Introducing the Chuck Taylor II, Converse‘s revamp of the most famous sneaker in the world. It is never easy to reinvent something that is near perfect, but Converse has done it, and damn well too, if I have to say.
“The Chuck Taylor All Star is one of the most legendary and iconic sneakers of all time,” said Jim Calhoun, president and CEO of the brand. “The launch of Chuck II is a ground-breaking 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.”
First released in 1917, the Converse Chuck Taylor started out humbly as the only basketball sneaker around. The flat-footed, star-sided, toe-capped flexible number has been loved by everyone from ordinary joes to rock stars.
So why the change?
Richard Copcutt, vice president and general manager of Converse All Star said “comfort” was the word that kept coming up during the brand’s most comprehensive market research effort that involved thousands of consumers and “creative individuals” such as actors and dancers, chefs and designers.
“They told us they loved their Chucks, but they weren’t the most comfortable shoe,” Copcutt admitted.
Building on its icon, Converse rebuilt perfection, the Chuck Taylor II with new materials including a Nike Lunarlon insole (Nike has owned Converse since 2003) for cushioning and all-day comfort.
The upper is constructed from a Tencel Canvas that offers enhanced durability but still ages well. Inside is a perforated micro-suede liner for breathability, along with a foam padded collar. Gone are the day where the tongue slips awkwardly, as the sneaker features a non-slip gusseted tongue. The finer details include, a full embroidered All Star patch, on-trend high foxing and monochrome matte eyelets.
The Chuck Taylor II is available in both high- and low-cut editions, with black, blue, red and white colourways at Converse retailers.