Chuck II Something Fresh For All Generations
Converse lovers everywhere are no doubt excited to see the new Chuck Taylor II shoes drop in stores today (July 28). The shoes, dubbed Chuck II by everyone from the media to fans, represent the first redesign of the Converse shoe in 98 years, and Converse is hopeful that these redesigned shoes will represent outstanding things for their company.
“Chucks” have never been known for having a great deal of comfort. With their non-breathable lining, lack of arch support and general heaviness, Chucks are not exactly the best shoe on the market for any sort of athletic pursuits, though they were once worn by many basketball players in their heyday. That’s why the new Chuck II redesign was deemed necessary, particularly by Richard Copcutt, vice president of the brand. CEO Jim Calhoun agreed.
“(We’re) ushering in not just a new sneaker, but a completely new way of thinking,” Calhoun said in a press release of the Chuck II brand.
The new Chuck II features greater breathability, thanks to a microsuede exterior, and greater arch support provided by Nike, Converse’s parent brand. The arch support used in the Chuck II is the same that is used in Nike’s runners, from the Air Force 1 to its Kobe X basketball shoe. Riker Lynch of the pop band R5 was extremely excited about the new brand.
Cannot wait to get a pair of these new @Converse! #ChuckII
— riker lynch (@RikerLynch) July 26, 2015
Some even expressed their hope that the Chuck II would be easier on their feet than other brands of shoes that they have worn.
Converse finally made a Chuck Taylor that won't destroy my old man feet http://t.co/2sT7fj7Q8m by @NateIngraham pic.twitter.com/7TLoQJjIM3
— The Verge (@verge) July 23, 2015
Certainly, Converse shoes have made their rounds from basketball superstars like Wilt Chamberlain and Bob Cousey to rock and pop bands, and one facet of the 98-year-old design that bothered many was the lack of comfort in the shoe. There have been some podiatrists, in fact, that have spoken out against the shoe. The Chuck II line of Converse shoes should do a lot to change that view.
“My daughter got some [Chuck Taylors],” Dr. John Giurini, chief of podiatry at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, said. “Not that I was pleased about it, but what are you going to do?”
Parents and fans of Converse have known for some time there is little you can do to avoid Converse’s appeal. The Chuck II is set to bring a whole generation of new fans into the Converse fold, and while the Chuck II line of shoes is set to bring high tech to what has been a minimalist shoe, it is expected that the Chuck II will continue to hold Converse’s retro appeal dear to its heart.
[Photo via Converse]
