Converse is one of the oldest sneaker brands still going strong in 2018. In addition, the Converse All Star was the sneaker that started it all off, way back in 1917. While the sneaker went through numerous iterations, stylings, materials and collaborations, it still remains true to the original design 101 years later.
A few of the more significant All Star collaborations over the past year or so included partnerships with Hello Kitty, Miley Cyrus, and one of my favourites, the Chuck Taylor All Star X Nike Flyknit. Earlier this year, Converse dropped the Chuck Taylor All Star Leather Hi White Monarch – an all-white, leather colourway, which took things back to the basics.
Design and Quality
The Monarch sneakers are brilliant in its all-white colourway, from the durable rubber soles to the leather upper and laces. The latest, elevated design of the Classic Chuck Taylor pays homage to the legacy of the original Chuck. Converse sneakers are known around the world for its timeless simplicity, which continues here. As with most of the modern Converse silhouettes, the All Star emblem (ankle patch) is featured on the inner side of the upper in a rubberised finish. The rubber is extended to the sole and toe, with the sole featuring a vulcanised finish, a staple of the silhouette.
The upper is rebooted in an all-white leather, taking the sneaker to new heights, which are bound to turn heads wherever you go. Because, everything is better in leather. The design is completed with Converse’s classic oxford style lacing, with the Monarch becoming your new go-to in your wardrobe. The silhouette’s all-white approach is only broken on the insole, which includes the “Converse” lettering in black. The Converse silhouette is known for its workman-like productivity, which is why they’re never out of place with a few scuffs and dirt, something owners wear with pride. But the all-white leather upper brings something new to the table, a clean icy look you’ll want to keep looking fresh at all times.
The rubber and leather materials are easy to clean, and nothing a sneaker wipe isn’t able to pick up with a simple swipe. I found it tough going with the adidas Originals NMD_R1 Triple White Japan Pack to keep the upper dirt free, and even harder to clean once it has. And that’s what makes the Monarch a stand-out amongst other, all-white sneakers, its simplicity in design, and simplicity in keeping it looking fresh. While it remains true to its roots, the Monarch has a modern twist for the street culture of today.
Performance and Comfort
The All Star has always been one of the most lightweight, comfortable and rugged sneakers available. For 100 years it has been a dominant force on the market, which would not have been the case if the sneakers weren’t comfortable. The rubber soles may not have the Boost support of the adidas silhouette, of the React technology of the Nike, but it’s able to keep you comfortable for hours on end thanks to its simplicity. The All Star has been known to feature heavily among musicians, artists, street performers, and the likes, proving again that it gets the job done. The Monarch is no different.
The Monarch keeps the now traditional eyelets on the inner side of the upper to provide some airflow to the feet to keeps things cool and avoid excessive build-up of moisture and the likes, which will often lead to smelliness of any sneaker. This is especially true for the Monarch with its full leather upper, which tends to run hotter than most other sneakers.
Conclusion
At a distance, the Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Leather Hi White Monarch looks like a plain white shoe with no additional elements attached. A closer look reveals stunning detail – from the texture of the leather to the old school pattern of the rubber sole. The Monarch will definitely get one or two additional stares from onlookers admiring the all-over white finishes. What’s great about the all-white silhouette is that it won’t cost you an arm and a leg either, and retails for below R800 in most stores across the country.
For more images of the Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Leather Hi White Monarch, check it out here.
