Converse Tapped K-Pop Star KARINA to Debut the New Run Star Crush

K-Pop is a global force to be reckoned with. More than just a genre, the K-Pop industry has supercharged our understanding of boy bands and girl groups, with the kind of overwhelming promotion and brand deals that make the Backstreet Boys look like a local act in comparison. After standard-setting industry collabs between shoe brands and K-Pop stars like Rose and LISA, aespa’s KARINA is next up.

KARINA is Up Now

KARINA and Converse announced a new partnership this week, complete with a photo shoot showing off pairs of the Chuck 70 X and an all-new silhouette, the Run Star Crush. Wearing Converse clothing to match, the Run Star Crush is a thick-soled lifestyle silhouette that brings vintage Chuck energy into the modern era, focusing on comfort and bold aesthetics.

“Both on stage and off, I love breaking the mold and exploring my individuality through style, and Converse is a natural canvas for that,” Karina said. "I’m excited to join the Converse family and inspire others to celebrate their creativity and express themselves boldly.”

KARINA x Converse Details

KARINA doesn’t have any direct collab pairs on the Converse release calendar yet, but the Run Star Crush worn in her debut campaign is available now through Converse and select retailers in-store and online. To keep up with all the latest from KARINA and Converse, download the Sole Retriever App.

Zach Harris

Zach Harris is a writer based in Philadelphia. His work has appeared in Rolling Stone, Vice, Complex, High Times, and more. He is obsessed with skateboarding and bowling. He is still looking for his first 300. For tips, reviews, and anything in size 10.5 - zach.h@soleretriever.com