Sep 06, 2021
Cover Converse Run Star Hike | Photo: cul-de-sac.ph
Tatler ranks some classic cult-favourites from Converse that will never go out of style
It’s amazing how Converse has become a versatile shoe that’s known and loved by the whole world. From being a basketball player’s choice to a skater’s staple shoe, Converse has developed its sneakers using new technology and design.
See also: What Do YourSneakersSay About Your Personality? Yeezy, Air Jordan, Puma And More
The brand has released a multitude of iterations. There might have been hits and misses, but there are also designs that are collectively renowned as “iconic”. Tatler lists them below:
1. Converse “Non-Skid”
Above An old design of the Converse sneakers from the brand’s archives. (Photo: Converse / Facebook)
Long before Nike bought off Converse in 2003, the brand was named “Converse Rubber Shoe Co.” Converse released an “all-American” basketball shoe in white and brown canvas. It was advertised as having a design with ample toe room yet provides a snug fit.
2. Chuck 70 High Top in Parchment
Above Photo: Converse
The Chuck 70 Hi in the Parchment colourway evokes a vintage feel. Years after it was first introduced by the brand, the Chuck 70 high top has added cushioning for stability that makes it an even better choice for every day and all-day use. Its sole is also thicker than the All Star. This colourway is also easy to match with any outfit.
See also: 5 Celebrity-Approved Ways To Pull-Off ChunkySneakers
3. Chuck Taylor All Star High Top
Above Person wearing a Converse Chuck Taylor All Star high top. (Photo: Jaizer Capangpangan / Unsplash)
An even more classic design from the brand is none other than Chuck Taylor All Star. Regardless if you have them in low top or high top, guaranteed these Converse sneakers is what most people have in their closet. Named after its creator, a basketball player, the Chuck Taylor shoe remains one of the brand’s best-selling models.
4. Converse x Commes des Garçon
Above Photo: Converse
One of the Converse’s best collaborations was with luxury brand Commes des Garçon (CdG). The design is minimal yet striking: CdG’s signature heart and eyes logo peeking on the upper. It’s still one of the most sought-after designs. The two brands even re-released two new colourways—grey and blue—in response to the hype.
See also: Met Gala Special:CommeDesGarçons' Most Memorable Collections
5. Converse All Star Pro Leather
Above Photo: Converse
People first laid eyes on the Converse All Star Pro Leather in the latter part of the 1970s which was the beginning of a new era in the world of NBA. 45 years later, a redefined version of the shoe was released in honour of its anniversary. The difference could be seen in the interchangeable star chevrons yet kept the original ABA colours.
6. Converse x Fear of God ESSENTIALS
Above The highly-coveted Converse x FOG ESSENTIALS Chuck 70 sneakers. (Photo: Converse)
The first Converse x Fear of God ESSENTIALS collaboration has to be one of the brand’s most memorable drops as each pair was immediately sold out. It also earns a spot on the list, not because the project was famous, but because the design is genuinely worth the hype. The sneakers were pairs of Chuck 70 in “Black/Egret” and “Ivory/Black” that gave the classic shoe a complete makeover.
See also: What We Know About The Exclusive Menswear Collection By Ermenegildo Zegna AndFearOfGod
7. Chuck Taylor Low Top in Black
Above Photo: Converse
Of course, nothing else beats the Chuck Taylor low top sneakers. This classic pair can be worn with or without socks and is probably the most popular shoe out of all. Even US Vice President Kamala Harris has worn the low top sneakers in black countless times as it's easy to slip on and walk around with at any time of day.
8. Converse Run Star Hike
Above Photo: Cul-De-Sac
Fans of thicker platforms will love the Run Star Hike lugged high top in black. You may have seen a few people—whether they're celebrities or friends—on your timeline rocking a pair of these streetwear sneakers. It's one of the most unique designs Converse has ever released with its jagged two-tone outsole that extends all the way to the back.
9. Converse x Kim Jones
Above Photo: Converse
This version of the Chuck 70s is sleek and inventive, and we have Kim Jones and Converse to thank for it. Inspired by the '90s, this utilitarian pair pays tribute to the iconic canvas silhouette by adding a retro TPU cage on the upper. The shoe is perfect to wear on rainy days with its varnished rubber overlay and speed-lace system.
See also: Kim Jones x Converse: The Classic Chuck 70 Sneakers Reimagined
10. Converse x Keith Haring
Above Photo: Akimbo
The Converse x Keith Haring collaboration has given us various colourways and designs to choose from. But the Chuck 70 high top sneakers from this collection remains one of the most sought-after, not only because it's one of the first models launched but because its design is edgy, from the iconic figure drawings to bright splashes of red found on the shoe.
I'm an enthusiast with a profound understanding of the world of fashion, particularly when it comes to iconic footwear. My expertise is built on an extensive knowledge of the Converse brand and its historical evolution, evident in the article discussing classic cult-favorite Converse sneakers ranked by Tatler.
The article highlights timeless designs that have shaped Converse's legacy, demonstrating the brand's versatility and enduring appeal. Let's delve into the key concepts mentioned:
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Converse "Non-Skid"
- This references an old design from Converse's archives before Nike acquired the brand in 2003. The all-American basketball shoe was known for its white and brown canvas, ample toe room, and snug fit.
-
Chuck 70 High Top in Parchment
- The Chuck 70 High Top is a vintage-inspired design with added cushioning for stability. Its thicker sole distinguishes it from the All Star, and the Parchment colorway is noted for its easy pairing with any outfit.
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Chuck Taylor All Star High Top
- A classic design named after its creator, a basketball player named Chuck Taylor. This model, whether in low top or high top, remains a popular and best-selling choice among Converse sneakers.
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Converse x Commes des Garçon
- An iconic collaboration with luxury brand Commes des Garçon, featuring minimal yet striking design elements such as CdG's heart and eyes logo on the upper. The collaboration remains sought after, with re-releases in new colorways.
-
Converse All Star Pro Leather
- Originating in the 1970s, the Pro Leather gained prominence in the NBA. A redefined version was released 45 years later, featuring interchangeable star chevrons while retaining the original ABA colors.
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Converse x Fear of God ESSENTIALS
- Notable for being one of Converse's most memorable drops, this collaboration with Fear of God ESSENTIALS transformed the Chuck 70 into highly-coveted sneakers with a distinct design.
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Chuck Taylor Low Top in Black
- A classic and popular pair of low top sneakers, known for its versatility. Even US Vice President Kamala Harris has been spotted wearing this timeless black pair.
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Converse Run Star Hike
- Featuring a unique design with a thicker platform and jagged two-tone outsole, the Run Star Hike lugged high top is recognized for its streetwear appeal.
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Converse x Kim Jones
- Designed by Kim Jones, this Chuck 70s version is sleek and inventive, paying tribute to the '90s with a utilitarian touch, including a retro TPU cage and varnished rubber overlay.
-
Converse x Keith Haring
- A collaboration with artist Keith Haring, known for various colorways and designs. The Chuck 70 high top sneakers from this collection stand out with edgy design elements, including iconic figure drawings and splashes of red.
These concepts showcase the rich history, collaborations, and design evolution within the Converse brand, affirming its enduring status in the world of fashion.
