their haters, with a lot of people thinking they look like clown shoes. I guess they're not the most flattering shoe for people with larger feet, as they're narrow so elongate the foot (as opposed to skate shoes like DCs which make your foot look smaller), but I think if you wear them with the right trousers ( i personally think if you wear them with skinny trousers they make your feet look huuuuge) then you'll be fine.

Converse, to me are really attractive and I love the variety and choice available in them. I have six pairs, but I have to say in honesty, that I do have shoes that are a lot more comfortable. It's not that converse are *uncomfortable* its just that because they're so flat, I find that when I wear them for a long period of time, the arch of my foot gets pretty uncomfortable. The shoes in themselve are very comfy, its just that they're not great for wearing for a long period of time. As well as this, they provide no heat whatsoever to your feet, so I really wouldn't recomend them for a freezing winters night-your feet really will be frozen!!

So, in conclusion, I think that Converse are really stylish and attractive, and they're also easily available (Schuh have a great selection for girls and guys) and affordable, but they aren't without their flaws. A trainer with more support is better for wearing for a long duration, and I would recomend only wearing converse in good weather

Summary: look great, but wear them with thick warm socks!