“The best ever, with tougher canvas and an extra layer of comfort.”
That’s how Converse describes their new-but-old Chuck 70, which is both an upgrade to and a reversal from the world famous Chuck Taylor All Star. With one hundred million pairs of All Stars are bought every year, the All Star might be the most popular sneaker of all time. So why does it need an upgrade — especially after Converse’s latest attempt to do so, the Chuck II, failed so disastrously?
The Chuck II may have damaged the brand, but that was an attempt to modernize the All Star. The Chuck 70 is an attempt to… “vintage-ize” the All Star, to make it moreold fashioned, to bring it back to its roots. While the Chuck II had neon green, tons of padding, and other bells and whistles, the Chuck 70 tried to revert the sneaker’s recipe to the way it was made in the 1970s: thicker canvas, better support, fewer bells and whistles, no frills.
So did they succeed?
In this review we’re going to compare the All Star and the Chuck 70 by assessing:
The sneaker has an Ortholite insole and winged tongue stitching that makes it very comfortable and durable. The star patch logo is iconic making this shoe a sure buy.
The Chuck Taylor All Stars is a classic, breathable canvas sneaker with a vulcanized rubber sole. Perfected in the early 1900s, it is still a popular and stylish choice today,
When comparing the Chuck 70 to the classic Chuck, it has:
Thicker canvas = more structure
Real leather patch
Smaller toecap
Thicker laces
Higher foxing
Glossier, tinted sole
Extra stitching on midfoot
Some say the Chuck 70 modeled after the way All Stars were made before Nike bought them in 2003, but I owned Chucks before 2003 — my first pair was burgundy — and they were nothing like the Chuck 70. Indeed, it actually was in the 1980s that Converse changed a lot about their flagship shoe in response to increasingly high production costs.
That’s why it has much thicker canvas, but there are other differences that you might miss.
At first glance, they both look like the classic toe capped basketball shoe that was popularized in the 1920s, but the Chuck 70 is a little chunkier for several reasons: the canvas is thicker and more structured, the leather heel patch is real and three dimensional (unlike the screen printed patch on the All Stars), the toecap is a tad smaller, the laces are thicker, and the foxing is higher. The higher foxing is important. The term refers to the way sole extends up and onto the upper, providing more lateral stability.
The higher foxing is important. The term refers to the sole extending up and onto the upper, providing more lateral stability.
In addition to all these bulk-adding properties, the Chuck 70’s sole and toecap are also glossier and tinted ever so slightly off-white for an aged, vintage feel.
Adding to the vintage-ness is this more old fashioned “license plate logo” on the back of the heels and a name tag on the tongue of the Chuck 70’s right shoe.
Finally, the Chuck 70 has an extra line of stitching along the midfoot, which you can see below:
There are a few competing theories as to what it’s for:
To keep the sole from splitting at the toebreak — something All Stars always do after a few months of wear.
To keep the two layers of canvas together, because Chuck 70s are actually comprised of two thick strips stitched together.
To provide lateral support and rigidity to improve performance on the basketball court.
Personally, I’m positive that the stitching is just to keep the separate layers of canvas together.
Both shoes are made with canvas, which is densely woven cotton, but they differ significantly in thickness.
All Star’s upper is light like a tote bag, lighter than any pair of jeans you’ll buy.
Chuck 70s, at 12 ounces, have much thicker canvas.
You can tell just by looking at them: the All Stars are floppy, while the 70s have more shape to them.
Chuck 70 vs. All Star Sole
Chuck 70
One piece of rubber
Glossy faux patina
Foxing runs over top ofcanvas
Better arch support
All Star
3 pieces of rubber
Both shoes made from vulcanized rubber
Harder and flatter; better for lifting
Both soles are made with vulcanized rubber, although the Chuck 70’s outsole is one piece of rubber whereas the All Star’s outsole is actually comprised of three.
As mentioned above, the 70’s siding runs a full 5 millimeters over the top of the canvas, which should reduce the odds of holes forming at the toe break and provide extra lateral stability.
If you know much about powerlifting, you know the All Star is the most famous shoe for squats and deadlifts because the base is so hard and stable, which is ideal when you’re holding heavy weight. The All Star is better for lifting weights because the Chuck 70 has a lot more cushion to it — meaning the average non-lifter will probably prefer the Chuck 70.
The All Star is better for lifting weights because the Chuck 70 has a lot more cushion to it — meaning the average non-lifter will probably prefer the Chuck 70.
The Chuck 70’s extra softness comes from an Ortholite insole, which is made from a kind of open-cell polyurethane that both absorbs shock and has built up arch support. If your feet get sore without much support, pick the Chuck 70s. They’re the most comfortable construction of the classic design to date, and they’re more comfy than the ill fated Chuck II, which was almost too squishy.
Sizing is controversial with Converse. My true size is 11.5; I used to size up to 12 with my All Stars, now I wear them true to size, and some guys size down half a size for a more secure fit. (I’d recommend this if you’re wearing them to work out.)
With the Chuck 70, I’d actually suggest sizing down half a size. My own are 11.5, my true size, and they fit fine, but there’s a crucial difference between the Chuck 70 and the All Star: heel slippage.
There’s a crucial difference between the Chuck 70 and the All Star: heel slippage.
The All Star is much stiffer around the heel, whereas the 70 has a little extra canvas on the heel but it’s not as good at gripping the heel as the All Star. So it’s more important you have a secure, correct fit with the Chuck 70. Both shoes run a little big, but that matters more with the Chuck 70.
A thirty-dollar difference is more than fine with me. Almost every single thing about the Chuck 70 is better than the All Star, although…
5 Reasons the All Star Is Better Than the Chuck 70
This isn’t to say the All Star is definitively better, but here are a few reasons why you might prefer the All Star.
The Chuck Taylor All Star is the most iconic sneaker in the world.It’sthesneaker. Over abillionof them have been sold. Then again, I might argue that if you’re attracted to the rich history of the shoe, the Chuck 70 does a better job of embodying that heritage, given that’s the way the shoe was made when it made its bones.
The All Star is $30 cheaper. But the Chuck 70 will last longer than the All Star, more than making up for the price. (With regular wear, I’ve found the All Star falls apart after a year or so.)
The All Star is lighter.
The All Star is better for lifting weights.Again, this is because of the harder, more stable base. If you prefer arch support, go for the Chuck 70.
The All Star has a wider range of colors and patterns.There are literally thousands of colors and patterns available for the All Star, from covered-in-glitter to the American flag. Combine that with the fact that the sole is whiter on the All Star and you’ve got a shoe that some feel is better for expressing their creativity.
Chuck 70 vs All Star: The Verdict
The Chuck 70 has thicker canvas, higher rubber foxing, better cushioning, improved arch support, and greater durability.
The All Star is cheaper, available in more colors, lighter, and better for lifting weights.
Those are the most important takeaways. For my money, the Chuck 70 is far and away the better shoe and it’s more than worth the extra money.
FAQs Chuck Taylor 70 vs Chuck Taylor All Star:
What is the difference between Converse All Star and Chuck Taylors?
'Converse All Star' and 'Chuck Taylors' are different names for the same shoe.
Are Chuck Taylors and Converse the same thing?
Converse is the company that makes Chuck Taylors. There are two main types of Chuck Taylors, the Chuck Taylor All Star and Chuck Taylor 70.
Which Converse are the most comfortable?
The Chuck Taylor All Star are more comfortable than other Converse sneakers, but if arch support is important, go with their Fastbreak Pro Leather sneaker.
Why does it say Chuck Taylor on Converse?
Converse makes the Chuck Taylor sneaker. Chuck Taylor was a famous basketball player who co-branded the sneaker in the 1920s.
What does the star mean on Converse?
Converse wanted a simple logo that represented being an All Star Player, as in a very good basketball player.
What is the difference between Converse and Chuck Taylors?
Converse is the name of the company that makes the Chuck Taylor, like Nike is the brand that makes Air Jordan sneakers.
Why are Converse called Chuck Taylors?
Chuck Taylor was a famous basketball player in the 1920s, who co-branded with Converse to release the sneakers. Converse named the sneaker after him, much like Michael Jordan has the Air Jordan sneaker.
Are all Chuck Taylors the same?
No there are different types of Chuck Taylors. For example, there are the Chuck Taylor All Star, the Chuck Taylor 70s and the Chuck II.
Does Converse own Chuck Taylor?
Yes, Converse makes Chuck Taylor sneakers. Converse is owned by Nike.
What are the most comfortable Converse?
The most comfortable Converse sneaker is the Converse Chuck Taylor 70 because it has better cushioning and improved arch support. If shock absorption is more important, consider their skater-focused Fastbreak Pro sneakers.
Which Chuck Taylors are most comfortable?
The most comfortable Converse Chuck Taylors are the Chuck 70 because it has better arch support and more cushioning in the sole.
Are Converse Chuck 70 comfortable?
Yes, Converse Chuck 70 are comfortable because they are have a lot of cushioning in the insole and have more arch support relative to the All Stars.
11 Ways to Save Money on Boots!
Enter your e-mail for an exclusive article to help you find the best deals on quality footwear.
The following two tabs change content below.
Bio
Latest Posts
Nick English
By day: Manhattan-based journalist with reporting experience on four continents, published in Vice, Men's Health, Popular Science, and a bunch of other places.By night: ravenous consumer of anything and everything related to high end men's boots.Stridewise is where I nurture a maniacal obsession with footwear and share my findings. Say hey: [emailprotected]
The Chuck 70 features more stitching and a sturdier construction compared to the original Chuck Taylor All Star. It also has a slightly higher outsole and longer rubber toe cap. The Chuck Taylor All Star is looser and feels flimsier compared to the Chuck 70.
The Chuck 70 has thicker canvas, higher rubber foxing, better cushioning, improved arch support, and greater durability. The All Star is cheaper, available in more colors, lighter, and better for lifting weights. Those are the most important takeaways.
According to the Converse website, low and high-top platform Chuck Taylor All-Star Lifts are the best-selling sneaker for women, while the Chuck Taylor All-Star classic (high and low top), as well as Chuck 70 Vintage Canvas, remain the brand's best sellers in the men's category.
The Chuck 70s completely overhaul the comfort of the originals, to the point where I'd say they're one of the most comfortable pairs of sneakers I own. The magic comes from a half-inch thick OrthoLite insole that's tapered to give more support at the heel and more responsiveness at the toe.
Are Converse Good for Walking? Converse sneakers can be good for walking short distances, but it's better to wear a pair of walking shoes. They're very flat-bottomed, so they aren't the best for walking long distances.
Sizing can be a bit of a minefield when it comes to sneakers but I've never had a problem with the Chuck 70's – they always fit true to size and the CDG 70 is no exception. When first wearing a pair of 70's you may find them a tad narrow but as they break-in and the canvas loosens up they fit perfectly.
Should I size down in Converse? The Converse website recommends customers size down in their All Star and Chuck 70 silhouettes however we would still recommend staying true to size. Unless you have narrow feet, we don't recommend sizing down in Converse.
chuck-70-high-top-carryover. The Converse All Star Chuck '70 is our re-crafted sneaker that uses modern details to celebrate the original Chuck Taylor All Star from the 1970's. It features a slightly higher rubber foxing, a cushioned footbed that provides long-lasting comfort and a more substantial rubber toe cap.
The power of the high-top Converse has endured ever since the original ancestor of the All-Star design was introduced in 1917 as a non-slip basketball shoe. Since then, the retro sneaker has become a mainstay in all-American style.
So, are converse still in style? The answer is a resounding yes! These shoes are classic, comfortable, and versatile – everything you could want in a shoe.
Although originally designed for basketball, Converse are considered a good beginner shoe for weightlifting and powerlifting. What is this? This is because they have flat rubber soles that enforce correct posture on movements such as squats, deadlifts and bench presses.
There's a reason celebrities are always sporting Converse — specifically the classic Chuck Taylor All Star style — they're timeless. On red carpets, stages, and out on the streets, celebrities have been wearing this shoe for decades.
The Sneaker Trends Everyone Will Be Coveting In 2023 Revealed. High-top sneakers are ready to make a splash, from new, chunkier, sneakers to the classic Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star High Tops that have never gone out of style.
In general, Converse fit bigger than your average shoe. On their site, the brand states that Converse fit a half size bigger but some people say to go down a full size, especially if you wear a larger size to start with.
The Chuck 70 offers up a varnished midsole and toe cap for a top quality edge, and it's also a whole 5mm higher than the Chuck Taylor, a feature which was initially intended to improve stability during on-court manoeuvres.
High tops are the most obvious choice and you can't go wrong with a pair of black Chuck Taylor All Star 70s. The classic silhouette we all know and love is upgraded with a thicker rubber sole and organic cotton canvas to take on whatever winter throws at you.
Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Classic Hi "Black White"
While some of Converse's most recent releases have been some of its best, the classic "Black White" Chuck Taylor All Stars are still some of the most popular and versatile sneakers ever made.
Throw Them In The Wash. Give them a wash! The fabric on your chucks may be a little stiff and until you really wear them in, it may take some blisters. So speed up the process by throwing them in the wash to get the fabric softened up a bit.
And while such shoes are great for walking around, jogging, etc., they're not ideal for weightlifting, where flat shoes are the ones that can offer better support, more stability, and overall contribute to learning the proper lifting form for each exercise.
The 70s have more cushioning than the Classics, so if you need more support, these are also a better choice for you. And the higher rubber sidewall isn't just for show. It adds more stability to the shoe.
The high-top is a shoe that extends slightly over the wearer's ankle. It is commonly used for sports, particularly basketball. It is sometimes confused with the slightly shorter mid-top, which typically extends no higher than the wearer's ankle.
Most notably, a layer of varnish has been applied to the midsole and toe cap in a process that gives the Chuck 70's rubber an off-white sheen and a top quality edge.
While it's difficult to trace hightops back to the first one, many sneaker experts say the style first became popular in 1917 with Converse's release of the Chuck Taylor All Star sneakers.
“High top Converse are great because they go with literally any type of jean,” says Ella-Louise. “My favorite way to wear them is with boyfriend-style straight-leg jeans, as these tend to come with a raw edge (meaning it's slightly jagged and not hemmed).
This way, after so many years following different trends and generations, in 2023 the Converse All Star will continue to be a trend that promises to give life to different looks.
Although the last time we probably wore high-tops was when we were younger, these sneakers are ready to make a splash. New high-tops include chunky trendy sneakers, but classics like the Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star High Tops will forever be in style.
You can wear them with jeans, chinos or even shorts (if you're going the short route, stick to baggy fits and loose tees). High-tops with jeans are your classic weekender vibe, and it's really hard to style them wrong.
Converse sneakers have always been the preferred footwear choice for fashionistas as they do not compromise style for comfort. They go with pretty much everything – jeans, skirts, and even prom or wedding dresses.
Yes or no? You should never make the mistake of wearing Converse sneakers (or any shoe) without socks. Not only will you get blisters, but it's extremely unhygienic and almost always leaves an unpleasant smell that never seems to leave your shoes.
Ankle sprains are among the most common sport injuries, especially among hikers and trail runners who walk along uneven terrain. The theory behind high top shoes is that because the shoe is laced above the ankle bones, they offer more support to joints and ligaments in the area, thus preventing injury.
Converse All Stars also became the official shoe of the Olympic Games from 1936 to 1968, a fact not known by many. Olympic Games got the shoes its cool tag and rest is history, soon it became a household name with people who didn't want to wear just sneakers.
The slim, no-cushion sole of Converse puts you closer to the ground, so when you push through your heel in, say, a squat or deadlift, your energy is more efficiently used to move the weight rather than losing juice fighting through the layers of cushioning.
Are high waisted pants out of style 2023? High waist pants are out of fashion for spring 2023 – especially the carrot pants, paper bag pants and palazzo pants. And high waisted pants will be out of style for fall winter 2023/24, too. In fact, the high waist pants were not seen on the fall winter 2023/24 runways.
Trends such as knee-high splits, geometric cut-outs and sheer fabrics all lends themselves perfectly to a sultry skin moment, whereas for the inevitable open-air soirée, amping up the drama is easy with a 1970s It-girl-inspired hooded gown.
Converse all star sneakers have never been known for arch support because there is no arch support I still find them comfortable I'm not flat footed nor do I have a super high arched foot but I never had a problem wearing my chucks all day regardless of the no arch support.
Converses used to be worn in the 50s, 60s and 70s to play basketball, and were worn by greats such as Wilt Chamberlain and others. They are commonly used now for skateboarding due to their flat bottoms and sides, but modern basketball shoes are far better now.
Companies copied or competed with the best-selling brand, coming up with new trends and technology, but the original high-tops remained on top. In the 1970s Nike dunked their name in the basketball industry with their new Blazer, the shoe with the "swoosh", as did Puma with their signature low-top shoes.
Most notably, a layer of varnish has been applied to the midsole and toe cap in a process that gives the Chuck 70's rubber an off-white sheen and a top quality edge.
Flat shoes, like Chucks, are also better for your back when weightlifting. “If your feet or shoes are flat, then you don't have pelvic tilt, and the shearing forces are better distributed up the channel of the body, the ankles, knees, hips, and back,” Dr. Levine explains.
Although Chuck Taylor All-Stars are no longer used in professional basketball, they remain popular as casual footwear. Converse has released editions of the shoes in many colors and patterns, as well as updated models that retain the original's appearance while incorporating newer technology.
FIT: Converse Chuck Taylor All Stars and Converse Chuck 70s run true to size but they are a narrow shoe. Converse recommend buying a half-size down but we would only recommend this if you have narrow feet. COMFORT: They are really comfortable considering the lack of cushioning!
Nike remains the undisputed king of the basketball shoe market, with a staggering 254 players sporting the brand's footwear, maintaining its dominance from the previous season. Adidas comes in second place, worn by 42 NBA athletes, while the Jordan brand takes third, with 29 players choosing its lineup.
Favorite Converse for Lifting: Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star (High-Top) The Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star high-top model is my go-to Converse for lifting. These shoes are my favorite pick for a few key reasons. For starters, I love the high-top construction and think it looks great on a daily wear basis as well.
The reason lies in the mechanics of the wide stance. Your feet must remain at close contact with the floor in order to stay stable. That's why a pair of Chucks would be perfect. The High-Top version is preferred because it splints your ankles in place.
Converse shoes are a decent option for squats - they have a flat sole, and they lack cushion, which means that the foot will remain firmly planted on the ground, allowing the athlete to maintain proper form and balance.
Address: Suite 769 2454 Marsha Coves, Debbieton, MS 95002
Phone: +813077629322
Job: Real-Estate Executive
Hobby: Archery, Metal detecting, Kitesurfing, Genealogy, Kitesurfing, Calligraphy, Roller skating
Introduction: My name is Gov. Deandrea McKenzie, I am a spotless, clean, glamorous, sparkling, adventurous, nice, brainy person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
We notice you're using an ad blocker
Without advertising income, we can't keep making this site awesome for you.
