As a follow up on Converse and Ambush‘s Yoon Ahn‘s futuristic take on the Chuck 70 and Pro Leather, the two labels return with head-turning interpretations on classic Chuck styles, a Chuck Taylor All Star Duck Boot and a fur-covered Chuck 70. Rooted by Converse’s utilitarian heritage, the two new styles marry functionality and irreverence.
“In my head, I always think of the Chuck Taylor,” Ahn says. “But what was really interesting looking in the archive was finding the many different shoes Converse has made over the years.”
In perusing the archives, Ahn lingered on women’s footwear from the ’50s, mid-century military shoes and, most exciting, a nearly 110-year-old knee-high wading boot. “When I saw the freshwater fishing boots, all of a sudden, I thought ‘this is actually really fresh,” says Ahn. “I didn’t know Converse had made them and I wanted to bring out that side of the brand again.”
Commenting on her goal for the duck boot, Ahn explained, “I believe that there is no distinct line between what is distinctly men’s or women’s in the sneaker world. I designed these pieces to offer functionality and fun, while they carry us into the destination we are heading to every day with ease.”
Offered in either black or a bright blue, the shoe features a mesh and rubber upper, padded ankle collar, poly webbed lace loop and a lug sole. The shoe is detailed with Ambush branding on the heel with co-branding on the tongue and Converse’s famed circular ankle patch on the medial ankle.
As for the Wookie-esque Chuck Taylor 70 high sneakers, also offered in either black or blue, the upper makes use of a Longwool textile, which is detailed with Chuck Taylor’s circular ankle patch on the medial side of the shoe. Additionally, Ahn’s cute and cuddly version of the sneaker is co-branded on heel and sock liner.
Priced at $160 for the duck boot with no pricing yet for the Chuck 70, Converse and Ambush’s two shoe capsule will launch on November 21, 2020 in China and will be available globally on November 24th at converse.com, ambushdesign.com and select retailers.
Check out additional views of Converse and Ambush’s duck boot and Chuck 70 below.
