How A Star Was Born
It’s time to dissect perhaps the most iconic sneaker to explore what makes it unique – the Converse Chuck 70. To the untrained eye, it’s difficult to tell the differences from the regular Converse All Star Chuck Taylor at first glance. Our following guide will highlight the details that elevates the 70 into the best Chuck ever.
In 1917, the Converse Rubber Shoe Company created the “Non-Skid” – the brand’s first ever basketball shoe. Four years later, Chuck Taylor, a semi-professional basketball player joined the company and quickly saw the potential for the new shoe. Refining the design with more flexibility and an improved ankle support, Chuck then added his own personal touch, a distinct circular “All-Star” badge on the medial side that included his signature. Considered the first ever sneaker contract, this partnership gave credence to the updated design, creating the eponymous Chuck Taylor franchise we know today.
By the mid-twentieth century, the Chuck Taylor had become the standard for basketball players across the USA. However, the 70s brought with it some turbulence for Converse. The Star began to lose its sporting spark against tough competition on the court, but remained a popular choice among subcultures. Paired with rising production costs in the USA, the Chuck Taylor was forced to forgo its performance components for a simplified takedown for a lifestyle customer that has been a key to Converse’s success ever since.
In 2013, Converse decided it was time to honour the once robust All Star with a premium iteration that boasted similar construction and materials to that of its hardwood court hero. Enter the Chuck 70, an elevated style that attains the same DNA but features high-endurance materials and period-correct detailing from the last performance-orientated All-Star.
While subtle, the most prominent point of difference on the chuck 70 is the stitch detail that runs parallel to the midsole, seen at the base of the lace vamp. This binds an extra layer of internal canvas for further reinforcement. In addition, the Chuck 70 is crafted with heavy-duty 12oz canvas – a resilient option originally used to withstand lengthy abuse on the court. This sturdy build allows the Chuck 70 to veto the plastic heel cap that is used in the All Star’s construction for added ankle support beneath the lightweight canvas.
The Chuck 70 boasts a premium midsole with an added 5mm of elevation. The toecap is slimmer, locking down the forefoot for more stability and better response, while the rubber walls wear a high-gloss sheen, elevating the style with a vintage off-white finish. Underneath, the outsole is finished with the original diamond pattern with deeper grooves that ensured traction on the hardwood back in the ‘70s.
