It’s great to see that a campaign as worthwhile as the 1HUND(RED) struggle against AIDS in Africa is garnering the backing it deserves. Most recently, the HUF team joined the effort with a pair of “Skidgrip’s.” Now, we see that Staple Design has joined the effort and played its role in the production of the black/red/white pair of Sea Star’s pictured here. The upper comes in black suede with red accents in places like the inner lining and a predominantly white sole. Yet another great way to get involved in the fight to save lives in Africa, this pair of Sea Star’s will go on sale starting Thursday October 8, 2009, exclusively from Reed Space in New York City.

See More…

The Converse 1HUND(RED) artists campaign is definitely worthwhile. With shoe launches like Ian Ginoza’s Jack Purcell V3’s, the very nice silhouettes are overshadowed only by the great cause these artists have championed. Now, we have a look at HUF’s contribution- the “Skidgrip.” On a completely white sole is a black canvas upper covered in “H’s” and slight red accenting on the top eyelet. These shoes officially drop this coming Saturday, October 3, 2009 at HUF LA, HUF SF, and other select Converse retailers at a retail price of $75. What better way to make sure you look good and help such a good cause as the fight against AIDS in Africa?

See More…

Earlier this year Lupe Fiasco was honored with a Converse PRODUCT (RED) Chuck Taylor that came in patent leather. This time around, a complementary Chuck Taylor in a white canvas upper has also dropped in recognition of the rapper’s career and success. Reportedly, what is wrapped around the shoe are thoughts, among them some political, from Lupe himself. And to top it all off, the shoe comes with an icy (see-through) sole. Available now on the Converse online shop, these will run you $80. So which Chuck Taylor gets the slight edge in this Lupe Fiasco Converse PRODUCT (RED) face-off?

See More…

Earlier this summer we got word of a collaboration between Converse and legendary rock band AC/DC that resulted in two very affordable Chuck Taylors rather obviously influenced by AC/DC. This historic teaming is back at it again- with this teaser picture of what has been dubbed the “Powerage” Chuck Taylor. The shoe seems to sport the word “Powerage” on the back heel (paying homage to AC/DC’s 1978 album by the same name) and come with multicolored shoe laces. It seems as though this pairing has done it again- this time in an ever-so-slightly subtler way. How do you think this round of Converse x AC/DC Chuck Taylors compare with the first round’s?

See More…

Converse is evidently busy, as seen through the progress of the Converse (PRODUCT) Red line. But Converse also has its hands fully immersed in a project that seems to be coming along pretty well. We now have a preview for you of Converse’s First String program. In the spring of 2010, Converse plans to release three sneaker models as part of the “First String” collection.

One sneaker model sports a rather low-key, subtle design with monotone colorways on completely white soles. The second model comes in 3M material and is designed for your track star’s workout regiment. Lastly, this collection will also include a high-top leather shoe design that sports leather material and a zipper that runs from the top of the shoe’s heel to its bottom. You can expect this “First String” collection to drop at certain Converse retail accounts beginning around Spring time of 2010.

See More…

Converse keeps it fresh with new ideas like the Converse Jack Purcell by Ian Ginoza. This time, Converse has given us a sneak peek at the Converse (PRODUCT) Red Moccasin. The Moccasin features a grey suede upper with the typical moccasin-style stitching at the toe. It has a white midsole with a vulcanized ribbed toe, along with a black layer atop the midsole. The two top red eyelets signify Converse’s Red line, which is also showcased at the back heel tag on the midsole. These are expected to release sometime in early 2010.

See More…

Tomorrow, August 29th, 2009, the Jack Purcell V3 will launch in what is to be the culmination of a lot of work. Ian Ginoza is a part of Converse 1Hund(RED)’s team of artists that uses art as a way of transcending barriers and calling attention to the bigger struggles we face as a people. Originally a graphic designer, Ian soon became a big fan of sneakers as well as an entrepreneur. Having founded Kicks Hawaii, Ian collaborated with Nike on the now famous Nike Dunk SB “Hawaii.” And in 2007 he was a part of two collaboration debuts that were in support of Converse (PRODUCT) RED. He now spends his days working on what has become the brand’s most limited product.

This particular release highlights specifically the fight against AIDS in Africa. Inspired by a single, white blood cell, Ian states, “It’s about a clean slate–something completely pure.” He also quite honestly “just wanted to make something hopeful.” Consisting of a leather upper with vintage texturing, this premium Jack Purcell 3 strap shoe is all ready to go on sale. It also includes Epi leather and rubber outsoles. The shoe retails for $90, and depending on the products sold, 5-15% of the net sales of CONVERSE (PRODUCT) RED shoes goes directly to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. You can find these at your trusted CONVERSE (PRODUCT) RED retailers, including Barney’s, Concepts, Proper, UNDFTD, and- of course- Kicks Hawaii. This really is an all-around feel-good shoe. How many of you are ready to be a part of this moment in history?

See More…