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Who was Jack Purcell?
The Converse® Jack Purcell® sneaker, with its clean lines and signature blue smile at the toe, is often called the quintessential tennis sneaker. However, this sleek classic had its beginnings on the badminton court when it was donned by one of the sport's great heroes, Jack Purcell®.
Born in Guelph Ontario, Jack Purcell® began his badminton career in the 1920s and by 1924 had already garnered numerous championships on the court. In 1929, he won the Canadian Singles Championship and then went on in 1930 to retain his title by beating the four best British players, who were making the Canadian circuit.
In England, home of the sport, Purcell continued his triumphs, winning the Surrey doubles in 1931. Several years later in 1933, upon turning in his amateur status to play professionally, Purcell became the world champion. In order to provide more protection for the foot, he helped to design the Jack Purcell® sneaker originally introduced by the Canadian footwear division of B.F. Goodrich in 1935.
Jack Purcell's badminton career began winding down during World War II due to lack of racquets and birds and Purcell retired as an undefeated champion. His post-badminton years were spent in Canadian business circles, where he was a member of the Toronto Stock Exchange. Purcell died in Canada in 1991 at the age of 87.
The Jack Purcell® sneaker carries on the legacy left by the great badminton player. Converse acquired the Jack Purcell® trademark with its purchase of the B. F. Goodrich rubber division including its Lumberton, NC manufacturing facility in 1972 and continues to market this sought-after shoe. Manufactured in Lumberton, this simple canvas shoe with the light blue rubber sole is now the choice of fashionable athletes for off-court wear.
No doubt, Jack Purcell® would approve.
Born in Guelph Ontario, Jack Purcell® began his badminton career in the 1920s and by 1924 had already garnered numerous championships on the court. In 1929, he won the Canadian Singles Championship and then went on in 1930 to retain his title by beating the four best British players, who were making the Canadian circuit.
In England, home of the sport, Purcell continued his triumphs, winning the Surrey doubles in 1931. Several years later in 1933, upon turning in his amateur status to play professionally, Purcell became the world champion. In order to provide more protection for the foot, he helped to design the Jack Purcell® sneaker originally introduced by the Canadian footwear division of B.F. Goodrich in 1935.
Jack Purcell's badminton career began winding down during World War II due to lack of racquets and birds and Purcell retired as an undefeated champion. His post-badminton years were spent in Canadian business circles, where he was a member of the Toronto Stock Exchange. Purcell died in Canada in 1991 at the age of 87.
The Jack Purcell® sneaker carries on the legacy left by the great badminton player. Converse acquired the Jack Purcell® trademark with its purchase of the B. F. Goodrich rubber division including its Lumberton, NC manufacturing facility in 1972 and continues to market this sought-after shoe. Manufactured in Lumberton, this simple canvas shoe with the light blue rubber sole is now the choice of fashionable athletes for off-court wear.
No doubt, Jack Purcell® would approve.
