Hey guys! Let's dive into the Converse Chuck Taylor All Star II, a shoe that took the iconic design we all know and love and gave it a serious upgrade. If you're a fan of classic sneakers, chances are you've owned a pair of the original Chuck Taylors. But the All Star II? It's a different beast, a more comfortable, more refined version that's perfect for everyday wear. Think of it as the ultimate evolution of a timeless shoe. We are going to discuss why it gained popularity and the different characteristics that made it so great.

The Evolution of an Icon

So, what's the deal with the Converse Chuck Taylor All Star II? Well, it's essentially a reboot of the classic Chuck Taylor All Star, but with a focus on improving comfort and performance. Converse took everything that made the original great and addressed its weaknesses. Let's be real, the original Chuck Taylors weren't exactly known for their arch support or cushioning. They were stylish, sure, but after a long day of walking around, your feet might be begging for mercy. The All Star II aimed to fix that. The shoe was designed to be better and more comfortable.

The biggest changes were in the insole and the tongue. Converse swapped out the basic insole for a Nike Lunarlon sockliner, which is a game-changer. This provides much better cushioning and support, making the shoe far more comfortable to wear for extended periods. They also added a padded, non-slip tongue to prevent it from sliding around and to provide more comfort on the top of your foot. They tweaked the upper materials, too, using a durable, premium canvas or other materials that feel a bit more luxurious than the original. And to top it all off, the All Star II featured a redesigned, more modern aesthetic, with a monochromatic look, embroidered details, and a sleek silhouette. It was a clear signal that the shoes were made to become an icon.

Key Features and Design Elements

Let's break down some of the key features that make the Converse Chuck Taylor All Star II stand out. The Lunarlon insole is arguably the star of the show. If you've ever worn Nike shoes with Lunarlon, you know how good it is. It's lightweight, springy, and provides excellent cushioning, absorbing impact and making the shoes feel much more comfortable. The non-slip tongue is another great touch. No more constantly adjusting your tongue to keep it in place. The padded design adds to the overall comfort and feel of the shoe. The upper materials are also worth noting. While the original Chucks used basic canvas, the All Star II often features a premium canvas or other materials that feel more durable and look a bit more polished. This gives the shoe a more refined feel, while still maintaining its classic look.

And let's not forget the details. The All Star II typically features a monochromatic design, with matching laces, eyelets, and stitching, giving it a clean, modern aesthetic. The ankle patch is still there, but it's often more subtly integrated into the design. The embroidered details and the sleek silhouette add to the overall premium feel of the shoe. They also kept the original vulcanized rubber sole, which offers good grip and durability, while maintaining that iconic Chuck Taylor look. The overall design is a perfect blend of classic and modern. The shoe is instantly recognizable as a Chuck Taylor, but with all the modern upgrades, it also has a fresh and contemporary feel. This combination of style and performance is what makes the All Star II so appealing to so many people. The All Star II is also made with high-quality materials to maximize durability and resistance.

The All Star II vs. The Original: What's the Difference?

Okay, so we've talked about the All Star II and how it's an upgrade. But how do they compare side-by-side with the original Chuck Taylor All Star? Well, the most obvious difference is the comfort. The Lunarlon insole in the All Star II makes a huge difference compared to the flat, basic insole of the original. Your feet will thank you after a long day of walking or standing. The materials used in the All Star II also tend to be more premium, resulting in a slightly more durable and refined feel. The original Chucks are great, but the All Star II just feels a bit more substantial and higher quality.

In terms of aesthetics, the All Star II features a more modern, streamlined look. The monochromatic design, the subtle details, and the overall sleek silhouette give it a more contemporary feel. The original Chucks have a certain raw, classic charm, but the All Star II is a bit more polished. The original has less padding than the All Star II. The All Star II is made to feel more comfortable, with a padded non-slip tongue. The All Star II also has a different ankle patch, which gives it a more contemporary and trendy appearance. This makes the All Star II more desirable to wear than the original. Ultimately, the choice between the All Star II and the original Chuck Taylor depends on your personal preferences. If you prioritize comfort and a more modern aesthetic, the All Star II is a great choice. If you prefer the classic look and feel of the original, you can't go wrong with the OG. Many people own both, and rock them depending on the situation. The All Star II is built for those who love the classic Chuck Taylor style but want a more comfortable and modern experience.

Why Did the All Star II Discontinue?

Unfortunately, the Converse Chuck Taylor All Star II didn't last forever. In 2017, Converse decided to discontinue the model, and while it was a bit of a bummer for those of us who loved it, there were probably a few reasons behind the decision. One likely factor was the success of other Converse models. The original Chuck Taylor All Star remained incredibly popular, and Converse also introduced other updated versions and new designs, and the All Star II may have been taking up too much room. The shoe's price point could also have played a role. The All Star II was a bit more expensive than the original, which might have made it less accessible to some consumers. Although this is a premium version of the original, some of the design changes might not have resonated with all Chuck Taylor fans.

Despite its discontinuation, the All Star II remains a popular shoe. It's often available on the resale market, and you can still find new pairs at certain retailers. The legacy of the All Star II continues to live on. Some of the features and design elements of the All Star II have been incorporated into other Converse models, which continues to inform the brand's design philosophy. The All Star II is a reminder that even classic designs can be improved upon, and it's a testament to Converse's commitment to innovation and its customer base. The model is also an example of how a brand can take risks and experiment with new ideas, all while honoring its history. The shoes are more comfortable and of better quality.

Where to Find the All Star II

Even though the Converse Chuck Taylor All Star II has been discontinued, you can still get your hands on a pair if you know where to look. One of the best places to start is the resale market. Websites like eBay, StockX, and GOAT often have a good selection of All Star IIs, and you can find them in various sizes and colorways. The prices can vary depending on the condition and rarity of the shoe, so be prepared to do some research and compare prices before you buy.

Another option is to check with sneaker boutiques and specialty stores. Some of these stores may still have stock of the All Star II, or they might be able to source a pair for you. It's worth calling around and checking with your local stores to see if they have anything available. You can also explore online marketplaces and vintage stores. Some online retailers, like Amazon or other marketplace sellers, might have the All Star II in stock. Be sure to check the seller's reputation and read reviews before making a purchase. You might also find them in vintage stores or thrift shops, so keep an eye out for them there, too. Because of how great the shoe is, it's still pretty easy to find a pair, but it's important to be careful and do your research. You'll want to ensure you're buying a genuine pair and at a fair price.

Conclusion: A Modern Classic with a Lasting Legacy

In conclusion, the Converse Chuck Taylor All Star II was a fantastic update to an iconic shoe. It took everything we love about the original and made it better, with improved comfort, a more modern design, and premium materials. Although it's no longer in production, the All Star II remains a sought-after shoe, and its legacy continues to live on. Whether you're a long-time Chuck Taylor fan or just looking for a comfortable and stylish sneaker, the All Star II is well worth checking out if you can find a pair. It is also an investment. The shoes' durability makes it a smart buy, so the next time you're looking for a new pair of shoes, consider the All Star II. You won't be disappointed! This is an amazing shoe.