Converse Sponge Crater CX Review – The New Yeezy?

When most of us think of Converse, we imagine the cotton canvas sneaker that has stood the test of time. Over recent years, however, the brand has ventured into more experimental looks. And nowhere is that more evident than with the Converse Sponge Crater CX, a unisex slip-on sneaker that looks like something out of a sci-fi future — like Star War’s Jedi boots, Crocs and Kanye West’s Yeezys had a baby.

_{Review courtesy of Archive.}

Related: Nike Drops New Space Hippie Sneakers Made from Recycled Materials

Build and Design

Described as “out-of-the-box” pair of kicks, the Sponge Crater CX completely disrupts any preconceived ideas sneakerheads had about Converse. The funky, avant-garde design comes from A-Cold-Wall* designer Samuel Ross, the highly successful British product and fashion designer. And you can tell because the interior stretch-knit bootie with Crater Foam design looks like an evolution of his previous work with the brand. 

So, it looks nice and different, but does the speckled grey exoskeleton-looking sneaker (approximately 95% recycled) have the tech to back up its futuristic look? 

Once you get past the strange (or unique) design, you’ll find that there was considerable thought put into the tech of the Sponge Crater CX too. Converse has clearly benefited from being acquired by Nike in 2003 – especially since there are similarities here to Nike’s “Space Hippie” line.

The rubber overlay is light and the sock-like interior hugs your foot tightly as you walk or run.  

However, I won’t lie, when you first slide them on, they do feel just as bizarre as they look. This is mostly because the laceless sneaker is incredibly bulky. The result feels a little goofy, to be honest – like you’re wearing a shoe within a shoe. This makes it feel huge on your feet. 

That said, beyond the futuristic aesthetic, the Sponge Crater CX is easy to slide on and off and incredibly comfortable too. It’s the type of sneaker one would wear if you’re on your feet for long periods of time. 

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Converse Sponge Crater CX Comfort

I imagine this is the sort of sneaker someone in the health or medical industry would find appealing. Perhaps, it could even appeal to those who have a foot injury. In fact, I was stopped a few times by kindergarten kids asking me how I injured my feet. They sort of look like foot-care boots, in a way. 

There’s no doubt, however, that this new silhouette propels the brand forward. The Sponge Crater CX is the first of its kind, at least for the Converse brand. And they’re well aware of it too.

Matt Sleep, Design Director, Energy Footwear, at Converse explains:

“There is revolutionary CX foam underfoot and an egg-crate style traction pod outsole. The flat-knit upper helps promote breathability and the spandex collar, pull tabs, and exaggerated heel kick enhance ease of entry.”

According to the designers, the sneaker was made with a “less is more” thought process in mind. And that’s true for both the look and the tech that went into bringing the Converse Sponge Crater CX  sneaker to life. 

If you’re looking for a pair of sneakers that will definitely stand out from your collection, this is it.

The Converse Sponge Crater CX is perfect while at home or on the go. The future is here.

The Converse Sponge Crater CX is available online at the Archive Store as well as in-store across the country. Its retail price is R2,499.95.