SOLE COLLECTOR: Sneakers

words by Jeremy Ripley

From Chuck Taylor and the high-flying aerial exploits of Julius “Dr. J” Erving, to the more recent hardwood escapades of Dwyane Wade, Converse has left an indelible mark on pop culture and athletic footwear since the North Andover, Massachusetts based company jumped off in 1908.

As is it indeed their 100^th birthday, Cons has prepared a stable of lovely vintage, premium, and hybrids to that allow nearly anyone to challenge social monotony. Scott Patt, Converse Global Footwear Creative Director explains, “As we continue into the second half of the Converse Century with our Fall 2008 Footwear Collection, we celebrate the renegades of sound, the league changers and those with flawless style. They are the ones who have created the last 100 years of Converse history and will be the ones to define the next 100 years.”

Converse All Star Low Profile:

The All Star Low Profile offers a terse revamp of the ubiquitous Chuck Taylor All Star. Featuring silky smooth deconstructed premium leather and two tastefully placed support straps, the shoe’s uniquely futuristic silhouette and prismatic inner lining will undoubtedly rouse many from their retro-induced boredom. Available in black/white/multicolored, the Profile will be available nationwide at specialty retailers and at www.converse.com in July for $94.

Chuck Taylor All Star Electronic Music:

These hearken back to a simpler time when love was love, peace was peace, and music was a rebellious form of rock n’ roll. This model stays true to the Chuck Taylor formula, implementing both the prominently renowned toecap and metal eyelets. However, the shoe departs from its typical canvas upper, as the Electronic Music applies buttery soft satin for added comfort all while evoking a sense of insurgent pride. Get yours at specialty retail stores or online at www.converse.com in June for $84, where they will be available in Mult/Silver, Rainbow, Orange/Red and Blue/Green.

Grateful Dead:

Since 1965, the Grateful Dead has used large helpings of persistence, endurance, and independent ideals to manifest itself into something nearly every band aspires to be—an assembly of freewheeling musicians who disregard social normality with snobbish disdain. This limited set of Chuck Taylor All Stars pays homage to the accomplishments of the group through cues from classic artwork by graphic artists Alton Kelley and Stanley Mouse, along with timeless images from the gang’s illustrious album covers. The collection will retail anywhere from $40-70, and will be available at select stores and www.converse.com. Bill Walton, where you at?

Weapon Extensions:

It appears as if Converse has piggybacked its way into Nike’s Innovation Kitchen—while the Swoosh has been releasing a plethora of Fusion combinations for a minute, the Weapon is Cons’ first trial at the hybrid game. Taking the Y-Bar from the 1986 Weapon and the overall silhouette of the Chuck Taylor All Star, the Extension defines many of the basketball gems of the past century. The shoe will be available nationwide and at www.converse.com in June. Colorways include: Black/Lava/Gold, Blue/White/Red, Black/Milk, Grey/Black/Red/White and Grey/Red/Black/White for $50-60.

Chuck Taylor All Star Light:

This one is strictly for the ladies, shouts to Lord Finesse and 1990. The Light implements several key Chuck Taylor attributes, namely the unique toecap and metal eyelets, but differs in that it provides a sleeker, more low-profile ride for women who want to look stylish, yet fashionably refined. The model will retail at $62, and be available at www.converse.com and specialty retailers. The shoe will match nearly any ensemble, as Gold, Pink, Silver, and Black base-colored models will all be releasing.

Jack Purcell V4:

It’s a distinctly different takes on one timeless design. The V4 has four straps, making it an eccentric piece of footwear design that is perfect for a night of sockhopping fun. While the shoe is indeed versatile, its crowning element is that it can be removed easily. After a night of dancing, it is crucially important that a shoe can be effortlessly taken off in the event that a bedroom gymnastics meet breaks out… The V4 will be available anywhere from $85-95, and can be had at www.converse.com, or a bevy of independent outfits.

Wave Trainer

This classically styled model is an ode to all of the burgers and couch potatoes of the world. The world’s slowest mile time 4:24:17 is literally printed on both sneakers. The Trainer is beautifully crafted, featuring a porous textured mesh toebox, and an intriguing multi-toned midsole. They will be available in Black/Purple, Brown/Green/Yellow, Purple/Green /Yellow, and White/Black/Orange at www.converse.com and various retailers for $80-90.

Converse by John Varvatos Bosey Boot:

The Bosey Boot takes inspiration directly from Converse’s heritage as a military footwear contractor for the United States government in World War II. A ruggedly distressed upper captures the importance the boot once held to our great nation. The model is all-purpose and all the time, as the inner is lined wit Thinsulate. The Bosey will make an appearance in varying sizes, anywhere from an oxford version to an extra-high joint for Bear Grylls survivalist endeavors. Prices will be set anywhere from $175-295, and will be available at upper-end outfitters and www.converse.com.