Chucks — as millions of devotees know them — come in many colors and variations. Andy Warhol wore them when he painted soup cans and celebrities. James Dean, Elvis Presley, Billy Joel, Sid Vicious, Kurt Cobain, Patti Smith, Common and M.I.A. have all worn them. Like Levi’s and Coca-Cola, Converse sneakers are global symbols of American pop culture.
With subtle tweaking, the sneakers look very much like the original Chuck Taylor high-tops, which took their current form in 1934, and the first All Stars, which were made in 1917.
(The 1917 All Star)
(The 1928 All Star)
In most sizes and colors, the new Chuck Taylors, which cost $20 more than the classics, sold out within 24 hours online. The new styles come with a perforated liner, cushy padding, Nike insole, and stripped down aesthetic-minimal look. This isn’t just a matter of comfort. The shoe in general looks more fit for 2015 than the original, thanks to the lack of red contrast stitching. But these are subtle improvements, none of which take away from the sheer wearability and style that made Chucks an icon in the first place. And at just $75 for the high-tops and $70 for the lows, they’re not just worth the money—they’re a game-changer for fans of the classic sneaker.
Click here to shop the new look!
