Are Converse Durable? (Here’s How Long They Last)

Chuck Taylor is known for are gum rubber soles and vintage canvas uppers. They are generally durable, but how long do Converse shoes actually last?

On average, a pair of Converse shoes will last for about 18 months. However, the shoes can last longer or shorter depending on how you wear them.

In some cases, Chuck Taylors can last for over 5 years if they are cared for properly.

At the end of the day, it depends on what you do when you wear them. Let’s explore whether Converse shoes are durable or not, including tips on how to make them last longer.

Are Converse Shoes Durable?

Converse shoes are durable enough for daily use and can last several years if you wear them casually. Their gum rubber soles and tightly woven canvas upper are high-quality and are great to walk in on a daily basis.

Obviously, there are plenty of factors to consider, like your weight, daily steps, and what you do with your Converse shoes on a daily basis.

For example, if you bend down frequently or expose your Chucks to moisture daily, then you should expect the shoes to fall apart sooner rather than later.

Generally, however, Converse shoes are some of the most durable canvas shoes around.

How long do Converse shoes last?

Typically, Converse shoes will last about 18 months if worn on a daily basis. Even after 6 months, there should be no signs of wear and tear. 

Assuming you take 10,000 steps a day and weigh between 160-200 pounds, a pair of Converse shoes can last between 12 to 24 months if they are worn casually for walking.

You should expect your Chucks to look dirty and worn out after a year or two, but that doesn’t mean that the shoes cannot be worn anymore. 

In fact, the shoes should be more comfortable than ever since you have broken them in. That said, there are simple tricks you can do to make your Chuck Taylors last longer.

When should I replace my Converse?

Generally, you should replace your Converse shoes once every 2 years if worn casually.

But, if you’re wearing your Converse 7 days a week, with 10,000 daily steps on average, you’re going to want to replace them about once a year.

The sneakers may look good at first glance, but it’s the soles that are important. In some cases, the treads have lost their pattern, so they may not provide good traction anymore.

However, if you wear your Chucks less frequently, you can wear them for longer.

How to Make Converse Shoes Last Longer

While Converse shoes can last for several years, you can push them to the limits and make them last for a few more years. Here are three tips to make Chuck Taylor last longer:

1. Waterproof Converse shoes before wearing them

You never know if you are going to walk through rain or sunshine. Even if the weather seems lovely when you first walk outside, it can rain cats and dogs all of a sudden.

So, the best way to prolong Converse shoes’ life is to waterproof them. In fact, it’s best to immediately waterproof them after you have bought them.

Before going outside with your Chucks, take the time to waterproof them first. Since Converse shoes are not waterproof, an unexpected downpour may ruin your new sneakers.

To make your Chucks waterproof, use a non-toxic waterproof spray like this NANOMAN spray. It creates an invisible barrier that protects your shoes against water and stains.

Not only do they produce great results, but they are also odorless, which is nice.

With your Converse now protected from water and stains, you can have better peace of mind when going outside. Now, mud, rain, and stains will no longer damage your Chucks.

2. Don’t wear your Chucks everyday

If you want to keep your Converse shoes as is, then the next best thing is to not wear them every day. In other words, rotate them with the other sneakers you have.

Canvas shoes, like Converse, need time to air out and recover their shape. A good rule of thumb is to avoid wearing your Chucks for two days in a row.

Think about it, by wearing them half of the time, you will be able to double their lifespan. Don’t allow your Converse shoes to take a beating day in and day out.

By giving them time to rest, you should be able to make them last much longer.

3. Maintain their shape by using shoe trees

Last but not least, you can use shoe trees to maintain the shape of your Converse shoes. After wearing your Chucks for a walk outside, store them properly using shoe trees.

In addition to stopping creases from forming, shoe trees can help maintain the structural integrity of sneakers when you are not wearing them.

As a result, they help prolong the life of your shoes.

Some of the top shoe trees, like these ones, not only help absorb moisture, but they provide a fresh cedar aroma because they are made from US-grown aromatic red cedar.

It’s a good habit to store all of your shoes, not just your Converse shoes, with shoe trees. Before you even realize it, all of your footwear will last longer than it should.

Conclusion

Now you know how durable Converse shoes are and how long they last.

You can also add more years to your Converse Chuck Taylors by waterproofing them immediately, not wearing them every day, and storing them with shoe trees.