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Best Converse trainers in 2024 - the ultimate Converse sneakers

Hey now, these Converse trainers are all All-Stars.

Best Converse trainers in 2024 - the ultimate Converse sneakers
08 January 2024

What’s new in the world of Converse? While brand new Converse trainer lines are relatively rare, fashion tie-ins are not.

The latest is Converse’s collaboration with London-based fashion designer Feng Chen Wang.

It's based on the classic Converse Chuck 70, and is only the latest in a series of Converse adaptations from Feng Chen Wang.

The most obvious statement here is the strap along the upper, while the design of the outsole also gives the shoe a platform-style fit. It comes in two tones, with either a black or “egret” cream dominant colour. Have a look:

Best Converse trainers in 2024 - the ultimate Converse sneakers

Looking for something more traditional? Footwear doesn't get more iconic than the Converse All Star. It has been around in one form or another since 1917, and the company has sold more than 800 million pairs since in the 100-plus years since the company was established.

Back in the day, Converse shoes were designed for basketball players. The Chuck Taylor All-Star was named after the original promoter and salesman of the All-Star, who himself was once a semi-pro player.

The All-Star designs are a must for anyone wanting to dip a toe into Converse designs. However, it's not all you'll find from the brand.

From hyped-up, high-fashion collaborations to the brand’s skateboard-specific CONS line, this storied American footwear institution is more than just a one-trick pony.

From the all-time classics to the cult favourites you might have missed, here we roundup the best Converse trainers you can buy right now.

This is our best Converse trainers list. Don’t forget to upvote the ones you love, downvote the ones you don’t and let us know if we missed anything out.

Best Converse trainers

Best Converse trainers

1. Converse Chuck Taylor All Star '70

Buy now at Amazon

Modelled on the beefed-up Chucks that stampeded basketball courts in the 1970s, the Converse All Star Chuck Taylor ‘70 builds upon the OG design with equal parts retro detailing and increased comfort. A spongy insole provides more cushioning underfoot, while dual-layer canvas uppers and raised rubber rand amount to an overall sturdier feel.

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Best Converse trainers

2. Converse Chuck Taylor All Star

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That the original Converse All Star Chuck Taylor has remained basically unchanged for over a century and is still one of the world’s best-selling trainers speaks for itself. The world’s first athlete-endorsed shoe, it’s more than just a nice piece of footwear. It’s a straight-up design classic and a must-own whether you’re a street-savvy sneakerhead or their grandparent.

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Best Converse trainers

3. Converse Pro Leather

Buy now at Pro:Direct Running

When the Converse Pro Leather made its debut in 1976 it was the lightest and most durable shoe on the basketball court. These days it’s not exactly groundbreaking from a technological point of view but from a style standpoint it’s as much of a looker as it ever was. A great plain white trainer option for those in search of something a little different.

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Best Converse trainers

4. Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Ox

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High-top trainers aren’t for everyone. Whether you find ankle-grazing kicks restricting or are just trying to avoid unsightly tan lines in the summer, this low-top version of Converse’s iconic basketball shoe has you covered. All the good looks and versatility of the original, just in a slightly less lofty package.

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Best Converse trainers

5. Converse x CDG Play Chuck Taylor Star '70

Buy now at End Clothing

When avant-garde fashion house Comme des Garcons’ streetwear-leaning offshoot CDG Play first put its stamp on a pair of Converse Chuck ‘70s, it was an instant hit. The oversized bug-eyed heart logo has since become a common sight on the feet of hip-hop heavyweights and urban trendsetters alike and offers the rest of us that rarest of things: the chance to own a pair of high-fashion kicks for less than £100. If you shop hard enough online, anyway.

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Best Converse trainers

6. Converse One Star

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Converse’s One Star was originally introduced as a basketball shoe back in 1974, but it wasn’t until the 1990s it became the cult classic it is today. The One Star’s simple design, tough suede upper and grippy sole saw it become a favourite in the skate scene. Today it’s a streetwear staple and has even enjoyed collaborations with the likes of Carhartt, Undefeated and Tyler The Creator’s Golf Wang imprint.

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Best Converse trainers

7. Converse Jack Purcell Canvas

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Originally designed by Canadian badminton legend Jack Purcell, Converse bought the rights to his eponymous canvas sneaker in the 1970s and still produces it to this day. Visually, it has a lot in common with the Chuck Taylor All Star, the main differences being the trademark ‘smile’ to the front and moulded detailing on the toe cap.

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Best Converse trainers

8. Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Slip

Buy now at Converse

One of the few reservations people tend to have when it comes to wearing Converse All Stars is that they can be a bit of a pain to put on and take off. With a low-top silhouette and elasticated design, the Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Slip does away with laces while retaining all the other bits that make the All Star the classic it is.

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