With the preponderance of footwear brands out today, what we put on our feet is becoming more and more diversified but also more emphasized. It’s why it becomes increasingly more impressive how models such as Converse All Stars or Vans Classics or even Nike Air Forces have remained such a mainstay in culture.
Now, the epitome of timelessness gets bolstered with a water-resistant coating to make these shoes even more versatile.
A Brief History of the All Stars
Made in some capacity since 1917, the Converse All Star (then known as the Non-Skids) were designed as basketball shoes, some 30 years before the NBA was even formulated. Needless to say, there weren’t a whole lot of alternatives back then. So, when star athlete Chuck Taylor urged the brand to bolster the shoes with better support and flexibility, Converse responded with a big redesign and renaming.
Known as the Chuck Taylor All Stars — or Chucks — since 1922, the company enjoyed quite a level of popularity, with upwards of 70% of the market share belonging to them in the late ‘60s and early ‘70s. Fast forward to 2013, when Converse was trying to revive the shoes from its heyday. Built like those circa-1970 models, the Chuck Taylor All Star 70 were all-around beefier, from the canvas to the midsole to the cushioning. These models are still made today.
Converse All Star WP Basics
Built on the Chuck Taylor 70s, the new All Star WP delivers the same visual aesthetic and construction methods as the classic models but with the addition of a DWR (durable water-resistant) coating on the canvas uppers. This is identified by the “Waterproof & Breathable” inscription inside the tongue. And according to the brand, the sneakers can withstand moisture for 6 hours at 1.5”, which is more than enough for most moderately rainy days.
The rest of the shoes are business as usual, with a 12oz canvas material, the vulcanized rubber foxing, and the super comfortable REACT 2.0 cup insole. Meanwhile, the vents and metal eyelets are kept as well. Available in a workboot-esque dark taupe, the shoes do come in low- and hi-top versions.
Spec Sheet
Uppers: DWR-coated canvas
Insole: REACT 2.0
Outsole: Vulcanized rubber
Release Date: January 28
Pricing & Availability
Available starting January 28 from Converse’s Japanese site, the All Star WP will be priced at ¥14,850 (~$94), which is only slightly more than the Chuck Taylor 70.
Recap
Converse All Star WP
Converse added DWR coating to its classic All Star sneakers, equipped with all the standard hallmarks and available in a workboot-esque taupe colorway.
