Cons In 1997 Converse entered into the skateboard footwear market. Over the years skaters all over the world have skated in Converse All Stars so it seemed a logical step but back in 1997 the skateboard footwear market was dominated by skater owned companies and as hard as Converse tried they made little headway into the market place. Re-launched in 2009 Converse skateboarding shoes or 'Cons' now take on a more simplistic look, liken to the Classic All Star but made specifically for modern day skateboarding using durable materials, extra stitching, and adding premium cushioning & support.