The Top Converse Releases of 2021
Converse may have over 100 years of sneaker history behind them, but the brand's 2021 releases were largely about forward vision. From avant-garde remixes of iconic designs to sustainable tech advances, there was a lot to be excited about in the brand's lineup over the last twelve months. That's not to say the more classically-styled releases weren't on our radar, we're on board for those too!
Check out our top picks when it comes to Converse releases from 2021 below!
Rick Owens x Converse TURBODRK Chuck 70Rick Owens x Converse TURBODRK Chuck 70
Avant-garde fashion provocateur Rick Owens brought a beloved Chuck over to the darkside this year, unveiling the TURBODRK Chuck 70 with a downright demonic campaign back in July. With visuals that'll haunt your dreams and a classic Converse silhouette taken to the extreme with Owens' signature exaggerated proportions, this was a release that piqued the interest of the sneakersphere and fashion world alike.
Feng Chen Wang x Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star 2-in-1 70 HiFeng Chen Wang x Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star 2-in-1 70 Hi
This year saw celebrated Chinese designer Feng Chen Wang revisit her chopped-up Chuck design, the 2-in-1. Reimagining her own reimagining of the Chuck 70, the duo employs a unique, textural leather construction that plays on the release's driving concept: 'Reborn from the Rubble'.
Todd Snyder x Converse Jack PurcellTodd Snyder x Converse Jack Purcell
Jack Purcells may often take a back seat in Converse's lineup, but when they're in the deft hands of someone like Todd Snyder, you sit up and take notice. The canvas court shoe is simple, yes, but therein lies it appeal. Whether you go for the Egret/Gum or the Navy iteration, what you're getting is a go-with-everything court shoe that oozes subtle style.
thisisneverthat x Converse Chuck 70thisisneverthat x Converse Chuck 70
Korean outfit thisisneverthat minted their first Converse colab in 2021, known as 'New Vintage'. thisisneverthat founder Jongkyu stated that they wanted to 'bring back the vintage style of Converse in the 90s while reinterpreting it in our own style'. Featuring a worn-in aesthetic to both the Chuck 70 and the One Star, the former sports a shaggy suede upper and pre-yellowed soles, while the latter punches up the colour with deep teal nubuck.
UNDEFEATED x Converse Chuck 70 MidUNDEFEATED x Converse Chuck 70 Mid
A signature design element from West Coast’s UNDEFEATED, the camo pattern once again emblazoned their latest collaboration with Converse, the Chuck 70 Mids coming in clean ‘Desert’ and ‘Frost’ colourways. The military motif is the perfect companion to the Chuck 70s minimalist build, the mid-cut silhouette also a welcome shift in aesthetics for the infallible model. One of our favourite Converse releases this year, the partnership certainly puts a strong foot forward for more Mids in 2022!
Converse WeaponConverse Weapon
Converse dipped into their long-spanning hardwood heritage this year, reviving retro baller, the Weapon. A throwback to the 80s – and famously worn by Larry Bird and Magic Johnston – the Weapon was reworked in 2021 to incorporate the brand's comfort-geared CX tech. The cush is dialled up via a CX midsole and sockliner, as well as a redesigned outsole for extra support. No longer only for the court, the Weapon is street-ready!
Converse Renew Knit Chuck 70Converse Renew Knit Chuck 70
2021 saw Converse continue their Renew program by launching their most sustainable sneakers yet. The classic Chuck Taylor got a new, green make-up by way of a Renew Knit construction, made from 75 per cent recycled polyester and 25 per cent nylon. Down below, the recycled sole unit is comprised of Crater foam and regrind rubber. As we move into 2022, consider making the sustainable choice when it comes to you kicks!
