Converse: The ultimate bang for your buck.
Comme des Garçons, Undercover, JW Anderson, OFF-WHITE, Fear of God, and KITH - what do all of these brands and artists have in common? Converse has collaborated with all of them.
If you’re like me, you might agree that the sneaker poses as the most challenging medium with the greatest reward, in which artists and brands have full capacity to showcase their vision.
In the case of Converse, artists have taken the Chuck 70 and in ways completely reimagined the flat-soled sneaker using new materials from high-gloss patent leather like JW Anderson’s “Toy” reinterpretation, or an emblazoned chenille patch like on the Undefeated Ox “Varsity Jacket.”
J.W. Anderson x Chuck 70 High Top 'Toy' - Photo Credit: GOAT
With most of these designs, you won’t have to shell out more than $135 for a pair on average (except for Virgil Abloh’s rendition which may run you upwards of $300).
Undefeated x Chuck 70 'Varsity Jacket' - Photo Credit: GOAT
There’s no sign of slowing down either. Converse recently joined forces with KITH for a subtle approach toward the high-top Chuck Taylor set for release April 19.
What I personally like most about the Converse reworks is that they are uninhibited by clout for the most part. Sure you’re donning a sneaker that is designed by sensational artists and brands, but the shoe itself is more of an exposé. Although a classic sneaker, the Chuck 70 strips itself of its Star identity to become more of a conversation piece, sort of like a good coffee table book.
Converse X A$AP NAST Jack Purcell Chukka - Photo Credit: Converse
I’m not saying these designs should put an end to the more coveted, staple silhouettes like the Air Jordan 1 or Air Max 97, but that the simplest way to own a piece of art from some of the world’s greatest creators seems to simply exist with the Chuck 70.