The most influential sneaker of all time has to be the Converse Chuck Taylor. Since 1917, the canvas high-top sneaker ran from hoop to hoop on countless basketball courts and evolved along the way to become the staple shoe in everyone’s closet from your childhood best friend to Rihanna.
But as the classic sneaker evolved, Converse eventually took a look back and in 2013, released the Chuck 70, a revival of its Chuck Taylor sneaker from the late 1960s and 1970s. The 70s brought a chunkier look back with a taller sidewall and sculpted silhouette while also playing on its vintage looks with yellowish-tinted rubber, reminiscent of an aged vintage sneaker. Its handsome looks paired with the upgraded components helped solidify the Chuck 70 as a mainstay sneaker for the brand seven years on and has since seen collaborative iterations with a bevy of notable designers and celebrities including Brain Dead, Carhartt WIP, Dover Street Market and JW Anderson.
Other than aesthetics, what else is different? Is the $30 price jump worth it? And most importantly, which version is right for you?
Chuck Taylor All Star
Chandler Bondurant
Can this classic defend its crown against a revitalized retro reproduction?
Fabric
Chandler Bondurant
The canvas upper has a smooth hand and feels about as light as New Yorker tote bag.
Insole
Chandler Bondurant
This is the padding you’ve come to expect from a pair of Chuck Taylors. Enough cushion to get you through the day easily, but certainly not an orthopedic oasis.
Sole
Chandler Bondurant
Here, the sole material is flexible, but not flimsy. Next to the Chuck 70s, however, that becomes even more clear.
Hardware + Laces
Chandler Bondurant
The aglets at the laces and for ventilation are silver-toned and matte, but otherwise look identical to the alternative.
The laces are a true white to match the matte white rubber of the outsole and toe cap.
Fabric
Chandler Bondurant
The Chuck 70’s fabric is the first thing you notice before even putting on the shoes. The 12-ounce cotton canvas is beefier and more substantial. There’s also an extra layer of canvas stitched into the upper at either side of the vamp.
Insole
Chandler Bondurant
The insole feels more supportive and more spongey than the Classic Chuck. This is more evident at the balls of the foot.
Sole
Chandler Bondurant
While both soles look very similar, it feels as though the Chuck 70s are slightly grippier, despite having less-defined grooves than the Classics.
Hardware + Laces
Chandler Bondurant
The metal eyelets match the rubber. That is to say that the eyelets are also shiny, compared to the matte finish of the Classic Chuck.
It’s no surprise here that laces also feel like an upgrade. The laces are denser and thicker.
Which One Is Right For You?
A major appeal for the Chuck 70 is its silhouette. The last for the retro contender gives the sneaker more structure. But the looser and lighter All Star is an icon for a reason. Why redo it?
The Icon
Converse
Chuck Taylor All Star
Go with the Classic Chuck if you like its shape over the Chuck 70 and you’d rather save $30. The uppers of the Classic Chuck have a smoother hand than its retro version, plus it’s more flexible to begin with. The Classics are also noticeably lighter overall, but, interestingly, the heel counter is significantly more stiff than the 70s. This should help keep the shoes hold their shape over time.
Though the shiny varnish on the rubber of the 70s evokes a vintage feel, it isn’t the most attractive for people who favor a beat-up sneaker. The matte look of the Classic’s eyelets and rubber subdues its looks. If you’ve known and loved the Classic Chucks, you know the saying: if it ain’t broke.
The Upgrade
Converse
Chuck 70
That said, go with the 70s remake if you’re willing to pay a little extra for the upgraded experience. While the Classic Chuck’s uppers feel like a tote bag you’d get as a free gift, the Chuck 70’s canvas uppers feel more like a tote bag you’d have to pay for. That may read as a positive (and ways, it certainly is), it’s also just one of the reasons for the price jump. 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.
As far as aesthetics are concerned, the 70s have a vintage appeal with a more substantial profile and cream-colored rubber foxing and cap toe.
As an avid sneaker enthusiast with a deep understanding of the history and evolution of iconic footwear, it's evident that the Converse Chuck Taylor holds a special place in the realm of sneakers. Having been in existence since 1917, the Chuck Taylor has not only traversed basketball courts but has also become a timeless staple in fashion, transcending generations and gaining popularity among diverse demographics.
The article discusses a pivotal moment in the Chuck Taylor's evolution—the release of the Chuck 70 in 2013. Drawing inspiration from the Chuck Taylor sneaker of the late 1960s and 1970s, the Chuck 70 brought forth a chunkier look with a taller sidewall, a sculpted silhouette, and vintage elements such as yellowish-tinted rubber, reminiscent of aged sneakers. This revival successfully merged handsome aesthetics with upgraded components, solidifying the Chuck 70 as a contemporary mainstay.
Now, let's delve into the key concepts presented in the article:
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Chuck Taylor All Star (Classic Chuck):
- Fabric: Smooth and light 12-ounce cotton canvas, flexible and more flexible than Chuck 70.
- Insole: Standard Chuck Taylor cushioning, providing enough support for daily use but not designed as an orthopedic solution.
- Sole: Flexible but not flimsy; the article suggests that it's less grippy compared to Chuck 70.
- Hardware + Laces: Matte white rubber, silver-toned matte eyelets, and standard laces.
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Chuck 70:
- Fabric: 12-ounce cotton canvas that feels beefier and more substantial, with an extra layer stitched into the upper.
- Insole: More supportive and spongey, particularly noticeable at the balls of the foot.
- Sole: Slightly grippier despite less-defined grooves than the Classic Chuck.
- Hardware + Laces: Shiny metal eyelets, denser and thicker laces.
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Differences and Considerations:
- Aesthetics: Chuck 70 has a vintage appeal, cream-colored rubber foxing, and cap toe, evoking a more substantial profile.
- Price: Chuck 70 comes at a $30 premium over the Classic Chuck.
- Comfort and Support: Chuck 70 offers more cushioning and stability, making it a better choice for those needing additional support.
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Which One Is Right For You?
- Classic Chuck: Opt for this if you prefer its shape, desire flexibility, and want to save $30. It's lighter, smoother, and has a more flexible upper.
- Chuck 70: Choose the Chuck 70 if you're willing to pay extra for an upgraded experience, including more cushioning, support, and a vintage aesthetic with a substantial profile.
In conclusion, the choice between the Classic Chuck and Chuck 70 boils down to personal preferences, style inclinations, and the level of comfort and support one seeks in a sneaker. Each version has its merits, catering to a broad spectrum of sneaker enthusiasts and consumers.
