Editor’s Pick: Converse’s Fall 2013 Chuck Taylor All Star Sneaks

Converse has come a long way since its founder Marquis Mills Converse started Converse in 1908 as a rubber shoe company, providing winterized rubber soled footwear for men, women, and children. By the early 1920s, Converse had introduced the first all-star basketball shoe and had formed a relationship with basketball player Charles H. “Chuck” Taylor, who became an ambassador for the brand, even having his signature added to the popular classic, high-topped sneaker in 1932.

For its fall 2013 All Star Footwear collection, Converse celebrates the spirit of rock n’ roll with reconstructed hardware, bold animal prints and new silhouettes combined with the brand’s own classic style. Converse stays on trend by including the new platform silhouette and incorporating bold color and innovative patterns.

As part of its All Star Footwear collection, Converse introduces the Chuck Taylor All Star Rock Craftsmanship Collection which focuses on updated hardware, premium leather and distressed washes. The collection features spikes, studs and zippers in both gold and silver are available in low-top and high-top styles.

Converse’s fall 2013 collection, though rock n’ roll inspired, fits in quite nicely with the Punk Chic trend that was prevalent on fall 2013 runways from Milan to Paris to London and New York. Imagine Converse’s graffiti-influenced sneaks paired with fashion-forward Custo Barcelona slim-fitted slacks or punk-inspired Versace pants. And Jeremy Scott’s fall 2013 over-the-top 80s West Coast surfer-meets-LA-nightcrawler aesthetic marries well with Converse’s new, rebellious, psychedelic animal print and flame-embellished sneakers.

Still affordable, this new collection retails between $37 and $110. The Chuck Taylor All Star Rock Craftsmanship Collection launched July 9 and is available internationally in major retailers.

—William S. Gooch