When we say you’re going to want a dictionary close at hand, the first question might be: “Well, why??” Here’s what you’re going to do. Grab that dictionary. Flip to the word “sneakers.” Imagine the ideal definition of a sneaker, in the dictionary. What exactly are you looking at? That’s easy: You’re looking at Converse sneakers (or rather Converse boots), folks. They’re the platonic ideal of the perfect pair of sneakers, especially with spring weather rolling into town. Converse makes some of the most well-loved, instantly recognizable, widely worn and easy-to-style sneakers for guys on the planet, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
Converse sneakers, in both low and high-top variations and with plenty of bang for your buck close at hand, really fit the mold of the word “sneakers” itself, and if you think that sounds like hyperbole, let us assure you that it’s really not. Converse makes classic sneakers for every style and every type of guy, to say the least. Converse boots are cool, dependable, stylish and affordable. If you thought your sneaker-wearing days were behind you, think. You could say that Converse kicks are for everyone, from off-duty executives to streetwear fiends, teens and Gen Z-ers, indie rock stars and Brooklyn writers, and you’d be correct. Completely correct, in fact. Let us be your guide as you step through the world of sneakers in search of the perfect pair of Converse.
What We Love About Converse
Let’s keep it pretty simple here. It’s hard not to love Converse, especially when the brand got its start serving as the lace-up of choice for OG basketball players (you’ve heard of Chuck Taylor, right?). They’re also highly durable and highly wearable with darn near anything in your closet, because they’re absurdly timeless. The process of making Converse might have gotten a bit of a shake-up now that the iconic brand is owned by Nike (with the footwear innovation technology to match), but that’s all the better if you value comfort and style in equal measure.
Remember, we said Converse sneakers are for everyone, and they’re also priced like it: Plenty of models clock in well under $100. That means you’re going to want to buy at least one pair, and them perhaps another. And perhaps another beyond that. There’s a good chance they’ll replace other kicks in your wardrobe, and we think that could be an understatement (if you can believe it).
Converse sneakers just work, and work. Throw ’em on with light wash jeans and a faded pocket tee this spring and summer. Team them with a cardigan, an Oxford shirt and tailored chinos for a modern take on that Mr. Rogers look (you’re going to look cool, not goofy, trust us). Wear ’em with a lightweight slub cotton polo and that same pair of tailored chinos to grab an outdoor beer this season. Wear ’em anywhere you please, in fact. Yes, that includes the office: A lightweight cotton blazer, a plain heather grey cotton T-shirt, dark jeans and black Converse high-tops — that’s cool, casual style at its finest.
So, to recap: We love Converse for being affordable, versatile, classic and well-made. That just about checks all the right boxes, does it not?
How to Find the Right Pair of Converse Sneakers
If you know your shoe size and have been sized properly when shopping for shoes as of late, you’re already halfway to finding your new favorite pair of sneakers. But to find the Converse sneakers that work for you is dependent on some other factors, too. First off, how you are going to wear your Converse? Casually to stroll around the city or lounge in the park, coffee in hand? Or with more urban exploration — or off-trail excursions — in mind? If it’s a more utilitarian-focused pair of sneakers you want, Converse can provide those (more on that style in a second). Simply put, Converse boots are as versatile as it gets.
And if it’s retro looks you’re focused on, perhaps some throwback-inspired Converse leather high-tops are the right way to go. The choice is yours, but let us say this: If you want durable, laidback style as opposed to a pair of sneakers to beat up and wear out, you’re going to want to choose carefully. Not that you can go wrong with Converse kicks, but you’ve got to find the pair that works for you and your lifestyle. We’ve said Converse sneakers are for everyone, and boy, do we ever mean it.
Our 10 Favorite Converse Sneakers to Buy Now
Converse Chuck 70 High-Top Sneakers
You know that dictionary definition we told you to picture earlier? These are the very sneakers we had in mind, complete with a sub-$90 price tag, a plethora of color options, durable canvas uppers and a rubber outsole for traction. Oh, and the insole was designed with comfort in mind, all the better to keep you on your feet in style day after day… after day. How can it get any better than Converse boots, right?
Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Sneakers
These are the low-cut version of the classic sneakers you need in your wardrobe on the daily, with that same shockingly low price tag and shockingly comfortable construction. Perhaps it’s not shocking at all, though — Converse has been doing this for years, and they’ve mastered the art of building some of the best, most affordable sneakers you’re apt to find. Wear these as often as you can with your favorite spring-style staples.
Converse Washed Canvas Chuck Taylor All-Stars
The hits keep coming with Converse sneakers, and the great thing about an iconic silhouette like this is just how many variations the timeless footwear brand produces. Take this washed canvas update of the crisp high-top style: They’re made to look like you’ve had ’em for years, and to us, they kind of look like a well-loved pair you’d uncover at a favorite thrift shop. Don’t forget to stop by the used records bin on your way out — what goes better than Converse and classic vinyl, ehh?
Converse Winter GORE-TEX Chuck Taylor All-Stars
Converse does more than just make your favorite sneakers: They’ve also gotten into the winter boots game in their own unique way over the past few years. Here’s what you need to do. Pick up these GORE-TEX winter boots, fashioned much like a pair of sneakers. Then, have them close by through spring rain and into fall and winter. Think of them like a willing and able replacement for sneakers when you still want to rock Converse but the weather is just a bit too harsh out there.
Converse The Birth of Flight Pro Leather Sneakers
Converse went all the way back with this one, incorporating details lie removable chevron star overlays for that iconic Converse look. The Pro Leather was originally released way back in 1976 and worn by the King of Cool on the court himself, Dr. J. Nowadays, you can get that throwback style yourself with just a few clicks. Wear these with rolled light wash denim to show off the sharp style and let your sneakers do the talking.
Converse Color Leather Chuck Taylor All-Stars
Who said wearing sneakers has to be boring, or has to use just traditional canvas material, at that? The Color Leather version of the Chuck Taylor All-Stars are a somewhat dressy update to the normal Chuck Taylor style, and while we’d say you can’t quite wear them with a tuxedo, we’re of the opinion that you can try to rock ’em with a blue cotton chambray suit if the mood strikes you the right way this spring and summer.
Converse Chuck Taylor Leather All-Star Low
When we say that Converse sneakers are for everyone, we really do mean it. Exhibit A in our display of how and why Converse sneakers could change your life would be these low-top leather sneakers, an edgy and luxe update of the much-loved low-top Chuck Taylor All-Star. Think of them like a grown-up version of the Converse kicks you wore all the time in high school, ehh? That’s what makes Converse boots so ready for just about anything.
Converse Heart of the City Pro Leather Sneakers
Converse asks the tough questions, in this case, what exactly makes a city tick? It’s the culture and the diversity and the energy you feel from the city streets to the outdoor basketball court, quite plainly, and it makes sense when you look at these inspired, fresh kicks. To get even more specific, these sneakers were inspired by the next-level beauty of Paris, and that’s pretty darn cool.
Converse CONS Louie Lopez Pro Sneakers
For all the basketball fans and wannabe pros among us, Converse has you covered with sharp, classic and cool basketball sneakers,. The same can now be said for skateboarding fans, thanks to this low-profile pair of skate shoes made with that well-known Converse attention to detail and quality.
Converse x Carhartt WIP Chuck 70 Sneakers
Leave it to Converse to improve upon a classic with these modern and eye-catching sneakers done up in partnership with Carhartt’s fashion-forward WIP line. We’re talking futuristic style and a wear-with-anything silhouette. That’s as good as it gets for your new favorite sneakers, is it not? Converse boots are sneakers for everyone, as we keep saying.
