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This article was first published in the September 2015 issue of WIRED magazine. Be the first to read WIRED's articles in print before they're posted online, and get your hands on loads of additional content by subscribing online
Converse brought out its All Star basketball shoe in 1917; then, in 1921, a basketball player named Charles H "Chuck" Taylor walked into the company HQ complaining of sore feet and suggested improvements to the design. Converse made him its salesman and ambassador, and he continued working for Converse until shortly before his death in 1969. Since then, the company mantra has been "Don't fuck with Chuck". And it hasn't. Until now. Nike acquired Converse in 2003 for $305 million (£198m) and has finally started tinkering with the product. The result is the Chuck Taylor All Star II. Re-engineered with a greater emphasis on comfort through technically advanced materials, the Chuck II even boasts higher-quality Tencel canvas. £55 (low-cut) and £60 (hi-tops).
1 OUTSOLEDeeper than the previous version, the new 32mm outsole is designed to last longer
2 MEDIAL PATCHChuck Taylor's signature patch is now stitched, rather than glued, to the boot
3 TONGUEFor added comfort, the Chuck II has a foam-padded collar and non-slip padded tongue
4 INNER SOLEMade from Nike's propriety Lunarlon foam, it's 30 per cent lighter than Phylon foam
This article was originally published by WIRED UK
