Converse Fastbreak

9.1
9.1 score
[Editors rating (9.5) + Users rating (8.0)] / 2 = (WalkJogRun) score (9.1)/10


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Editor rating: 9.5 / 10
User's rating: based on 1 user ratings
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Converse Fastbreak Review Facts

Looking for a retro sneaker that has a sense of effortless style? With said sneaker, do you want an extremely high level of comfort that allows you to walk for hours on end without pain? If you answered yes to both of those questions, then you will likely enjoy the Converse Fastbreak. The fastbreak combines both streetwear sense of style and a variety, color schemes, making it something that can be considered very, new.

Editor's Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Comfortable
  • Mid, high and low cuts
  • Cushioned
  • Streetwear design 
Cons
  • Inconsistent sizing

Outsole

When it was initially released several decades ago, it was meant to be a basketball shoe. It's for this reason the outsole of the Converse Fastbreak is designed with incredible levels of patterning and texture. The outsole is one that's multi-directional and is meant to have adeqaute stopping power on a hardwood basketball floor. The outsole design now simply gives one protection from falling unnecessarily since it now serves the purpose of being a streetwear sneaker.

Midsole

The midsole of the Fastbreak is actually pretty standard. To make it a bit more durable, Converse featured a full-length stitching. Every shoe needs cushioning. For the Fastbreak, Converse decided to give it an injection-molded foam which allows it to provide adequate cushioning for the underfoot (in addition to a similar cushioning in the insole). Many of the design aspects of the sole unit hasn't really changed from the initial release of the shoe.

Upper

The majority of the upper is designed from a Nylon material which makes receiving circulation in the shoe a breeze. The heel of the shoe(the inner portion) is designed with a leather material which reduces the wearer’s chances of having excess movement while in the shoe; this means that (if the shoe is purchased in the correct size) it will provide wearers with a relatively snug fit. Teh main changes in the upper is the excess cushioning. The shoe still features the typical stitch pattern along the sides and the area (with slight variation).

Weight

Compared to its design, the fastbreakdoesn’t really weigh much. The lightweight EVA foam in the midsole is a major contributor to the lightweight feel of the shoe itself. The relatively thin cut of the upper, also contributes greatly to the feeling of weightlessness that this shoe has. When it comes to streetwear, this may not be the most important thing but, it is definitely much appreciated.

Breathability

The underlayer of the Fastbreak is designed from Nylon fabric. Nylon is a material that is known for its porous nature and is known for being very good at providing airflow. While having an upper made of Nylon can contribute greatly to the feeling of airflwo that can come from a shoe, it isn't the only thing to pay attention to. Another breathability factor of this shoe is the moisture-wicking effect provided by the lining in the upper of this sneaker.

Comfort

Since Converse is essentially made by Nike it makes sense for the shoe to have a few different materials that are native to that particular brand. The shoe’s Ortholite insole features support areas at both the forefoot and the heel portions; this greatly increases the level of comfort that wearers receive when the shoe is worn. Having a breathable upper is also something that contributes to the comfort received from any shoe design. When looking for a pair of shoes meant for streetwear, it's very important to consider your ability to stand walking in them. In short, pay attention to the fatures of your shoe. Things like the insole and the foam midsole in the Fastbreak make it a very comfortable sneaker.

Style

These shoes have a very different style than that seen in a typical converse shoe. They have the traditional star logo along the side as well as that slim look that is generally associated with Converse shoes. Make note of the fact that their purpose has changed greatly though. They still have the features of a basketball shoe but, they err more to the side of streetwear fashion.

Durability

At a glance, the shoe does feature quite a few materials that should allow it to last for a relatively long time. The Nylon upper and hardened rubber outsole imply that the Fastbreak should gives at least a few hundred miles worth of use. With that being said, these different aspects actually do add to the longevity of the sneaker. Another thing to note is the stitching in place throughout the Fastbreak's design. Even though it isn't meant for heavy-duty use, it's stitching does allow it to give a very high level of longevity to it's design.

Protection

A peculiar feature in the Fastbreak's design is the leather in place throughout its entrance. It makes sure that one doesn't slip out of their particular model. There is also quite a bit of support to be had if one pays attention to. The ankle support provided by the taller versions of this shoe translate into quite a bit of support for it's wearer. While this may not be needed by nowadays, it definitely helped when the shoe was being worn in a basketball setting years ago.

Responsiveness

Well, the upper of the Fastbreak does have quite a few responsive materials incorporated. The Nylon in the design moves in tandem with the movements of the wearer’s foot. Let’s also not forget the midsole of the shoe and the use of EVA in that area; the fact that the midsole makes use of this material also allows it to provide wearers with quite a bit of responsiveness when in use.

Support

If you just so happened to not buy the high or mid versions of the Fastbreak, you can still expect quite a bit of underfoot support. For starters, when you have a midsole designed from an EVA foam, you already understand the cushioning you'll receive from your sneaker. In addition to this, the shoe features the Ortholite midsole with Lunarlon cushioning; this midsole design features cushioning at the high-pressure areas of the foot, the heel and forefoot. The qualities that ortholite insoles tend to have allow the shoes allow it to conform and caress the features of the underfoot.

Terrain

Considering the fact that the Fastbreak isn't really designed for athletic activities anymore, I wouldn't really see it fit to suggest for them to be used on a terrain aside from the typical developed walkways.
It’s best that these shoes are used on the more developed terrains. They don't really have the sole unit design that'll allow them to be used on a non-traditional surface nor are they meant to. Simply looking at the casual design of these sneakers will tell you this.

Price

One thing that has always held true with Converse shoes is that they tend to be relatively inexpensive. Even top-line models are extremely affordable. With the purchase of the Fastbreak one recieves something that will provide instant value - incredibly high levels of cushioning and functionality. Although the shoe can’t function on a wide variety of surface types, the competence that it displays on the surfaces that it does function well on far outweighs the lack of ability on various other surfaces.

Traction

When it comes to grip, nothing beats what plain old rubber brings to the table. With the thought in mind that the outsole of these sneakers were initially designed for basketball, it makes sense for them to excel in the area of traction. The surprising thing about this ability is that it isn’t due to the use of a complex outsole design. The sole unit of the Fastbreak is actually incredibly good at achieving a level of grip because of the simple, sticky nature of the outsole (the fact that it was meant to initially be used for basketball also helps.

Flexibility

One thing you wouldn’t have to worry about when it comes to this shoe is "range of motion". The design of the upper on this shoe is made from rather malleable materials (nylon and suede) thus allowing wearers to have a rather easy time moving around while the shoe is being used. Another peculiar yet advantageous feature of the design is that the sole unit flexes rather easily. Both the EVA and the rubber compound in the sole unit just give under one’s weight, offering very little resistance either on a board or on a court. Range of motion isn’t something that one would have to worry about with the Fastbreak.

Stability

The suede overlays in the upper of the Fastbreak allows the shoe to have a bit of structure in the design. Without the overlays being present, the shoe would have copious amounts of give and the wearer would have very little security in their movements. The outer walls of the sole unit are also relatively stable and provide wearers with what they need in terms of stability as well; the shoe’s walls simply don’t bend inward when pressure and manage to provide wearers with what they need in terms of security in their movements as well. A key feature of the"higher" cut shoes is the stability provided by the lacing. The lacing goes all the way to the top in the higher versions, actively allowing a greater level of stability to be achieved when worn. .

Drop

No drop has been specified for the design of the Converse Fastbreak.

Key Features

• EVA midsole
• Nylon upper
• Ortholite insole with Lunarlon cushioning
• Rubber outsole

Verdict

The design of the Converse Fastbreak is amazing to say the least. It has vast amount of features and is sure to provide wearers with what they need in terms of comfort and security on whatever surface that they decide to wear them on. The use of the insole cushioning and EVA midsole ensure that wearers receive the highest levels of comfort and responsiveness while in use. The best part about the Fastbreak is that it can be purchased for such a low price; how often is it that a shoe of the Fastbreak’s caliber can be purchased for the price that it sells for? Not very often, that’s how often.