We all know and expect that various styles come and go during our lifetimes. It’s just a matter pf culture and opinion. However, the BIG THREE icons of the mid-20th Century grabbed America’s attention simultaneously. So, just exactly who are the Big Guys?
This catches your attention because all three are different types of footwear.
Perhaps it was simply just a fad. But what exactly is a “fad”? A fad, trend, or craze in any form that people follow as an impulse for a short amount of time. Fads are often seen as quick spreading and being considered cool. Case in point – remember the button-down collar shirt.
A perfect example would be the beloved toy – the yo-yos or even the hula hoop and types of dances.
Fads seem to fade quickly when the perception of novelty is gone.
A perfect example of fading happened in 1955 when Carl Perkins recorded his big hit “Blue Suede Shoes”. It was so popular, it created a demand fall over the country. I remember my pair along with my blue suede brush that came with it. I remember brushing them in between high school classes.
Alas, the fad faded quickly. On deck was a bombshell of popularity.
Ok class, your attention please. First Up – WHITE BUCKS.
It was like a thunder blast. You could feel the magnitude of being cool with a pair of White Bucks whether you were in high school or college. On TV there was singer we came to know as PAT BOONE wearing his White Bucks everywhere. By the way, the term “Bucks” came from the use of buck skin and the rest is history. Many may not remember, but White Bucks were indeed worn with pride by the ladies as well as the men.
Yes, they came with a problem – whiteness is hard to maintain. More of a nuisance than anything else.
So, when purchased they came with a small pouch of white powder to fend off the dirt. Just a little went a long way. If you preferred, a damp towel worked just fine.
During the 50’s and 60’s, high school and college bands donned their bucks and they were deemed COOL.
It wasn’t long before manufacturing companies came up with another idea – the birth of DIRTY BUCKS. Same type shoe with shoestrings, but now with a tannish gleam that America’s colleges loved as well.
You’re right, I had a pair and I remained cool wherever I went.
After the white and dirty buck shoes rage died down, we went to leather loafers and even to those lovable Bass Weejuns.
Next Up – Icon #2 SADDLE SHOES.
Historically, Saddle Shoes originated in the early 1900’s and quickly became an iconic fashion statement. Fast forward 50 years to the decade of the 50’s which marked the height of Saddle Shoes solid popularity.
The design was the key and America loved it as teens wore their bobby socks, poodle skirts and the fashions of the day with their Saddle Shoes and you guessed it – they were cool.
Saddle Shoes design was the key to success. They featured a low heel, plain toe and a saddle-shaped decorative panel in colors of black, dark brown, or even dark blue. The Saddle Shoes were worn by both men and women in various styles from casual to athletic footwear.
The attached photo shows a 1956 photo of my freshman year in college with John Scott and I both wearing our Saddle Shoes on campus.
Icon #3: CONVERSE CHUCK TAYLOR ALL STARS
If you are wondering who “Chuck Taylor” was and what did he do to be connected to Converse, you won’t find him as a Hall of Famer from the floor or a player that averaged 35 a game. Chuck Taylor – 1901-1969 did play high school basketball in Indiana and later played semi-pro and later became the coach for the Converse All Star team. However, when he went to work for Converse with a vision of innovative improvements, style and expressions including the patch on both shoes bearing his name.
All of this didn’t happen just a few years ago. Remember Chuck passed in 1969 and subsequently was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
Chuck’s visions included a toe cap and his patch in 1917; and in 1920 – he then came up with a volcanized rubber sole – complete with a “pivot button”.
All these good deeds demanded recognition and subsequently Converse hired him full-time.
By the 1950’s, the Chuck Taylor All Star shoe became the standard for high school, colleges and pro basketball.
Today, the venerable shoe comes in many colors and patterns with the original style leading the pack.
My good friend and colleague, Denny Wright was asked about his experiences and memories wearing his distinctive Converse Chuck Taylors.
“When I was in high school, I decided to go out for the Covington Catholic High basketball team and I knew that most everyone was wearing Chuck Taylor’s, so I wanted a pair. I really didn’t know who Chuck Taylor was, but I did know it was cool to own a pair!”
I asked Denny what it was that Converse Chuck Taylor All Star shoes had that made them so very popular?
“I have just one pair and I love the way they felt on my feet. It was comfort – they were made for the game of basketball.”
When asked if Denny ever washed his Chuck Taylors and what color he preferred, he said, “Yes, I did wash them and there again I picked the color because the basketball team all had white shoes. In fact, I would buy another pair today because you can readily see the longevity and wearability for sure.”
In the late 70’s and 80’s there was a tsunami of a comeback and as of today, they are in demand worldwide. By the way, and average price for a pair of Converse Chuck Taylor All Star is around $75 on up.
Celebrities loved them too. Elvis, Jerry Lewis, and Rocky (Sylvester Stallone) all wore them as well.
In fact, next time you watch the movie “Grease”- you will find them there too.
You now have these two revelations:
• Why the BIG THREE – White Bucks, Saddle Shoes and Converse Chuck Taylors ruled the sidewalks.
• The years may have passed, but their distinct legacy still demands your attention when you talk about the BIG THREE so much so, you just might buy a pair.
Mike Tussey has “retired” from a 60-plus-year career as a legendary play-by-play announcer for over 2000 football, baseball, and basketball games, including most recently for ESPN+. His career also includes a stint in law enforcement, teaching and coaching, and writing books, including the “Touchdown Saints.” He grew up in Eastern Kentucky and now lives in Florence with his wife, Jo. He has opened another “Door of Opportunity” and is now a regular columnist for the NKyTribune.