GORE-TEX? No, But This Plain Converse Sneaker Is Proudly "Waterproof & Breathable"
This is not new: Converse's classic Chuck Taylor has often been infused with GORE-TEX lining, rendering the classic sneaker weatherproof. Even more out-there Converse shoes have worn GORE-TEX on occasion, making it relatively commonplace by now.
But fully waterproof and breathable Converse Chucks made sans GORE-TEX? Hm, that's different.
And yet that's exactly what we have here, a set of extremely ordinary-seeming Converse sneakers rendered slightly extraordinary by their quiet technicality.
Converse is at its best when it's innovating. It's often remixing classic Converse sneakers into all-new shapes only barely recognizable as a Converse.
Like, were it not for the classic Chuck Taylor badge, you'd be forgiven for thinking that its recent trail boots or low-top running shoes were regular ol' Nikes or similar.
But these Chuck Taylors designed by Converse Japan are very much Chuck Taylors.
It's just that they also happen to be waterproof and breathable.
Don't take my word for it: Read the inside of their tongue.
It's an odd bit of specificity given that these Converse could've been lined with GORE-TEX to achieve the same result, but perhaps there' some sort of licensing decision here, as Nike would have to pay GORE-TEX for its materials.
That being said, there's an obvious appeal in the GORE-TEX branding, as it lends shoes a sort of adventurous edge.
Like, even a GORE-TEX Air Max feels like a hike sneaker thanks to its showerproofing.
It's always nice when Converse is able to slightly revise one of its classic shapes without losing what makes the Chuck such a timeless staple, like with its recent A Ma Maniére team-up.
Likewise, the "waterproof and breathable" Chuck Tayler is quite interesting, even if it is oddly ordinary. Still, for the price — the high- and low-top shoes are both available on Converse Japan's web store for upwards of ¥14,800 ($94) — it's not a bad ask.
