Buyer's Guide

A Buyers Guide to Converse | Fit, Care and Style

Converse is without a doubt one of the most iconic and recognisable brands in the shoe world. Giving us some of the most beloved and best-selling silhouettes ever made, you’re never too far away from a pair. Whether you’re getting your first pair or considering a change of style, we’ve teamed up with our experts to put together the ultimate guide for ensuring your Converse fit well and stay fresh.

Everyone remembers their first pair of Chucks, they are one of those pairs of shoes everyone should have in their lifetime. Here’s our Converse buyers guide , covering everything from how your Converse fit, how to style them and ways to keep them looking good as new.

@felicitymbird

#1 Beginnings

Converse have been big from the beginning, making up over 80% of the sneaker industry in America when they launched in 1915. When basketball player Chuck Taylor came on board in 1923 the brand went from strength to strength, becoming a must-have on the American basketball scene. Fast forward and we’ve now firmly adopted converse into our day-to-day wardrobe, coming off the court and into the everyday. Seen in some of the most iconic films ever made and worn by legends, Converse is without a doubt one of the best-loved sneaker brands of all time.

#2 Converse Fit Guide

Standard unisex sizing

UK	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12
EU	35.5	37	38	40	41	42.5	44	45	46.5	47.5
US men	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12
US Women	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12	13	14
Length (cm)	21.5	22.4	23.2	24.5	25.3	26.2	27	27.9	28.7	29.6

Chuck Taylors All Star size chart

UK	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12
EU	35	36.5	37.5	39	40	41.5	42.5	44	45	46.5
US men	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12
US Women	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12	13	14
Length (cm)	21.5	22.4	23.2	24.1	24.9	25.8	26.6	27.4	28.3	29.1

#3 Are Converse true to size?

In general, Converse fit bigger than your average shoe. On their site, the brand states that Converse fit a half size bigger but some people say to go down a full size, especially if you wear a larger size to start with.

A great way to find your Converse size is by manually measuring your foot. Stand on a piece of paper straight against a wall. Get someone to mark the top of your top and the back of your heel and then measure the distance between these two points. This can be far more reliable than relying on sizes that may not be uniform across different brands.

@maimy_pea

#4 How should I wash my Converse?

Though tempting, do not machine wash your converse!

To wash classic canvas Converse:

Separate the laces from the shoes
Soak a fabric brush in some warm water and mild soap, this will make the bristles a little gentler.
Use the brush to scrub away any marks on the canvas and rubber sole.
Avoid using too much water to prevent water stains and make them easier to dry.
Place the laces into the bowl of water and soap, give them a wash with your hands.
Lay the Converse and laces out to air dry. Stuff the shoe with paper to ensure they keep their shape.

To wash suede styles, gently brush away any marks or dirt with a suede brush. Don’t use any water.

To wash leather styles, simply wipe the surface with a damp cloth and mild soap.

The Jason Markk essential cleaning kits are highly recommended coming with a solution and brush, making cleaning your converse not such a hard job.

@ohh_nello

#5 What is the difference between All Star and All Star 70 Styles?

The 70 styles are generally more rigid and structured. They have a thicker sole with added cushioning and are made of a thicker canvas making them a stiffer, more structured style. The rubber on the 70 styles are finished with a glossy off-white coat, unlike the regular All Stars, giving them a classic Americana vintage feel.

@clairerose

#6 What’s the difference between All Stars and One Stars?

While the All Star originated as a basketball shoe, the One Star has its origins in skating. Thicker soled and often made of a material other than canvas, the One Star styles are a more modern take on the classic Converse styles being updated in new materials and patterns. If you’re looking to expand your Converse collection, why not try a One Star?

#7 Are Converse unisex?

All their classic Chuck Taylor All Star styles are unisex with standard unisex sizing. Beyond that, certain sizes may have specific male and female sizing to account for their shape. Our rule? If the shoe fits and you love it, wear it regardless.

#8 How to style your converse

Here’s a rundown of the different styles and some inspiration for you to feast your eyes on.

One Stars

@_streethassle

Classic high tops

@meganellaby

Shop High Top styles

Bold colours

@vitoriabortolo

Platform Converse

@mimiarr

#9 Kids Styles

First Stars

When your little monkey starts crawling and begins pulling themselves up, time for their First Stars. With a soft sole to help with balance but a toe cap to give them some durability, Converse First Stars are perfect for when they’re first up and moving.

Toddlers and Kids

When they’re up and walking, you can get your mini-me all your favourite Converse styles. From high tops to low tops in either lace fastening or velcro. See them through some of their big ‘first’ moments in a pair of iconic never-out-of-style sneakers.

#10 Converse Move

Like classic converse Hi-Tops, but bolder. The Converse Move range takes the beloved converse style and amplifies them with a chunky platform sole. However, unlike other platforms, these trainers won’t weigh you down with their lightweight sole to keep you moving. Giving you a boost in both height and style, the Converse Move styles are perfect if you want retro styling with a bit more oompf.