The Iconic Style and Enduring Cool of Ruby Red Sneakers

The Iconic Style of Ruby Red Sneakers

Sneakers come in endless colors and styles, but few are as iconic as the ruby red Converse All Star. With their timeless design and bold crimson hue, ruby red sneakers have become a cult favorite around the world.

The origins of the ruby red sneaker can be traced back to 1917, when the Converse Rubber Shoe Company released an early version of the All Star. Marketed as a durable athletic shoe, early All Stars came in basic colors like black, white, and natural brown. It wasn't until the 1950s that Converse debuted what would become its most famous colorway - ruby red.

The Rise of Ruby Red Converse All Stars

In 1957, Converse decided to revamp the All Star with a flashy new look. They debuted the shoe in a bright, candy apple red that immediately caught people's attention. While initially marketed as a performance basketball shoe, ruby red All Stars quickly became associated with youth culture and street style.

By the 1960s, artists, musicians, and rebels had all adopted the ruby red Converse as a symbol of their creativity and nonconformity. Major pop culture figures like Elvis Presley, Bob Dylan, and Andy Warhol were spotted wearing the fiery kicks. The ruby red shoe took on a life of its own as an emblem of cool.

Custom Culture and Vintage Appeal

Part of the enduring popularity of ruby red sneakers stems from how customizable they are. The iconic high tops lend themselves perfectly to DIY makeovers and personal flair. Many wearers accent their ruby red Converse with doodles, patches, pins, and other embellishments that make each pair truly one-of-a-kind.

There's also a thriving market for vintage ruby red Converse, especially rare designs from the 1960s through the 1980s. Thanks to their bold style, ruby red sneakers never seem to go out of fashion. Their retro look appeals to sneakerheads and streetwear fans who want to capture iconic throwback style.

Bringing Back the Ruby Red

While ruby red Converse fell out of favor in the 1990s and early 2000s, the sneakers have surged back in popularity over the last decade. A mix of vintage revivals and innovative redesigns have made the ruby red All Star feel fresh again.

Collaborations and Special Releases

Converse has partnered with brands like Comme des Garcons, John Varvatos, and Missoni to put out elevated, fashion-forward takes on the classic ruby red sneaker. They've also done special releases with pop culture icons like Nintendo and Coca-Cola featuring custom ruby red designs.

Streetwear brands like Supreme and BAPE have dropped ruby red custom prints of the All Star that become instant grails for hypebeasts and collectors. These coveted collabs have reinforced the ruby red Converse as the ultimate canvas for creative expression.

Genderless Appeal

Another factor in the comeback of the ruby red sneaker is its genderless appeal. While first popularized among male rockstars and athletes, ruby red Converse have been embraced just as much by female trendsetters from Audrey Hepburn to Rihanna.

The understated silhouette and bold pop of color gel perfectly with modern gender fluid style. Now ruby red All Stars are an androgynous staple sported by anyone aiming for an effortlessly cool look.

Customize Your Ruby Reds

One of the best things about ruby red Converse is that you're not limited to just wearing them stock. Part of the fun is customizing your sneakers to match your vibe.

Lace and Material Swaps

Swapping out the standard white laces for different colors like black, pink, or silver is an easy way to make your ruby red Converse feel fresh. You can also find custom prints and materials like holographic leather to replace the canvas for more durability and shine.

Patches and Embellishments

Studding and sprucing up your ruby red All Stars with cool iron-on patches, pins, and embroidery is a time-honored tradition. Let your sneakers tell a story through fun patches, inside joke pins, and custom illustrations.

DIY Paint and Dye Jobs

For crafty types, transforming a plain pair into ruby red Converse is part of the fun. With some Angelus leather paint and careful technique, you can dye canvas kicks ruby red for a DIY project with big style payoff.

How to Style Ruby Red Sneakers

A pair of ruby red Converse is versatile enough to integrate into all sorts of relaxed or edgy looks.

Casual Looks

For weekend errands or kicking back, try wearing your ruby red Converse with relaxed staples like joggers, leggings, or cutoff shorts. Pair with a hoodie and leather jacket for an effortless street style vibe.

Dressed Up Outfits

Ruby red sneakers can also elevate more put-together outfits. Contrast the bright shoes with sharp pieces like structured denim, tailored trousers, or chambray button-downs. Let the ruby reds lend a pop of color.

Retro Styling

Pay homage to vintage style by wearing your ruby red All Stars with pieces from past decades. Try high-waisted jeans, cropped tees, bomber jackets, or printed shift dresses for a throwback outfit that's so in vogue.

However you style them, ruby red sneakers will always bring that timeless Converse cool factor while adding a bold burst of color. The next time you're looking for a pair of kicks with personality, go for some fiery ruby red Converse.

FAQs

When did the ruby red Converse All Star first debut?

The first ruby red Converse All Stars were released in 1957 as part of Converse's effort to revamp the look of their classic shoe.

Who first made the ruby red Converse famous?

In the 1960s, ruby red Converse were adopted by rock stars like Elvis Presley and Bob Dylan as part of their rebellious style. Andy Warhol was also known for wearing them.

Why have ruby red sneakers come back in style?

Collaborations with brands like Supreme and Comme des Garcons have given the ruby red Converse a high fashion edge. The retro vintage appeal and genderless styling have also made them popular again.

What are some ways to customize ruby red Converse?

Swapping laces, adding patches or pins, dyeing the canvas red, and replacing materials are all popular ways to customize ruby red Converse and make them your own.

What outfits can you wear with ruby red sneakers?

Ruby red Converse look great with casual relaxed fits like joggers and hoodies. They also add a pop of color to dressed up outfits with tailored pants or chambray shirts.