CONVERSE TO GET RUNNING START ON '98 BASKETBALL SHOE LINE

          Converse Senior VP/Marketing James Solomon said the
     company "will try to capture consumers' changing tastes
     toward less bulky athletic shoes with the introduction of a
     running-style basketball shoe" in fall of '98, according to
     the L.A. TIMES.  Converse said its running shoe orders have
     risen only 2.2% in the third quarter, but the company "has
     identified promise in running shoes" and will introduce a
     new line in spring of '99.  A company official said Converse
     "plans to take advantage of a resurgence of popularity of
     its Chuck Taylor and Jack Purcell lines" (L.A. TIMES, 11/6).