Following the futuristic evolution of the Chuck 70 and Pro Leather last year, Converse and Ambush present two new explorations that have their roots in the products of the Converse heritage.
The new silhouette chosen? A climbing boot – built for outerwear when Converse started as a rubber company nearly 110 years ago. With this construction in mind, Yoon Ahn, co-founder and creative director of the Tokyo-based brand AMBUSH, took the opportunity to push the limits of traditional clothing through a new lens, bringing up the stylistic references of modern silhouettes. Converse and democratizing design both in terms of gender and form.
The team used the Lugged outsole as the base of the shoe – for greater traction and sole lift – playing with proportions to improve weather resistance and functionality. The Chuck Lugged was born for the woman, but has since been adopted by Converse as a genderless, functional sneaker that serves as the ideal base, according to Yoon’s vision.
“The base of the shoes is the Chuck Taylor All Star, which has always been a sneaker for everyone and this coincides with Yoon’s approach to design – an agnostic of a muse defined by gender or other classification. In the second chapter, we have used much of the same aesthetic language – functionality and durability still remain, albeit with a fresh new design and irreverent style, ”said Matthew Sleep, Converse Global Design Director for footwear.
From there, the layers of rubber and fabric are intended to allow functionality and style to the wearer, while a reinforced leather collar provides added protection to the ankle.
“I believe there is no distinct line between what is distinctly masculine or feminine in the world of sneakers. I designed these pieces to offer functionality and fun, while taking us with ease to the destination we head to every day,” he said. Yoon commented.
While rooted in classic outdoor styles, the design wouldn’t be complete without Yoon’s penchant for the unexpected. The shoe is available in two shades: in black and a bright Blithe Blue, in contrast to the sober style of the technical equipment. Both colours are branded with the Ambush brand, the size of the loops of the laces and the prints on the heel are strong and decisive.
To complete the collection, Converse and Yoon tried to combine the utilitarian CTAS Duck Boot with an irreverent Chuck 70. The team tried to play with the construction of the Chuck 70, leveraging its nuanced details for a more tactile materialization. The result: an upper made of wild shearling, in both Navy and Black, which draws attention to the furry design, which almost covers the Chuck itself.
Converse x Ambush CTAS Duck Boot and Chuck 70 Fuzzy will launch globally on November 24 at Converse.com, ambushdesign.com and select retailers.