Converse Japan Blacks Out Its Most Iconic Sneaker with a Unique Trio of Heritage Materials

In case you hadn’t noticed, Netflix, the streaming giant, closed out 2025 in a pretty spectacular way: with the final season of Stranger Things, one of the platform’s biggest series ever. Love it or hate it, there’s no denying the show’s impact on our overall culture.

It was so big, in fact, that Netflix even teamed up with Nike on a collection of sneakers inspired by the show — including my personal favorite, a take on Steve Harrington’s Air Max ’87s.

Now, the brands are teaming up again to kick off the new year, albeit in a very different way, with the launch of the Netflix x Converse All Star Aged Hi. This release also has a couple of surprises in store.

Converse

Tadum

The most obvious influence Netflix has had on this collaboration comes in the form of its logo on the outer heel. For stalwart fans of the service, this might be a major boon.

It doesn’t hurt that it gets elevated by craftsmanship. You see, that logo isn’t just screen-printed ink. Rather, it is embroidered into the fabric.

That said, it might be an eyesore to more traditional sneakerheads.

Converse

But there is still hope. If you like the look of these blacked-out Chucks with their red highlights, you could try your hand at removing the corporate logo (and we’ve got a handy guide on how to do just that). Otherwise, your option is to grin and bear it.

Beyond that potential eyesore, the shoes retain their signature silhouette, classic rubber outsole, eight-eye lace-up scheme and so on. They also have high-density urethane foam and rubber sponge insoles for added all-day comfort.

Converse

Kickin’ it old school

Excusing that logo and looking past the admittedly eye-catching colorway, the real highlight of these classic sneakers is found in their unusual upper.

Typically, Chuck Taylors are built with a single material for their upper. Traditionally, that’s cotton canvas. However, there have been plenty of variants over the years, including those that swap the canvas for leather or even suede.

That’s what makes these sneakers interesting: they utilize all three. Yes, really.

Converse

The tongue and heel stripe are crafted from classic canvas, whereas the inner side is leather and the outer side is suede, making these sneakers a veritable triple combo and, therefore, helping them stick out even among their peers.

They can also be styled up further with a lace swap — they come with both black and red laces, depending on which you like best.

Aside from the corporate logo, these sneakers really do have a lot to offer, and for the right person, could add a little Tadum to your step.

Converse

Coming soon

Coming soon, the Netflix x Converse All Star Aged Hi will be available on the brand’s Japanese site for ¥22,000 (approximately $140).

Converse

Netflix x Converse All Star Aged Hi

• $140 at Converse

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