“Are Converse good for walking?” seems to be the Google search you turn to when you catch a glimpse of the New York Fashion Week and notice what supermodels are wearing. Chuck Taylors, a must-have wardrobe staple, appear to be taking the fashion world by storm and we’re here for it.
Now, there’s something odd about the fact that everyone has been ditching the stilettos and going for flats and sneakers. Sure, there’s a right place and a right time for everything.
But, we never thought we would be witnessing our favorite 90s shoes on the runway. We’re not complaining, though. Converse shoes go with everything and we have the likes of Gigi Hadid, Bella Hadid, and Kendall Jenner to prove our point.
Whether you’re thinking of getting high tops for school or wearing classic Chucks when working out, you might be wondering whether Converse shoes are as comfortable as everybody seems to argue. Here’s the thing, Converse are good for walking but we don’t know what type of walking you’re referring to.
Maybe you’re thinking of walking to work wearing your favorite platform Converse. Perhaps you’re considering purchasing Run Star Hike Converse because you’ve heard they’re great for hiking (hence the name).
Whatever the case might be, we’re bringing you a rundown on everything you need to know to determine whether Converse shoes have the level of comfort you’re looking for. Buckle up because you’re about to face some very, very unpopular opinions on the world’s dearest brand of sneakers.
What makes Converse the shoe of the youth?
Now, when we’re talking about Converse shoes, we’re referring to Converse All-Star Chuck Taylor sneakers that managed to become a staple even though they were created during the war. Circling back to the beginning, Converse didn’t start as a lifestyle brand that we know today.
Around 1908, Converse Rubber Corporation started by making rubber shoes for workers who were employed season to season.
Of course, it didn’t take long before they figured out they would make more money making athletic shoes. At the time, basketball was the most popular sport and they figured they should make basketball shoes.
So, around 1917, Converse created the first version of the All-Star sneaker with thick soles and leather or canvas covering the ankle. At first, they didn’t make much money.
But, things turned around when Chuck Taylor, a basketball player for the Acron Firestones, saw their potential and decided to do something about that. He started traveling across the US, promoting the All-Star sneakers, and even coaching the All-Stars basketball league.
He was responsible for the company’s success and was awarded by having his name “Chuck Taylor” added to the famous ankle patch. Hence, that’s how the Converse All-Star Chuck Taylors that we know and love came to be.
Nowadays, Converse shoes are one of the most common shoes on everyone’s feet. From high tops, low tops, and platforms to classic Chucks, All Stars, and Chuck 70s, there’s no way you can go wrong with Converse sneakers.
Whether you wear them with leather pants, a chunky sweater, and an oversized blazer or with a flowy, floral dress, they’re bound to turn heads. Oh, the right style of Converse can earn you a Vogue cover (ask Gigi Hadid). But, are Converse good for walking?
Are Converse comfortable?
Converse are super comfortable! But, there’s always a but when we’re talking about shoes because what works for me might not work for you. Converse shoes have been around for decades which attests to the fact that they’re high-quality, durable shoes you can wear every single day.
But, that doesn’t mean that Converse shoes are perfect for everything you do on a regular. While you might enjoy a walk to work wearing your favorite Chuck Taylors, you might not be as happy taking them for a run.
Converse shoes, as fashionable as they might be, aren’t the shoe you want to wear for hours and hours without a break.
First off, Converse are pretty flat and don’t offer much arch support which can make them uncomfortable for people with feet problems.
On the other hand, Converse aren’t cushioned which can affect the way you think of them after a couple of hours.
And, before we forget, most Converse styles have thinner soles that don’t offer pretty much any shock absorption which makes them unsuitable for working out, running, and playing sports that typically require a different type of shoe.
Converse can be made more comfortable, though. Depending on how you care for them, you can make them last longer, perform better, and even feel better when you wear them.
For starters, you should replace the shoe liners to add more padding. Stretch them with a shoe stretcher, a pair of thick socks, or other means for making your shoes fit a bit better.
Of course, purchase the style of Converse that’s comfortable for you. Whether those are high tops, low tops, or some of the newer styles, you should go for something that corresponds to your arch type and width.
Are Converse good for walking?
Converse are great for walking, as we have already discussed! Converse sneakers are lightweight and breathable which makes them a great option for anyone that spends hours walking around (whether because of school or work).
Converse sneakers are made out of quality materials that can withstand the test of time. Leather Converse sneakers (and some other natural materials) seem to be stretch-resistant and resilient to wear and tear.
And, we can’t forget about the fact that Converse shoes were originally designed for basketball players which means they offer enough support.
But, there are things we can’t brush over when we’re talking about how comfortable and healthy Converse can be for walking.
Converse sneakers have thinner soles compared to other sneakers, and they’re generally considered to offer minimal arch support and possess little shock absorption capacity.
Of course, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t wear Converse every day. But, you should be cautious of the “side effects” you might experience.
Worry not, we’ve researched for you and we’re bringing you the dos and don’ts of Converse sneakers. So, are Converse good for walking? Find out here!
Why yes?
First and foremost, Converse sneakers are comfortable for walking. They’re pretty flexible which means they wrap around your foot and keep your foot grounded while you’re walking.
They have great traction which means they don’t slip off the ground while you’re walking through wet conditions (rainy days have never been more fashionable!).
Other than that, Chuck Taylors are lightweight and breathable which means you won’t come home with sweaty feet after a long day of walking.
They even have those recognizable holes that were placed there to provide the necessary ventilation. They’re waterproof (at least the leather ones are) and great for pretty much any weather.
Of course, Chucks are also cheaper than most other brands. With a little bit of money, you can have both the comfort and the beauty of Converse sneakers depending on the style you go for. Check the official Converse page and find sneakers that range anywhere between $40 to $150.
Or, check some of their designer options such as Converse and Kim Jones Chuck 70 Sneakers that go for $285. Whichever style you decide to go for, you can count on your Converse to be comfortable, lightweight, and great for wide feet.
Why not?
Converse shoes are comfortable and they are great for walking, there’s no denying that. But, they’re not the most comfortable shoe you can choose when you’re looking for something to serve that purpose.
When you go on any website that offers running shoes, hiking shoes, or workout wear, you can find a bunch of options that would be better.
Now, that doesn’t mean that Converse sneakers aren’t good. Converse sneakers simply aren’t the best or the most comfortable sneaker out there. Depending on what you’re looking for, you might be thrilled with them or you might be disappointed with them.
Converse are a great type of shoe to wear on a regular, but you might not want to wear them for longer walks, for running, or for working out (more on that later on). Converse sneakers don’t offer enough support for anything other than walking to work or going to meetings.
Sure, they’re a fashionable addition to your everyday outfits. And sure, Converse are good for walking shorter distance without putting too much pressure on your feet. But, they’re nothing more than a sneaker you wear when you want to add some edge to your look.
Are Converse good for running?
Converse aren’t good for running. Of course, nothing’s stopping you from wearing whatever you want when you’re going running. But, there are a couple of reasons why you shouldn’t resort to Converse when you’re looking for the perfect running shoe.
Converse are one of the flattest styles of sneakers you can go for. They don’t have almost any arch support which means they aren’t great for people who struggle with feet problems (or anyone, for that matter).
And, they’re heavier than most running sneakers because of those famous rubber soles. So, they can get uncomfortable pretty quickly.
Converse sneakers are great for walking, but running might not be the best activity for which to use them. Running shoes are supposed to be super lightweight, have proper cushioning, offer support, and fit your foot to a tee. Unfortunately, your Chucks might not be what you’re looking for.
Are Converse good for hiking?
Yes and no, to be completely honest. We can give you a straightforward answer when you’re wondering whether Converse are good for walking. But, when you’re thinking of wearing Converse when going hiking, we might need more wiggle room to describe the sensations you might go through.
Right off the bat, Converse are much cheaper than your regular hiking boots which makes them a great option for someone who’s just starting out.
Lace them up really, really tight and you’re going to get decent support. Wear them when the weather appears appropriate (a.k.a. dry) and don’t wear them when you’re climbing a slippery slope.
On the other hand, Converse rubber soles can be pretty difficult to deal with when you’re walking on a dusty, backcountry trail.
They don’t offer you any arch support or ankle support, even when you lace them up tightly. They can cause pressure and friction blisters. And, they’re simply not supposed to be worn under such conditions.
Are Converse good for working out?
We can only assume you’re wondering whether you can wear Converse for working out because you’ve seen someone do that at your gym.
And, to everyone’s surprise, Converse can be a great shoe for working out, depending on what exercise you’re planning on doing.
Weightlifting exercises such as squats, bench presses, and deadlifts can benefit from a flat shoe such as Converse. Flat shoes can help you feel like you’re lifting weights barefoot which, subsequently, helps you use your entire foot to stay grounded.
Converse aren’t great for every workout you can think of, but they can be worn when you don’t have a different option available at the moment.
Make sure you replace the insoles for something more comfortable, clean them regularly, and store them wight loose laces to ensure they hold the shape.
