Chuck Taylor
The Converse Chuck Taylor All Star is one of the most recognisable sneakers ever: canvas, a white rubber foxing, a toe cap and the round ankle patch with a star. The Converse model started in 1917 as a basketball shoe and grew into a timeless sneaker for everyone. On WOOVIN the focus is on the Chuck 70 and special collaborations.
The history of the Chuck Taylor
The All Star appeared in 1917 as a high-top canvas basketball shoe. Basketball player Chuck Taylor travelled the United States as a salesman for Converse and promoted the shoe to teams and schools. From 1932 his signature was on the ankle patch. For decades the All Star was the basketball shoe in America, from school teams to the pros.
When leather basketball shoes took over, the Chuck found a new audience among musicians, artists and skaters. Converse later released the Chuck 70, based on the 1970s version, for anyone looking for a sturdier, better-finished take.
Design: Chuck Taylor All Star and Chuck 70
The regular Chuck Taylor All Star has a thin canvas upper, a flat rubber sole and a simple insole. It comes as a high-top (Hi) and a low-top (Ox or Low). The Chuck 70 looks similar at first glance, but is more heavily built: sturdier canvas, a glossy cream sole that runs higher, a better-cushioned insole and a retro label on the heel.
Because the design is so simple, labels and designers like to use the Chuck as the base for their own version. On WOOVIN you see that in collaborations with Fear of God, Ader Error and Rick Owens’ label DRKSHDW, among others.
Popular Converse Chuck Taylor colorways
These are currently the most wanted Chuck Taylor versions on WOOVIN:
- Chuck Taylor All Star Throwback Low ‘Archive Leaf Camo’: a low version with a leaf camouflage print in brown and olive tones.
- Chuck 70 Ox ‘Vintage Blue’: a low Chuck 70 in blue with a cream sole and black details.
- Chuck 70 Hi x Fear of God ‘Black Natural’: the high-top collaboration with Fear of God, in black with natural.
- Chuck 70 Laceless TURBODRK ‘Cactus Flower’: a laceless version from the collaboration with DRKSHDW, with a cream sole.
- Chuck 70 Low Upcycled ‘Grey’: a low Chuck 70 made from reused fabrics in grey and black.
What is the difference between the Chuck Taylor and the Nike Blazer?
Both are old basketball shoes that got a second life on the street. The Nike Blazer is made of leather or suede, has a large Swoosh and feels sturdier. The Chuck is canvas, lighter and simpler, with the rubber toe as its signature. If you want a low canvas shoe with a skate look, also check out the Vans Old Skool.
How does the Converse Chuck Taylor fit?
The Chuck Taylor All Star runs large. Converse itself advises going half a size down from your usual sneaker size, and that applies to the Chuck 70 as well. The shoe is also fairly narrow. If you have wide feet, stick with your normal size so your toes are not squeezed.
Buy the Converse Chuck Taylor at WOOVIN
On WOOVIN you will mainly find the Chuck Taylor as the Chuck 70, high and low, and in collaborations with labels such as Fear of God and Ader Error. Choose a high Chuck 70 if you want a classic look and a low version for warm days. Order half a size below your other sneakers, unless you have wide feet.
