The Conference ’55

A Faithful Reproduction of a Lost Icon

Long before the sneaker wars of the 1980s or the dominance of 1970s basketball footwear, there was the Hood Rubber Company. A titan of early American industry, Hood did not simply manufacture shoes—it helped establish the foundations of modern athletic footwear. Over time, that legacy faded into the archives, leaving behind a name known primarily to collectors and historians.

The Conference ’55 marks the return of that legacy.

Originally released in 1955 during the rise of mid-century basketball, the Conference represented the height of Hood’s design evolution. It captured a pivotal shift away from heavy industrial rubber footwear toward lighter, more agile, court-specific performance shoes.

This edition is faithfully reproduced from one of the few surviving original pairs. Every proportion, material choice, and construction detail has been restored with respect to the original design.

The Conference ’55 features Hood’s tire-tread–inspired outsole—first introduced in 1933—a radical innovation that predated and influenced generations of athletic footwear to follow.

This is not a reinterpretation.
It is an archival restoration.

Details

• Archival reproduction of Hood’s 1955 basketball model

• Period-correct proportions and construction

• Tire-tread–inspired rubber outsole

• Vulcanized rubber sole construction

• Canvas upper with reinforced toe and heel

• Unisex design

Pre-Order Information

The Conference ’55 is produced as a made-to-order archival reproduction.
This batch is limited to a single production window.

Each pair in this release is produced only after a reservation is placed. Future production runs may occur, but materials, specifications, and availability may vary by batch.

Reservation & Payment

• Reservation deposit: $75 (applied toward the final purchase price)

• Remaining balance: Collected prior to shipment

• Reservation window closes:March 15

• Estimated shipment: July

By placing a reservation, you authorize production of a pair made specifically for you.

Sizing (Unisex)

The Conference ’55 is a unisex model. Sizes are listed in Men’s US sizing, with the equivalent Women’s US size shown for reference.

Women should select two sizes down from their usual Women’s US size.
Example: Women’s US 12 → Men’s US 10

The Conference ’55 reflects period-correct proportions with a structured, traditional toe shape. Compared to modern sneakers with looser fits, the feel is more deliberate and precise. If you are between sizes, sizing up is generally advised.

We strongly recommend reviewing the size chart before placing a reservation. Our team is available to assist with sizing questions prior to the close of the reservation window.

Once production begins, size selections are considered final.

Available Sizes (Unisex)

Sizes are listed in Men’s US sizing, with the equivalent Women’s US size shown for reference.

Men’s US 4.5 / Women’s US 6.5
Men’s US 5 / Women’s US 7
Men’s US 5.5 / Women’s US 7.5
Men’s US 6 / Women’s US 8
Men’s US 6.5 / Women’s US 8.5
Men’s US 7 / Women’s US 9
Men’s US 7.5 / Women’s US 9.5
Men’s US 8 / Women’s US 10
Men’s US 8.5 / Women’s US 10.5
Men’s US 9 / Women’s US 11
Men’s US 9.5 / Women’s US 11.5
Men’s US 10 / Women’s US 12
Men’s US 10.5 / Women’s US 12.5
Men’s US 11 / Women’s US 13
Men’s US 12 / Women’s US 14
Men’s US 13 / Women’s US 14.5

Only the sizes listed above are available for this production batch.

Size Accommodations

If a sizing issue arises after delivery, a size accommodation may be considered at our discretion, subject to availability.

• Exchanges are limited to size only

• Product must be unworn and in original condition

• Availability is not guaranteed

• Shipping costs are the responsibility of the customer

Returns for refund are not accepted.