Converse shoes rank among the most recognizable sneakers in the world, and the selection at Stoy brings together the most sought-after silhouettes for both men and women. From classic low-top styles, our selection covers Converse footwear suited to everyday wear and to occasions that call for a more considered choice. The selection is available for pickup at our stores in Copenhagen and Aarhus.
From Court to Icon
The Converse Rubber Shoe Company was founded in 1908 in Malden, Massachusetts. The iconic basketball shoe followed in 1917 and took its name from basketball player Chuck Taylor in 1932. What began as functional athletic footwear crossed quickly into popular culture and is today worn by musicians, artists, and style-conscious generations across the world.
The shoe's enduring appeal rests on a kind of raw simplicity that has proven genuinely timeless. It is an aesthetic that developed organically through decades of use rather than through deliberate marketing.
Classic Styles
The classic Converse sneaker is defined by its lightweight cotton canvas upper, a vulcanized rubber outsole, and a rubber toe cap. Its strength lies not in technical innovation but in cultural consistency. The shoe looks today almost exactly as it always has.
Beyond the original, Converse offers premium reissues built with reinforced canvas, additional stitching along the sides, a thicker sole, and cushioned insoles that deliver noticeably better comfort than the classic flat construction. These styles are the natural choice for anyone who wants the familiar Converse aesthetic with improved durability and support for daily use.
Silhouettes and Styles
The range of Converse shoes spans several primary silhouettes, and the right choice depends on how and where you plan to wear them.
High-Top
The high-top rises above the ankle and gives the silhouette a distinct vertical line. It pairs classically with jeans and a leather jacket and remains the most iconic of the Chuck Taylor All-Star family. Visually, it can shorten the leg at the ankle, which is worth keeping in mind when building an outfit.
Low-Top
The low-top, also known as the Ox, sits below the ankle and is the most versatile of the classic Converse sneakers. It works equally well to tone down a smart-casual office look, worn through summer with lightweight pants, or anywhere in between. The low-top is particularly popular among women styled with dresses and shorts, while the same cut pairs naturally with chinos and tailored pants for men.
Platform Styles
Platform versions, including silhouettes inspired by the Run Star Hike with their chunky soles and geometric profile, add height and a more pronounced streetwear edge. They balance best with wide-leg tailored pants or a long denim skirt and are a popular choice for those who want a contemporary look with greater visual presence.
Jack Purcell
Jack Purcell is the minimalist of the family, recognized by its distinctive curved "smile" detail on the toe cap. It is available in canvas and suede and appeals to those who prefer a quieter, preppy-inspired aesthetic. Among the full sneaker selection at Stoy, the Jack Purcell stands out as one of the most refined options.
Materials and Seasons
Canvas is the most breathable material and the best choice for spring and summer. It is lightweight, flexible, and gives the classic Converse silhouette its characteristic soft profile. That said, canvas does not handle moisture well and is not well suited to rain or wet autumn streets.
For fall and winter, smooth leather or suede versions are the better option. Leather molds to the foot over time, is easier to wipe clean, and holds its shape better than canvas under daily use. Suede offers a more textured surface and a warmer aesthetic, though it requires a little more care. Technical versions with a Gore-Tex membrane are the right choice when you need the rubber outsole's traction in persistent rain without compromising the classic look. You can also explore the full footwear selection at Stoy if you are looking for weather-resistant alternatives.
Sizing and Fit
Classic Converse styles, particularly the Chuck Taylor All-Star, have historically run large. It is generally recommended to size down by half to a full size from your usual size. If you normally wear a US 10, a 9 or 9.5 will typically fit better. Measure your feet later in the day, when they are at their largest, and use our size guide as a reference.
High-top styles can visually shorten the leg at the ankle, while low-top versions tend to be more universally flattering across different body types. The Chuck 70 and newer styles featuring CX foam offer significantly better shock absorption than the classic flat sole and are a strong starting point if comfort is a priority. If you find it difficult to decide, our stores are open throughout the week and our team can assist with fit.
Styling and Outfits
The classic everyday look is straightforward: Converse shoes with jeans and a t-shirt. It is a combination that works in any color, and black Converse are particularly easy to build an outfit around, functioning as a neutral anchor in the wardrobe.
For smart-casual occasions, a low-top in leather or a monochrome Chuck Taylor pairs well with well-fitted tailored pants and a blazer. Avoid worn canvas or bold platform sneakers if the context is formal. For more festive settings, a high-top or platform style worn with a sequined dress or a suit introduces an unexpected element that feels deliberate rather than out of place. Platform styles work best with longer pants or skirts that balance the volume of the sole. For further inspiration, you can also explore women's sneakers and ballet flats for everyday wear as alternatives across different dress codes.
The low-top is the most flexible shoe in a summer wardrobe, pairing naturally with linen shorts, relaxed dresses, and lightweight pants. Converse sneakers in canvas are an equally natural choice for casual weekend outfits, where comfort and style complement rather than compete with each other.
Care and Maintenance
Machine washing is not suitable for Converse shoes. The rubber outsole risks separating from the upper, and the shape can be damaged in the process. Clean canvas styles by hand using a paste of baking soda and dish soap, scrubbing gently with a toothbrush, rinsing with a damp microfiber cloth, and leaving the shoes to dry in the shade. Direct sunlight can cause yellowing on light-colored canvas and white soles.
Leather styles require considerably less effort. A damp sponge is usually sufficient, and the leather softens naturally around the foot with regular wear. Store all styles in a dry environment and use shoe trees to help them retain their shape over time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Converse Shoes
Do Converse shoes run large or small?
Converse shoes generally run large. It is recommended to size down by half to a full size from your usual size. If you normally wear a US 10, a 9 or 9.5 in Converse will often fit better. Measure your feet later in the day when they are at their largest, and refer to our size guide for additional guidance.
What is the difference between the Chuck Taylor All-Star and the Chuck 70?
The Chuck 70 is a premium reissue of the classic Chuck Taylor All-Star, based on the 1970s version of the shoe. It uses a heavier, more durable canvas (12 oz versus 8 oz), features additional reinforcement stitching along the sides, has a thicker off-white rubber outsole with a glossy finish, and includes a foam insole that provides noticeably better comfort for everyday wear. The Chuck 70 is the natural choice if you want the classic Converse aesthetic with improved durability and support.
Which Converse style works best for fall and rainy weather?
Classic cotton canvas does not handle moisture well and is primarily a spring and summer choice. For fall and winter, Converse styles in smooth leather or suede are more weather-resistant and easier to clean. Technical versions with a Gore-Tex membrane are the best option in wet conditions, keeping feet dry without compromising the classic Converse look.
How do I clean my Converse shoes?
Avoid the washing machine, as the rubber risks separating from the upper. Clean canvas styles by hand using a paste of baking soda and dish soap. Scrub gently with a toothbrush, rinse with a damp microfiber cloth, and allow the shoes to dry in the shade. Direct sunlight can cause yellowing. Leather styles can be cleaned easily with a damp sponge.
Are Converse shoes comfortable for walking?
It depends on the style. The classic Chuck Taylor All-Star has a historically flat sole with minimal support, which can become noticeable on longer walks. If comfort is a priority, the Chuck 70 with its OrthoLite insole is a better option, as are newer styles with CX foam, which absorb impact and offer greater flexibility for everyday use. For shorter outings and casual wear, the classic styles remain entirely functional.
Which Converse styles are popular with women?
The low-top is widely popular for summer and everyday wear, as it sits below the ankle and pairs easily with dresses, shorts, and chinos. Platform sneakers are sought after for the extra height and contemporary look they provide. The Chuck 70 in canvas or leather is a popular choice for those who want a more premium version of the classic with better comfort and durability.






