Converse transforms iconic Chuck Taylor into ‘Run Star’ running shoes

Shoe brand Converse has transformed its iconic Chuck Taylor style into a running shoe named Converse Run Star Hike by keeping the upper and introducing a thicker sole with more cushioning, the brand announced in a statement.

The Converse x JW Anderson Run Star Hike, launching in February, is a visual representation of today’s mash-up culture. The creation began with the desire to merge a Chuck Taylor with a runner, and evolved to combine a well-known Converse style with a brand new silhouette.

“Contrasting proportions have always been part of my design aesthetic. When I approached this latest Converse, I was looking to re-create the same aesthetic by pairing the sole of a Run Star with the classic Chuck Taylor to emphasize the proportions,” said designer JW Anderson.

The upper is reminiscent of the '70s, and the sole is taken from the Converse Run Star, an injection-molded running shoe. A sawtooth tread in two colours was added to make each of the trainer’s three parts easily identifiable.

Details, such as hand-drawn typographical marks, convey Converse and JW Anderson’s shared history. On the white version, the canvas has been replaced by linen, and the 1917 date appears next to the logo to honour the launch date of the Chuck Taylor silhouette.

Meanwhile, an upcoming glitter version will include a 2017 mark, referring to the first release of Converse x JW Anderson Chuck 70 Glitter.