Port’s fashion features editor David Hellqvist takes a look at the updated version of Converse’s classic shoe, the Chuck Taylor All Star II
Never change a winning formula they say, but no one has ever mentioned anything about updating it.
Classics are often considered to be ‘timeless’, mostly for design reasons, but their iconic status has less to do with functionality. The Converse Chuck Taylor is a case in point. The canvas high top might not look like a basketball shoe, but that’s how it initially achieved its mainstream success. Today, it’s less a sportswear basic and more of an everyday staple. It can be worn in just about any life situation, even events of a formal nature if donned with confidence and gravitas. As with so many garments, its limitations and possibilities are defined only by the imagination of the person wearing them.
Famous as a trainer with a cult following, fuelled by its music connotations, the Chuck Taylor represents energy and attitude, but there’s no doubt it’s often labelled as ‘old school’ too. There are some distinctively lo-fi qualities about the sneaker, which has always been a good thing. Again, why change what works? However, Converse decided that it was time to bring part of the iconic shoe up to speed, and this comes in the form of the Converse Chuck Taylor All Star II.
“The Chuck Taylor All Star is one of the most legendary and iconic sneakers of all time,” said Jim Calhoun, president and CEO of Converse. “The launch of Chuck II is a groundbreaking moment for Converse as we continue to move the brand forward through creativity and innovation, ushering in not just a new sneaker, but a completely new way of thinking.”
While keeping its signature outside detailing – most notably, the recognisable rubber toe cap, white foxing detail and statement ‘All Star’ patch – it’s the inside that’s been kitted out with state-of-the-art technology. Through its connections with Nike – its owners and a brand known for a hi-tech approach to athletic footwear – Converse has got hold of the sports giant’s coveted Lunarlon technology. According to Converse, the mark II Converse Chuck Taylor delivers “360-degree comfort with a Nike Lunarlon sock liner, foam-padded collar and a non-slip padded tongue for a refined and cushioned fit” and is “enhanced by a perforated micro-suede liner to deliver comfort and breathability during extended periods of wear.”
“We listened and took it to heart that people love their Chucks and want sneakers that are built to enable them to do more,” explained Richard Copcutt, vice president and general manager of Converse All Star. “The Chuck II is the full expression of this consumer obsession, staying true to the DNA of the original.”
There’s a fine line between improving a technique and destroying an image, the trick is to innovate while respecting the heritage. The Converse Chuck Taylor All Star II seems to tick those boxes. Its iconic design remains, and anyone wearing them on the street can hold onto the old-school credentials that the boot brings with it. But, and this is arguably the point of the new launch, the Converse Chuck Taylor II trainer is now in line with 21st century technology making it an even better wardrobe staple for everyday life, and is charged with the same energy and attitude that made the original edition a timeless classic.
More info over at the Converse website. The Converse Chuck Taylor All Star II can be found at Schuh
