Chuck Taylor was a basketball player in the 1920s. He helped design and promote basketball shoes under his name that — at the time — were athletic.

Chucks haven’t changed much over the years. Aside from the odd variant, the original design is standard. I’m a huge fan. They’re cheap, comfortable and practical for everyday shoes.

But they’ve also become a bit of a fashion symbol, particularly in the punk scene.

And while I listen to a lot of punk music, I’m not part of the scene.

Still, a few years back, I had a friend criticise me for wearing Chucks because I didn’t know that Jello Biafra was the singer for the Dead Kennedys.

True, my music trivia ego was a little hurt, but the idea that I shouldn’t wear a certain style of shoes because I’m not punk enough sideswiped me.

Fashion will always be fashion.

But sometimes shoes are just shoes.

I might not have known who Jello Biafra is — but I don’t think my Chucks-wearing friend played basketball either.