Pair of Converse sneakers worn by Rafer Johnson at the 1984 Summer Olympics

Source catalog description

This description refers to material held by Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. Visual details below describe the original material.

Pair of Olympic Converse sneakers worn by Rafer Johnson. The off-white polyester sneakers have a bright purple leather chevron on both sides of each shoe, with a purple star above each of the four chevrons. The purple leather also trims the edge of the interiors and the tops of each heel, printed with a white star and Olympic ring logo with white text that reads [CONVERSE ®]. There is suede around each heel, along the edge of the toe cap, and along the laces. The laces are white. The off-white rubber soles have a repeating squiggle pattern. Each tongue has a white label: the front shows a bright purple star and Olympic rings logo with [CONVERSE ®]; the back has purple text detailing licensing and manufacturing information. The interior canvas soles read [CONVERSE ®] in purple. The sneakers exhibit stains, scuffs, tears, discoloration, and minor flaking.

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