On our stroll down platform shoe lane, we’ve been reviewing the platform shoes of some of the most influential brands in the footwear industry. Some of our contestants for ‘best platform shoe’ have shown their brand quality and why we should buy from them, while others have not.
Converse has a long-lasting legacy of being a crowd favourite. Their Chuck Taylor All-Stars have sold all across the world for over half a century, and very few modifications have needed to take place to keep buyers queuing for a pair. One modification, or perhaps an alternative avenue, Converse has decided to implement is a platform on some of their sneakers. Today, we’ll be looking at Converse and what they have to offer. We think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
Converse has a surprisingly diverse range of high-quality platform sneakers to choose from. Their soles are well made and offer both a height boost and support. We’ll go over each platformed silhouette below.
Let’s start with the…
Converse Run Star Hike Platform Sneakers
This is the up-and-coming fan favourite of Converse platform sneakers and one of the best platform shoes on the clouted market. The upper is made from the same classic canvas as the OG Chuck Taylor All-Star silhouette, and maintains the same quality, too.
The magic happens below. Converse has manufactured one hell of a platform for this shoe, which comes with several layers. The first part of the platform is the rubber-toothed outsole, specifically designed for outdoor activities like hiking, hence the name. This rubber outsole comes in two parts, the heel and the toe, and offers plenty of traction along with the first boost.
Next comes the midsole, which offers the majority of the height boost. This is the true platform. Inside the rubber mould lies a combination of two methods we have seen before. The first method is the extended rubber columns we saw on the Adidas sneakers. This gives the majority of the boost but does not stand alone in doing so. Resting above the columns lies a thick layer of foam, but unlike the Puma platform sneakers, it isn’t made to be the structure of the platform but instead a cushion. The foam keeps the feet from pressing against any pressure points the rubber columns may create, offering additional comfort and support to the wearer. Finally, on top of the foam sheet lies a comfortable insole, which doesn’t add much to the height.
This combination of the two methods gives Converse the ultimate advantage. Altogether, the Converse Hike platform soles give an additional 2” of added height to those who wear them. This shoe comes in both men’s and women’s sizes, which is rare for a platform shoe. In fact, this sneaker has some resale value, especially in the men’s larger sizes. We recommend going half a size down with these.
The Run Star Hike comes in numerous colourways and even has a few low-top options. The average price for these shoes is £69.99, which is extremely affordable for a pair of sneakers, let alone platform sneakers. But that’s the beauty of Converse shoes; affordable, yet cool.
Converse Run Star Hike Platform Leather
Converse also released a premium version of this silhouette. While the regular Run Star Hike shoes are well made, everything about the make of this shoe is superior. The uppers are made from premium leather, and the midsoles are made from a thicker rubber.
These usually go for £115 on the Converse website.
Converse Run Star Motion
We’re getting weird and wavy now. The Run Star Motions are more sole than upper, with the wavy midsoles eating into the canvas upper. These are beasts and have a higher platform height than the Run Star Hikes. This is thanks to the chunky mid and outsoles, which, from the outside at least, are merged together.
The interior of the soles is the same as the Run Star Hikes, just exaggerated. These are much wider than the Run Star Hikes, and they provide an extra inch of platform, meaning they give the wearing a whopping 3” boost.
Following the overall theme of the shoe, the insoles are extra thick, leading to even more comfort. The price of these shoes drastically fluctuates, depending on where you’re looking. Foot Locker has been known to sell these for just over £100, and schuh sells them for £115. The Converse online store, however, sells this shoe for £64.99.
These are incredibly bold-looking silhouettes, some may view them as too bold, so we aren’t surprised if these ain’t the pair. Still, anyone brave enough to wear the Run Star Motions will find they are a high-quality pair of platform sneakers.
Converse Run Star Legacy
The Run Star Legacy platform trainers have a more sleek design compared to most platform shoes. This pair has a unique platform sole design that gives a 1.5” height boost. The entirety of the boost comes from the platform midsole, which is made from a durable foam. This foam has dual density, meaning they are harder at the bottom and softer at the top, offering both comfort and support. The outsoles are made from a thin rubber, made to give the shoes some traction.
These shoes are true to size and priced at £64.99 on the Converse online store, continuing the trend of affordable platform sneakers Converse provides.
Just like the Converse Run Star Hike, the Legacys have a premium leather version of the shoe. This is priced at £115 on the Converse online store. Almost one-upping the Run Star Hikes, the Legacy also comes in suede, which is priced the same as the leathers.
Chuck 70 De Luxe Heel Hi
Converse has a diverse collection of heeled sneakers. One of these that stands out is the Chuck 70 De Luxe Heel Pride Hi. While technically high heels, these shoes definitely deserve a mention for their unique appearance.
Besides, they still have the platform midsole above the heel. The heel gives wearers a boost of 4”, which is higher than any of their flat platform sneakers. The usual price for these is £115, but that goes up to £125 if you select the Pride-themed colourway.
Classic Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Lift Platform
On to the classics! There’s not a lot to say about the Classic Converse Chuck Taylor All Star platform shoes that haven’t been mentioned above. This is the standard take of originals; a regular Chuck Taylor with a platform. The platform interior has the same design that makes Converse a superior platform sneaker. Out of all of the Converse platforms, this one makes the least noise visually, which may appeal to some who just want a classic shoe with a discreet boost.
One thing worth mentioning is that these have the greatest variety of colours available. They come in black, white, red and all in between. While many are simply made of canvas, there are leather options available as well. Standard canvas silhouettes cost £80, while most leather versions are £100. The Chuck Taylor platforms are always for sale on the Converse website and are particular favourites of women in the UK. Perfect for all weather, these shoes look great in both sun dresses, flowy trousers, and winter coats.
There is also an option to make custom trainers through their online shop, be it for the platform Converse or not. Few shoe stores allow people to find the perfect balance between trendy trainers and their own wonderfully weird personalities.
A timeless classic that will never get old and a perfect end to this chapter.
