Introducing our latest arrivals, the 1892 National Treasures - Contrast Hi and Gum Sole collections. The faithful replicas of the first basketball sneakers have been redesigned and are now available at our store.
Gum Sole Collection
The Gum Collection is inspired by authentic Basketball sneakers of the early 20th century, where natural rubber was used untreated. Brought back in our iconic 1892 National Treasure Silhouette, and coming with alternate laces to mix it all up when you feel the need.
These shoes are faithful replicas of the first basketball sneakers invented in 1892 that were rediscovered in 2004 at an estate sale in Vista, Calif., with the same 5" high-top design, brown canvas uppers, turkey feather sole pattern, and Colchester Rubber Co. crest that are the hallmarks of the originals.
Located a mere 50 miles from the YMCA where Dr. James Naismith developed the initial 13 rules of basketball, the Colchester Rubber Co. was one of the largest vulcanized rubber shoe manufacturers of its time, and its production of high-top basketball footwear predates that of any competitors' by a quarter of a century. Made from vulcanized rubber and canvas, the original sneakers were the first of their kind that protected feet while running, jumping, and pivoting on gymnasium floors.
Updated for contemporary casual wear, the shoes have a built-in arch, cushioned insole, and metal eyelets.
- Featuring Original 1892 Turkey Feather Design Rubber Sole and Colchester Crown Logo
- Wear A Piece Of Sneaker History, Design Unchanged For The Past 124 Years
- Limited Stock
- Run True to Size
Contrast Hi Collection
The Colchester Rubber Company Contrast High Top is inspired by Basketball footwear of the early 1920s. For this collection, we wanted to give a modern update to our original model, while keeping the authenticity of the 1892 National Treasure.
