The best Converse shoes are a staple for any sneaker collection, but prior to becoming the recognisable brand you know today, Converse specialised in winterised rubber-soled footwear. However, the company quickly transitioned into manufacturing athletic sneakers by the '20s due to the popularity of sports.
Over the best part of the next sixty years, Converse went on to produce some of the best basketball shoes around, with superstar athletes like Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, and, perhaps the most influential of them all, Chuck Taylor all wearing Converse sneakers during their playing careers.
With such a long history and a deep roster of shoes to choose from though, we've decided to focus our attention on some of the brand's more recent and best sneaker releases to make our selection a little easier.
With that in mind, if you're looking for a classic pair of Converses, like these "Black White" Chuck 70s, or perhaps you're after something a little more modern, like the "The New Is Not New" ADER error collab, then we've got you covered.
We've also answered some of the most common questions surrounding Converse shoes in our frequently asked questions section, helping you figure out which sneakers are right for you. That being said, here's our list of the best Converses available now...
Best Converse
- Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Classic Hi "Black White"
- Converse Chuck Taylor Lugged 2.0 Platform High "Hearts"
- ADER error x Converse Chuck 70 Hi "The New Is Not New"
- Devin Booker x Converse Chuck 70 Hi "The Next Icon"
- Tyler, The Creator x Converse Chuck 70 Low "Digital Leopard Khaki"
1. Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Classic Hi "Black White"
While some of Converse's most recent releases have been some of its best, the classic "Black White" Chuck Taylor All Stars are still some of the most popular and versatile sneakers ever made.
They were first introduced under the name "Non Skids" in 1917, but became known as the Chuck Taylor All Stars by 1922 after basketballer Chuck Taylor joined Converse as a salesman to help improve the design.
As a result, these classics became the world's first celebrity-endorsed athletic shoes, and while their name has changed over the years, their timeless design has remained pretty much the same.
The sneakers combine a simple white and black colour scheme with a light canvas construction, which should suit almost any outfit, hence why we believe no list of the best Converse shoes is complete without mentioning them.
Read More: Best sneakers for men
2. Converse Chuck Taylor Lugged 2.0 Platform High "Hearts"
Next up with have a bit of a hybrid between a boot and sneaker in the Converse Chuck Taylor Lugged 2.0 Platform High. Its name is a bit of a mouthful, we know, but don't let that put you off purchasing this stunning high-top.
It's predominately made from egret-coloured canvas to match its lofty sole unit. However, the real joy comes in the form of tiny embroidered red hearts which make their way up the sneaker adjacent to the gold eyelets on both the medial and lateral sides. Around the back, you'll find outlined hearts running up the spine as well.
As a whole, the boot/shoe screams love and admiration, so it may come as no surprise it debuted as a sneaker for Valentine's Day just a few days before the event itself. However, it's design is good enough to be worn all-year-round in our opinion, thus making it a worthwhile addition to any collection.
Read More: Best sneakers for women
3. ADER error x Converse Chuck 70 Hi "The New Is Not New"
If you're on the hunt for a truly one-of-a-kind addition to your sneaker collection, look no further than this sensational ADER error collaboration with Converse.
First and foremost, these kicks flaunt fragmented blue canvas sections and intentionally pre-aged details that are completely unique to anything we've seen from Converse before.
But beneath those eye-catching overlays lies the heart of a classic white pair of Chuck 70s. It's like a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered, striking the perfect balance between the familiarity of the Chuck 70 silhouette with the unique attention to detail of ADER error.
Custom lace dubraes add a more personal touch as well, and the "The New Is Not New" branding scattered throughout adds an intriguing layer of depth. Trust me, there are so many incredible design elements at play here that it would be a crime not to include them on our list.
Read More: Best Converse collabs
4. Devin Booker x Converse Chuck 70 Hi "The Next Icon"
Next up, we have another impressive Converse collaboration in the Devin Booker Chuck 70 Hi, dubbed "The Next Icon".
This sneaker boasts a clean and minimalist aesthetic, predominantly crafted from Egret canvas that extends throughout the shoe. Complementing this neutral colour palette is a matching rubber midsole.
However, there are a couple of subtle divergences from the Egret tone that add a touch of contrast. First, the shoe features silver metal eyelets, and then underneath you'll find a gum outsole to help it stand out from the crowd.
The beauty of this collaboration lies in its simplicity, making it effortlessly versatile and suitable for pairing with any outfit. Whether it's a casual ensemble or a more polished look, the neutral colour scheme of the Devin Booker Chuck 70 Hi ensures that it effortlessly blends in, becoming a staple in your daily wardrobe rotation.
Read More: Best high-top shoes
5. Tyler, The Creator x Converse Chuck 70 Low "Digital Leopard Khaki"
Tyler, the Creator has worked with Converse on several occasions in the past. But, out of all the collaborative sneaker releases as of late, the "Digital Leopard Khaki" Chuck 70s are among our favourites.
Made in partnership with Tyler's GOLF le FLEUR brand, the shoes feature khaki and brown patterned uppers and classic egret midsoles and mudguards to match the interior lining and laces.
Underneath, you'll find custom outsoles complete with "le FLEUR" branding on the left shoe, while the right sneaker features a silhouette of a bellhop inspired by Tyler's infamous Grammy outfit.
Overall, it's a stylish and classy collaboration that can easily be dressed up or down to suit almost any outfit. Definitely a great addition to any sneaker collection in our opinion.
Read More: Best low-top shoes
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
With Converse being one of the biggest names in footwear, there are usually a ton of questions asked about its shoes. Don't worry though because we've cleared up some of the most common queries right here.
Where can you buy Converse shoes?
Converse shoes tend to be relatively simple to pick up.
You'll likely be able to pick up almost any style you're after directly through the Converse website, or under the Converse subsection at Nike as the sportswear brand acquired Converse in 2003.
If you're searching for a particularly limited and highly sought-after release though, then we'd suggest checking out the resale market at StockX if you miss out on picking up the sneakers whilst they're in stock. For more information, check out our list of the best places to buy sneakers right here.
Does Converse accept returns?
Purchases made through the Converse website can be returned directly to the company within 30 days after delivery.
However, you can still return items after 30 days and a full refund will be given if the product is unworn and unwashed.
Inside the packaging, you should find a returns label which you can simply fill in and peel off the sticker to send back your item.
Are Converse shoes comfortable?
This will vary from person to person; however, most Converse sneakers should be relatively comfortable to wear all day thanks to their lightness.
Moreover, although a typical pair of Chuck Taylor All Stars don't tend to come with a ton of padding, you may still find their flat soles comfortable depending on your activity.
That said, Converse has moved towards making its shoes more comfortable by debuting its CX Comfort range, which incorporates Nike's FlyEase technology to enhance support.
Above all else though, the key to ensuring comfortable shoes is to get the right fit. Check out our guide on how to measure your shoe size right here to get you started.
How do you clean Converse shoes?
We've previously gone into detail on this in our guide to cleaning Converse shoes.
In our guide, we recommend starting off by removing the laces from your Converse sneakers, placing them in a bowl of warm water and mild detergent, and then using a damp cloth to clean any surface stains with a dedicated shoe cleaner.
We also suggest using a soft-bristled brush to remove some of the dirt and debris from the rubber midsoles and toe caps.
Once your shoes are clean, make sure you leave both the sneakers and laces to dry naturally and away from direct heat because extreme temperatures from dryers, for instance, can melt away some of the adhesives.
You can then take things a step further by applying a top sneaker protector spray to minimise how often you need to clean your Converses.
Can you put Converse shoes in the wash?
Following on from the query above, the simple answer to this question would be we'd advise against it.
Although you can do it, the extreme heat, as well as the sheer amount of water, can cause adhesives holding the sneakers together to melt, resulting in your Converse shoes eventually falling apart.
The spin can also cause threads to loosen and come out which could culminate in a similar result as the adhesives.
On this topic, we'd definitely advise against using a dryer as well for similar reasons. As touched on above, leave your Converse sneakers to dry naturally and away from any direct heat.
How do you lace Converse shoes?
One of the most common methods of lacing a pair of Converse trainers is the classic cross-over technique.
This involves creating a straight bar across the first row of eyelets, then threading each end through the next eyelet up on the opposite side to create a crossed pattern across the tongue.
Repeat this step until you reach the top with both of your shoes and your Converse trainers should be ready to wear.
While this is one of the most popular methods, make sure you check out our guide on lacing Converse shoes if you're looking for a few alternative techniques to suit your individual style.