You’ve seen them. The "heart shoes." Whether you’re walking through SoHo, scrolling TikTok, or just grabbing a coffee, those peeping eyes are staring back at you from a pair of canvas sneakers. Honestly, the Converse CDG high top has achieved a level of staying power that most fashion collaborations can only dream of.
It’s been over fifteen years since the first pair dropped in 2009. Most "hype" sneakers die within six months. This one? It’s practically a uniform now.
What is a Converse CDG high top, anyway?
Let’s get the basics out of the way for the uninitiated. This isn't just a regular Chuck Taylor. It is a collaboration between the American heritage brand Converse and the Japanese avant-garde powerhouse Comme des Garçons, specifically their "PLAY" sub-label.
The logo—that bug-eyed red heart—wasn't actually designed for the shoes. It was created by Polish artist Filip Pagowski back in 2002. Funnily enough, he originally submitted the design for a different CDG project, and it got rejected. Imagine being the guy who almost said no to one of the most recognizable logos in history.
Eventually, Rei Kawakubo (the genius founder of CDG) decided it would be the face of their new, more accessible line. When they slapped it onto a Chuck 70, a legend was born.
The "PLAY" heart represents a sort of "casual luxury." It’s a way for people to say they know fashion without wearing a $1,200 leather boot that kills their feet.
Why people are still buying them in 2026
You’d think we’d be bored by now. We aren't.
In 2026, fashion has swung back toward "refined playfulness." We spent years doing the "quiet luxury" thing—beige trench coats, no logos, looking like a wealthy architect. It got a bit dull. The Converse CDG high top fits the current vibe because it’s a classic silhouette (the Chuck 70) but with a wink.
The "Chuck 70" Factor
People often confuse these with the cheap $60 All-Stars you find at the mall. They aren't.
These are built on the Chuck 70 chassis. That means:
- Thicker canvas: It doesn't flop over after three wears.
- Better cushioning: There’s an OrthoLite insole that actually makes walking long distances possible.
- Higher foxing: The rubber on the side is slightly higher and glossier, which gives it a vintage, premium look.
- Small details: Look for the extra stitching on the sidewall where the shoe flexes. It prevents the canvas from ripping.
Honestly, once you wear a Chuck 70, going back to the basic All-Star feels like walking on pieces of cardboard.
Sizing is a total headache (Read this before buying)
If you buy your "normal" sneaker size, you're going to have a bad time.
Converse, and especially the Converse CDG high top, runs notoriously large. Most people need to go at least a half size down, and many go a full size down. If you’re usually a US Men's 10, buy a 9.
The shoe is also quite narrow. If you have wide feet, you might be tempted to stay true to size, but then you’ll have two inches of "clown shoe" space at the toe. It’s a delicate balance. If you can, try on a standard pair of Chuck 70s at a local shop first; the fit is identical.
Spotting the fakes (Because they are everywhere)
Since these are so popular, the "replica" market is massive. You don't want to pay $150 for something that cost $5 to make in a basement.
Here is what to look for in 2026:
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- The Heart Placement: On a real pair, the heart is positioned very close to the stitching that runs along the lace holes. Fakes often have the heart sitting too low or tilted at a weird angle.
- The Eyes: This is the big one. On authentic pairs, the eyes are slightly irregular. They shouldn't be perfect, clinical circles. If they look too "neat," they’re probably fake.
- The Smell: This sounds weird, but it works. Real Converse have a very specific rubber smell. Fakes often smell like harsh chemicals or gasoline because of the cheap glue.
- The Heel Patch: The "Converse All Star" license plate on the heel should be molded, not just printed on.
How to style them without looking like a 2014 Pinterest board
Back in the day, everyone wore these with skinny black jeans and a flannel shirt. It was the "indie sleaze" starter pack.
In 2026, the move is all about contrast.
Try pairing the white (Milk) Converse CDG high top with wide-leg trousers and a structured blazer. It breaks up the "seriousness" of the outfit. For the black pair, go with light-wash baggy denim or even a slip dress. The high-top silhouette is great because it hugs the ankle, allowing more volume in your pants without looking sloppy.
Don't be afraid to let them get a little dirty. These shoes look better with some character. Pristine, bright-white CDG sneakers scream "I just got these yesterday," whereas a beat-up pair says "I've had these forever and I'm still cool."
The Price Reality
Expect to pay around $150 USD for a new pair.
You can sometimes find them on sale for $120 if you catch a seasonal drop at places like Nordstrom, SSENSE, or Dover Street Market. If you see them for $60 on a random website with a name like "TopSneakerDeals4U.biz," run away.
Final Action Steps for Your Purchase
If you're ready to pull the trigger on a pair of Converse CDG high tops, do this:
- Check the SKU: Make sure the seller lists it as the "Chuck 70" version, not the old "All-Star" version from the early 2010s.
- Size down: Order a half-size smaller than your Nike or Adidas size.
- Pick a colorway: The "Milk" (off-white) is more versatile, but the "Black" is much easier to keep clean.
- Verify the retailer: Stick to authorized dealers like Dover Street Market, Converse.com, or high-end boutiques to ensure you aren't getting a knockoff.