Colchester hi-top Black

The sneakers are believed to have once been owned and worn by Dr. James Naismith, inventor of Basketball. He invented the game in 1891 in Springfield, Massachusetts, a mere 50 miles away from Colchester Rubber Co’s factory. The sneakers were most likely a prototype designed for Dr. Naismith by Colchester Rubber to be used in his new game of basket-ball.
– 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.