The History of the Converse Chuck Taylor All Star High
The Converse Chuck Taylor All Star High, more commonly known as the Chuck High, is one of the most iconic sneaker models in history. Its story starts in 1917, when Converse introduced a basketball shoe called the ‘Non-Skids’ that was designed for better grip and ankle support.
A few years later in 1921, basketball player Chuck Taylor joined the brand as an ambassador, and his feedback led to crucial design developments like enhanced ankle support and ventilation holes. By 1932, his name had been officially added to the ankle patch, giving birth to the first athlete-endorsed sneaker.
In the years after the Second World War, the popularity of the Chuck Taylor All Star only grew. The shoe became so popular that in 1957 Converse decided to make a low version of the All Star Chuck called the "Oxford". This model was very popular as a casual shoe.
The Chuck Taylor High dominated the basketball scene throughout the 1940s to 60s, with nearly all professional players wearing them. However, when new brands like adidas and PUMA emerged in the 60s, they began to challenge Converse’s hold on the court. As the Chuck high gradually lost its place in sport, it found a new identity in the streetwear scene.
By the 1980s, the Chuck High had become a symbol of rebellion and self-expression, embraced by subcultures like punks, skaters, and grunge musicians. Worn by icons like The Ramones, Kurt Cobain, and The Sex Pistols, the sneaker began to represent nonconformity and individuality.
Skaters also gravitated towards the Chuck High due to its flat sole and durable canvas upper, turning it into a must-have in the skateboarding world.
Nike acquired the brand in 2003, and as part of the take-over, breathed new life into the model. Converse introduced modern updates including premium materials, improved cushioning and vintage detailing, ensuring the Chuck High remained a fashion staple and attracting influential collaborations with designers, artists, and streetwear brands.
After a century, the Chuck Taylor High remains an icon due to its timeless design, versatility, and rich history.
The Chuck 70
The Chuck Taylor All Star ‘70, or the Chuck 70, is a modern revival of the Chuck Taylor High from the 1970s. At the time, the Chuck Taylor was a serious performance shoe, worn by athletes across America.
That version was built with a sturdier, more structured design than what many people wear today. It featured a heavier canvas upper, higher rubber foxing along the midsole, detailed stitching, and some arch support, but by the early 2000s, the model had become lighter and less substantial as Converse simplified and cheapened the design for lifestyle over performance.
In 2013, Converse brought back the original design in the Chuck 70 – a refined, premium take on the classic. The updated model paid homage to the 1970’s version while incorporating modern technologies, including an OrthoLite insole for cushioning, and a more structured silhouette.
The canvas is heavier and more durable, while the rubber outsole is glossier with an off-white finish for a subtle vintage look. Smaller details like a slightly smaller toe cap, a heel patch using the original Chuck Taylor script logo, and more defined stitching around the upper are all a nod to the past.
Thanks to its premium build and vintage aesthetic, the Chuck 70 perfectly blends old-school authenticity with modern-day comfort, and is a staple in many wardrobes.
Converse Chuck Taylor: Answering Your Questions
Is it Chuck Taylor or All Star?
The Converse Chuck Taylor All Star High is the full and correct name of the sneaker, but it’s also abbreviated to just ‘Chuck Taylor’ or ‘All Star’, as well as ‘Chucks’.
Why is it called the Converse Chuck Taylor?
Basketball player Charles Hollis Taylor, better known as Chuck Taylor, was an ambassador for Converse in in the 1920s, and his invaluable feedback for improvements on their first shoe led to his name being permanently attached to the high-top sneaker.
Do Chuck Taylors fit true to size?
Chuck Taylors generally run a bit large, so you may need to size down half a size.
Are Chuck Taylors comfortable?
Due to their lightweight build and breathable cotton upper, Converse Chuck Taylors are generally a comfortable everyday sneaker. However, their soles are flat and may lack the structured support that some people need. Thin cushioning also means a lack of shock absorption, so prolonged walking or standing may cause discomfort. Wearing thick socks or using gel or memory foam insoles can improve the comfort of the sneaker.
Are Chuck Taylors good for walking in?
Because Converse Chuck Taylor have an upper made from canvas, they're lightweight, and their breathability and conformity to the foot's shape make them comfortable for casual walking. However, Chucks aren't built with arch support or much cushioning, so if you have high arches or flat feet, they may not offer the support you need for long walks.
How do you tie the Chuck Taylor?
For guidance on tying your Chuck laces, check out our Ultimate Sneakerjagers Lacing Guide!
What is the difference between the Chuck Taylor and Chuck 70?
The Chuck 70 is a modern revival of the original Chuck Taylor from the 1970s. Differences in the Chuck 70 include:
- A thicker and creamier sole than the original Chuck Taylor, with an OrthoLite insole for improved comfort and cushioning
- A thicker, heavier canvas material on the upper for increased durability
- A heel patch with the original Chuck Taylor script logo
- A narrower toe cap and more defined stitching, thicker laces, and a leather Converse Chuck Taylor All Star patch
How can I clean my Chuck Taylors?
A Chuck Taylor is best cleaned by hand. For the best results, remove the laces, then use a toothbrush to remove obvious dirt from the surface. Mix a mild detergent with some water, and use a sponge or cloth to gently scrub harder stains, or for suede, use a suede brush (water can damage suede). Use a damp cloth to wipe off the residue, then let them air-dry.
For a smelly sneaker, you can sprinkle baking soda inside the shoe, then leave overnight. The powder will absorb moisture and neutralise the smell. Shake out the excess before wearing again. Alternatively, you can use silica gel or activated charcoal bags for the same results.
Laces can be cleaned with a mild detergent and rinsed afterwards, or you can put white laces in a 1:5 bleach and water solution for a few minutes and then rinse thoroughly with clean water.
In addition, we do not recommend putting your shoes in the washing machine. Sneakers made of leather and suede can come out damaged. With shoes made of canvas or cotton, the risk is less, but the chance of damaged sneakers remains. So we recommend always washing your sneakers by hand. If you do put them in the washing machine, then place the shoes in an old pillowcase beforehand.
Where can I buy Converse Chuck Taylors?
Do you have your eye on this model? With our sneaker search engine, you can browse the Chuck Taylor at different retailers and at different prices. Our release calendar also keeps you up to date on Chuck restocks and new releases!
Notable Converse Chuck Taylor Collaborations
Chuck 70 x Comme des Garçons
One of Converse’s most famous collaborations, most people will recognise the heart-with-eyes logo created by Polish artist Filip Pagowski for the Comme des Garçons PLAY line. Stamped prominently on the side of the sneaker, it creates a bold a playful statement on the Chuck Taylor model.
The collab keeps the core Chuck 70 silhouette intact, coming in a handful of core colorways like black, white, and off-white, and both high-top and low-top forms. Since its first debut in 2009, the collab has seen multiple editions, including single, multi, and polka-dot-heart versions.
Converse x Golf le Fleur
Led by Tyler, The Creator, the Golf le Fleur collab with Converse first brought a vibrant and artistic twist to the Chuck Taylor silhouette in 2017, following up with further versions every year from 2018 to 2022.
The collection applies Tyler’s distinctive style to the model with flower-shaped perforations on the side of the shoe, eye-catching colorways in pastel hues, and premium materials including suede and canvas. The sole was also given a slightly elevated platform and a unique colour palette.
Chuck 70 x Off-White
Released in 2018, the Off-White x Converse Chuck Taylor is one of the most iconic sneaker collaborations in recent history, part of Virgil Abloh’s “The Ten” collection with Nike.
It reimagined the Chuck 70 with Off-White’s signature deconstructed look, featuring a translucent upper made from synthetic mesh, a cloudy rubber sole, bold text, and the typical orange zip-tie of the brand. A second version used a canvas upper with black and white contrast. Prized for their conceptual look, both are highly valued in the collector’s world.
Chuck 70 x Fear of God
Jerry Lorenzo’s minimalist take on the Chuck 70 in 2020 made it a must-have in modern streetwear, combining neutral tones with premium materials.
Fear of God kept the core structure of the model intact but gave it an earthier colour palette, and with a subtle nod to vintage Chucks, an extended cream-coloured toe cap and midsole. Clean and modern, yet still paying homage to the Converse spirit, this collab combines the cultural legacy of the Chuck 70 with a contemporary edge.
Converse Chuck High Variations
Canvas
The original version of the Chuck Taylor High, the canvas model is made from lightweight cotton with a vulcanised rubber sole. It has the classic rubber toe cap, medial eyelets for airflow, and that iconic ankle patch.
While it doesn’t offer much arch support or weather resistance, it’s breathable, flexible, and easy to wear. It’s best for casual, everyday use.
Leather
The leather Chuck Taylor swaps out the traditional canvas upper for smooth or textured leather, offering increased durability. The silhouette remain true to the original, but the material makes the sneaker feel a bit stiffer at first.
It’s ideal for a more elevated take on the classic silhouette, perfect for colder months or for pairing with a less casual wardrobe.
Suede
Suede versions of the Chuck Taylor High offer a soft, textured twist on the original, with a warmer and more tactile feel. The suede gives the shoe a more premium vibe.
It’s less weather-resistant and can stain easily, so it’s best suited for dry days and light wear.
Lugged
The Lugged Chuck Taylor High transforms the sneaker into something closer to a boot, with a thick, treaded sole for extra traction and an elevated platform look. The winterised versions often feature insulated linings, water-resistant materials, and D-ring lacing for added utility.
Perfect for bad weather or rugged terrain, they merge the spirit of Chucks with the function of boots.
CX
The Chuck Taylor CX is a modern reinvention of the silhouette, built for all-day comfort. It features a stretch canvas upper that moves with your foot, a CX foam midsole that delivers better cushioning, and a sleeker, slightly futuristic look.
The design feels more athletic and ergonomic than the original, and it’s best for people who love the Chuck vibe but want something more comfortable for walking or long wear.
GORE-TEX
Built for serious weather, the GORE-TEX Chuck Taylor High looks like the original but adds a breathable, fully waterproof membrane beneath the upper. Some versions also feature gusseted tongues and reinforced overlays for added protection.
Despite the techie build, the design stays true to the classic silhouette, so you don’t have to compromise on style when heading out into bad weather.
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