It came from Brazil...Converse X Filipe Jardim

If you don't know, Converse Brazil is rather unique. Not only do they have some really crazy colorways of certain models, they also have an extensive collection of shoes that aren't sold anywhere else. So I'm going to introduce a new regular segment here at The Converse Blog, named "It Came from Brazil." While not an original name, it gets the point across...so if you've got something better just let me know.

So for the first edition I present to you the
Converse x Filipe Jardim collection.  He is a commercial artist for Big Active, which is based in London.  They produced a full line of shoes which you can see below. 


In order below you have the Converse Jack Purcell,  Chuck Taylor All Star Ox, Weapon Hi, Skip Grip, Weapon Ox, and finally the Chuck Taylor All Star Hi.  

Thanks for checking out the blog and remember to follow along on twitter @TheConverseBlog and on Facebook too.

'S Weapon Wednesday: Kyle Korver in White/Green/Black Weapon EVO.

Once I knew that the Jazz would be rocking throwback jerseys this year I was looking forward to the interesting colorway Converse would cook up for Korver. And while I think it would be better to have the yellow midsole, I can't complain with the execution. I particularly love the solid green toe cap area which is different than any of the other Weapon EVO colorways i've seen.

Well that's it for tody, check back Friday for a Friday Flashback.  Don't forget to follow along on twitter @TheConverseBlog

'S Weapon Wednesday: Converse Weapon Year of the Tiger

Recently some pictures of a Converse Year of the Tiger Chuck Taylor's released. Today we have some pictures of the Converse Weapon Year of the Tiger, or at least the sample pictures.  Now keep in mind that these are samples, and even if they do get produced they'll more than likely be exclusive to China.  That doesn't mean we can't appreciate them though.  So take a look and enjoy!

This years Chinese New Year is February 14, 2010 so keep your eyes peeled for more Tiger themed releases.  Thanks for checking out the blog, remember to follow along on twitter @TheConverseBlog 
 
Merry CHRISTmas!

The Converse Blog's Friday Flashback Converse Loaded Weapon

Welcome to the Converse Blog's Friday flashback. Today's flashback will focus on the Converse ICON Loaded Weapon. I had wanted to do the flashback on an ICON shoe you might not be so familiar with. However, I couldn't find much info on ICON that was not tied to the Loaded Weapon. So I bit the bullet, get it...loaded weapon...okay I apologize for that.

Anyway, if you do remember there were quite a number of articles that came out when this shoe released. Most of them bashed Converse for going with the name Loaded Weapon. They took the tone of, why oh why would Converse want to put the image of a loaded weapon into a child's mind. Which I think is a pretty ridiculous position to take; especially considering there have been toy guns made for children for many many years. I think it's safe to say the uproar was much ado about nothing.

There are two reasons why these shoes will always stick out in my mind. First, it was the first shoe to feature technology since the last Helium shoe was produced three years prior. Secondly, they announced the shoes around the same time they announced the signing of Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, Kirk Hinrich, Mike Sweetney, and Troy Bell. So not only did the Loaded Weapons bring about a new technology, they also signified a serious return to the NBA.

So I didn't mean to type this much, but its Friday and I am excited. So let's get to it.

I found what I believe to be the patent for ICON technology. You can view the patent here.

Below are some pictures from that patent report. There is also a picture in the patent report that has the Helium logo, which I think is pretty interesting.

Here is a diagram of the Load Weapon, below the picture is the description from a Converse press release.


The ICON Performance System represents an integrated system “under, around and next to” the foot that emulates and complements the foot’s natural abilities. Under the foot, Converse’s patented ICON™ Tunable Ride™ provides graduated cushioning to maximize ride and handling on the court. The Converse FITLOK™ System around the foot provides athletes with improved control, fit, support and stability. Next to the foot, the Converse ICON Micro-Climate Management system increases moister wicking and heat dissipation.



Above are two of three general release colorways. There was also a black/blue colorway, also there were regional colorways of Lakers white/purple/gold and a colorway in red/white/blue. Below are three different Player Exclusive colorways, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, and Mike Sweetney when he was a Knick.

That's it for today, I really enjoyed bringing a more extensive Friday Flashback today. Now I've shown you all of the Converse Cushioning technologies and it's time to vote. React seems well ahead in first place, but anything could happen. Thanks for showing up and reading the blog.