Converse High Tops - Leather, Fabric/Leather or Fabric

[adriatikfan]

Researching a couple of old threads, there are a number of recommendations for Converse All Star High Tops (and a couple for the Low Tops too)

Had a good look at some of these today and they fit well on my feet but before I finally buy some, I was wondering if there were any particular advantages of any one type of material over the others.

I saw today all leather, fabric/leather and all fabric boots.

I would mostly be using these for driving (reasonably long distances), in and around vehicle based wild camps and on official campsites and for some gentle walking (I have proper walking boots for when necessary)

Does anyone have experience of these boots for this purpose or maybe have any recommendations they could make.

All input very gratefully received.

Best Wishes
David

[digitaldelay]

Back in the day I had a pair of blue suede Airwalk shoes, similar to a low Converse All-Star. When I think back to driving in those shoes, I remember really feeling the hard clutch and brake pedals on the soles of my feet. Ever since then I have preferred a more substantial sole while driving. Original SWAT 9" zip-ups are my fave.

http://www.originalswat.com/productdetail.php?product_id=NjQ=&category_id=MTE=

Jason

[bdbecker]

I've always worn the canvas hi-tops myself. I like the canvas because if they get wet, they dry out way faster than any leather shoe I've had. They're pretty durable too, I usually get a good 2 years out of them before they need replacement. The best part is that after you've got them broke in, it's kind of like wearing socks more than shoes. If you've got high arches or other foot issues, you will need to make sure you get some insoles though.

[bucketosudz]

How about Palladium boots?
http://www.palladiumboots.com/cgi-bin/palladium/store/catalog_section.html?sec=12&section=shoe.*.*.m

[BKCowGod]

How about Palladium boots?
http://www.palladiumboots.com/cgi-bin/palladium/store/catalog_section.html?sec=12&section=shoe.*.*.m

Converse actually makes a version of the Palladium - nearly identical. I just picked up a pair at the Converse outlet for $20. Love 'em! I wear them running around a 6th grade classroom 5 days a week and my feet feel great at the end of the day.

[Squatchout]

This thread makes me chuckle. I'm old enough to remember when canvas Converse All Stars were THE high tech basketball shoes! Good old Chuck Taylors. I grew up in the things. We used to have 2 pairs. 1 nice pair for school and an old worn out pair of "swamp shoes" for wading and playing in mud and creeks.
I actually have a couple of pairs. They don't get worn often these days. Not much support compared to modern shoes. But great for those times when you want something that's more like slippers for outside. Great camp shoe. I still have an unworn, Made in USA pair of black canvas high tops with flames on them in a box in the closet.

[BKCowGod]

This thread makes me chuckle. I'm old enough to remember when canvas Converse All Stars were THE high tech basketball shoes! Good old Chuck Taylors. I grew up in the things. We used to have 2 pairs. 1 nice pair for school and an old worn out pair of "swamp shoes" for wading and playing in mud and creeks.
I actually have a couple of pairs. They don't get worn often these days. Not much support compared to modern shoes. But great for those times when you want something that's more like slippers for outside. Great camp shoe. I still have an unworn, Made in USA pair of black canvas high tops with flames on them in a box in the closet.

The insole comes out of the converse and Superfeet drop right in. Cost more than the shoe, but that's okay!

[Lichen]

I have a pair of these Palladiums that I bought from Orvis. They call them Foreign Legion Boots.

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=123&pictureid=4159

[adriatikfan]

I have a pair of these Palladiums that I bought from Orvis. They call them Foreign Legion Boots.

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=123&pictureid=4159

Thanks for the recommendation - much appreciated. Just found these online from a UK reseller at agood price.

Problem is I have many pairs of footwear which all fit but which are labelled with different sizes.

Does anyone know whether these Orvis Foreign Legion Boots wear 'small' or are generous in their fit.

I would need to order either a UK 9 or a UK 9 1/2.

Thanks again for the info everyone. Much appreciated.

Best Wishes
David

[Lichen]

They run pretty true to size. I would get the 9.5 because you may want to add an aftermarket insole to make them more comfortable.

[adriatikfan]

They run pretty true to size. I would get the 9.5 because you may want to add an aftermarket insole to make them more comfortable.

Many thanks

Best Wishes
David