To celebrate their 100th birthday Converse (Click Here to save 45% on Converse at PacSun) has created a new, rocking, line for fall. From tapping into their historical vaults the company’s connections to music served as the starting point.

Of course the shoes had their launch to fame in 1917 as basketball shoes, made popular by player Chuck Taylor (hence their nickname). Over the decades, though, rock bands, like the Foo Fighters or Weezer, along with rappers and even pop stars have made Chucks their signature kicks.

Because of this, the company recruited bands that have the same recognition and history as the shoes to design the collections. Each of the unique styles honor the genres and movements in music and culture that have disrupted the status quo. Key collections include the Grateful Dead, Black Sabbath, The Doors, The Who, Ozzy, and Pink Floyd.

Here’s what you can expect from the designs by each band. ‚ The Grateful Dead is known for setting its own standards and redefined music and the live concert experience. The band’s apparent disdain for the status quo enabled them to become music’s most enduring success story, and what began as a freewheeling group of musicians transformed into one of the most powerful icons in American pop culture. Serving as a canvas, the collection pays homage to the Grateful Dead legacy through simple execution with detailing left to the powerful imagery and artwork for which has become forever associated with the band. ‚ Featuring the two artists who were at the forefront of San Francisco’s renaissance of graphic poster art in the 1960s and 1970s, Alton Kelley’s and Stanley Mouse’s artwork is featured prominently; Skull & Roses is one of the designs and the famous dancing bears is another.

Inspired by the‚ metal anthem, Iron Man, the Black Sabbath Chucks high tops have hard-core details that shout individuality. A tribute to the sound that in the 1970s emerged and changed the music landscape forever, these shoes feature smooth, monochrome black leather uppers with metallic detailing and Sabbath-signature purple accented linings. Metalwork and hardcore buckles combined with rich black leathers give the Jack Purcell shoe version an especially industrial look and extreme attitude.

As revolutionary in both sound and lyrics, embodying a spirit of rebellion and joy, The Doors helped usher in a new musical era too. Challenging convention at every turn, legendary frontman Jim Morrison turned every performance into an unforgettable ritual, while keyboardist Ray Manzarek, guitarist Robby Krieger and drummer John Densmore forged a mind-altering blend of rock, blues, jazz, latin groove and experimental sonics. The song The Unknown Soldier inspired their military-style, high-top shoe with combat-fatigue detailing and black soles. With the lyric “It’s all over” emblazoned on its outer heel, it’s a wearable work of art with real graphic power.

A comfort-pack footbed and other premium details give it added comfort and a premium look and feel. Adding psychedelic flair to daily wear, The Doors’ classic logo is subtly embossed in glossy detailing over a monochrome black, leather high-top version. In addition, a white low-top version features the logo in a unique print that blends the canvas and rubber side-wall into one.

All the shoes are available at Journeys and they range from $50 to $100. Seeing that they are a special collection it would be wise to check the designs and get one while they are available. If you own black, red, high top or unbleached white pairs…get your hands on these too.

About The Author

Bessie King is a Blast contributing editor. She can be reached at [email protected]

Leave a Reply