Converse cautions consumers on reports of fluid leaks in RAW Energy and RAW Power basketball shoes; Company offers replacement products.

NORTH READING, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 8, 1995--Converse Inc. (NYSE: CVE) today cautioned consumers that two new basketball shoes using fluid-based cushioning technology may leak from the soles.

Converse is offering consumers replacement products for the shoes. Although the fluid itself represents no health risk, the company has received reports of injuries by athletes who slipped on the fluid on indoor basketball courts.

Most of the leaks involve RAW Energy shoes used in competitive play. That product was introduced by the company in July 1995. No problems have been reported in children's sizes. The company has also received a few reports of similar incidents involving another new style, RAW Power, introduced in November 1995.

Of the fewer than 300 complaints received by Converse, only five involved injury reports. Since July, more than 400,000 pairs of the products have been distributed in the United States and a lesser quantity internationally.

The leaks result from a manufacturing defect in the new Accupod system used in RAW Energy and RAW Power styles. The affected shoes can be identified by two silver fluid-filled windows in the forefoot of the sole.

No other Converse styles are affected. REACT styles, which are characterized by yellow fluid cells, do not utilize the Accupod technology. The company has shipped more than 8.5 million pairs of these REACT products.

The company is continuing its investigation involving internal quality control specialists, manufacturing suppliers and outside consultants to determine the extent of the situation, the potential risk for consumers and what further action may be needed.

Meanwhile, owners of RAW Energy and RAW Power shoes should check them carefully for leaks. If any are detected, they should stop using the product. Converse will directly handle the voluntary replacement of RAW Energy and RAW Power shoes. Consumers with questions should call Converse at 1-800-433-9255 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Eastern Standard Time for details of the replacement program. Consumers should mail the RAW Energy and RAW Power basketball shoes by U.S. parcel post directly to Converse at the address below, and include their name and return address. Postage will be reimbursed.

Converse RAW Energy/RAW Power PO Box 411532 Charlotte, NC 28241-1532

"Nothing is more important to us than the safety, comfort and satisfaction of those who wear converse products," said Gib Ford, chairman and chief executive officer. "We will get to the root of this problem as quickly as possible and deal with it appropriately."

Converse, the largest U.S. manufacturer of athletic shoes, is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of high quality athletic and leisure footwear and is a licensor of sports apparel and accessories that are distributed worldwide through over 9,000 athletic specialty, sporting goods, department and shoe stores. Converse is the official shoe of the NBA and the Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA).

CONTACT: Converse Inc.

Jennifer Murray, 508/664-7521 or

Ellen Pulda, 508/664-7522