Converse’s Next Vintage Chucks Are Classic Americana in All the Right Ways

Did you know that Coca-Cola, the soda brand, had a hand in shaping our modern understanding of Santa Claus? Prior to 1931, there were numerous disparate depictions of the mythical character.

However, after Coca-Cola commissioned illustrator Haddon Sundblom to paint a series of images of the character for Christmas advertisements — positioning Claus as a jolly, rosy-cheeked, happy gentleman — it set a new standard we still collectively use to this day.

So, what does Santa Claus have to do with Converse shoes, you might be wondering? More than you might think, based on the classic sneaker brand’s latest collaboration.

That same red-and-white motif shared by the soda brand and Santa Claus can be found on the new Coca-Cola x Converse Chuck 70.

Converse

Grab a Coke— er, Chuck

This actually isn’t the first time Coca-Cola and Converse have teamed up. Previously, the two brands joined with Kith for a three-pronged collaboration.

That said, this latest collaboration is a whole lot more stylistically subtle — there’s no aggressive, excessive Coca-Cola branding, as on the previous sneakers. However, they are loaded with pretty excellent easter eggs.

For instance, the upper boasts the soda brand’s iconic red-and-white colorway. More than that, the wavy stripe that wraps around the upper is the same one you’ll find on Coke cans.

Converse

The outsole is also a reference to the soft drinks. Specifically, their greenish, semitranslucent material is made to mimic the soda brand’s iconic glass bottles. Even the insole features soda graphics.

Furthermore, there’s a playful emphasis on customization with these sneakers found in two spots. First, the inner tongue has a place to write your name. Second, the insole logo — the signature Converse circle patch — has another spot for you to write your name.

Converse

Angels wanna wear my red shoes

While the stylistic elements definitely make this collaboration interesting, their construction is also relatively unique when compared to other Converse Chucks.

For instance, the upper isn’t made of canvas, as is traditional with these old-school basketball shoes. Instead, the brands have opted for leather, which gives them a little more refinement and a bit of a vintage angle.

Converse

While that means you’ll likely want to avoid getting them soaking wet, it does mean they’re more durable than their cloth counterparts and, as an added bonus, will age the more you wear them. In that way, your pair will be unique to you.

It’s also worth noting that this is a three-colorway release. While the red-and-white version is launching first, the other two pairs — black and gray — will follow soon after.

Converse

Coming soon

The first of three versions of the Coca-Cola x Converse Chuck 70 drops tomorrow, October 9, for $110 per pair. Keep an eye on Converse’s site for when they drop. The other two colorways will drop sometime in the near future.

Converse

Coca-Cola x Converse Chuck 70

• $110 at Converse

Want to stay up to date on the latest product news and releases? Add Gear Patrol as a preferred source to ensure our independent journalism makes it to the top of your Google search results.

Related Topics