When pulling on a box-fresh pair of Converse Chuck Taylor All Star trainers, how the pair got their famous name may not be the first thing on ones mind.

However, the trainers inspire such devotion that it is perhaps fitting that the US magazine mental_floss has decided to reveal just how the famous signature came to adorn their ankle patches.

The story begins in 1921, when Taylor, a salesman and former basketball player, took a job with Converse.

He made several suggestions to improve the existing All Star trainer – including the iconic patch – and in 1923 the company added his name to the design.

Sadly for Taylor, his input – which revolutionised the world of basketball footwear, kick-started the fortunes of Converse and resulted in an enduring fashion craze – was never recognised with a cut of the profits.

Another famous name associated with Converse is Jack Purcell, the badminton star who designed another classic pair of trainers, the rights for which were later bought by the brand.

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