You’ve probably seen them on a subway, at a wedding, or in a mosh pit. Maybe all in the same day. Black all star converse are the ultimate "blank slate" shoe. They are everywhere. Honestly, it’s kind of weird how a shoe designed for basketball players in 1917 somehow became the uniform for 1970s punks, 90s grunge kids, and modern-day office workers.
But here is the thing: they aren't perfect.
If you’ve worn them, you know. They have zero arch support. Your feet might ache after a long day at a festival. Yet, we keep buying them. In 2012, Nike (who now owns the brand) reported selling a pair every 43 seconds. That is a lot of canvas and rubber.
The Basketball Roots Nobody Remembers
Before they were a fashion staple, they were serious athletic gear. Hard to imagine now, right? In 1917, the Converse Rubber Shoe Company dropped the All Star. It was meant to solve the problem of basketball players slipping on gym floors.
Then came Chuck Taylor.
He wasn’t just a name on a patch; he was a salesman and a former player for the Akron Firestones. He spent his life driving around America, hosting basketball clinics and selling these shoes out of the back of his car. In 1932, Converse added his signature to the ankle patch as a thank you. Ironically, while Chuck made them famous on the court, they eventually got kicked off it. By the late 60s, leather shoes with actual "technology" (like the Adidas Superstar) started taking over.
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High Tops vs. Low Tops: Which One is Actually Better?
This is the eternal debate.
High tops are the classic. They’ve got that iconic ankle patch. If you're wearing cropped trousers or cuffed jeans, high tops bridge that gap perfectly. Plus, that patch was originally there to protect the ankle bones of basketball players from getting knocked around.
Low tops (the "Oxford" style) didn't even exist until 1957. They are basically the lazy person's dream. They're easier to slip on and off, and they don’t "trap" your ankles like the highs do.
What about the Chuck 70?
If you're looking at black all star converse today, you’ll notice two versions.
- The Classic: Cheaper, thinner canvas, and that bright white rubber.
- The Chuck 70: Heavier canvas, vintage "egret" (off-white) rubber, and—most importantly—a cushioned insole.
If you plan on walking more than a mile, spend the extra twenty bucks on the 70s. Your heels will thank you.
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How to Spot the Fakes in 2026
Since these are some of the most copied shoes on the planet, the market is flooded with knockoffs. If you’re buying from a random reseller, look at the patch first. On high tops, the logo should always be on the inside of the ankle. If it's on the outside, it's a fake.
Check the heel tag too. It should be a clean, molded rubber patch. If the text looks "blurry" or the glue is oozing out the sides, walk away. Another weird giveaway? The size. Real Converse labels usually list the size in centimeters (cm). If you see "mm" on that inner tongue tag, you're looking at a counterfeit.
Why the "Dirty" Look is Actually a Flex
There is a segment of the internet that believes you should never clean your black all star converse.
They argue that Chucks only look good once they’ve been through a few rainstorms and a concert. It’s a "lived-in" vibe. If you’re a purist who wants them crisp, avoid the washing machine. The heat and tumbling can melt the glue and make the canvas shrink.
Instead, use an old toothbrush and some mild soap for the fabric. For the white rubber toe cap? A Magic Eraser works wonders.
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Actionable Tips for New Owners
If you just picked up a fresh pair, here is how to actually survive the break-in period and make them last:
- Don't drag your feet. The rubber on the heel is relatively soft; if you’re a "shuffler," you’ll burn through the sole to the canvas in six months.
- Swap the laces. The factory laces are often too long or feel a bit "plastic-y." Swapping for 100% cotton laces instantly makes the shoe look more premium.
- Use an insole. If you have flat feet, buy a slim orthotic insole. You can slide it right over the existing footbed to save your arches.
- The "Pinky Toe" Rule. Converse run narrow. If your pinky toe is screaming after ten minutes, you might need to size up or look for the "Wide" versions that Converse started offering more widely in recent years.
Essentially, these shoes aren't about the "latest tech." They are about the fact that they look just as good with a suit as they do with beat-up denim. They are simple, flawed, and arguably the most important sneaker ever made.
Just make sure you check which side the patch is on before you pay.
Next Steps for You:
- Check the inner tongue of your current pair for the "cm" measurement to verify authenticity.
- Decide between the "Classic" and "Chuck 70" based on how much walking you do daily.
- If your soles are squeaky on tile, try scuffing them on some rough pavement to add a bit of grip.