Converse is Redesigning Its Iconic Sneaker For the First Time in 100 Years
Photo: We Heart Fashion
We’re going to take an educated guess and wager that you have a pair of Converse sneakers in your closet right now (if they aren’t already on your feet.) Even if you don’t, it’s safe to assume you’ve owned a pair at one time or another. And now, after nearly 100 years, the brand is redesigning its iconic Chuck Taylor All-Stars.
Take a deep breath: It’s not quite as sacrilegious as you think—the sneakers look nearly identical on the outside, but on the inside, the Chuck II will be packed with new technology that’ll make it as comfortable as a running shoe.
Photo: The Blonde Salad
Before, Chuck Taylors were notably flat as a board—no arch support, no cushion—but now the sneaks will incorporate a material called Lunarlon in its rubber sole, a bouncy foam that Nike uses. (Nike actually bought Converse in 2003 after the company declared bankruptcy.)
The classic Chuck has been around for longer than we’ve been alive—since 1908 to be exact—and since then, they’ve transcended “types,” having shown up on rappers, punks, basketball players, rebels, grunge-sters, and fashion lovers. They’re one of the few sneakers styles that look just as rad when they’re brand new or have years of wear and tear, and just as cool on you, your dad, and your grandpa.
As Bloomberg Business pointed out, adding Nike tech will make Chucks more comfortable and conform to a footwear trend that has even seeped into dress shoes, but also gives Converse a needed “benefits” story, something shoppers have come to expect when deciding on anything from a cell phone to a sneaker.
Still, optimal comfort comes with a price: The Chuck II—which also including better materials, a non-slip tongue, a perforated suede liner, and a fully embroidered star logo—will clock in at $75 for high-tops, and $70 for low-tops.
