After more than a century of canvas and rubber simplicity, Converse has decided the Chuck Taylor All Star needed some serious elevation. Enter the First String collection, a thoughtful reimagining of what happens when you apply premium materials and modern comfort tech to an icon that’s been practically unchanged since the 1950s.
A Legend Born
The Chuck Taylor’s story begins in 1917 as a basketball shoe. And by the 1960s it owned roughly 80% of the basketball market before the entire category shifted in the ’80s with Nike’s innovative approach. First String acknowledges this legacy while addressing the elephant in the room: traditional Chucks aren’t exactly known for comfort.
For this first true premium upgrade, Converse kept the soul of the Chucks while upgrading everything under the hood. The silhouette maintains its unmistakable DNA, but nearly every component has been refined. The toe cap is shorter for a more contemporary look, the last is wider for better fit, and the foxing tape sits higher for improved durability. Even the license plate heel detail references 1950s archival designs.
Where Premium Actually Matters
The collection launches with three different uppers: vintage-washed heavyweight canvas, premium leather with brown heel accents, and Japanese tropical knit with navy floral patterns. We’re fans of the canvas, which will be noticeably thicker than standard Chuck material.
The real innovation sits underfoot. Converse paired their CX foam with Nike Air technology (remember, Nike owns Converse) creating a sockliner that should eliminate the flat-foot complaints Chuck wearers have made for decades. Add a Vibram outsole for actual traction and durability, and you have a Chuck that might survive more than a few months of regular wear.
Spec Sheet
Model: Chuck Taylor All Star First String
Uppers: Vintage canvas, premium leather, or Japanese tropical knit
Technology: CX foam, Nike Air sockliner
Outsole: Vibram
Pricing: $225 (canvas), $250 (leather/knit)
Pricing & Availability
Priced at $225 for the canvas and $250 for the leather and knit versions, Converse’s Chuck Taylor First String collection is available now through select premium retailers, with additional colorways dropping November 1.
Recap
Converse Chuck Taylor First String
The Converse First String collection elevates the century-old Chuck Taylor with premium materials, Nike Air cushioning, and Vibram outsoles, finally addressing the comfort issues that have plagued the iconic sneaker for decades.
