To say that Converse shoes are popular is an understatement.
However, for canvas sneakers with rubber soles, designed almost 100 years ago have not changed all that much since why are Converse so expensive?
To be fair, $55 is not exactly expensive for a pair of sneakers. But there are aspects of supply and demand that could lead to Converse price increases.
There are also newer versions of Converse shoes with better technology, like the Chuck Taylor II with Lunarlon sock liners, that drive the prices higher.
As Converse shoes became more popular and grew to become a fashion trend, people were willing to spend money to buy the shoes.
In this post, let’s explore why Converse shoes are so expensive.
Why Converse Shoes Are So Expensive
To be fair, Converse sneakers are affordable compared to other branded shoes.
For comparison, a pair of Air Jordans at retail can cost anywhere from $175 to $200. Kanye West’s Yeezy Boost sneakers by Adidas can sell for a whopping $3,000.
Not only are these models expensive, but they are only shipped to stores in limited amounts, causing people to line up across the country (literally and figuratively) in order to get a pair.
Despite inflation in the footwear market, Chuck Taylor has remained reasonably priced (they can range from $30 to $60, depending on size and where you buy them).
According to Investopedia, retail sneaker prices range from $70 to $250. The fact that Chuck Taylor All-Stars retail around $55 to $60 means that they are not overpriced at all.
When people wonder why Converse shoes are expensive, they are often talking about the limited edition Chuck Taylors, which may cost a little more but aren’t as overpriced.
Let’s take a look at two popular Converse Chuck Taylor All-Stars limited editions.
Comme des Garçons PLAY x Converse All-Star 70s
One of the most expensive shoes in Converse’s collection is the Comme des Garçons PLAY x Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star 70s. By teaming up with the Japanese fashion brand, Comme des Garçons, Converse has created a highly desired footwear collaboration.
The design combines the artistic PLAY print with the premium 1970s All-Star silhouette.
While the shoes are sold out on the official website, they are being sold by retailers like StockX and Farfetch at a price between $147 to $189.
So what makes the Comme des Garçons PLAY x Converse shoes so expensive?
Comme des Garçons PLAY x Converse shoes are expensive because of the higher grade canvas upper, better quality rubber foxing, and premium nickel eyelets. The shoes are also equipped with proper cushion sock liner for better comfort.
As part of the 1970s heritage collection, the shoes offer all the beautiful vintage details such as the heel license plate and extra sidewall stitching.
The 4-piece collection includes the black and milk versions in low- and high-tops, all with the CDG heart logo on the side and a contrasting heel strip.
Compared to the previous collaboration with CDG, this collaboration’s PLAY logo is significantly bigger and only incorporates half of the actual heart logo.
While most Converse shoes are considered uncomfortable, the Comme des Garçons PLAY x Converse shoes are equipped with proper cushion sock liner for better comfort.
All of the above features, combined with the artistic plain print, make the Comme des Garçons PLAY x Converse shoes more expensive, but extremely popular.
Yes, you are paying more for better materials, but you are also paying for the Comme des Garçons brand, which does not come cheap.
Converse is selling “dirty” trainers for £70 ($97)
Because many people think that Converse shoes look better when dirty, the shoe manufacturer has released a special edition that is made to look worn out.
Converse “dirty trainers” retail for $97:
The footwear brand is selling shoes that already look grubby so that customers can “skip the break-in period” – and pay £70, or roughly $97, for the privilege.
Unsurprisingly, many shoppers have been left baffled over the new and controversial range because the aged makeover costs almost double the price of regular Chuck Taylor.
Instead of buying these “dirty” Converse for almost $100, you can save money by buying them at the original price and breaking them in yourself.
Conclusion
Now you know why Converse shoes can be expensive. At the end of the day, Converse Chuck Taylors and simple and basic canvas sneakers have stood the test of time.
Not only are they affordable, but they can last a long time.