By: Abby Crosby

Converse All Stars, or Chucks as they’re more commonly known, are like lovers—you’ve had many and they’ve all served a different purpose, but you never forget your first…pair.

Mine were classic black high tops and I bought them with the fifty bucks I found crumpled up on a sidewalk one day. It was like God himself parted the clouds and handed me a shoe box.

The moment I slid my foot into the crisp new canvas I fell in love. Like a new crush, I was smitten and blinded to any faults they might have. They were perfect.

Now with spring around the corner, and the mercury rising I can’t wait to liberate my feet from the shackles of winter footwear and dig out my Converse. Fashion is fleeting, but a good pair of Chucks never go out of style.

Converse designed them in 1917 as a basketball shoe, but since then they’ve morphed into an everyday staple of casual footwear. That signature circular patch with the star can be spotted a mile away on a simple pair of cream-coloured low tops or on the new line of Chucks inspired by aging rocker Ozzy Osbourne.  (Check them out…the ones with multiple buckles kinda look like a straight jacket for your feet.)

If you live in the States you can even design your own pair online and have them shipped to your door. Damn you Americans! You get Obama and custom-made Chucks!

The sneaker is beloved for different reasons, but for most people the shoe evokes a feeling. Cheesy, but true.

For my 37-year-old brother in-law, his brown high tops make him feel youthful and laid back.

My twenty-something friend says putting on Chucks reminds her of the days when she was more punk rock.

How do I feel when I lace mine up? Allow me to return to my analogy of Chucks as lovers.

My cobalt blue high tops were purchased on a whim, kind of like someone you date on the rebound. They seemed like a good idea at the time, but you soon realize they don’t go with enough of your wardrobe.

My cherry red Chucks are like a friend with benefits. I wear them when I feel frisky and need to spice things up a bit.

The lime green ones are like someone I dated because they were different and exciting. We went at it all hot and heavy at the beginning, but then realized we’d be better as friends. We still hang out on a daily basis.

And my classic black high tops, like my first love, I keep at the back of my closet because even though they’re full of holes and don’t fit quite right anymore, I can’t bear to throw them away.