Retired teacher breaks world record with 733 pairs of Converse sneakers

dailymail.co.uk ^ | 06 Jan 2012 | Victoria Wellman

[smokingfrog]

As one of the most popular shoes in the world, there are few people who don't own a pair of Converse All-Stars.

But Penny Gold loves them more than most.

The retired teacher, 63, from Lake Mary, Florida, has just been named a world record holder for her 733-strong collection by the World Records Academy.

Mrs Gold, who is now submitting an application to Guinness World Records in the hope that it too will award her a title, told how she started collecting Converse Chuck Taylor All Stars when she was a child living in Brooklyn, New York.

She admits she only really started taking her obsession seriously 15 years ago, but estimates that she has spent $15,000 on the collection, buying pairs for around $20 each on weekly trips to the three Converse outlets in Orlando.

[smokingfrog]

[bigheadfred]

shoe collection ping

[MIchaelTArchangel]

I hear she is going to receive the Imelda Marcos Award tomorrow night.

[poindexter]

She must have a cast-iron pension.

[Pan_Yan]

I never was a big Converse fan. A couple of years ago someone was talking about bringing back Pony. Maybe I could get a pair of retro Ponys to start my collection.

[JerseyHighlander]

2 things about Chuck Taylors I found out this year...
first, original pre-60’s Chucks that use some different rubber gum material are worth several hundred dollars a piece.
second, Detroit fashion designer Varvatos made a signature line this year and had standard Chucks for sale at over $180 a piece.

I’ve been the the Converse outlet in Orlando, some lowtop Chuck classics sell for as little as $12 on sale days.

[Leep]

I wish shoe luck Mrs Gold.

[Tainan]

Yeah...I hate to say it and date myself...but the Old All Stars were built much much better.
Better cushioning inside and better grip on the wood/bassitball courts.

Anecdote -> Chucks are a big big fashion hit with the kids, teens and young adults here on Taiwan.
Both the 'real' Chucks and the knock-off. Some of the knock-offs are better than the real licensed Cons.