Converse Chuck II Shield Review
The Converse brand is an American institution. Much like Apple pie or the Hollywood film industry. In fact, it’s a type of a brand that is so beloved it’s basically a staple in the pop culture. Celebrities like Ryan Reynolds, Brad Pitt wear Chuck Taylors and even fictional characters like Leonard Hofstadter from The Big Bang Theory.
The converse is ubiquitous but at the same time a well-respected brand known for the constant supply of quality classic and comfortably merchandise. And Converse is a shining example that it’s never too late to start following your dreams. The company’s founder Mills Converse (who was a Marquis by the way) started the Company at the age of 47. In the first few years, Converse manufactures a type of rubber shoes specially made for the harsh winters in Massachusetts.
But it was a basketball player by the name of Chuck Taylor that changed everything. He apparently walked into the Company complaining of sore and painful feet. He then got a job at the Company and worked there until his death in 1969. The Converse sneakers bare his name since.
But for now, let’s focus on 2 Shield by Converse. What can be said about it? Well, find out by scrolling down.
Microsuede lining
Vulcanized rubber in the outsole
Shield Canvas in the upper
Water-repellent
Runs a half a size smaller
Outsole
But when you have a product like this then how can you differentiate and accentuate the best of the best? It’s very hard. But let’s give it a shot and start with the outsole. Although it may look like any regular outsole, the outsole in the 2 Shield is really not. Just like with any new series, every bit gets improved and the outsole is no exception. Yes, rubber was used in the making of the outsole, but this is Vulcanised rubber. What’s so great about it? Well, for starters, because of the vulcanization the rubber here is more pliable and very flexible. The real downside of having a Vulcanised rubber in the outsole is the lack of stability, but other than that, this particular style of rubber fits perfectly in the style, design, and practicality of the sneaker involved. When you have a specimen that’s not so rigid, heavy and very tough in the upper, you need something that could balance the lightness and the effortless flexibility of the top part. Hence, the use of Vulcanised rubber in the making of the outsole.
If you take a good look at the bottom part of that outsole, you’ll notice that that the pronounced and deep indentations (or ridges). They’re quite deep and well designed (vulcanized too) and they’re strategically located on two separate areas. The first is around the toes and the second is in the heel area of the outsole. Oh, it’s also worth mentioning that the outsole located on the side (and the toe caps) can vary in color. It all depends on the color used in the upper, but this particular series doesn’t have the uniformed white rubber as you might think. No, it some of the models it could be red or neon yellow. It’s up to you to decide, but the bottom part of the outsole will always remain brown. This particular type of outsole will keep you from slipping and falling, but that’s a topic for another segment of this review. But more on that a bit later in this post.
Midsole
Made from polyester fibers, the micro-suede is wear-resistant materials, it’s very soft and buttery to the touch, easy to clean and it leaves you with a nice soft touch even through thick wool socks. It’s really that great of a product. What’s the point of putting a sock liner that’s so innovative and progressive, when you don’t have a lining that’s so innovative and caring in equal amounts?
Upper
They’re great. They’ve remained unchanged from the early ’20s, and they’re a classic. But having a cotton canvas in the upper means they have the tendency to get wet fairly easily. It’s a quite difficult situation to get caught in the rain, and when it does happen you’ll need a highly water-resistant and essentially waterproof shoe. Well, Converse has a piece of exciting news in that department. The Counter Climate canvas offers that and so much more. What’s all that more? Well, because that special canvas is Counter Climate type it means that will not only keep your feet dry, it will also keep them warm in practically every type of climate. That’s especially helpful for the customers who live in primarily colder and wet climates. And you know what else helps with that? The tongue, the lining, and the eyelets. Yes, that’s right. Not only the tongue of the 2 Shield is padded, but it’s also lined with padded microsuede which enhances the comfort in the entire surface of the upper, not just in the tongue. But the thing is, Converse has the waterproof protection so figured out, that they’ve changed the look and the practicality of the eyelets in order to improve on the waterproof protection.
Yup. The tongue has very protective non-slip properties, but the biggest and probably most practical innovative step was taken in the creation of the eyelets. Hey may seem like your regular, and sneaker, but if you take a closer look at the sides you’ll notice that the medial eyelets are removed. So, the days in which water can penetrate through the medial eyelets and the entire upper are long gone.
Comfort
It will keep you dry and warm, and it will allow you to wear them all year around. Secondly, there’s the Lunarlon sock liner in the midsole. Nike’s premium technological achievement that’s been put in good use here in the latest Convers merchandise. The extra soft and lightweight sock liner will make you feel bouncy, lightweight and with plenty of energy. Like you’re an astronaut in Zero-G state, effortlessly floating inside the International space station. And last but certainly not least. The comfort is accented even with the presence of the padded tongue. Although it may seem insignificant, the padding in the tongue is a very important step in the right direction. The comfort will come from multiple areas, and that’s awesome.