Converse by Inventory – One Star Academy

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—01. A First String Release.

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When the opportunity arose to work with Converse this was the only shoe I wanted to make: a longtime favourite, and a classic that has scarcely been available in years. Launched as the Suede All Star in the early 1970s, this model is often referred to as the Jack Star, and although it's made sporadic appearances in the Converse catalogue since, it has always been overshadowed by the Chuck Taylor, the Jack Purcell, and the original One Star. In my mind however, the small details – the absence of pinstriping on the midsole and the bars bookending the star on the upper – have always made this style as iconic as the others. Recently elements of the under-appreciated model formed the basis for Anthony Pappalardo's signature skate shoe, but after parting ways with Converse that seems destined for obscurity too. Now dubbed the One Star Academy, this version, produced exclusively for Inventory, is a leather-lined, tonal suede interpretation of the original with a white debossed license plate. Limited numbers of both colours are now in stock at our New York and Vancouver stores, as well as online. 

—Available at Inventory

Converse 1970s Chuck Taylor All Stars

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—01. First String Standards.

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After the Converse Addict product received a warm welcome in Japan, it was only a matter of time before the western world was offered something similar. Featuring many of the original details from the classic 70s version of the Chuck Taylor All Star, we're very much looking forward to this spring release. The black hi-top and white lo-top versions are both available as of today through select retailers.

—Available at Concepts

Converse Addict High

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—01. Burgundy hi.

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In the last year or so I have been wearing the Converse Addict shoes pretty regularly. The only pair from this fall's release I wanted was the burgundy high tops. In fact it was the only recent purchase that I knew I would eventually make. They're pretty much my perfect sneakers, just need a few colors.

—Available at Anoutcommune

The Anatomy of Converse Addict

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—01. Photographs by Saki Tagami.

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I definitely wasn't the first one to jump onto the Converse Addict range, but now that I have, I've been trying to track down a few more pairs before they are gone in certain models. The shoes do reach a somewhat shockingly high price point for one of the most classic and available styles in the world. But the folks at Hypebeast have taken a little deeper look inside the shoe. For me, the more comfortable Vibram sole, the soft leather lining and the upgraded choice of canvas make this classic all the better, particularly in the all white low model.

—Images via Hypebeast

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Converse First String Matchpoint

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—01. Available in navy and grey.

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Converse is a classic brand and it always will be, but I haven't wanted to wear their products a whole lot in the past. A couple of pairs of Chucks have been in the closet at times, but it has been rare. Lately, I've been more interested since the Addict project came out. Now, I have to say that these Matchpoints are worth a look. The navy blue is a nice clean color and the lining looks like it might be comfortable without socks a couple months down the road.

—Available at Oi Polloi