Converse is Bringing Back The Kentucky Wildcats Cons Blue Denim Sneakers in 2026
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The 1996 Kentucky Wildcats were special. “The Untouchables” ended the season 34-2, defeating Syracuse in the finals under the leadership of the legendary Rick Pitino to earn their 6th NCAA title. This year also marked the last season Converse would sponsor them, and like the output on the court, the sportswear brand's uniforms for UK were one-of-a-kind. They famously sported denim jerseys, shorts, and sneakers by Converse, a wild choice for performance basketball attire even in the mid-90s. With 2026 marking the 30th anniversary of the legendary season, Converse is celebrating by bringing back the Cons Blue denim sneakers worn by the Wildcats.
Outside of the fact that the Kentucky Wildcats wore the sneakers during the 1995-1996 season, details surrounding the Converse Cons Blue are a bit scarce. There’s no documented release information, but vintage pairs from 1996 can be found on various marketplaces in multiple sizes, some as small as a size 5. With this, it’s obvious that Converse produced some pairs that were not for the players or staff, but they didn’t have a wide public release. Converse has not re-released the sneakers since this initial batch in the ‘90s, though more recently Devin Booker paid homage to the pair and uniform on his Nike Book 1.
Image via Etsy
The sneaker's design language screams mid-90s basketball with its layered and traditional construction. Denim paneling is used for the base, with white leather overlays on the midfoot, toe, and heel. Converse’s famous star logo is rendered in white leather, while stitching details on the denim also create a star shape. Cons Blue branding on the tongue, midsole, and outsole completes the look. As for the 2026 retro, we’ve been told it will be exactly the same as the original version from 1996.
The Converse Cons Blue Denim will release during the Spring/Summer 2026 season through Converse and select retailers online and in-store. As of now, retail pricing has not been confirmed. Download the Sole Retriever mobile app to stay updated on the latest releases, raffles, news, and more in the sneaker and streetwear world.
Images via Etsy
Sneakerhead from South Florida who turned his passion into a career. When not writing for Sole Retriever, I enjoy attending concerts and catching the latest movies. Email: nick@soleretriever.com
