Here’s Why the Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Is a Timeless Icon

In recent years, people have become more conscious of what trainers they've got on their feet. At every turn, there's no denying you'll find somebody with a pair of Nikes or Jordans. Despite that, there's one model that'll never go out of style: the Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star.

There's no denying that either you or the people around you have grown up with a pair of Converse. The Classic All-Star sneakers from the American shoe company have been around since the 1930s, originally as basketball shoes but now a timeless lifestyle icon.

The silhouette has evolved in various forms through the years, serving itself as the perfect canvas for modifications. It starts with an all-canvas upper housed by a cushioned midsole underfoot decorated with a stripe that runs all the way around. Converse's Classic All-Star circular emblem on the side and branding license plate on the rear finalise the design.

In all the modern iterations we know and love today, Converse maintains these original traits, showing that it's capable of adapting to consumer needs, and of course, the current fashion trends.

One of the notable pairs today is the Converse Chuck 70s, which arrived in 2013. It features a much-more durable build with thicker canvas material and cushioned midsole unit beneath the feet. Overall, it's the closest lookalike to the classic high-tops.

Next is the Converse Run Star Hike, a model with a chunky hiking boot-inspired midsole and a rugged outsole that made its debut through a collaboration with British fashion brand JW Anderson. A series of in-line colourways in unisex sizing then followed.

Again at a closer look, you'll see the original traits of the classic All-Stars, notably the upper shape with the circular star badge on the side. The low-top version however doesn't have this, but the rubber toe caps and star emblem remains.

Lastly, the Chuck Taylor Platform Lugged High, a winter-ready, boot-style Converse. Almost similar to the Run Star Hikes, just without the heavy-treaded outsole unit. This version even hosted a collaboration with Samuel Ross' streetwear brand A Cold Wall sometime in 2020.

With all that said, these silhouettes wouldn't exist if it wasn't for the Classic Chuck Taylor All-Stars. Regardless of all the high-heat kicks you see your friends flexing, the Chuck Taylors are sneakers that should be in everyone's collection.

How does Converse fit and are they true to size? Make sure you read our Converse size guide to know which size to take. Stay locked in The Sole Supplier so you don't miss out on the latest Converse drops. In related news, here are beautifully embroidered sneakers that'll sweeten any Converse collection.