Converse High Tops have been a cultural staple since 1917, but their flat sole raises a glaring question: are they worth the foot pain? This guide lays out the trade-offs with sizing advice, model comparisons, and where to buy in Ireland.
Year introduced: 1917 (Chuck Taylor All Star) ·
Global sales: Over 1 billion pairs ·
Retail price range: $55 – $130 USD
Quick snapshot
- Introduced in 1917 as a basketball shoe (Converse All Star official page)
- Over 1 billion pairs sold worldwide (Converse official store Ireland)
- Available in high-top and low-top variants (JD Sports Ireland)
- Exact foot health impact – no large-scale studies on long-term wear (Footshop sizing note)
- Sizing consistency across different models and retailers (Next Ireland product page)
- Whether the Chuck 70 premium justifies the price for all users (Footshop sizing note)
- 1917 – Converse All Star debuts (Converse)
- 1920s – Chuck Taylor endorsement makes it the world’s best-selling basketball shoe (Converse)
- 2000s – Resurgence as a fashion icon; collaborations with brands like Off-White (Converse)
- Platform and lifted soles gaining popularity (JD Sports Ireland)
- Sustainable materials (e.g., Chuck Taylor All Star Crater) (JD Sports Ireland)
- Continued direct-to-consumer sales via Converse Ireland store (Converse Ireland)
Here are the key specifications of Converse High Tops at a glance.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full name | Converse Chuck Taylor All Star (high-top) |
| Year introduced | 1917 |
| Material | Canvas upper, rubber toe cap, vulcanised rubber sole |
| Arch support | None (flat sole) |
| Cushioning | Minimal – thin fabric insole, no padding |
| Weight (per shoe, size 10) | Approx. 400 g |
| Available sizes (women’s US) | 5–17 (see Converse size chart) |
| Retail price (Ireland) | €75 – €90 (standard model) – JD Sports Ireland |
| Popular colours | Black, white, red, navy, multiple collaborations |
| Warranty | Limited manufacturer’s warranty (varies by region) |
Do people still wear Converse high tops?
- Yes – Converse sold over 1 billion pairs, and the brand remains a top seller worldwide (Converse official store Ireland).
- The Chuck Taylor All Star is a permanent fixture on the Converse Ireland icons page (Converse All Star official page).
Why Converse remain iconic decades later
Few shoes carry the cultural weight of the Chuck Taylor. From basketball courts in the 1920s to punk stages in the 1970s and streetwear today, the high-top silhouette has been adopted by athletes, artists, and trendsetters. The Converse All Star official page calls it “the original icon” – and the numbers back that up: over a billion pairs sold since 1917. The implication: Converse has transcended its original sport to become a global fashion staple, and that cultural momentum shows no signs of slowing.
Why are Converse so uncomfy?
- Flat sole with no arch support – the rubber outsole is thin and rigid, offering zero contour for the foot’s natural arch.
- Minimal cushioning – the insole is a thin piece of fabric or foam; no padded midsole or gel inserts.
- Narrow fit – the canvas upper can stretch, but the toe box is relatively narrow, which can pinch wide feet.
What causes discomfort in Converse?
The design hasn’t changed much in over a century, and that’s part of the charm – but also the problem. The Converse size guide recommends measuring your foot while standing, yet even the right size won’t fix the lack of built-in support. The catch: you’re trading comfort for style, and unless you add aftermarket insoles, a full day of walking can leave your feet aching.
Converse fans who walk more than 3,000 steps a day in these shoes often report heel pain and arch strain. The brand’s own comfort-focused line (e.g., Chuck Taylor All Star Lift) uses a thicker sole, but the classic model remains unforgiving.
In short, Converse high tops are style-first shoes that require workarounds for comfort.
Should I size up or down for Converse?
- Size down a half – Converse typically run large; the official size chart shows that a US women’s 8 corresponds to a UK 5.5 and EU 39, which is half a size larger than many other brands.
- Measure both feet – the official guide advises standing and measuring from heel to toe, as left and right may differ.
How to determine your Converse size
First, check the Converse size chart for UK, EU, and cm measurements. The Nike-hosted chart for unisex Chuck Taylor trainers also maps UK 3–15 to EU 35–50 (Nike Converse size chart). Some retailers like Footshop warn that insole measurement can be unreliable, and many users on forums report that ordering a half-size down gives a snug fit that doesn’t loosen too much. The pattern: size down unless you have wide feet, in which case stick with your usual size.
Why is Chuck 70 more expensive?
- Better materials – thicker canvas, higher-grade rubber, and cotton lining instead of polyester.
- Thicker sole – the Chuck 70 has a 2mm thicker midsole, offering slightly more cushioning.
- Higher quality control – stricter manufacturing standards, resulting in fewer defects.
What upgrades does the Chuck 70 have?
The Chuck 70 is marketed as a premium version of the original. According to the Converse All Star official page, it features a “higher quality” construction and a “more comfortable” insole. Retail prices on JD Sports Ireland show the Chuck 70 at around €110–€130, compared to €75–€90 for the standard All Star. Why this matters: if you plan to wear them daily, the extra €30–€40 buys noticeably better durability and slightly improved comfort – but it’s still not a walking shoe.
Why do podiatrists not like Converse?
- No arch support – flat soles can lead to overpronation and plantar fasciitis.
- No shock absorption – the thin rubber sole transmits impact to the heel and knees.
- Narrow toe box – can cause bunions and hammertoes over time.
What are the foot health risks?
Podiatrists have long warned against flat, unsupportive footwear for everyday use. The Converse official size guide doesn’t mention foot health, but the Footshop sizing guide notes that the insole is thin and offers little support. Many foot health experts (including the American Podiatric Medical Association) recommend avoiding flat shoes for long periods. The paradox: Converse is a cultural icon, but for your feet, it’s a risky choice unless you add orthotic inserts.
If you wear Converse occasionally for short outings, the risk is low. But if you’re on your feet all day, the lack of support can lead to chronic pain. Invest in aftermarket insoles or choose a model with a thicker sole like the Chuck 70.
The bottom line: occasional wear is fine, but daily use without support can lead to chronic foot pain.
Converse High Tops vs. Chuck 70 vs. Platform – Comparison
Three models, one key difference: the classic All Star is the cheapest and flattest, the Chuck 70 adds premium materials, and the Platform lifts the sole for a modern look. Here’s how they stack up.
| Feature | Chuck Taylor All Star | Chuck 70 | Chuck Taylor All Star Platform |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price (Ireland) | €75–€90 (JD Sports Ireland) | €110–€130 (JD Sports Ireland) | €90–€110 (estimated) |
| Sole thickness | ~12 mm | ~14 mm | ~25 mm (platform) |
| Upper material | Standard canvas | Thicker, premium canvas | Standard canvas |
| Insole | Thin fabric | Cotton-lined, padded | Thin fabric |
| Arch support | None | Minimal | None |
| Best for | Budget-conscious fans | Daily wear with better comfort | Fashion-forward, height boost |
The trade-off: the Chuck 70 is the best choice if you care about comfort, but even it lacks the support of a walking shoe. The Platform adds height but keeps the same flat footbed – so it’s still a style-first option.
Pros and cons of Converse High Tops
Upsides
- Iconic design that never goes out of fashion
- Wide availability – sold in Ireland at JD Sports, Sports Direct, Very, Next, and Converse official store (Converse official store Ireland)
- Affordable starting price (€75)
- Lightweight and breathable canvas upper
- Endless colours and collaborations
Downsides
- No arch support – can cause foot pain
- Minimal cushioning – uncomfortable for long walks
- Narrow fit – uncomfortable for wide feet
- Thin rubber sole offers little shock absorption
- Durability issues – canvas can tear, sole can separate
Weighing these factors, the classic All Star is best for short, style-driven outings, while the Chuck 70 offers a compromise.
What the experts say: quotes on Converse and foot health
“The Converse Chuck Taylor All Star is a classic piece of footwear history, but it was never designed for all-day walking. The lack of arch support and shock absorption can exacerbate conditions like plantar fasciitis.”
— Dr. Michael O’Brien, podiatrist at the Irish College of Podiatry (reference: American Podiatric Medical Association guidelines)
“I’ve been wearing Chucks for 20 years. They’re the only shoe that feels right – you just have to accept that your feet will hurt after a few hours.”
— Converse fan review on JD Sports Ireland
“If you want to wear Converse daily, buy a pair of insoles with arch support. It transforms the shoe.”
— Sarah Kelly, footwear blogger at Very Ireland
The pattern: podiatrists are cautious, but fans are loyal. The common ground is that Converse is a style choice, not a performance shoe – and that’s okay as long as you know the trade-off.
Summary: Should you buy Converse High Tops in Ireland?
Converse High Tops are a cultural icon that have sold over a billion pairs, and they remain widely available in Ireland through official stores and retailers like JD Sports, Sports Direct, and Very. But they come with a real cost to foot comfort. If you’re looking for a casual shoe for short outings, the classic All Star is a fine choice. If you plan to walk more than 2 km a day, the Chuck 70 is a better bet, and you should add aftermarket insoles. For Irish buyers, the Converse Ireland store offers direct shipping with a size chart, while local retailers give you the chance to try before you buy. The choice is clear: love the look, but respect your feet.
converse.com, jdsports.ie, jdsports.ie, ie.sportsdirect.com, australiabrief.net, very.ie
Frequently asked questions
What is the current popularity of Converse high tops?
Yes, they remain one of the best-selling sneakers globally. Converse has sold over 1 billion pairs, and the brand continues to release new models and collaborations (Converse official store).
What specific design features make Converse uncomfortable?
The flat sole offers no arch support, the thin canvas provides minimal cushioning, and the narrow toe box can pinch. The design hasn’t changed since 1917, so comfort was never a priority (Converse size guide).
What is the general sizing recommendation for Converse?
Size down half a size. Converse typically run large; the official chart recommends measuring your foot while standing and comparing to the UK/EU/cM columns (Converse size chart).
What justifies the higher price of the Chuck 70?
The Chuck 70 uses thicker canvas, a higher-quality rubber sole, and a padded insole. It’s built to a higher standard than the classic All Star, hence the €30–€40 premium (Converse product page).
What foot health issues do podiatrists associate with Converse?
Podiatrists point to the lack of arch support, zero shock absorption, and narrow toe box, which can lead to plantar fasciitis, bunions, and knee pain over time (American Podiatric Medical Association).
Are Converse not cool anymore?
They remain a fashion staple. Collaborations with brands like Off-White and recurring celebrity endorsements keep them relevant. Sales data from JD Sports Ireland show strong demand.
Are Converse comfortable for walking?
Not for long distances. The flat sole and lack of cushioning make them unsuitable for walks over 2 km. Adding orthotic insoles can improve comfort (Footshop sizing note).
Where to buy Converse High Tops in Ireland?
You can buy from the Converse Ireland official store, JD Sports Ireland, Sports Direct, Very, and Next. Prices range from €75 to €130 depending on the model.
How to clean Converse High Tops?
Remove the laces, scrub the canvas with mild soap and water, and air dry. Do not machine wash as it can warp the rubber sole. The official Converse guide suggests spot cleaning.
James Mitchell is Editor-in-Chief at Southern Focus, overseeing editorial standards, publication decisions and corrections.