The Converse Chuck Taylor has been the go-to canvas of creativity, collaboration, and self-expression for many years. As a true icon, we’ve seen countless iterations with almost any material and color you can imagine. Now, Converse is reimagining this classic with the intention of helping create a better tomorrow. The global footwear brand has recently released two capsule collections of sustainable Chuck 70s – a collaboration with London-based vintage retailer Beyond Retro, and the “Plant Color” Pack.
Converse’s first sustainable collection finds the brand teaming up with the UK’s Beyond Retro for the “Tropical Shirts” pack, a celebration of vintage island style made up of one low-top shoe and high-top. Over 7,000 tropical shirts were saved from hitting landfills, and instead, used to grace the Chuck 70 in a bold, distinct design.

By teaming up with Beyond Retro, both companies were able to source secondhand Hawaiian shirts from across the U.S. The upcycled approach is a great reminder of how materials can be found almost anywhere whether that’s traditional and classic, innovative and new, or existing materials that can use a second life.
Complementing this approach includes elements like 100% recycled laces, an outsole made with about 13% recycled manufacturing waste, and a tongue and heel stay made with about 36% recycled polyester and about 13% recycled cotton.

The “Plant Color” Chuck 70 uses a nylon upper with an asymmetrical patchwork design on the high-top’s sides. The sneakers are available in two different colorwarys, a rose taupe and yellow gravel. These rich tones were achieved by using dye extracted from actual grapes, onions, and other plant-based materials. A true “farm to sneaker” style, as Converse calls it.
Both the “Plant Color” and “Tropical Shirt” Chuck 70s are available now on converse.com, with prices ranging from $90 to $120 USD.

In related footwear news, ASICS is dropping its most planet-friendly collection ever tomorrow.