A Guide on Converse All Star Shoes

Probably what stands out the most about these shoes are there creativity in color and design while still holding a classical look.

After all, isn't that what we look for in a repeat performance? Whether it's a movie sequel, a second album release, or any art 2nd piece of art, we want to see something new, as we get bored with the same-old all the time, but we want it to still feel the same as that is what is comfortable. Converse has mastered this with a tried-and-true look with an assortment of colors.

Black Converse
"I've been 40 years discovering that the queen of all colors was black." ~ Pierre-Auguste Renoir

If not deemed as "the absence of light," this would be considered the dominating color. Black can evoke a strong amount of emotions, sometimes even overwhelming if not used in moderation. It goes well with everything, but used excessively gives off a goth/emo look (which if that is what you want, then more power to you). Black is authoritative, powerful, has potential and possibility, mysterious and inconspicuous.

What This Color Says About You
Powerful, Authoritative, Empowered, Classic, Elegant, Neatness, Simplicity, Versatile, Anonymity, Successful, Knowledgeable, and Serious.

How to Wear Black Converse
It's hard to really add to shoes that which goes well with just about anything! The safe move is always jeans with a matching colored top. These also work well with black jeans and a light cream top such as a sweater. But just in case this particular shoe wasn't versatile enough, the fact that the color is makes anything work.

Red Converse
"Of all the hues, reds have the most potency. If there is one electric blue, a dozen reds are so charged. Use them to punctuate white, burn into bronzes, or dynamite black." ~ Jack Lenor Larsen

Aside from the original black and white, I would consider red to be the staple color of Converse shoes. Whether or not they are among the most bought, many times sneakers on TV are portrayed like these red Chucks, especially in school uniforms. That's not to say that the typical image goes with the shoes or that you can't make a statement with them. Red is said to increase enthusiasm, stimulate energy, encourage action and confidence, all while providing a protection from fear and anxiety.

What This Color Says About You
Stimulating, Exciting, Dominance, Energetic, Dynamic, Commands Power and Attention. Use sparingly for best effect!
Burgundy: Passion, spirituality, high status and luxury, along with the above attributes to a less degree.

How to Wear Red Converse
As usual, jeans and neutral t-shirts work wonders with Converse. On warmer days, maybe try out these shoes with a L'Agence top and shorts with a red leather belt to match. I think a pair of running pants works well too.

For a fun dating tip, red often portrays love and passion so give these a "go" when around that special someone.

Purple Converse
" But, luckily, he kept his wits and his Purple crayon." ~ from Harold and the Purple Crayon.

Purple embodies the balance of red's stimulation and blue's calm. With a sense of mystic and royal qualities, purple is a color often well-liked by very creative or eccentric types and is the favorite color of younger women. Purple tends to uplift, calms the mind and nerves, gives a sense of spirituality, and encourages our creativity. It can also help stimulate the imagination.

What This Color Says About You
Creative, Individualistic, Original, Strength, Wealthy and Rich, and Royalty

How to Wear Purple Converse
Though they do tend to stand out a bit more, as long as you wear them with something neutral like a brown, black, navy, tan, khaki, white, and cream bottom, you shouldn't have any issues wearing these. The only place where it might get tricky is if you try to pair them with a colored bottom of some sort, and they would definitely be making a statement then!

Blue Converse
"Blue color is everlastingly appointed by the deity to be a source of delight." ~ John Ruskin

Interestingly enough, many people favor this color the most. Like green, it isn't normally a color that stands out, but there sure are a few bright blues that will do the trick if that's what you are looking to do. We mentally link blue with the ocean or a peaceful pool of water, which gives off a sense that it calms and sedates, cools, and aids to our intuition. Indigo helps to increase personal thought, profound insights, and instant understanding

What This Color Says About You
Light/mid-blue: Cool, Calm, Faithful, Quiet
Bright blue: Dynamic, Dramatic, Exhilarating
Indigo/deep blue: Wise, Self-mastered, Credible, Confident, Dependable
Gives off a vibe of a warm personality, serious, intellectual, power, authority, and inviting

How to Wear Blue Converse
Though often associated with baby boys, it is considered the least gender specific color. Like black, blue goes with just about any color so try them with anything in your wardrobe. Guys: Women tend to be more at ease when they see a guy wearing blue so this might be great for a first date.

Gray Converse
"The fundamental gray which differentiates the masters, expresses them and is the soul of all colour." ~ Odilon Redon

Though often put as a background color as the "perfect neutral color," there can be a lot of weight that goes behind the color of gray. Gray gives off a sense of intellect, knowledge and wisdom. It is long-lasting, classic, sleek, and refined. It is controlled and inconspicuous, yet can cause us to create expectations.

What This Color Says About You
Elegance, Cool, Successful, Knowledgeable, Serious, Futuristic, Efficient

How to Wear Gray Converse
For the females out there, wear these with a cute dress as they will make you look cute but not girly at the same time. Dark skinny jeans, as usual, work wonders with a v-neck or graphic tee. Try a skirt, tank, and a cardigan with these too. For the men, jeans go great with these. Just please don't wear grey sweats with them.

White Converse
" White...is not a mere absence of colour; it is a shining and affirmative thing, as fierce as red, as definite as black...God paints in many colours; but He never paints so gorgeously, I had almost said so gaudily, as when He paints in white." ~ G. K. Chesterton

The classic color of clean, these shoes are great when new. Even kept in decent condition they still give a sense of freshness and neutrality. White is projected as purity, cleanliness, and neutrality. It aids in mental clarity, to clear away clutter or obstacles, evokes purification of thoughts or actions, and enables fresh beginnings.

What This Color Says About You
Respect, Formality, Virtue, Spotless, Zestfully Clean, and High Social Status

How to Wear White Converse
Something neutral like a gray closed hoodie works wonders with these shoes with black shorts or jeans of any kind. With these shoes often added with a little red and blue, these go great with a patriotic outfit too.

Brown Converse
"Did you ever get the feeling that the world was a tuxedo and you were a pair of brown shoes?" ~ George Gobel

Well George, what you needed was just the right pair of brown shoes. Alongside green, brown is another earthy color that is a staple in your Converse collection. Brown relates to all things natural and organic. It supplies us with a feeling of wholesomeness, stability, and orderliness.

What This Color Says About You
Reliable, Approachable, Down-to-Earth, Stylish, Informal, Warm-hearted, Classy
Tan or Taupe: Timeless, Simplistic

How to Wear Brown Converse
Dark blue jeans with a matching brown top would work well with these shoes. Through on some silver jewelry for some extra class with this combination. Guys, looking for a way to give off a sense of loyalty? These are the shoes for you.

Looking for some great brown Converse? Check them out here!

Orange Converse
"Orange is the happiest color." ~ Frank Sinatra

Orange is just one of those colors that you tend to either love it or hate it, but oddly enough I only mildly like it myself. Orange gives off a vibe of fun, warmth, and energy while stimulating activity and socialization.

What this Color Says About You
Talkative, Fun-Loving, Trendy, and Sporty

How to Wear Orange Converse
Mainly focus on how to give attention to your shoes as they draw a bit of attention to themselves. Denim skinny jeans or shorts with white, grey, or brown tops work well. I'd be careful going with black and orange clothing with these shoes except around the month of October as orange is the quintessential fall color. Like red, using these with an orange belt can make a bold statement.

Green Converse
"Green is the prime color of the world, and that from which its loveliness arises." ~ Pedro Calderon de la Barca

Ah, green. The color that soothes your soul. As a Northwest native, I can attribute to the freshness that I feel around greener grasses and fuller foliage. While typically not associated as a color that stands out, with few green shoes out there, this can be a great pair to a make a subtle statement about who you are. Green causes us to relax mentally and physically, alleviate depression, nervousness, and anxiety, it helps to soothe and renew us, as well as increase our self-control and personal harmony. More lively green colors can also help brighten up your image and thought processes. As a second favorite to blue, you will find many people drawn to this color as well.

What This Color Says About You
Green: Tranquil, Refreshing, Peaceful; a balance between cool and warm
Dark Green: Traditional, Trustworthy, Well-Balanced
Bright Green: Trendy, Whimsical, and Lively
It makes you look compassionate, prosperous (linked to money), environmentally friendly, youthful, and commands the attention of others. While yellow communicates caution in a relationship, green it is a good color to wear if you wish to give the "go ahead."

How to Wear Green Converse
Any kind of shorts or jeans work well with they and with any wash because they all go with green, even white. You can play green up with lots of colors. On the top, any graphic tee will work great, even something as bold as an orange top! These also look great with capri shorts. Friendship bracelets goes well if you wish for the "environmentally friendly" look.

Pink Converse
"Pink is the navy blue of India." ~ Diana Vreeland

Pinks are linked to youthful, fun, and exciting things. Vibrant pinks can give off the same high energy and passion as red while pinks are more associated with romance. Pink is the color of happiness lightheartedness.

What This Color Says About You
Bright pink: Energy, passion, action, confidence
Pink: calming, health, upbeat

How to Wear Pink Converse
These are classic to wear with white tops and jeans, but pink and black tops go well with these too. White replay skinny jeans with a pink top can also go well too, just don't overdo it on the pink. A dark cardigan shirt and T by Alexander Wang t-shirts go well with blue jeans too. Finally, something like a pink Hollister hoodie with blue jeans also work too.

Yellow Converse
"Yellow wakes me up in the morning. Yellow gets me on the bike every day. Yellow has taught me the true meaning of sacrifice. Yellow makes me suffer. Yellow is the reason I am here." ~ Lance Armstrong.

What's not to love about having a pair of these bright colored shoes? Whether it is sunny with a high of 75 or blustery and chilly below freezing and you want to liven up that dull, winter day, these shoes are great at doing the job! I've seen many women fall in love with this color of Converse, but there are a few bold men who love to make a statement in this color of shoes. Due to its brightness, Yellow shines with optimism and enlightenment and gives off a feeling of happiness along with a positive future ahead. It can instill optimism and energy while sparking creative thoughts.

What This Color Says About You
(Yellow) Joyful, Sunny, Young-at-Heart, and Full of Intellectual Energy
(Gold) Intelligent, Warm, Loves Comfort, Prosperous and Wealthy
It's a color our eyes are naturally drawn and pay attention to. Commonly associated with being anxious, cautious, alert, and optimistic. They say it is a good color to wear if you want to communicate to the opposite gender that you want to "just be friends."

How to Wear Yellow Converse
Here is some advice I've found in wearing these shoes. For those of you who are more "girly," I'd recommend these with a light colored dress, unless you like the solid contrast that a solid blue or black dress gives. Those of you who more of a tomboy, trying wearing them with skinny jeans and light colored top or shorts/capris.

Imagine that you are about to take a walk outside to the local store to buy some milk as a family member has borrowed your car. Though it is somewhat overcast and the sun is about to set, you put on your favorite pair of Converse shoes. Even with the tare on the top from when you crashed on your bike and the holes on the side from that day you got tangled up picking that special rose on Valentine's Day, these distinguishing marks kindle great memories that you hold so dear as you put on these shoes.

Love those marks as much as you want, but unfortunately it doesn't stop the rain from soaking your feet 15 minutes into your walk. A looming puddle up ahead threatens to make things worse. As you faithfully jump across the puddle, you skim the edge and are splashed by the water. As you finally arrive at the store, you are grateful for the warmth that quickly begins to numb your feet. If only you did not have to walk home...

If only you could combine your love for Converse with a shoe that is amazing year around.

With this recent Christmas season, I wanted to try a new kind of Converse that had yet to grace my feet. I began to read some reviews about the leather Chucks and was surprised to find that though some had only recently tried these shoes, they said they'd never go back to canvas. "Heathens and heretics!" I yelled to myself. But, maybe there was something to what they were saying.

"Surprisingly warm. If you're the type that wants to wear your chucks ALL SEASONS, I recommend these leather hi-tops to sustain you until it's officially canvas weather!" one reviewer exclaimed.
"...The leather upper is butter and with the softer insoles. If you want a comfortable, durable sneaker with timeless appeal, this is a pair to consider!" stated another.
There were even some I read that said they lasted longer than its canvas cousins.

As my adventurous spirit rose within me, I bought myself a pair, and the day that they arrived, I immediately fell in love as I put them on the first time. I could see why many raved about this often overlooked gem of a shoe (though I cannot say I've completely "converted" to the "no more canvas" side): My feet slid in easier, the extra sheen of leather gave it a nice glossy look that made it set apart from the rest while not too over the top for my tastes, and the shoe looked more durable.

But the true test would come as I walked outside with them.

The above scenario portrayed much of my own experience, except I was wearing these leather shoes instead. I was pleasantly surprised that my feet weren't nearly as cold as it began to rain. And I was quite shocked after grazing the puddle that my socks were not soaked. As I entered the store, I welcomed the warmth, but it wasn't necessary to un-thaw my feet. While I wasn't too thrilled to go back out in the rain, with these shoes on, I was fine braving the elements.

I'm excited to see how these shoes hold up as I break them in and endure the different trials of life.

Back in 1908, there wasn't really a choice as to what cut you could get. Eventually that soon changed. The earliest pair of "lo-tops" I could find wasn't until the 1940's. The classic patch we see on all cuts (save for the low cut) started appearing in 1923 and has former been stamped onto our mind as being part of this well-known shoe. Officially, the low cut also called "oxfords" were not released until 1962. With this new release, it soon became the shoe of choice for pro players and started a new, relaxed statement.

Low Cut, Lo(w), "Oxfords," or "Ox"
Pros: Light, arguably easiest to put on, some say the most common cut
Cons: Less ways to express yourself with no option to "roll it down" or "tuck them in," though still millions of ways to express yourself.
Length: Below ankle
Comments: While I'm always about efficiency, after learning a great way to lace up the high tops, I've always wanted to feel the love of the shoe above my ankles. But I'm just one man, what do you think about the low cuts? Share your thoughts in the poll and comment below!

High Cut, Hi
Pros: Original cut, more love on your leg
Cons: Can take more time to lace up, but with the right lacing pattern, you can slip into these just as easily as the ones above!
Length: About an inch above the ankle
Comments: Since the dawn of its destiny, these shoes have always been in high tops. Personally, I think everyone should go with at least this length once (...or seven times if you want to wear the rainbow once a day). What other reasons do you like this cut?

X-High cut, "X-Hi", "Knee-Hi"
Pros: Able to "flip it down" or go all the way up!
Cons: Starts to get more difficult from here on out, but hey, you want to stand out a bit more anyhow so what's a few more seconds?
Length: Mid-calf
Comments: Though trying others first, the first Converse that I wore in public was this cut. I tend to like to not do what everyone else is doing, yet still not making huge waves. I wasn't as much for the thicker material at the top, but what about you? What do you love about this cut? And do you think there is any difference between "X-Hi" and "Knee-Hi"? Let us know at the bottom of the page!

XX-High cut, "XX-Hi"
Pros: The highest cut of them all! Includes a zipper to make it easier to get in-and-out of.
Cons: Takes a long time lacing up, but with the zipper, once done you can keep them that way. Or spend the extra time loving every second as you lace them up again.
Length: Below the knee
Comments: So far I've only tried these in a size a bit smaller than my feet, but still enjoyed the experience. For those of you who have tried these shoes and fit in these comfortably, what do you love about the highest cut?

Though each cut has pros and cons, the best thing to do is to try out a few variations and see what you like best. Here are some of the other variants that come with each kind of shoe:

Other additional "options" not listed (sadly, Converse One has not come out with each of these options to choose from. One day...)
- Slim
- Slip-ons
- RED
- Simple details
- Double details
- Double/multiple lining/ or tongue
- One Star
- EV-Pro
- Jack Purcell
- Weapon
- Skid-Grip
- Materials: Canvas, Satin, Suede, Leather, Velour

Take this poll and let the world know your favorite!

While I've only created and had made to wear one pair of Converse shoes, I wanted to give you my tips for success. No joke, I've had total strangers come up to me and compliment me on my shoes (not to mention several people of the opposite gender, if ya catch my drift ;). In no particular order, here are my top 10 tips.

A lot of questions I've got from this article revolve around the main question, "How do I wear my Converse?" Can a guy wear them with shorts? Do they look good with skinny jeans?

Short answer is just wear them how you feel comfortable

Got a question about Converse shoes not addressed in this article? Post them in the comments section and then I will post when I receive the answer here. Readers, feel free to answer other readers questions too!