CONVERSE X DEVIN BOOKER CHUCK 70
A minimalist’s take on an American classic.
Images via Converse
The eclectic, bold and extravagant world of NBA player fashion has given visibility to some of the loudest, most colorful and frankly gaudy outfits (or “fits” as they are more commonly referred to in league circles) in all of professional sports. Legends and rookies alike frequently look to make a statement that is either unique and personal or on-trend while off-court. There is perhaps no greater source to reference this phenomenon than on social media, where numerous accounts that have amassed hundreds of thousands of followers exist for the sole purpose of chronicling – and in some cases, rating and discussing – the nightly attire of this stylish set.
An NBA player’s footwear is generally the apparel item that generates the greatest attention, and in this era, the players’ off-court footwear can be as much of a catalyst for conversation as the footwear they hoop in. While on players occasionally incorporate performance shoes into their fits, they tend to instead opt for sneakers or casual footwear that fall into the “lifestyle” category, and it would be tough to debate whether any player today utilizes lifestyle footwear to accessorize more effectively than Devin Booker. The 3x NBA All-Star and Phoenix Suns shooting guard effortlessly pairs a lifestyle heavy rotation of Converse Chuck Taylor All Stars, Nike Sacai, Nike Off-White Air Max ’90 and Nike Cobra with his relaxed and elevated wardrobe to create cohesive, comfortable and stylish looks. Today he’s taken his affinity for the category one step further with the release of his own lifestyle shoe in collaboration with Converse.
The Converse x Devin Booker Chuck 70, a.k.a. “The Next Icon”, represents a deconstructed take on perhaps the single most timeless silhouette in American sneaker history. While the first Chuck Taylor All Star was launched by Converse in 1922, the Devin Booker Chuck 70 is actually an interpretation of a more recent version of the Chuck Taylor All Star that was introduced just a decade ago. The Converse Chuck Taylor All Star 70 made its debut in 2013, and was inspired by the design of the All Stars that were produced during the 1960s and 1970s and primarily worn when playing basketball. The retro model featured structural and cosmetic modifications to the earlier All Star, including a amaller toe cap, sturdy canvas, one-piece rubber bottom sole, improved cushioning, higher rubber midsole and foxing, smaller toe cap and black heel patch.
Although the overall build of the original Chuck Taylor All Star 70 serves as a foundation for the Devin Booker Chuck 70, from a visual perspective, not much else remains in tact. The Next Icon’s stripped, neutral and subtle aesthetic is ironically what makes it stand out. Key design elements include a unique undyed canvas, egret outsole, clean tape, tonal embroidered patch, durable canvas toe and an Arizona license plate-inspired heel logo that pays homage to Booker’s well-documented affinity for classic cars. The result is a reduced yet sophisticated rendition of a shoe that is both authentic to Booker’s personal style and adaptable by those who desire a functional and versatile footwear solution. Perhaps the greatest achievement of the Devin Booker Chuck 70 is its ability to execute a seemingly flawless reflection of the past and the future by projecting vintage throwback through an innovative lens.
Discover Converse x Devin Booker Chuck 70 “The Next Icon” via converse.com and nike.com.
Item: Converse x Devin Booker Chuck 70 “The Next Icon”
Color: Egret
Price: $95
Release Date: April 12, 2023
