The Converse Blog: Unknown Basketball Shoe

Recently while searching at TaoBao.com I came across a few pictures of a new basketball shoe from Converse. I don't know if these are sample for shoes coming out in the future or shoes that were never produced. Either way, I found two different colorways and wanted to share them with you today. The auctions for these shoes can be found here and here.

Sometimes when I look at these sneakers I see portions of the Wade 3.0, especially in the white/black/red colorway. Maybe it's the placing of the logo or the blocking with the with colors. You can see on both shoes a fever strong looking outrigger which appears on nearly every Converse basketball shoe now. I really enjoy this feature as it speaks the craftsmanship put into the shoes. Hopefully we'll know about these soon.

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I got to thinking the other day about some of the interesting stories I have about me and my Converse. So I want to hear from all of you. Your first pair of Chucks, the first time someone gave you a compliment on your Converse kicks. So send in your stories and I'll post them on here.

Don't forget to vote in poll and help spread the word about the blog! Thanks, James

The Converse Blog's Friday Flashback: Converse Three Stripes

It's Friday, which means the week is almost over and that it's time for The Converse Blog's Friday Flashback. I like to show stuff that maybe you haven't seen, or at least haven't seen in a while. Today's flashback is of a shoe that Converse can never ever make again. You'll see why in the pictures below.

No, you're seeing it correctly, those are three stripes but they're not Adidas. Going by the box pictured below these are pre-Eltra era Converse which probably puts them in the 50's or 60's. My guess is that at that time Adidas had not trademarked the three stripes. These were track and field or running shoes that went by the name of Miler.

So next time you see a vintage picture of someone running in track events and see three stripes don't automatically assume they're wearing Adidas. Especially if you're looking at photos of Americans you might just be seeing Converse shoes with three stripes like these.









That's it for today, I hope you enjoy these rare Converse shoes I know I have enjoyed showing them. If you know anymore about these shoes please contact me or leave feedback on the site, I'd really like to know more. Also please take a few seconds on cast a vote in the poll at the top of the page, it's good practice for the primary elections.

The Converse Blog: Marquette and Jameer's Hops

Welcome to the Wednesday edition of the Converse Blog. Today you'll see picture updates on Marquette and Jameer Nelson. Marquette came from behind last night to defeat Seton Hall. The first picture is right after the game clenching three.




In this picture the team is huddled up and you can see the Team Wade 1, Team Wade 1.3, Wade 1.3 and for the first time a good look at the Marquette colorway of the Wade 3.0



The next Converse basketball shoe to get a push is the Converse Hops. Jameer Nelson appears to be ready for the switch from the 099. Seen below in two different colorways, the white/black/blue is a player exclusive.

That's all for today, remember to vote in the poll and leave some feedback. Thanks for checking out The Converse Blog. Oh I almost forgot, all of these pictures come from Yahoo.

The Converse Blog: Showtime Low

The Converse Showtime is a shoe with legs, if that makes any sense. I've seen many different colorways and many different stores. The shoes have a good price point and they aren't over the top so the appeal to many different people. So it was only a matter of time that the Showtime, like last years Triple Duece, got the ox treatment. Below are the first pics I've seen and they came from taobao.com. I don't have a mid top Showtime in my collection, but I would be all over the Ox if they are actually released.











Thanks for visiting the Converse Blog. Don't forget to vote in the poll above and to tell all your friends about the blog.

Oh I almost forgot, go LSU!

The Converse Blog: Converse smashed - Up.

Well, I know it's Friday and I usually do a flashback, but I felt like changing things up a little today. We've had a monster two days here at the Converse blog, I am trying to figure out what caused a sudden leap in hits, but whatever caused it I am very thankful and excited. Yesterday was the largest amount of hits yet and today is on pace to top that. So because we've had such a monster few days I thought I'd post a monster shoe with a monster amount of pictures.

I posted back in August the first pictures I had seen for a Converse Weappaylor shoe that was smashed up with all kinds of different classic Converse shoes. Well, later on I saw pictures of a Black/Purple colorway, but since then I can't find where I saved them. Then just the other day I found a pair on TaoBao and I just had to share them with you. Below you will find over 20 pictures of this crazy shoe in a navy colorway. I'll start with a wide shot so you can get a look at what we're dealing with here.







Below you will see that famous Jack Purcell smiling toe cap over top of the Chuck Taylor toe cap. After that you will see another wide shot.

Not only do both shoes have the Jack Purcell smiling toe cap, they also both have the Jack Purcell outsole. After that you will see a close up of the Chuck Taylor logo patch. Followed by a shot of both logo patches.

This might actually be my favorite part of this shoe. The tongue literature reads, "This shoe is manufactured to Converse's exacting specifications for performance and quality. Also, it's like a turkey, that's stuffed with a duck, that's stuffed with a chicken."

By my accounts there are elements of the Weapon, Chuck Taylor's, Jack Purcell, Star Player, Pro Star, One Star, Jack Star you name it you can probably find it in this shoe. I can't wait to get my hands on a pair these bad boys and see what else I find. Well, that's it for today. Thanks for coming to the Converse Blog and remember to vote in the poll. So far it's tied between Running/Training and Football. If Converse is looking to get back into football let me throw out Andre Woodson's name as a great return athlete to the NFL, I am just saying.

The Converse Blog's Weapon Wednesday

Day 2 of the Converse Century and today I bring you a sample pair of Converse Weapons. The shoes are highs in White/Blue/Orange. Possibly a shoe made for New York only. In the Y-Bar and Toe Cap areas you will see designs made with outlines of people. Most appear to be doing some sort of basketball activity. These designs have been used on other Converse shoes recently.

Thanks for coming to the Converse Blog. I want to remind everyone about the poll, the one right above this post, go look....no really...thanks. It just takes a second to cast a vote, I'd really like to know what everyone thinks. Alright well that will do for today, enjoy your Weapon Wednesday!

Happy Converse Century!

Well I just got in from Nashville and I wanted to post a Happy New Years post. Well actually a Happy Converse Century, as the celebration begins today. I've added a poll at the top here, I've got it set to run through the month. Converse currently makes Basketball, Cheerleading, and Skateboarding shoes. I want to know what other sport shoes you want to see them make, Running/Training, Football, Baseball, Soccer, Golf, or Other.

I want to thank everyone that has stopped by the Blog, emailed me, left comments, or spread the word about the Converse Blog. I truly hope you enjoy the new year and the Converse Century.

Best wishes to you and yours,
James Martin