Memories - Converse Suede/Leather All Star

The "Stripe-Star-Stripe" Pattern in Suede...

In the 1970's, Converse marketed at least four suede sneaker models based on the classic "Chuck Taylor" All Star canvas basketball shoe. They were very similar. The major difference between the shoes were patterns on the side. These models included:

The above example, which used the standard All Star sole.
The "One Star", which also used the standard All Star sole.
A "star and chevron" model, which used a slightly modified All Star sole.
A three-striped model in the COACH line.

In the early 1970's, Converse apparently considered the suede design a member of the "All Star" family in good standing.

My freshman year in college, I wore (and wore out) a pair of red and white suede Converse All Star sneakers. I bought them with some of my high school graduation gift money, on the day I graduated from high school. They only cost $15 back in 1973, while a canvas pair was around $10.

I remember that one of my college floor-mates, Fred, always commented that my fantastic red suede sneakers didn't match much anything. In retrospect, Fred was probably right. As I remember Fred's sneaker collection at that time, he had a pair of black low-top Chucks and a pair of black adidas soccer boots; boring, but at least they would match most anything. (Fred's now the news director at KFMB, a CBS affiliate in California.)

Some of the colors I have either seen or heard of for the suede model:

Red (I had a pair)
Yellow with black (as above)
Green
Blue (if I remember right, the University of Kentucky basketball wore them at least one year)
Purple

The "Stripe-Star-Stripe" Pattern in Leather...

Converse also produced this particular design in smooth leather.

One version that I particularly remember was a patriotic "red, white, and blue." I didn't have any, but I remember that one of my high school friends, Russ, had a pair.

Converse Academy (2002 reissue)

Want another pair of a classic? Converse has reissued the "stripe-star-stripe" design under the name "Academy." Note that the black heel patch is apparently back!

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Last Updated: 29 March 2008 22:59

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