Growing up means not having to choose between style and substance
y inner sixteen-year-old was resurrected last week as iconic sneaker brand Converse, launched their Chuck II Boot. Long overdue, this winterized sneakerboot would have saved me from stubbornly treading through endless slush and snow banks enduring sub-zero temperatures with soaking wet feet in the classic canvas symbol of rebellion.
The sentiment was shared by my fellow attendees who recounted personal Chuck Taylor winter stories of foolish dedication.
From packing a pair of boots in a backpack so your parents wouldn’t give you hell, to having to blow dry your soaking wet sneakers daily, there was no shortage of nostalgia for a time when we gladly sacrificed practicality for style.
Little known fact, Converse has a history of producing quality winter boots and galoshes as early as 1908, nearly a decade before they developed basketball sneakers, making this not so much a stretch for them but more so a revisit to their past.
Ushered into a neon winter wonderland complete with sneakers trapped in blocks of ice and faux snow blowing, we were invited to test out the waterproofing in a tub of artificial slush.
Director of Global Footwear Product, Bryan Cioffi explained the challenges of turning the modest sneaker into a durable, waterproof boot that could keep feet warm and dry in winter climates and retain the classic and much-loved sneaker look.
Inspired by surfers’ wetsuits, the design team developed a neoprene lining to keep water out and combined it with a thermal barrier to trap heat. They added a weatherized gum outsole with deeper grooves for better traction and, like the Chuck II shoe, a Nike Lunarlon footbed.
At first glance, it may look like you’re wearing sneakers in the snow, which is kind of the point and a testament to what Converse has achieved with the All Star II. The subtle but significant differences between these and the originals will make them a welcome addition to your winter footwear wardrobe.
The tough decision of either looking fresh or keeping your toes dry is no longer as this boot successfully marries style and function. Will these boots convert rebellious teens into spending twice the price for a winter version of their beloved chucks? Converse will soon see. But I do know we’ll be seeing lots of (ex) die-hard Chuck fans with warm, dry feet this winter.
y inner sixteen-year-old was resurrected last week as iconic sneaker brand Converse, launched their Chuck II Boot. Long overdue, this winterized sneakerboot would have saved me from stubbornly treading through endless slush and snow banks enduring sub-zero temperatures with soaking wet feet in the classic canvas symbol of rebellion.
The sentiment was shared by my fellow attendees who recounted personal Chuck Taylor winter stories of foolish dedication.
From packing a pair of boots in a backpack so your parents wouldn't give you hell, to having to blow dry your soaking wet sneakers daily, there was no shortage of nostalgia for a time when we gladly sacrificed practicality for style.
Little known fact, Converse has a history of producing quality winter boots and galoshes as early as 1908, nearly a decade before they developed basketball sneakers, making this not so much a stretch for them but more so a revisit to their past.
Ushered into a neon winter wonderland complete with sneakers trapped in blocks of ice and faux snow blowing, we were invited to test out the waterproofing in a tub of artificial slush.
Director of Global Footwear Product, Bryan Cioffi explained the challenges of turning the modest sneaker into a durable, waterproof boot that could keep feet warm and dry in winter climates and retain the classic and much-loved sneaker look.
Inspired by surfers’ wetsuits, the design team developed a neoprene lining to keep water out and combined it with a thermal barrier to trap heat. They added a weatherized gum outsole with deeper grooves for better traction and, like the Chuck II shoe, a Nike Lunarlon footbed.
At first glance, it may look like you’re wearing sneakers in the snow, which is kind of the point and a testament to what Converse has achieved with the All Star II. The subtle but significant differences between these and the originals will make them a welcome addition to your winter footwear wardrobe.
The tough decision of either looking fresh or keeping your toes dry is no longer as this boot successfully marries style and function. Will these boots convert rebellious teens into spending twice the price for a winter version of their beloved chucks? Converse will soon see. But I do know we'll be seeing lots of (ex) die-hard Chuck fans with warm, dry feet this winter.