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Converse unveils the Chuck Taylor II, a comfy makeover of the classic sneakers

Shopping for a new pair of Chuck Taylor All Stars anytime soon? You may feel an extra spring in your step.
/ Source: TODAY Contributor

Shopping for a new pair of Chuck Taylor All Stars anytime soon? You may feel an extra spring in your step. The iconic kicks, manufactured by Converse, just got a cushiony makeover — its first redesign in nearly a century — with “Chuck II.”

Available for purchase starting July 28, the new Chucks feature a Lunarlon sockliner, which is a lightweight, bouncy arch cushioning that can be found in models by Nike, the company that bought Converse back in 2003. The new version also touts a micro-suede perforated lining, foam padded collar, and non-slip tongue.

Converse Chuck Taylor All Star II
The Chuck Taylor All Star IIconverse.com

Sounds like what an athletic sneaker should be made of, right? Chuck Taylor loyalists know that the original version offers virtually no arch support and a flimsy sole that easily wears down. Walking in them is kind of like driving a car without a bumper.

The redesign came as Converse was thinking about the desires of “creative spirits around the world,” said Richard Copcutt, vice president and general manager of Converse All Star.

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As for the timing of the release, Copcutt said 2015 has been a big year for Converse that started with the launch of the Jack Purcell Signature sneaker, and more recently, the opening of its global headquarters Boston.

Converse Chuck Taylor All Star II
The Chuck Taylor All Star IIconverse.com

Despite all the premium upgrades, Chuck II looks a lot like Chuck I. Just like its predecessor, the sneakers are made of canvas and sport the classic embroidered All Star patch.

“We wanted to stay true to the original design while also offering features that our consumers told us they wanted,” Copcutt said. That means the most identifiable exterior elements of the shoe remain: the rubber toe cap, white foxing detail and All Star ankle patch.

As a long-time Chucks wearer, I’m pretty stoked by the news. I’ve been donning Chucks with jeans and dresses alike for years, and as a result I’ve developed a case of pretty achy feet. I’d love to slip into a pair that look like the real thing, but are actually suitable for walking and running.

The new Chucks come in white, black, red, and blue and retail for $70.