Converse started high-tops trend

THE START OF IT ALL

The first high-tops, released in 1947 by Converse, came in black and white canvas, or black leather, and were the shoe of choice on the basketball court till brands like Nike and adidas started offering more technologically advanced styles in the 1970s. The brand might have died out were it not for rockers like Sid Vicious and The Ramones, who

adopted the humble high-top. Today's versions (like this Converse Jack Purcell Johnny High-Top, $110 at saks.com) have morphed from jock to rock -- once hot on the court, they're now cool all over town.