Converse Launches Premium “First String” Line

Published September 9, 2025 at 9:20 PM

The Converse Chuck Taylor is famous for its simplicity. A basic canvas upper on a vulcanized rubber sole, some laces, and that’s it. But in the century since the All-Star first revolutionized sporting footwear, the sneaker industry has traded simplicity for tech, packing shoes with comfort foam and synthetic stability at every level. Getting with the times to give the classic Chuck a new era update, the Converse First String line is debuting a reconstructed All-Star made for lasting comfort.

The Converse First String Chuck Taylor All-Star is a premium version of the legacy silhouette, adding extra height to the foxing tape, a shorter toe cap, a wider footbed, and Converse CX foam and Nike Air cushioning for supreme comfort never seen on traditional Chucks. The addition of a Vibram sole underfoot is there to make sure the premium shoe lasts as long as possible.

Instead of just colorways, the First String All-Stars will debut in three distinct materials, vintage-washed heavyweight canvas, premium leather, and a Japanese tropical knit. The white heavy-duty canvas pair is the closest to an OG Chuck, but with thicker, more supportive canvas throughout. The leather pair is also white, using a visibly premium leather throughout with a strip of brown running up the back heel for the only bit of color. The Japanese tropical knit is the standout of the initial drop, with navy blue floral print breaking up a perfectly textured cream-colored knit upper.

“It’s not about doing archival reissues for the sake of history—it’s about celebrating silhouettes like the Chuck Taylor by studying their purest expressions over the decades, and then thoughtfully elevating them into something that feels wearable, relevant, and hopefully highly sought-after today,” said Matt Sleep, Design Director of Energy Collaborations and Special Projects at Converse.

The Converse First String All-Star line will be released September 16, 2025, through select Converse retailers in-store and online, with more colorways set to drop November 6. Available in men’s sizing, the retail price on these pairs is still TBD. Download the Sole Retriever mobile app to stay updated on the latest releases, raffles, news, and more in the sneaker and streetwear world.