It was a crazy scheme
but I was determined to break out my old Chuck Taylor hi-tops this winter - come
rain, sleet or snow. Call it an act of resistance, call it an act of pure folly
- but it was a folly I simply couldn't resist.
For the record it had nothing to do with that Shoes Are Boring, Wear Sneakers campaign. It's a huge success apparently; the brand rolled out billboards and experiential events to go along with they're usual parade of sponsorship activity. All good, all good. Making Converse an all-season option is one of the few growth areas left for these footwear giants. 
I did have a problem however with the strap line. It's
a negative proposition - Shoes Are Boring - and as such seemed weak and clumsy. Imagine how
inspiring the brand would have been if instead of Just Do It, Nike opted for
the strap line, Stop Doing Everything Else. Also it's the sort of thing a
moaning child says when out shopping with mum for that dreaded school uniform.
But we digress. I love Converse despite their popularity. I see the natural canvas Chucks as part of my own uniform. In fact, they're great primarily because they're boring!
They're understated, unassuming and almost unbeatable when it comes to a kind of design purity. Even when they're fucked, I mean when they're worn in and dirty, they still look great. But in the depth of a cold winter, the classic All Stars are about as useful as a pair of sunglasses in a blackout.
'Got these for you', said Dr Mandi Martin and as if by magic (as is often her way) she handed me the perfect solution to my winter Converse hi top challenge; thermal insoles. See, maybe I'm not so crazy after all. (Comments closed).
