In late 2018, Nike released its debut collaboration with Jerry Lorenzo for the Nike Air Fear of God 1 sneaker, which sold out in minutes. Even the subsequent releases with new colourways were snapped up in record time, making it one of the most sort-after sneakers in 2019. Converse, a subsidiary of Nike, has announced its partnership with Jerry Lorenzo this week, dropping the all-new Converse X Fear of God Essentials Skidgrip sneaker.
Converse has quite a number of classic sneakers within its archive, with the likes of the Chuck 70 and Jack Purcell being the two most standouts from the collection. For this collaboration with the brand, Jerry Lorenzo has chosen to work with a hidden gem from the vault, the Skidgrip sneaker, reimagined for the modern streets. The sneaker has been redesigned with bold, vibrant colours, reminiscent of the surfer and skater scene from the 80s, one of Jerry’s favourites from his youth.
In contrast to Lorenzo’s other collaborations, the reworked sneakers feature loud colours with an evolved design for more modern interpretation. Instead, Lorenzo takes a the classic silhouette from its clean profile and sleek shape to a bolder look and feel – an updated classic firmly in the Fear of God aesthetic.
The sneaker has a high-top build, with a digitally printed archival pattern on the upper. It includes primary oval lace and secondary cotton flat lace, while creating some contrast with the silver-tone brass eyelets. The upper is also crafted with a padded collar, as well as a woven label and screen-printed co-branding on the tongue.
The shoe’s construction is mixed in with vintage Chuck 70 licence plates on the midsole and Fear of God essentials to complete the look. The sneaker is boosted with an ortholite sock-liner for additional comfort underfoot.
The Converse X Fear of God Essentials Skidgrip is available from this weekend and will retail for R1,699.95.
The sneaker will be available exclusively at Shelflife, Lemkus and Converse Sandton City as well as online at converse.co.za.
