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New Docuseries ‘The Sneaker Boom’ Explores How Up & Coming NBA Stars Got Their Signature Sneaker Lines Popular

The Sneaker Boom
Source: RTG Productions / Sean Menard Productions

Outside of a few big time collaborations between brands and celebrities, the hype behind the sneaker game is all but dead and while sneaker aficionados are enjoying being able to finally get pairs of their favorite grails without having to deal with hype beasts and greedy resellers, a new film explores how a few sports marketing teams helped sports footwear became a billion dollar industry.

According to Deadline, a new docuseries dubbed The Sneaker Boom will be exploring how up and coming NBA stars and marketing execs at sneaker brands helped turn a once struggling apparel market into a multi-billion dollar movement that impacted the street culture worldwide and turned helped turn NBA stars into household names at a time when Michael Jordan was dominating all facets of the game.

The Sneaker Boom
Source: RTG Productions / Sean Menard Productions

Brought to us courtesy of Sean Menard, the five-episode docuseries follows the maverick marketing and advertising execs who rolled the dice on NBA rookies who seemed bound to make an impact on the NBA such as Allen “The Answer” Iverson, Grant Hill, Larry “Grandmama” Johnson and Afernee “Penny” Hardaway. While none of these men were able to hoist an Larry O’Brien trophy mainly due to one Michael “Air” Jordan, they’re sneaker lines were huge hits and actually able to stand the test of time, and now we’ll be seeing how exactly marketing execs made that happen.

Per Deadline:

Original interviews and never-seen-before archive footage build the picture, while the title sequence was created by a team of miniature artists, who also created era-accurate boardrooms where brands competed to sign future NBA stars to multi-million dollar contracts.

“We’re thrilled to finally share this series with audiences – starting with my home country of Canada,” said Menard. “Shining a light on the pioneers behind these iconic athletes will hopefully inspire a whole new generation, while offering long-time fans a fresh and nostalgic look at a magical era in sports and culture.”

We wonder if this series will help conjure up interest in their retro sneakers. Sure couldn’t hurt.

Check out the trailer for The Sneaker Boom below and let us know if you’ll be checking it out on the Canadian streaming service Crave this weekend.

Tyler the Creator’s New Converse Line Shifts Focus to Feature the Perfect Winter Boots – Shop the 1908 Bronco Boot Here

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Tyler the Creator has just dropped yet another collaboration with Converse, but instead of sneakers, he’s launched a line of boots.

The collaborative 1908 Bronco boot is a unisex vintage-inspired utilitarian style with tons of personality, much like Tyler’s other collaborative silhouettes. The ankle-length style retails for $150 and comes in four colorways: Green, Black, Brown and Pear. You can shop the collection right now at Converse.com or on Tyler’s GOLF le FLEUR* website. The new entry in Tyler’s Converse universe comes just in time, given it is the season for cozy puddle stomping snow-trudging footwear a la a boot.

The 1908 Bronco boot features textural suede uppers that transition into sturdy rubber toe overlays and glistening brass eyelets. The boot also has welted lug outsoles, a non-slip detail that gives the wearer more control with each step. Every pair comes with an interchangeable set of laces, one solid and one two-toned, so you can change up the boot’s look depending on your mood. Every model is also accented by a cursive logo and Le Fleur* branded lace jewels. Even the soles feature Converse x GOLF le FLEUR* branding, an instantly recognizable touch.

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Converse x Tyler the Creator 1908 Bronco Boot in Green

Converse x Tyler the Creator boot.

Converse x Tyler the Creator 1908 Bronco Boot in Brown

Converse x Tyler the Creator boot.

We’d recommend snagging up this silhouette while you can. Most, if not all, of Tyler’s collaborations with Converse have sold out within the day, if not the week. The colors of these boots alone drew us in, given there’s really nothing like this on the market. You’ve got basics like brown and black for the less-adventurous and a forest green and yellow-ish cream tone that caters to the trendsetters. The shoe is, as we mentioned, great for winter weather thanks to the sturdy rubber soles.

If you’re wondering, which you probably are, the 1908 in the style’s name makes reference to the year Converse’s was founded. The collection celebrates the timeless Converse legacy, which now includes a multitude of collaborative endeavors with Tyler. The “New Magic Wand” rapper’s collaboration began with the brand following his long standing collaboration with Vans ended.

Converse x Tyler the Creator 1908 Bronco Boot in Black

Converse x Tyler the Creator boot.

Converse x Tyler the Creator 1908 Bronco Boot in Pear

Converse x Tyler the Creator boot.

He moved on to Converse in 2017 with the launch of his Converse One Star “Scum F*ck Flower Boy” model, in reference to his 2017 album Flower Boy. The One Star model was a major hit, leading to a slew of other collaborative models like his Golf le Fleur x Converse One Star and One Star “Mono Collection.” The rapper even launched a collaborative high-top for Pride Month back in 2019, featuring rainbow soles. Tyler’s footwear is inventive and playful, serving as an extension of himself and his music. It’s clear to see why the rapper keeps getting tapped for fashionable endeavors, given his personal style has always been a stand-out.

Tyler, the Creator Dusts Off Converse’s Archives to Release 2 New Sneakers

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Tyler, the Creator took a closer look at Converse‘s shoe archives, unearthing two styles that he just needed to upgrade.

Paying homage to the cultural zeitgeist of the past and present, the 1908 collection centers around two shoe silhouettes — the Naut-1 and Coach Jogger. Both footwear silhouettes marry both old and new, keeping true to their original models, but with a Tyler twist.

Converse launched the unisex collection Friday (June 20). Each shoe is a limited edition, retailing from $80 to $100 depending on the model and colorway. Speaking of colorways, the athletic Coach Jogger comes in three distinctive ones, while the Naut-1, a quintessential boat shoe, boasts three different designs entirely, from florals to monochrome hues.

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To celebrate this historic launch, we’re going to be highlighting some of our favorite styles from the collection that you can shop now, while supplies last.

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Converse 1908 Jogger

A low-top unisex sporty sneaker in bright green hues.

The redesigned Jogger is an effortless, sporty silhouette with a playful color application that makes the shoe pop. This one’s for the runners. Built for both performance and casual wear, this style features a mix of suede and nylon uppers, accompanied by a wrap-around heel and wedge outsole construction that imparts a retro vibe.

You’ve also got two sets of laces for each colorway, offering the wearer endless styling possibilities. To finish off the model, GOLF le FLEUR* branding can be spotted subtly on the uppers as a nod to the rapper’s brand. While our favorite colorway of the revamped Jogger is the Forest Shade/Green, the sneaker also comes in pastel Quiet Tide/Starlight Blue and neutral light brown Bistre/Dijon/Star White.

“There’s something powerful about 1908 because these designs have truly stood the test of time,” Converse’s Archive Manager Sam Smallidge said in a press release. “The Naut-1 and Jogger weren’t just products — they were turning points in how people expressed themselves through sneakers. Their reintroduction is a reminder that Converse has been shaping sneaker culture for over a century through bold design and enduring self-expression. The Converse Archive captures that legacy in every detail.”

Converse 1908 Naut-1

A cream-colored low-top unisex sneaker with floral detailing.

The Naut-1 is a classic example of a boat shoe. Minimalist in composition and chock-full of nautical touches. The sneaker features sturdy canvas uppers and ivory laces that transition into non-slip rubber soles with a cushioned finish. GOLF le FLEUR* branding can also be seen throughout.

Our favorite model of the three available is the Cannoli Cream/Stone Green colorway, which is speckled with embroidered florals in pink and green hues that give major Flower Boy vibes. The green trim offers contrast. The Naut-1 also comes in Dachshund/Afterglow, a monochrome brown, and Starlight Blue/Turkish Tile, a light blue monochrome.

Converse 1908 Jogger

A low-top unisex sporty sneaker in bright blue hues.

The “New Magic Wand” rapper has collaborated with the footwear brand on numerous occasions, tapping GOLF le FLEUR*, his own brand, as a sort of muse. Tyler began working with them in 2017. His collaborative sneakers are often retro-inspired and incorporate pastel colorways and floral motifs. In the past, the musician has reworked popular Converse silhouettes such as the Chuck Taylor and One Stars.

Tyler, the Creator Gives the Converse One Star CC Slip Pro a Grassy Makeover: Shop Here

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After starring in the brand’s latest Love, Chuck campaign, Tyler, the Creator gives the classic Converse One Star CC Slip Pro sneaker a limited-edition suede rework, marking the duo’s first collaboration on the slip-on skate silhouette. Right in time for spring, the collab features three new playful colorways: “forest elf,” “forget me not” and “black beauty.” For only $85, this trio of suede slip-ons are easily a go-to option for the warmer months ahead, as well as, the perfect sneaker to wear to Tyler’s on-going Chromakopia tour.

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The two-tone, textured suede upper is inspired by the natural landscape of grass and features a co-branded sockliner with an image of the environment that inspired the design. “Forest Elf” takes inspiration from an earthy grass landscape, “forget me not” is a muted blue that is reminiscent of a cloudy sky, followed by a dark, fertile soil in “Black Beauty.”

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Similar to previous collabs, these slip-ons feature a playful aesthetic and vibrant palette throughout the outsole. A distinctive aesthetic that says, “it’s not on you, it’s in you,” says the brand. Each model also includes a CX foam sock liner ensuring comfort and versatility for both casual and skate wear, finished off with the brand’s traction rubber for extra traction.

Tyler, the Creator‘s GOLF WANG and Converse continue their expansive partnership with the classic One Star CC Pro Slip, which is available now on the Converse site. Shop all three colorways below for $85.

Converse x GOLF WANG One Star CC Slip Pro

Forest Elf

Converse x GOLF WANG One Star CC Slip Pro

Black Beauty

Converse x GOLF WANG One Star CC Slip Pro

Forget Me Not

Tyler, the Creator & Charli XCX Star In Converse’s ‘Love, Chuck’ Campaign

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In honor of the timeless silhouette, Converse celebrates the legacy of the Chuck Taylor in the new campaign Love, Chuck. A short film captures the deep-rooted connection between the sneaker and its creative community by tapping a star-studded list of artist and athlete collaborators, including Tyler, the Creator, Charli XCX, Lil Yachty and Vince Staples, alongside NBA star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Olympic skateboarder Alexis Sablone, Chinese singer-songwriter-actor Roy Wang and skateboarder Zion Effs to honor the iconic sneaker.

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Since its debut in 1917, the Chuck Taylor has become a culture symbol, weaving its way into the fabric of various subcultures and earning a revered place in the hearts of its devotees. For generations of athletes, artists and musicians, the Chuck Taylor was more than just a shoe — it’s a badge of honor, a symbol of nonconformity and a representation of community. Its simple design, universal appeal and affordable price point allows wearers from all walks of life to easily tap into its story.

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The celebratory short film, narrated by Tyler, the Creator, is described as “an invitation to all creators: to not let the fear of failure stop them, to create what they love, and to ‘Go Do That.’” Converse has a long history of music-based collabs, including Blondie, Kurt Cobain, AC/DC and Metallica Chuck Taylors. With a new generation of stars under its laces, the sneaker brand doesn’t look to be slowing down anytime soon.

Watch the short film below, as well as, shop classic Converse staples, including the Chuck Taylor All-Star and the Chuck 70 sneaker, below.

Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Canvas Sneakers

Converse Chuck 70 Canvas Sneakers

Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Canvas Low Sneaker

Converse Chuck 70 Glow-In-The-Dark Leopard Print

Watch the Converse “Love, Chuck” campaign below.

A Ma Maniére Remixes Classic Chuck Taylors With Nike Swoosh

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A Ma Maniere x Nike x Chuck Taylor

Source: @uptod4te / Twitter

Converse sneakers with a Nike swoosh?! We thought we’d never see the day, but the good folks over at A Ma Maniére are making it a reality and truth be told, we low-key loving it.

According to Highsnobiety, A Ma Maniére’s remix of the classic Chuck Taylors will be donning the timeless Nike swoosh on their iteration of the sneaker and while their previous Nike and Jordan collaborations didn’t exactly fly off the shelves, we wouldn’t be surprised if these joints are hard to come by should they release.

The revelation of their A Ma Maniére x Chuck Taylors were presented overseas. While we wait for them to officially release, you can almost hear the appetite for these building up amongst hypebeasts.

Per Highsnobiety:

At a dinner in London, it presented guests with the ultimate mash-up shoe: a Converse Chuck Taylor with a Nike swoosh.

America’s two most famous footwear brands collide on one shoe.

It’s by no means a novel concept, others have tried to do it in the past (including Virgil Abloh) but A Ma Maniére becomes the first brand to have done it officially. This isn’t a bootleg, it’s the real thing, presented at a dinner hosted with Converse.

The brand has used a beige-hued canvas Chuck 70 (a more premium, chunky-soled version of the Chuck Taylor) as its base and added a thick black Nike swoosh to the outside — on the inside, the usual Converse branding remains. And an extra piece of Nike branding can be found on the metal lace charm.

These are butter. Just sayin’.

While these are limited to friends and family, we hope Nike pulls the trigger on these because they kinda go hard.

Would you cop a pair of the A Ma Maniére x Chuck Taylors if they dropped? Let us know in the comments section below.

There’s Something About Converse: Here Are 7 Places to Buy Celeb-Loved Chuck Taylors Online

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There’s no denying that celebs love Converse. From red carpets to Coachella and even the 2022 Super Bowl Halftime Show — where Snoop Dogg rocked a pair of white low-tops with bright yellow laces to match his bandana-print tracksuit — there’s something special about the Chuck Taylor All-Star sneakers.

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Aside from Snoop, Gwen Stefani, Pharrell, Rihanna, Dua Lipa, BTS, Selena Gomez, Harry Styles and Justin Bieber are on the short list of stars who have worn Chuck Taylors or have collaborated with the brand. Even Elvis Presley wore Chucks.

Converse originally introduced their signature basketball shoe in 1917. The design underwent an update in the ’20s after former basketball legend Chuck Taylor approached Converse to make the shoe more comfortable for basketball players. Taylor’s input gave us the iconic design we know today, which typically includes white stitching, a white toe cap and rubber sole.

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Chuck Taylors were the hottest shoes on the basketball court until around the 1970s when other shoe brands began introducing sneakers aimed at athletes. Today, Converse Chuck Taylors are beloved for their retro design. The brand has also released special-edition shoes celebrating artists like Jimi Hendrix, Black Sabbath and Blondie.

If you’ve searched for Converse online but never end up buying them, take this as a reminder to invest in a new pair! Because Chuck Taylors are so popular and now that it’s finally festival season, we’ve rounded up some styles to shop and alternative destinations to purchase the classic sneaker (besides the Converse website) in different color schemes.

Nordstrom

Chuck Taylor All Star Run Star Hike Platform Sneaker

A shoe that has sole. The Run Star Hike sneaker is a modern update to the old-school look with a molded, platform sole and signature Chuck Taylor details like the rubber toe cap and canvas build. This sneaker is available at Nordstrom in white, black and lemon drop and in stock at Converse.com (in black, white, blue or a custom color).

Converse Unisex All Star Low Astral Pink

Nothing wrong with switching up the color scheme! The Converse Chuck Taylor All Stars stick to the classic old-school hoop design but in a hot pink canvas, with the signature durable rubber sole and protective rubber toe cap.

Converse Chuck Taylor All Stars Pearl Lift Platform Sneaker

From color For a fancier look, try these Converse All Star Chuck Taylor Platforms, which are adorned with pearls and other gems.

Amazon

Converse Black M9160 – Hi Top

Amazon is probably the most convenient way to get Chuck Taylors delivered within days. These Chuck Taylor All Star ’70s High Top Sneakers are available in select sizes in black, white, navy, teal, red, tan and other colors.

Converse

Converse Chuck Taylor All Star

Urban Outfitters has a decent stock of Converse sneakers, and you can usually find at least one pair on sale. The orange, low-top Chucks featured above are discount to $40 in adult sizes ranging from men’s sizes 5-10 and 7-12 in women’s sizes. You can also find the shoe at Nordstrom.com ($60) in white or black.

Converse Chuck Taylors: The Best Places to Buy Celeb-Loved Shoe

$80

Florals for spring! The Converse teamed for a special floral high-top sneaker. The sneaker is only available at Converse.com.

Converse

Converse Chuck Taylor All Star High Top Shoe, black monochrome

$69.22

$73.75

6% off

You can’t go wrong with black on black. These Converse All-Star sneakers are available in monochromatic black and white.

Tyler, The Creator & Converse Are Releasing Another ‘Remixed’ Chuck 70: Shop the Collab Here

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Tyler, the Creator and Converse have teamed up yet again for another collaboration on the classic Chuck Taylors, and this time it’s pretty fire. No, but actually — the two designed another colorway featuring the Igor singer’s iconic flames, which will be officially available to buy starting Oct. 5 at 10 a.m. ET on Converse.com and Golf Wang.

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The latest addition is inspired by a new color combo from the rapper’s streetwear brand. This time, the style is another remix of the Chuck 70 featuring a brown base with pink flame and two tonal laces that you can personalize to your liking.

While the shoes aren’t available for purchase yet, you can take a look at the design below and sign up for text notifications here or through the buy button below to ensure you’re able to snag a pair the moment they drop.

brown and pink high-top converse

Converse

Whether you’re a fan of the 32-year-old or are looking for a stellar going away gift for friends, these Tyler, the Creator shoes will add a nice pop to practically any outfit they’re paired with. The sole is made from a rubber material that features accents of pink and blue while the insole has added cushion for more support and comfort.

Converse and Golf Wang also took to Instagram on Tuesday (Oct. 3) to tease the new release with a video featuring a growing pile of the upcoming sneakers.

“@golfwang is in the studio ?‍?,” the caption says.

Looking to collect the previous collaborations as well? While they’re sold-out on Converse, you may be able to grab pairs through resale sites like StockX and Ebay.

For more product recommendations, check out our roundups of the best platform boots, men’s sneaker deals and the best shoes for travel.

Converse x Golf le Fleur: How to Shop Tyler, The Creator’s Bold New Collaboration

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Tyler The Creator and his brand Golf le Fleur have some major news: they partnered with Converse for a bold and trendy collaboration. Yes, that means new Tyler The Creator shoes are coming — and you won’t want to miss the opportunity to get a pair.

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Converse x Golf le Fleur will officially be available to shop Thursday (July 20) at 10 a.m. ET. Set your alarms as we don’t expect the styles to stay in stock long. The collection infuses the classic Chuck 70 low top design with a digi-leopard print that’ll be available in four colors.

While you can’t officially purchase a pair of Tyler The Creator’s Converse, you can preview the collection here to map out which shoes you plan on snagging.

The “See You Again” rapper’s brand took to Instagram on Monday (July 17) to tease the collection and show off the new styles in a series of photos.

Keep reading to get a closer look at the new shoes.

pink and red digi-leopard patterned shoes

Converse

Converse x Golf le Fleur Chuck 70 Leopard

$120

The exclusive shoe comes with a cobranded sock liner and outsole details such as the Golf le Fleur logo on the bottom of one shoe paired with a “bell boy” graphic on the other. Choose from the pink, green, blue or brown shade and enjoy the comfort of the rubber toe cap and foxing tape.

Blue digi-leopard print shoes

Converse

Converse x Golf le Fleur Chuck 70 Leopard

$120

Add some boldness to your outfit in the blue version of the Converse shoes. It not only comes with a spare pair of shoe laces and a sock liner for added comfort.

Brown leopard-digi sneakers

Converse

Converse x Golf le Fleur Chuck 70 Leopard

$120

For a more neutral look, you can opt for the brown shade of the sneakers, which comes with the same design but can easily be paired with a pair of light wash jeans a varsity jacket and more.

red and green leopard-digi patterned shoes

Converse

Converse x Golf le Fleur Chuck 70 Leopard

$120

Make a statement in the green and red version of the Converse x Golf le Fleur collab. Not only do they sport Christmas-like shades, but will certainly draw eyes no matter where you sport these kicks.

For more product recommendations, check out our roundups of the best men’s sneaker deals, platform boots and platform heels.