Converse Chuck Taylor 70s

Converse's Chuck Taylor 70 takes the original 1970s construction and updates only what needed updating: better cushioning inside, a slightly higher foxing tape, heavier canvas that doesn't stretch out after a month. Everything else, the flat sole, the round toe cap, the metal eyelets, the stitching pattern, is identical to the shoes basketball players wore before Nike bought Converse and turned the silhouette into a lifestyle product. My parchment colorway has picked up dirt and scuff marks that I've not cleaned because the aging is part of what makes them look right. New Chucks look too bright and too clean. Starting with a slightly off-white tone, the 70s version ages into a color that looks lived-in from day one. Rubber sole is thicker than the mainline Chuck Taylor, adding enough cushioning for long walks without losing the flat profile that keeps the silhouette low to the ground. At $85 versus $55 for the standard Chuck Taylor. The quality difference justifies the premium because the standard version develops holes in the toe cap area after about 6 months of daily wear while the 70s holds up for a year or more. Without socks in summer, with thick socks in fall, the simple canvas upper works with everything from shorts to cuffed trousers. Any attempt to improve this shoe would make it worse. Converse seems to understand that, because the 70s line has remained essentially unchanged since its reintroduction.