Stepping into Style: Celebrating National Converse Day with Raymond

Did you know September 21 is National Converse Day? It’s the perfect time to celebrate creativity, individuality, and the stories behind a beloved pair of shoes. In honor of the day, we’re spotlighting Raymond, a passionate Converse collector who also happens to be one of MGA’s generous supporters. Along with sharing his one-of-a-kind collection, Raymond recently updated the logo for our Triple Crown Showdown 5K and gave our run’s social media page a fresh new boost. His creativity and generosity continue to inspire us, and we’re excited to share his story with you.

Converse Collection

When did you first start collecting Converse shoes?

I’ve been wearing Converse for as long as I can remember. I just turned 61 this year and, for the most part, it’s the only brand of show I’ve ever worn.

What inspired you to begin your collection?

I guess you would say my mom was my inspiration, since she bought me my first pair when I was around one year old or so.

How many pairs of Converse do you currently own?

I currently own around 150 pairs. At the height of my mania, I had more than 350 pairs. I would probably have more now, if it wasn’t for a lack of storage space in my house.

Do you have a favorite pair in your collection? If so, what makes them special?

Yes. My favorite pair is an artist collab they did with the Keith Haring Foundation several years ago. I’ve been a collector of Haring’s art since the early 80’s and when Converse came out with this collab, it was a no-brainer to add one to my collection.

Do you tend to collect certain styles (e.g., classic Chuck Taylors, limited editions, custom designs)?

I have always been a huge fan of the classic Chuck Taylor, both the hi-top and lo-top (oxford) style. That said, these days I rarely buy anything that’s a simple, solid color. There’s always got to be a twist to it. I’m a huge fan of the collabs they do with artists, musicians, designers, etc., anything really that’s different or maybe a little quirky. The only criteria is they still have to be that classic Chuck Taylor style.

Where do you usually find your Converse — retail stores, online, thrift shops, or special hunts?

I have an aversion to wearing shoes that have been worn by someone else, so thrifting for Converse has never been a thing for me. My usual haunts are the Converse website, especially for limited editions. I use StockX, GOAT, Grailed, and occasionally eBay, to find retired designs.

Do you wear all of your Converse, or do you keep some just for display?

I wear all of them. I’ve always been of the mindset to enjoy the things you have, use the fine china, drink the rare whisky (which I also do), and wear the shoes.

What’s the rarest or most unique pair you own?

Several years ago, Converse did a collab with a tattoo artist from L.A., Dr. Woo. The whole collection sold out within ten minutes of the launch and I missed out on my chance to get them at that time. I was extremely bummed out about this because I hadn’t been so excited about a launch in a very long time. Fast forward a few years, and I was on StockX and ran across a brand new pair going for just a little over the original retail price. After checking the SKU to confirm they were originals and knockoffs, I bought them. In my size, these shoes are now selling for over $3,000 on the secondary market. And yes, I do wear these as well.

How does your Converse collection reflect your personality or creativity?

I’ve always been an artistic/creative person. When I was a kid, I used to take ballpoint pens and magic markers and decorate my Converse, usually ending with my dad mad at me for “ruining” my Converse and my mom telling him to leave me alone. To this day, I will still sometimes break out the pens and markers and customize a pair, either for me or as a gift. I’m currently working on a pair that pays tribute to my hānai family in Hawai’i and my time and experiences living there.

Connecting to MG

Has collecting Converse helped you through tough moments in your MG journey?

I’m not sure if the act of collecting itself helps, but the collection as a whole brings me joy and sometimes, we just need to find those little moments of joy to help us make it to the point in our journey

Do you find that your shoes spark conversations (no pun intended!) that help you share about MG with others?

I get stopped all the time by people who want to comment on my Converse. Some of those conversations are just quick “Hey, love those Converse!”, “Thanks.” Then other times, they actually do lead to longer conversations in which my MG journey may actually become a topic. Doesn’t happen often, but it has.

How has your MG journey influenced the way you enjoy or approach your collection? 

The pair I decide to wear is most definitely determined by how I feel when I get ready for the day, so in that respect, my MG plays a part. For me, it all starts with the shoe, then I see what I have in my closet to wear with it, but the shoe always matches what’s happening inside.

What message would you like to share with others living with MG about finding hobbies or passions?

The trick is finding the right one. MG can, and often does, present physical limitations, so it’s important for you to find something that works for you, something you can be consistent with and makes you smile when you’re finished. Hobbies and passions provide, in my opinion, something that is very necessary for those of us living with MG, a temporary distraction from it and everything involved with it.

Wrapping Up

If you could design your own MG-themed Converse, what would they look like?

Well, now i know what my next custom project will be. it’ll have to start with the MG teal color as the base (getting that dye job right will be tricky). Then I’d probably do a snowflake design of some sort over that and top it all off with the MG Awareness ribbon on the toe cap of the right shoe.

What do you hope people take away from reading about your collection and your MG story?

Find something you love to do and go for it. Don’t hold back and never let anybody say you “ruined” it.

Raymond’s story is a reminder that our passions can be powerful sources of joy and resilience. Whether it’s shoes, art, music, or another creative outlet, finding something that inspires you can bring comfort and connection while navigating life with MG. We are thankful to Raymond for sharing not only his incredible Converse collection, but also his journey, creativity, and encouragement for others in our community to pursue what makes them smile.