Converse is one of the most iconic shoe brands of all time, thanks to two of their classic designs, one of which has been around for nearly a century – the Chuck Taylor All-Stars – and the other, which was first introduced in the 1930s, the Jack Purcell. At first glance, you may not think there’s much of a difference between the two shoe designs that helped revolutionize athletic footwear, however, there are some key subtle differences between Jack Purcells and Chuck Taylors that will ultimately help you decide on which style is right for you.

Here’s everything you need to know about Jack Purcells and Chuck Taylors, including their history, their design, how to style them, and more. 

What Are Jack Purcells?

The Jack Purcell shoe was first introduced in 1935 by Canadian manufacturing company B.F Goodrich, and its long-standing status as one of the most iconic designs in footwear hasn’t budged since. The shoe was designed by professional badminton player, Jack Purcell (hence the name of the shoes), and was worn by badminton and tennis players alike for most of the 20th century, thanks to the sneakers’ groundbreaking technology that helped athletes perform better on the courts. 

And although Jack Purcell originally designed these low top shoes for athletes, nowadays, they’re mostly worn off the courts and on the streets and appeal to sneaker and vintage enthusiasts across the globe. 

In 2015, the Jack Purcell sneaker got a casual, innovative refresh with new and improved features, as John Heinrich, Converse Jack Purcell Senior Designer, described in a press release at the time. “The new Converse Jack Purcell Signature Sneaker is the absolute result of a truly premium and modern offering for today’s consumer,” he stated. “Our attention to detail in each product benefit, such as the herringbone-patterned sole and the two-piece Jack Purcell smile, created a product derived from modern craftsmanship and versatility.”