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Chuck Talk—Summer/Fall, 2024

 

 

Thankful for Chucks in 2024

 

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and with it comes a time of reflection. It’s the time of year where we can look at the lives we live, the people we cherish, and the memories we’ve made and realize what we all have to be grateful for. In the world of chucks, there’s plenty to be grateful for this year. First, let us all be thankful for the fact that the Chuck Taylor All-Star is the perfect shoe for every occasion. That is due in part to the sheer amount of design possibilities and color combinations that are possible with chucks, and their unparalleled versatility. The long-lasting and iconic history of chucks have led them to be accepted in pretty much every facet of fashion. They are worn in the boardroom and on the street, for weddings and for basketball games. They truly are the shoe for every occasion and we should always be thankful for that.

 

Be thankful that you can wear chucks everywhere all year long.

 

As we head into the cold winter months, let us also be thankful for the introduction of all-weather chucks in recent years. Chucks in leather boot form and those with waterproof canvas have made it possible to wear chucks all year round, even on those cold and wet days in the dead of winter. Finally, let us be thankful for the community we are each a part of, and all the fellow fans we’ve met because of this wonderful brand. We here at The ChucksConnection are thankful for all our visitors to the site, and all those who share our passion for Chuck Taylors. Happy Thanksgiving!

 

 

From the Tunnel to the Hardwood in Chucks

 

The 79th season of the NBA has begun and there are plenty of news worthy storylines brewing. There’s the defending champion Boston Celtics who now have sole possession of the most titles in league history and look poised to add another. There is also their rival the Los Angeles Lakers who are being led by Lebron James in his 22nd campaign. He not only has possible MVP Anthony Davis by his side, but also his son Bronny James, making them the first father/son duo to play in the NBA together. Elsewhere in the league, an uber-talented, young Thunder team led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is looking to break through into the championship picture. Finally, stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Luka Dončić, Victor Wembanyama, Nikola Jokić, Anthony Edwards, Kevin Durant, Jalen Brunson, and Stephen Curry all vie to make their mark on the season and lead their teams to glory.

 

Custom NBA chucks let you show your fandom this NBA season.

 

Amongst all these storylines is a growing collection of players that are wearing Converse in games. The original basketball shoe company has made a comeback on the court in recent years with its basketball line of shoes and the partnerships of stars like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. To start the season Converse has brought in NBA stars Kelly Oubre Jr., Brandon Miller, Jalen Duren, Jrue Holiday, and Payton Pritchard to show off their best tunnel ‘fits with classic chucks’, showcasing how the original basketball shoe is still a fashion statement in the modern NBA. Outside of this campaign, Converse also has its line of customizable NBA chucks that features thirteen teams, all with a set of logos, colorways, and designs. The important thing is that chucks are back in the NBA in a big way and it looks like they’ll be here to stay.

 

 

 

Chuck Taylor All Star City Trek Waterproof Boot

 

Get ready for the fall and winter cold and wet weather with this new line of Chuck Taylor boots from Converse. The boots come in four different color combinations, described by Converse as All Black, Bear Nap Brown/Toadstool Tan/Black, Into The Void/Newtral Teal, and Coffee Nut/Black/Sharkskin. Names like this make you wonder who has the job of coming up with this terminology; certainly not the typical person who might want a pair of these boots. Translated into normal English the models are All Black, Brown and Tan with black trim, Black with white trim (no sign of teal in the photos), and Brown with black trim.

 

Into The Void/Newtral Teal CTAS City Trek waterproof boot.

 

Converse desribes the features of these boots as: “waterproofing, comfort, traction, and warmth. Non-wicking canvas helps to keep you dry, while gussets lock the tongue—and warmth—in place. A Converse Traction Utility tread pattern helps keep you steady on rainy commutes.” Besides the waterproofing features, the boots feature mixed material uppers, extra cushioning for next-level comfort, leather quarter panels, and elastic gore heels that make the boots easy to put on or off. The City Trek wateproof boot line is priced at $120, high for a pair of chucks, but worth the money if you live in a cold and rainy location.

 

 

 

Articles and Features:

See the 2024 Chuck Taylor All Star seasonal color releases on our Shoe Outlook page. Many photo shoot and well worn pairs have been added to our used chucks for sale pages. Johnny Knoxville has moved into second place in our Honor Roll for Actors Wearing Chucks in Films and Television Shows with the release of the latest Jackass film Jackass Forever. Our latest addition to the Honor Roll is Nick Robinson.

For more articles:

 

Film Reviews:

Fall, The Marvels, An Angry Boy, Kleks Academy, Rush Hour, The Sandlot 2, But I’m Letting Go, The Legend of Billie Jean, The Tiger Rising, Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe, Mean Girls (2024), Fast X, Mean Girls, Barbie, Aliens Abducted My Parents and Now I Feel Kinda Left Out.

New listings: The Mosquito Coast, Native Son, Kardis Takimi,1er Amour (First Love), Firefly, The Empty Iris, Conni & Co., Step Aside, Late Summer, Teen Beach Movie, The Summer Project, My Sister’s Keeper, Slow Fade, In the Dog House,.

All of the alphabetical film pages, The Chuck Taylor in Films - A, etc., are accessed from the main Chuck Taylor in Films Page at the top of each alphabetical listing. More banners have been added to our Coolest Chucks Moments in Film gallery.

For more film reviews and listings:

 

Music Video Reviews:

first night, Birds of a Feather, Checkmate, January Eyes, It's Halloween, Sunlight!, Slow Smoke, Beggin' On Your Knees, Feel Something, About You Now, Chasing Cars, Before, Bad, High School in Jakarta, obsessed (live from rehearsal), Like You (Live Off The Floor), Love Again, Quarter Life Crisis, Let Her Go. More links to our music videos reviews have been added to the Musicians Who Wear Chucks page.

For more music video reviews:

 

New or Updated Photo Galleries:

Actors Wearing Red Chucks in Films, Dominic Pike, Kid Laroi, Teen Boys Wearing Chucks, Teen Girls Wearing Chucks, Zendaya, Converse x Barriers Black Chuck 70 High Tops, Kava Bliss Washed Canvas High Tops, Guys Wearing Red Chucks, Zendaya, Chucks In The Film Three Months. Most of our Musicians Who Wear Chucks photo galleries have been re-edited with improved links and captions.

For a complete listing of our photo galleries:

 

TV Page Features:

New listings with an article: Boo, Bitch, Nobody Wants This, The Boys Season 4, Dave, Food Network Tournament of Champions V, Boy Swallows Universe, Ted, Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Monarch: Legacy of Monsters, My Life With the Walter Boys, Dash & Lily, Gen V, The Sarah Jane Adventures.

Other recent listings are: Harlan Corben’s Shelter, Son of a Critch, Deadtime Stories, Sweet Tooth, Journey to the Center of the Earth, Lockwood & Co., Reboot, Night Sky, The Last Bus, Lab Rats: Elite Force. Many listings have been updated with streaming information.

For a complete listing:

 

Videos and Short Films With Chucks:

Dirty Laundry, The Great Scout Adventure, Greatet Joke Ever, Greg’s Treasure Map, Indian Warrior Ghost, Mystery of Ghost River, Scout vs. Aliens, Zombie Warriors, Blinky, Escape From Lizard Island, Alan Smithee, A Kiss, Bus 89, Man of the Harvest, Star Wars Generations, Eddie and the Alternate Universe.

For more videos and short films:

 

How to Participate in Chuck Talk.

Let us know what you think! We are also happy to try and answer your questions and inquiries about chucks, and listen to what you are thinking about. If you have some opinions, information, pictures, suggestions, an article or other interesting information to submit, please contact us at mail@chucksconnection.com.

 

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New Chucks That Hit Hard and Soft

 

Billie Eilish made her debut nine years ago with her 2015 single “Ocean Eyes” at the incredibly young age of 14. Since then she has reached the top of the music world with three hit albums, multiple top 10 singles, nine Grammys, and two Academy Awards. It feels like she has done everything possible and she is still only 22 years old. Throughout this young, whirlwind career, Eilish has always been unapologetically herself especially when it comes to her wardrobe choices. She has purposefully chosen to go against the long-held belief that female pop stars must dress femininely. Eilish wears mostly baggy clothes and sneakers, with chucks being some of her favorites. This brings us to the new Converse By You x Billie Eilish collection which brings designs from Billie herself to the iconic chucks canvas.

 

Chucks and Billie Eilish are Birds of a Feather in this collabortion.

 

This collaboration features custom chucks designed by Billie that you can make your own with song lyrics, colors, graphics, and prints from her newest album Hit Me Hard and Soft. This includes her custom slouching “Blohsh” logo and word print that comes in some of her most iconic hair colors. There are also three canvas colors, screen-printed stars, a selection of three lyrical midsole prints, and five limited-edition Chuck Taylor patches. The outsole is a translucent, icy blue that reveals the name of Billie’s new album, Hit Me Hard and Soft. All the designs work well in any combination and show off your Billie Eilish fandom in cool ways. This collaboration proved to be so popular that it sold out immediately. Here’s hoping that this is just the first step in a long partnership with more opportunities for her fans to grab some chucks!

 

 

The First Ever Commander-in-Chucks?

 

Kamala Harris has already made history as the first woman to serve as Vice President of the United States of America. She is also the first African-American and Asian-American to take the oath. With President Biden opting not to seek re-election this November, Harris is now the Democratic nominee for President of the United States and looking to become the first-ever woman to hold the office. On top of all that lies the most important fact: if she wins in November, Kamala Harris will become the first-ever chucks-wearing President. That is right, the California native has always been a chucks wearer dating back to her childhood all the way to the halls of the Senate.

 

Kamala Harris wears her black chucks while at a campaign stop in Pennsylvania.

 

The choice to continue to wear chucks is a smart one for various reasons, the first being what they represent. Elizabeth Semmelhack, author of Sneaker X Culture: Collab, believes Harris’ chucks represent action. “The sneakers are acting as the sartorial equivalent of being willing to roll up her sleeves,” she says. Harris’ chucks separate her from traditional heels and conservative slides that women in politics are usually relegated to wear. Long associated with the rebel in all of us, chucks more importantly represent an authenticity that is uniquely American, which is what Harris is attempting to represent. More importantly than that though is Kamla’s love for chucks is authentic. She told The Cut: “I run through airports in my Converse sneakers. I have a whole collection of Chuck Taylors: a black leather pair, a white pair, I have the kind that don’t lace, the kind that do lace, the kind I wear in the hot weather, the kind I wear in the cold weather, and the platform kind for when I’m wearing a pantsuit.” This is why Harris has been seen all over the campaign trail in her chucks. In Pennsylvania, Georgia, Ohio, and everywhere else across this great land, Harris can be seen wearing her chucks. The Vice President loves her Chuck Taylors, and from her upbringing in California to her authenticity and call to action, it’s easy to see how they’ve become a part of her.

 

 

Day of the Dead Chucks

 

To help celebrate Mexico’s Dia de Muertos (Day of the Dead) holiday, Converse has released two unique looking models of high top chucks. The Egret/Infinity Pool Day of the Dead model features a print upper on an egret canvas, outer foxing base, and ankle patch. The upper graphics and trim are light blue and pink with traditional designs. The artwork uses papel picado techniques, with durable cut-out graphics that have a paper-like feel. Sugar skulls are added on the midsole and license plate patch of the tongue. A “nombre de familia" area on the inner tongue label invites you to write in the names of family members you wish to join you on your journey. This a nod to the “traditional Mexican craft used to decorate the ofrenda (gifts) and welcome back the souls of loved ones returning from the afterlife.”

Egret/Infinity Pool Day of the Dead high tops.

 

The other Dia de Muertos model is a Total Eclipse black high top Chuck 70. The sneakers are similar to other classic black high top models, but with black shoelaces and all black ankle patches. The shoes have the same design features as the egret model, like sugar skulls and flowers graphics, but they are all muted in black on the uppers. Like the egret model, there is a “nombre de familia" area on the inner tongue label so you can write in the names of family members. The Total Eclipse Chuck 70 prices at $100 and the Egret/Infinity Pool high top is $85.

 

Total Eclipse Day of the Dead high tops.

 

 

 

Traditions Collide in Converse X Daily Paper Collab

 

In many of the collaborations we look at between Converse and outside designers, we highlight their melding of tradition with new designs. Usually, this revolves around mixing the tradition of Chuck Taylors with what is new in the world of fashion and pop culture. However, the latest collaboration between Converse and Daily Paper merges tradition with tradition to create something beautiful and new. The Amsterdam-based fashion label was founded in 2012 by friends Hussein Suleiman, Jefferson Osei, and Abderrahmane Trabsini. What originally started as a blog turned into a fashion brand that is inspired by the rich heritage of African culture wrapped in contemporary designs.

 

Rooted in history from all over the world.

 

The collaboration with Converse was spurred by their “shared values of creativity, inclusivity, and belonging spurred their collaboration with Converse.” The collection is inspired by global movements for liberation and cultural pride, anchored by quilted patterns, embroidered detailing, and Pan-African colors to symbolize freedom and unity. The Colors of Independence capsule collection delivers unique iterations of the Chuck 70, Chuck 70 De Luxe Squared, and other limited-edition apparel. The embroidered canvas and multi-colored decorative stitching and outsole make for a bold design that is a celebration on your feet. A perfect mix of cultural heritage and contemporary styling on the classic chucks silhouette. The Chuck 70 and Chuck 70 De Luxe Squared are both available for $110, and as stated before, the collection does include apparel such as shirts, jackets, pants, and hoodies. As symbols of self-expression, both brands uplift their communities by celebrating cultural diversity through art, fashion, and meaningful collaborations, and this collaboration proves to be both meaningful and beautiful.

 

 

Chucks That Are More Than Meets the Eye

 

Transformers is one of the biggest entertainment properties in the world. The media franchise based on the toy line has captured the imaginations of children and adults since. The franchise follows the heroic Autobots and the villainous Decepticons, two alien robot factions at war that can transform into other forms, such as vehicles and animals. Across toys, animation, comic books, video games, and films, the franchise has been a mainstay of pop culture for the last forty years. To celebrate this milestone anniversary and in conjunction with the release of the latest film, Transformers One, the Hasbro brand has partnered with Converse to create a collection that is more than meets the eye.

 

Autobots, roll out in these new Transformers chucks.

 

This is a large collection so let’s start with the basics: the Chuck Taylor All Stars. The signature high-top chucks come in both an Autobots and Decepticons model, allowing you to choose your side. The Autobots have Optimus Prime gracing the side of a purple and red gradient canvas while the Decepticons are on silver canvas with Megatron. This collection also includes a slew of designs that let you customize your own chucks. You can choose from a whole lineup of Transformers like Bumblebee, Starscream, Hot Rod, and Soundwave. Other elements include Autobot and Decepticon insignias and circuitry patterns. Outside of chucks, a pair of All Star BB shifts themed to the Autobot Bumblebee, and chucks in little kids' sizes. Finally, the collection includes apparel like shirts, hoodies, sweaters, and a backpack.

 

 

Fresh and Frayed Chucks from a Famous French Designer

 

Isabel Marant is a French fashion designer and famous the world over for her eponymous fashion brand. In her 30+ years in the fashion industry, she has won countless awards including Fashion Designer of the Year at the British Glamour Women of the Year Awards in 2012. She has thirteen shops worldwide in cities such as Paris, Rome, New York, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Seoul, Los Angeles, Beijing, Madrid, Beirut, and London and has retailers in more than 35 countries. She has also done collaborations with brands like H&M, Anthropologie, and Safilo. Now she brings her bold designs to the American icon that is the Converse Chuck Taylor.

 

The combination of frayed canvas and wild colors creates an untamed look for anyone.

 

The Converse x Isabel Marant collection includes three Chuck 70s: a high top, a low top, and a wedge. These limited edition sneakers were designed by Isabel Marant and feature a frayed cotton and polyester jacquard upper with multi-colored marble transfer print pinstripes and laces. This combination of frayed canvas and colorful accents creates a wild and free design that is perfect for chucks. The translucent outsole with matching multi-color print and the printed and debossed Chuck Taylor patch are both a nice touch. The shoe also has the Isabel Marant branded tongue label that lets everyone know who made the design on your feet. The high top is available in the black colorway, the low top in white, and the wedge is available in both. These are a bit pricier than your standard chucks with the low tops coming in at $140, the high tops at $150, and the wedge at $190. Despite that, these are Limited Edition so expect them to go quickly. This bold design is definitely a must-grab for those who are looking for something wildly different.

 

 

Back to School Made Easy

 

The end of the summer is always a tough time for kids across America. As they head back to school it’s on us adults to try and make their transition back to the classroom as easy as possible. One way we can do that is by sending them back with an easy way to “tie” their shoes. Converse has an entire lineup of Kids' Easy-On Easy-Off Shoes that will make gearing up for school a breeze for your kids this year. Let’s start with the basics as there are three sizes in the Easy-On Easy-Off: Little Kids, Toddlers, and Infants. The three sizes have differing levels of Easy-On straps, with the Infant and Toddler sizes being all straps and the Little Kids size being elastic laces and a single adjustable strap.

 

Your kid will be able to put these on quick as lightning!

 

The collection includes your standard Chuck Taylor All Stars in all three sizes and in three colors: black, white, and brown. There are also fun and stylish variations that play with patterns and designs. This includes the Malden Street Electric Bolt Easy-On design which has slick lightning bolts and lighting straps for the Infant sizes. Another fun design is Chuck Taylor All Star Eyes Easy On which features googly-eyed graphics peeking around the chucks. Finally, the Chuck Taylor All Star Hearts Easy On is a bright design of radiating hearts in pink, green, and purple pastel shades. There are tons of other options for kids of all styles so head on over to Converse and make this school year easy!

 

 

Chucks Rooted In Regeneration

 

Chucks have often been used to bring about change and positive impact on the world, and the latest limited edition chucks drop from Converse are no different. In partnership with Sky High Farm, Converse is dropping a new Chuck 70 that brings the initiative’s message to a new audience while letting every customer support the farm’s mission to expand access to healthy, fresh food and invest in pathways toward food sovereignty. Sky High Farm was founded in 2011 in the heart of the Hudson Valley in Ancramdale, NY by artist Dan Colen. The farm donates 100% of its vegetables and protein to communities in need, but the brand has also put forth a fashion-to-food hypothesis, collaborating with creatives, artists, and organizations to raise funds through limited-edition apparel releases centered around food and workwear. This led to the creation of Sky High Farm Workwear, the brand built solely to help support the farm where Colen serves as creative director. The brand exists exclusively to donate its profits to the Sky High farm to further its mission. Every customer becomes a donor, and their dollars pull double duty as the farm gets the funds to do its work, and customers get the gear to do theirs.

 

Tan Sky High Farm Chuck 70 high top.  

 

The brand emphasizes that its collections always highlight “sustainable products and fabrication processes, including the use of vintage, deadstock, and recycled fabrics, and earth-friendly production technologies”. They also require all their partners to commit to a guaranteed donation to Sky High Farm and encourage them to only buy what they can sell. This collection was made in partnership with Sky High Farm Workwear and features one model of Chuck 70 that costs $150. The chuck features the Sky High Farm Workwear "Strawberry-Moon" logo which is strawberry and moon hugging on a brown canvas that is made of recycled Sky High Farm Workwear. The canvas is meant to invoke the look of a work jacket, with unique paint splatters and mismatching fabric tones ensuring that no two pairs are alike. It also features a Custom Sky High Farm Workwear Chuck patch and license plate and a Custom co-branded sock liner. The summery fruit along with the work wear jacket look give these shoes the perfect hard-working Summer vibe that can work all year round!

 

 

Jonathan Heyward, the “Converse Conductor”

 

31-year-old Jonathan Heyward was named the first black conductor for the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra last year. Already at his young age he has led many professional symphony orchestra and opera companies in America and Europe. Now he plans to use his position in the arts community to draw in more youth, especially black teenagers, to the classical music world. Wearing chucks on the podium is one way to do that, as it gets a very positive reaction from young people at his concerts. And high top chucks are the classic American sneaker.

 

Jonathan Heyward on the podium.

 

Heyward first began wearing chucks on stage during a concert with the Hallé Orchestra in Manchester, England. He disovered that he had forgotten his dress shoes, and all he had to wear was his pair of classic red high top Chuck Taylors. Despite his fashion faux pas, the audience reaction was very positive. This started a trend for Jonathan of wearing high top chucks at many of his concerts, especially ones directed at young audiences. Besides red high tops, his other favorite colors are black and lemon chrome. Jonathan owns fifteen pairs of chucks now, and plans to pack five of them take with him on concert tours this season.

 

 

Back to School Deals Make Shopping Easy as 1,2,3!

 

August has officially begun, meaning that school is only a few weeks out. In the coming days and week millions of kids and parents will venture forth to malls across the country for back-to-school shopping. On top of having to get new pants, shorts, shirts, and jackets, everyone needs a brand-new pair of shoes. If you're a chucks fan this can sometimes be a bit of a query, as chucks are so durable that you really don’t need a new pair every year. However, this year Converse has done something to help everyone get a new pair and something extra.

 

Do the math and find the answer to all your back-to-school shopping problems!

 

Right now Converse has an amazing back-to-school deal that will set you up for success for the school year. You get to pick and choose three items to bundle together to create the ultimate back-to-school package. Firstly, this deal allows you to pick from a select group of chucks for your first item. This includes the classic Chuck Taylor All Stars and the Chuck 70 in both low and high tops in the full classic color range. The next item in your kit is a pair of socks, of which there are multiple styles in both men's, women's, and kid’s sizes. Your options include a crew, nylon liner, no-show, and ultra-low liner socks. Each comes in a multi-pack so you get a few no matter what you choose. Finally, you get a backpack in this deal. The options here are the Straight Edge, Daypack, and Clear Back to School backpacks which all come in various colors. Now we get to the best part of this deal which is that when you bundle all three eligible items together, you get $50 off your purchase. This means that whatever backpack you choose is basically free as all three styles range between $45-55. For example, a package of high-top chucks, crew socks, and the Daypack backpack has a total of $80.56. This incredible deal will only last till August 13th so head to Converse.com now to get ready for the new school year! But even after this sale ends, Converse is announcing that all students can get a 20 per cent discount on any order from their website or at their mall and outlet stores. A valid student ID is required for each purchase.

 

 

 

Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth with New Sweet Treats for Your Feet

 

Who doesn’t love something sweet? There is nothing better than heading into a bakery and indulging in sweet treats. One of the best places in the United States to grab something sweet is Milk Bar. Milk Bar is a bakery and dessert restaurant chain created by legendary chef Christina Tosi in 2008. Originally an extension of David Chang’s Momofuku restaurant in New York City, the franchise has since branched out on its own with eleven locations in New York, Washington DC, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and Bellvue. The chain is known for its innovative creations and iconic three-layer cakes like the Birthday Cake and these serve as the inspiration for its new collaboration with Converse. With design input from Chef Tosi herself, this collection will leave you saying “Let them wear cake”!

 

Milk Bar and Converse craft delectable delights for your feet.

 

This collection is themed to the iconic Milk Bar lineup of desserts, and you can “bake them” yourself with the Converse customizer. The framing for this includes a mock-up recipe in the description which is a fantastic touch. The customizer allows you to mix and match colors, prints, and graphics. The choices include limited-edition lateral graphics and ankle patch treatments and unique all-over prints. The all-over prints feature a neon graphic design and a canvas themed to the iconic Birthday Cake frosting and sprinkles. You can also change it up with a limited-edition license plate, heel stay, toe cap, and tongue details. This collection is so fun and leans into the desserts and bright aesthetic of the Milk Bar brand. A must grab for anyone looking for some extra sweetness in their life or on their chucks.

 

 

Bring the Heat This Summer in Chucks

 

 Unless you live under an air-conditioned rock you probably noticed that the heat has risen drastically over the last few weeks. That means one thing is for certain: Summer is here. Yes whether or not you are a fan of longer days and excessive temperatures, they are here for the next few months. With that in mind, it’s time to break out some chucks fitting for the blazing sun of Summer. Fresh colors, patterns, and designs are all great places to start so let’s get started in figuring out what to add this season.

 

University Blue high top.

 

Let’s begin with bold colors. Summer is a time for bold and vibrant colors that reflect the bold and vibrant sun. Wearing bright-colored chucks with bright shorts and shirts makes for fun outfits that celebrate the freeness that comes with Summer. The University Blue colorway in particular is sure to stand out under the sun. Next, we have some new designs and patterns that are the perfect vibe for the season. The Chuck Taylor All Star Beyond The Beach screams Summer with its beach blanket-like canvas and frayed laces. The Customizer tool also features new Sunshine and Beach Days patterns that allow you to turn any pair into a Summer vibe. Finally, a new style of chuck may just be the right addition to your arsenal. Everyone is talking about the return of knee highs, although they may be harder for some to wear in the heat. The Chuck Taylor All Star CX EXP2 may be a better choice as it offers both something new along with extreme comfort for long Summer days. So make the most of this Summer season in something new and bold!

 

 

Knee Highs are Back

 

Have you been feeling a bit more rebellious lately? Perhaps a tad more emo-tional? Maybe you’ve been itching to go to an Avril Lavigne concert for the first time in 20 years? That may be because for the first time in years, Converse is dropping the iconic Knee High Chuck Taylor All Stars. That’s right, the staple shoe for scene kids everywhere is back for a brand new generation of rebellious punks on June 28th. The always beloved, elongated chucks have been discontinued for nearly a decade but that hasn’t stopped their popularity. Fans have been clamoring for them to make a return and Converse has finally listened. So in preparation for their comeback, let’s take a trip down memory lane and see how these legendary chucks gained their reputation.

 

Knee high chucks are back at the end of June.

 

The majority of people celebrating the return of knee highs remember them from the 2000s era of fashion. This is due in large part to the shoe’s mainstay status in a few different rebellious sub-cultures. The shoe was a favorite of pop-punk, scene, emo, and goth cultures as kids looked for ways to be different. Chucks have always been the shoe of the rebel, but knee highs showed you weren’t like anyone else. Knee highs also gained mainstream popularity with celebrities like Zendaya rocking them and former WWE Women’s Champion AJ Lee regularly wrestling in them. Since their discontinuation, resellers have price-gouged knee highs trying to make a buck off the nostalgia they bring people. However, with this official return, fans can be sure that they’ll be able to return to their roots without being ripped off. The Converse XXHi Knee High drops online on June 28 at 10 AM EST.

 

 

A Triple Feature Chucks Catch-Up

 

The past few weeks have been kind to us chucks fans. We’ve seen a few drops of brand-new offerings and new takes on some favorites, so let’s take a look at what’s new from Converse. First up is the latest Converse and Carhartt collaboration. These two storied companies have collaborated a few times in the past and their latest drop continues the melding of workwear and chucks. The new Carhartt WIP Chuck Taylor All Star is made of overlaid suede panels in three archival Carhartt colors: Starfish, Tofu, and Dark Earth. The shoe also has some workwear-inspired features such as elasticated tongue gussets to lock the tongue in place, and elevated triple needle stitched “stripes” that reference Carhartt pant stitching. They are currently available for $100.

 

The Concrete Converse x DRKSHDW high top.

 

Next, we have another addition to the Converse and DRKSHDW collection. From the mind of storied fashion designer Rick Owens, the Converse x DRKSHDW DBL DRKSTR OVERDYE Chuck 70. This design ups the ante from previous installments of the DRKSTR by doubling the platform for an even bigger statement. The canvas is overdyed which makes it appear like washed jeans and is paired with other well-known DRKSHDW elements like the elongated tongue, custom license plate, molded toe cap, and staggered sidewall. The Converse x DRKSHDW DBL DRKSTR OVERDYE Chuck 70 is available in two colors, Concrete and Blonde, and runs $180 in limited quantities. Finally, the Chuck Taylor All Star Patchwork is a bright and vibrant drop with patchwork overlays that bring a fresh twist to the classic chucks look. All of these recent drops are fun and stylish additions to the ever-growing chucks lineup!

 

 

Proud to Be Me in Chucks

 

June is Pride Month, an annual celebration that highlights positive social change and amplifies voices from the LGBTQIA+ community. It is also a time for reflection, on how far we have come in allowing those who identify to be true to themselves and how far we still have to go. During this time of year, there are celebrations worldwide, and many companies and brands attempt to offer a welcoming space to those in the community. Converse always celebrates the month in a big way, amplifying LGBTQIA+ voices and contributing to numerous charities that support a wide range of causes in the LGBTQIA+ community. This year these charities and organizations include the It Gets Better Project, The Theater Offensive, The Ali Forney Center, and BAGLY. Since launching the campaign in 2015, Converse has pledged $3 million to these groups and other important causes. This year, as in years past, Converse has partnered with LGBTQIA+ creators to bring a message to the collection they’ve put together. This year's lineup includes creators Alex, Dalton, Tommy, Fia, John, Olly, and Paris and focuses on Queer Joy.

 

Strike lightning in this year’s Pride chucks!

 

This year’s Pride Collection contains new design elements from previous years which helps keep the collection fresh while also honoring the past. This fits in with the message of this year's collection celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community’s past, present, and future. The classic Chuck Taylor All Star in this year’s collection features lightning embroidery, and a neon-rainbow tongue to highlight the bold, electric spirit of this community. This take on the rainbow banner is exciting and fresh and is really different from other pieces of Pride merch available right now. The other shoes in this collection, the Lift Platforms, CX Sandal, and Chuck 70, all have this same neon rainbow gradient and it always stands out. If none of these models are suiting your style, then there are plenty of options for custom chucks that may suit you better. Custom embroidered designs along with sexual orientation and gender identity color palettes allow for endless ways to truly express who you are. Because that is what Pride is truly all about: being able to truly be yourself free of judgment and prejudice while being surrounded by love. Happy Pride to everyone out there as you are able to safely express yourself in chucks!

 

 

Walk Down the Aisle Into Wedded Bliss in Chucks

 

Can you hear the bells? That’s right, wedding season is here! As we are just a few weeks from the start of Summer, couples across the country are preparing for their big days as thousands of weddings take place from May to September every year. A wedding day is a way to express not only your love and shared connection but also yourselves. Many do this during the ceremony or during the reception but it can take many forms, from change of clothes, first dance routine, speeches, or surprise performances. The wardrobe is obviously a critical part of the wedding day whether you are a bride or groom, and everything is about expressing yourself. If you’re a chucks fan looking to show your love of not only your new spouse but also your favorite shoe, Converse may have an answer in the form of custom wedding chucks.

 

Rear view of classic black Chuck Taylor wedding high tops.

 

The Wedding By You line of custom chucks features a wide range of design elements and personal touches that can add a bit of flair to your wedding ensemble. First, right off the back, this collection is all-inclusive to all couples with the ability to mix and match combinations of “leather” and “lace” style shoes, along with "Mrs., Mr., Bride," and "Groom” graphics. You have a choice of colored canvas, premium leather, and festive glitter or lace upper. You can also get pairs that look exactly like classic Chuck Taylor high tops with the addition of the writing on the upper canvas or outer foxing. There are three wedding-inspired midsole prints and specialty satin, organza, or rainbow lace options. Each pair has an optional transparent blue outsole with underlying "Just Married" or heart prints. Finally, in a thoughtful touch, there is a lightly padded footbed to help keep you comfortable as you make your way through what is sure to be a long reception. You can craft a pair for both you and your significant other and even include the wedding party with pairs of their own. However you decide to use these chucks, they are sure to make a great wedding memento that will be cherished forever!

 

 

Dye-ve Into Bold New Chucks

 

Color is such a major part of our lives. We see in color and it is used in everything we do. From expression to advertising, color almost always has a message. We deal with color every day when it comes to our clothes and what colors we choose to wear can say a lot about us. Dark or light, solid or multi-color, what color makes up your wardrobe? Is there any tie-dye in there? Tie-dye is a resist-dyeing technique that has been around for decades and is most well-known for being a part of the groovy counterculture of the 1960s. These days, tie-dyeing still exists as a fun way to add trippy color designs to your clothes and now Converse has created a kit that can bring all the swirls of colors to your chucks.

 

Get crafty and colorful with the Converse Rit Dye Kit to make your chucks groovy this Summer.

 

The Converse Rit Dye Kit combines chucks with DIY craftiness and bold colors with chucks. Rit dye is a brand of dye that has been around since 1916, providing generations of people with the ability to dye their fabrics. This kit comes with three incredibly vibrant colored dyes: Cherry Red, Lemon Yellow, and Aquamarine. It also includes one squeeze bottle, a pair of gloves, a “How To” instruction card, tape to cover the soles of your chucks, and a water-based glue and applicator. Finally, the kit has a logo sticker cover, stencil, and Chuck Taylor patch. The Converse website also includes a colorful step-by-step guide with pictures that show how to dip and dye your chucks. This kit makes DIY-ing so incredibly easy and accessible to anyone who has always wanted to do something crafty with their chucks but lacked the skills or tools to do so. It also is available for only $25 which makes it financially accessible as well. So if you’re looking to start a project and create some cool chucks at the same time, the Converse Rit Dye Kit may be the perfect way to kick off the Summer.

 

 

Cowgirl Up in Chucks This Summer

 

Being a cowgirl is cool again. To be fair, being a cowgirl has always been cool but right now we’re living in a cowgirl moment in pop culture. Beyonce just released her eighth studio album, Cowboy Carter, to universal acclaim and brought her incredible star power to country music. Her take on country and Americana has made the genre hot and Western wear has risen in popularity. It’s serendipitous then that Converse would release a brand new collection of chucks that celebrates the spirit of the West.

 

Chuck 70 western high tops.

 

The Converse Western Collection includes four types of chucks for a varied range of women’s styles. The first is the Chuck Taylor All Star Western in Vintage White. This shoe keeps the classic silhouette of the chuck, but the canvas upper features leather overlays that give it the look of a cowboy boot. These leather touches along with the decorative embroidery really bring that Western flair. This look is taken to another level on the Chuck 70 Western, which comes in a Tawny Owl Brown and Vintage White combo. This color scheme makes the shoe look even more like a classic cowboy boot. The Run Star Hike Platform Western comes in a shimmering gold and while the extra stitching keeps the cowboy boot design strong, the rugged outsole takes a bit of the Western aesthetic away. Finally, the Chuck 70 De Luxe Heel Platform Western in all white takes the boot look to new heights. The extra ankle length with the embroidery makes this the most cowboy boot out of the bunch. All of these chucks are available in Women's sizes now. So lace up your chucks and giddy-up buckaroos, cowgirl summer is here to stay.

 

 

Seasonal Chucks for 2024

 

Converse has announced its seasonal colors for its Chuck Taylor line of high top and low top sneakers. Seasonal colors are one time issues that tend to be in lighter colors than their core models which are mostly made on a permanent basis. While there will alway be black or optical white models of chucks, now is the time to get yourself a pair of double cyan or eternal earth brown to add variety to your chucks wardrobe. The new seasonal high top colors include chaos fuchsia, a very bright pink, pale blue double cyan, eternal earth brown, totally neutral which is a light gray, herby, a light green, hot tea, a medium brown, and fire opal, which is a bright orange. Seasonal colors are avaiable in men’s sizes 3 to 13 (women’s 5 to 15) and are priced at $65.

 

2024 seasonal high tops. Top row: chaos fuchsia, double cyan, eternal earth brown.

Bottom row: herby, hot tea, and fire opal.

 

Five of the seasonal models shown above have matching low top issues, except for eternal earth brown and fire opal. Low top issues without maatching high top pairs include dragon scale green, light curry, tree line light green, and violet shock. These low tops are avaiable in men’s sizes 3 to 13 (women’s 5 to 15) and are priced at $60.

 

2024 seasonal low tops: dragon scale green, light curry, tree line light green, and violet shock.

 

 

What Does Your Chucks’ Color Say About You?

 

Colors are a basic building block of life on this planet. They define our world, bringing our surroundings to life and they, along with shapes, define the things we see. However, have you ever thought about how colors can define your mood to those around you? Color Theory, and more specifically color symbolism, is the idea that colors can carry significant cultural symbolism, or even have immutable, universal meaning. This extends to emotions, and you may recognize this idea best in its use for mood rings. However, the use of color like this doesn’t have to stop there. Who's to say that you can’t let your chucks or even your whole wardrobe express your mood via color?

 

Colors speak louder than words on chucks.

 

Let’s take a look at some different colors and what they say about your mood, and explore the different shades these colors come in chucks. Let’s start with the boldest: red. Red is the color of love and passion, but also the color of danger. Wearing red sends a powerful message that you are passionate and meant to be seen. Pink falls on the same spectrum of love, but its cooler tone sends the message in a less blunt way. Blue, the color of the ocean and sky, is often associated with calm, serenity, and wisdom. Green takes its color from nature and it too represents wisdom along with healing. These two colors and their hues let people know that you are someone at one with the world and yourself. Neutral tones like brown and white represent a grounded nature and peace, wearing them tells everyone that you are down to earth and understated in your style. These are just a few examples, but every color has a meaning and says something about you. The only question now is, what mood are you in?

 

What does wearing these colors of chucks say about you?

 

 

Dress Up Your Optical White Chucks with Retro Shoelaces

 

Retro shoelaces fit in width between classic shoelaces and fat shoelaces. At 1/2 inch wide, they are the shoelaes that were shipped with new pairs of vintage chucks. If you want to make a color splash with your optical white chucks, dressing them up with a pair of retro shoelaces gives them a bolder look. By using either navy blue or red shoelaces, you can match the trim color on these chucks.

 

Optical white high and low top chucks with red and navy blue retro sholaces.

 

Retro shoelaces are hard to find these days; luckily The ChucksConnection has a large inventory of the red and navy blue laces shown here in both 45 inch and 54 inch lengths. Go to our shoelace home page for links to purchase retro shoelaces in these and other colors. Now our collection of retro width shoelaces has been expanded to include a 63 inch long white retro shoelace. Now chucks wearers with nine eyelet pair shoes have access to a white retro shoelace. Also chucks wearers with eight eyelet pair models can get retro shoelaces in a longer length. Go to our Shoelaces Home Page for full details, general information, lacing guides, and access to our entire selection of shoelaces for your chucks.