The Best of Converse in 2022

Converse have reeled in some leviathan fish in recent years. From the boundary-breaking A-COLD-WALL* to precocious rappers like Baby Keem, the roster continues to expand for the storied imprint. But it’s not just new blood pumping through the Star chevron. We also saw the beloved Comme des Garçons hearts emblazon new models and stalwarts like Tyler, The Creator and Rick Owens put a new spin on sneakers in 2022.

Yep, it’s been a year to remember for Converse. Here are our highlights from an action-packed 2022.

A-COLD-WALL*

Samuel Ross’ A-COLD-WALL* are getting quite accustomed to collaborating with Converse. One of the most impressive labels to emerge from the new crop of designers tapping into streetwear, A-COLD-WALL* worked on several models this year, including the Sponge Crater, Chuck 70 and Aeon Active CX.

In November, Ross and team arguably introduced the most radical Converse silhouette this year: the futuristic Geo Forma Boot, boasting a logical extension of A-COLD-WALL*s avant-garde sensibilities.

Comme des Garçons

Undoubtedly one of the most influential sneakers of the 2010s, the Comme des Garçons x Converse Chuck 70 was a truly watershed moment back in 09. In fact, it’s easy to overlook the fact that Comme worked on other silhouettes like the Pro Leather and Jack Purcell, both models emblazoned with the beloved and whimsical CdG hearts. 

This year, the CdG x Converse family grew by one, with the One Star collaboration easily one of Converse’s biggest releases of 2022.

Welcoming Baby Keem!

Californian rapper and record producer Baby Keem signed an endorsement deal with Converse in September, with the precocious 21-year-old looking to ‘explore the multiple dimensions of the Converse Chuck Taylor’.

Baby Keem joins a snowballing list of star collaborators that includes recent members like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Natasha Cloud, and Alexis Sablone.

Surfs Up, Stussy!

Stussy have had another rip-roaring year in 2022. Heading coastal with models like the Chuck 70, the streetwear behemoths unleashed our favourite collaboration from November: a hairy lime suede One Star more scorching than a So-Cal summer.

Riding the wave of 1990s nostalgia, the design incorporated their 8-Ball logo – an image inextricably tied to the imprint since its inception in the early 1980s.

CLOT x Converse ‘Panda’

For Edison Chen’s CLOT, the panda is a symbol of love and positivity.

‘The giant panda is something that we relate to, obviously because of our Chinese heritage and culture’, said Chen. ‘Being able to do something to give love and gain awareness for the panda in response to WWF’s International Panda Day in China is very important and a part of the new CLOT aesthetic, which is loving and trying to preserve the earth so that the future can enjoy its beauty’.

Remixing both the Chuck 70 and Jack Purcell, the collection gave the Dunk ‘pandamonium’ of 2022 a much-needed cultural facelift, broadcasting peace and friendship with the help of CLOT’s new panda mascot: Ning Ning!

Converse All Star Series

In August, Converse hosted 30 young creatives in Sydney, Australia, for another unique take on their ‘All Star Series’. Bringing together creative minds from around the globe, artists were able to share their work with long-time Converse collaborator and Swiss army knife Tyler, The Creator.​

Get the full recap right here!

All Star BB Prototype CX

Introducing a new hoops silhouette to the highly competitive world of performance basketball is always a significant moment for a sportswear label. This year, Converse laced the All Star BB Prototype CX – the very first basketball model to feature CX foam midsoles.

Already boasting an impressive hoops roster, the All Star BB Prototype CX no doubt recruited even more members to their expanding talent pool.

The GLF 2.0

A poster boy for Converse collaborations, Tyler, The Creator continues to blaze a path for fledgling artists looking to break into the footwear and music industry.

Tyler, a member of the Converse family since 2017, this year launched the GLF 2.0, a model taking its cues from the classic Pro Leather. In addition to extolling vintage hardwood Converse sneakers, the model also celebrated skate styles of the early 2000s, introducing puffy fat laces that have once again reared their head in the sneakersphere.

Rick Owens

It was another big year for ‘The Lord of Darkness’ and Converse this year. The Paris-based designer introduced his gothic, punk rock vernacular to the Chuck 70, pulling out the tongues, squaring the toes and doubling the sole units.

No matter what silhouette he’s working on, we’re always excited to see the dark arts of Rick Owens see the light of day.

For more on the best of 2022, make sure to check out our designated section on the website!