Jack Purcell was not originally Converse! An in-depth analysis of the timeless sneaker’s history!

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Jack Purcell was not originally Converse! An in-depth analysis of the timeless sneaker's history!

JACK PURCELL is a standard model along with the ALL STAR by CONVERSE, and its distinctive design and basic construction are loved by everyone as an eternal standard model. In fact, this model has an interesting history. For example, did you know that the Jack Purcell was not originally developed by Converse? By “wearing” and “choosing” standard sneakers with knowledge of their history and background, we can take a step forward, don’t you think? From this point of view, we will thoroughly introduce Jack Purcell!

What is JACK PURCELL?

It is a popular sneaker as a representative model of CONVERSE, which is currently under the umbrella of NIKE.
In 1932, the Spalding Company, then known as A.G. SPALDING & BROS, and JOHN EDWARD JACK PURCELL, who had gained popularity as a champion in badminton, signed a contract to manufacture badminton products. EDWARD JACK PURCELL, who was popular as a champion in badminton at the time, signed a contract to manufacture badminton products, and the company was born.

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The fact that “Jack Purcell was born as a badminton shoe ” is a point that should be kept in mind.

Who is Mr. JOHN EDWARD JACK PURCELL?

Born in Canada in 1903, Jack Purcell is a badminton player who won all the world championships in badminton in the 1930s and never lost a game until the end of his playing career in 1945. In 1973, he was inducted into the Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame as a person who has made a major contribution to the promotion of badminton, an unprecedented achievement that only players, coaches, and other related persons are eligible for.

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The history of Jack Purcell from its birth in 1932, comparing “design and details

The Jack Purcell has actually undergone changes along its history, including design and detailing at the time of its birth and after it became part of Converse.

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Jack Purcell was already a prototype in 1935

In 1935, the company asked B.F. Goodrich, the inventor of the world’s first inflatable automobile tire, to develop a sneaker to further improve functionality. It is said that the prototype of the Jack Purcell, now shown in the following image, was created here. From this time onward, a design with a toe line known as a ” smile ” was adopted.

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As a side note, it was common for tire manufacturers to produce sneakers at that time. This is understandable, considering that Dunlop and other companies are now also selling sneakers.

Jack Purcell has evolved over the years into a “sturdier, simpler design

In the late 1930’s, the reinforcement cloth sewn on the side of the shoe was removed and only stitches were used. Vintage reissue models have reproduced the lining, which can be suppressed as a point of distinguishing between the two. Models with only stitches on the side are very rare because they were never reissued.

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The Jack Purcell became very similar to the modern model in the 1940s, with a cleaner, more streamlined design.

The design base has been completed at this stage, although there are subtle differences in the silhouette and the quality of the workmanship. The fact that the design has been maintained so far even in the long history of the brand is something to be appreciated.

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Jack Purcell was made by B.F.Goodrich in the 1950s with all rights reserved.

The contract with Spalding ended at this time, and Spalding had the right to sell the Jack Purcell, but B.F.Goodrich took this opportunity to handle all sales of the Jack Purcell through continuous sales. Jack Purcell of this period is said to be very carefully made, and is popular among enthusiasts. Let’s take a look at the key points of their production.

Jack Purcell 1950’s-1970’s with distinctive details!

This age is the model that is highly traded as so-called “vintage”. The logo is placed on the calf. Ventilation holes on the side of the sole and upper. The design of the back of the sole. The following three points are noteworthy.

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Vintage details of Jack Purcell 1 ” History by the presence or absence of a mustache”

It is said that B.F.Goodrich started to put the logo design on the cuff after the company started to sell the shoes. Here, the presence or absence of “mustache,” which can be said to be a characteristic of Jack Purcell’s design, is considered to be important. What year was the mustache adopted?

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The origin of the Jack Purcell’s “mustache” is B.F.Goodrich’s original technology ” Posture Foundation

In 1933, B.F.Goodrich independently developed and patented the “Posture Foundation,” or PF sole, a technology that provides high cushioning and postural stability by applying a pad to the insole’s tread, which is said to be the origin of the “mustache” design. It is said to be the origin of the “mustache” design. The mustache design was born from the development of the cross-sectional view of the raised sole.

04_1933_hyman-l-whitman_us1938127The third insole figure from the top is similar to the ” mustache ” thehistorialist

When did Jack Purcell first add a mustache to its logo? Consider the beginnings from the articles of the time.

When did the mustache logo begin to be used? Generally speaking, it is said to be in the 1950s, when B.F.Goodrich began to sell its products. But look at the image below, which was issued in 1969, and you can see that the ” mustache ” is missing. And the second image is said to be an advertisement from 1972.

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JACK PURCELL advertisement from 1969 thehistorialist

purcell-07JACK PURCELL advertisement from 1972: fourpins

As you can see from the comparison, the “mustache” symbol is more prominent than in 1972. The “mustache” symbol was not found in any other advertisements from 1964 or 1970. Taking this into consideration, the author believes that there are two possibilities: either the “mustache” symbol began to be used in 1972, or it existed originally but was not widely advertised until 1972.

182627955_1964-jack-purcell-bf-goodrich-tennis-shoes-print-adJACK PURCELL ad from 1964, popscreen

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Vintage Jack Purcell detail 2 ” ventilation holes

The second distinctive feature is the “ventilation holes” on the sides of the mark to improve ventilation. The second characteristic is the “ventilation holes” on the side of the shoe to improve ventilation. The following images show the vintage model on the top and the recent model on the bottom.

img66790342 Vintage model of Jack Purcell rakuten

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The ventilation holes are not always on the sole of vintage models. Some of them have ventilation holes on the upper, while others have them only on the sole. It is better to keep it in mind as a design point, since it is thought to be related to the influence of the out-of-phase manufacturing at that time.

Vintage detail of Jack Purcell 3 ” different specification of sole lining

At that time, when the company was not under the umbrella of Converse, the design on the back of the sole was also decorated with the logo design of B.F.Goodrich only. In addition, while the current common model has a “slub sole,” which has a nearly flat surface, in the 1970s, there was a “herringbone sole,” which had a design with corrugated grooves in addition to the slub sole. Many reissued models reproduce the herringbone sole. The following images show the vintage model above and the current model below.

img66790348Tastefully made vintage model rakuten

converse_jack_purcell_signature_herringbone_outsole_33033Current reissue model with ” herringbone sole ” that reproduces the details of the time, with the CONVERSE logo added fngmagazine

1972B.F.Goodrich’s shoe division becomes part of CONVERSE

In 1937, the shoe division of B.F.Goodrich was established under the brand name “PF-FLYERS,” but in 1972, the rights to manufacture and sell all shoe-related products, including PF-FLYERS, were transferred to CONVERSE. However, it was pointed out that the merger of CONVERSE and PF-FLYERS, which were the top-ranking brands in the U.S. sneaker market at the time, would violate the U.S. Antitrust Law. Therefore, the authority of PF-FLYERS was sold to another company, leaving only the manufacturing and sales authority of Jack Purcell.

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1972JACK PURCELL only-sneakers with CONVERSE logo

The Jack Purcell is established by Converse.

The JACK PURCELL, with its original detailing intact, becomes a standard model that spreads its name. It was also worn by famous actors at the time, and has grown to be considered a representative model alongside the ALL STAR as a practical and popular model. Even today, the popularity of Jack Purcell continues to grow as advertised in commercials.

Kurt Donald Cobain wearing Jack Purcell

A leading American musician who has been named one of the greatest guitarists and singers in history and is credited with creating a new trend called ” grunge style. His style of Jack Purcell matched with his damaged jeans has influenced the world.

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Kurt Donald Cobain’s model was also released in 2008. The model is full of his style, with ” stain processing ” reminiscent of grunge style and his signature embroidered on the side.

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James Byron Dean wearing Jack Purcell

The American actor is best known for his nominated award-winning roles in ” East of Eden” and “Rebel Without a Cause.” He died after only four years as an actor, and his role in “Rebel Without a Cause” at the time made him a very influential figure to young people. He is also famous for his contribution to the change in the jeans and sneakers style.

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Terence Steven McQueen wearing Jack Purcell

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The King of Cool” is one of America’s most famous models. His role as the “anti-hero” at the time was so well received that he rose to become a top actor. He was also one of the famous Jack Purcell wearers.

Introducing Jack Purcell’s popular classic models

Even as a timeless classic model, there are many different materials used, and you may be at a loss for choice. We will introduce some of the most definitive models.

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Jack Purcell’s most popular “leather” models

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If you trace the history, the campus model is the origin, but the design with leather upper that has been further upgraded is very suitable for the culture of wearing good things for a long time due to the improvement of austerity and durability. Because of the popularity of the model, there will be no loss if you have a pair.

▶︎Click here for more details and to purchase ” Jack Purcell Leather Model

Typical Jack Purcell “White Campus Model

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The Campus model is a campus sneaker that continues to be loved as an eternal classic model. Among them, Jack Purcell’s “white” campus material is famous for its unparalleled bright “white” color. Those who are in search of campus sneakers are highly recommended to consider them.

Jack Purcell’s typical “slip-on” model

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This model has been gaining popularity recently. The laces have also been removed, giving this model a more sophisticated look, and the “smile” and “mustache” that are the hallmarks of the design are well emphasized. The ease of putting on and taking off the shoes is also a popular point.

▶︎Click here for details and to purchase ” Jack Purcell Slip-On

How to wear/coordinate Jack Purcell!

Last but not least, some examples of how to wear Jack Purcell!

Jack Purcell x Military Jacket x Gray Jeans

This combination of Jack Purcell upgrades the masculinity of military taste. By layering a knit and a shirt inside, it is a classy coordinate that doesn’t look drab.

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Jack Purcell x Navy suit

A recently trendy combination of a suit and sneakers. This coordination is a good understanding of the white shirt inside and Jack Purcell’s characteristic white color.

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Jack Purcell x Damaged Jeans x Tailor-made Jacket

The combination of Jack Purcell and damaged jeans, a classic combination reminiscent of the grunge style of the time, is elegantly put together with a mix of dark tones.

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Jack Purcell x Denim on Denim x All Black

An advanced outfit combining denim on the top and bottom with black items all together creates a classy masculine look. By rolling up the legs and using accessories such as pins and necklaces, the dark tone, which tends to look heavy, is given a lightness.

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