Wear Your Soles Review #4 : Converse Chuck Taylor All star II Boot

As winter brings the snow upon us, we require wearing different footwear. Something that is waterproof will protect us from the coming winter months. The Converse Chuck Taylor Allstar II Boot is a perfect shoe for the winter. The Chuck is constructed with an all leather upper and built to withstand all elements coming on its way. The sole is a hard rubber material which has a spider web design, allowing for a firm grip to the ground.

All 4 Converse Chuck Taylor Allstar II

Ever since Nike had bought Converse, Nike decided to put in there "Lunar Lon" Technology into all of there converse models, including the Chuck II Boot. Nike has been using this technology for many years and not once has it not been super comfortable. I'm not saying that "Lunar Lon" is the most comfortable technology out there, but it works well with the boot. Currently, the shoes have 54different colours available to purchase worldwide.

Weather performance

This is probably one of the best boots I've ever had. Last year during the large snowfall, I wore these boots almost every day during the snowy days and never had snow, slush, or rain get into the shoe. I have to say Nike did well designing the boot and making it true to its name. An all waterproof boot.

When I had rain on the shoe, only a few droplets had stayed on the Boot. When I shook the shoe all of the drops just slid right off. It's just a great weather performing boot.

Casual Wear / Walking

Normally I expect boots to be super heavy and not comfortable. The Chuck II Boot is surprisingly light and has a "Lunar Lon" insole which makes this boot really comfortable to walk in. The Chuck really forms well around your foot and keeps it locked in. When I was walking home in these boots, they really didn't bother me and I kinda thought I was wearing a pair of runners. that's how great fitting they are.

Cost

Prices in CAD*

Converse Chuck II Boot (Leather)  Retail: $149.99

Overall Review

This is one of the best boots for all elements. Especially since it rains a lot in Vancouver, the boot can be used year round. The boot is super comfortable compared to other boots and keeps all elements (snow, slush, mud, rain) out. The sole is sturdy and has a design to prevent you from slipping on ice. 

  

 Walking: 7/10   Weather Performance: 9/10    Comfort: 8/10   

Image Credits: Google Images, Sneaker News, High Snobiety, Hypebeast, Stock X

Wear Your Soles Review #3 : Air Jordan 1

The one shoe that started Jordan Brand and shook up the NBA's uniform code for footwear on the court. The Air Jordan 1 was first seen on court during a game in 1985. Michael Jordan stepped onto the court in a hightop silhouette with the infamous Black and Red colourway. Nike them selfs thought the shoe looked like "the devils" shoe. The shoe brought up problems for Jordan because, during that time, the NBA had a strict policy about players clothing attire. Every time MJ stepped onto the court, he'd be fined for $5000. The "sneaker ban" built up so much attention that Nike decided to step in and pay the fines that Jordan accumulated.

Michael Jordan playing in Bred 1s

The Jordan 1 has an all leather upper constructed with a high top like silhouette which "locks" your ankle in. The midsole a foam type material and the sole is rubber. The Jordan 1 was first released as a basketball shoe, but most people nowadays wear them casually. There have been over 200+ Jordan 1s that were released. The most well known "Banned" 1, Shattered Backboard 1, and Royal 1 just to name a few. Recently the Jordan 1 silhouette was used with Nike's "THE TEN" collaboration with off-white creator and designer Virgil Abloh. Currently, the collab is one of the hardest pairs to obtain.

Air Jordan 1 "Bred" (Banned)

Air Jordan 1 "Royal" 

Air Jordan 1 "Shattered Backboard"

Air Jordan 1 X Off White

Weather Performance

From my personal experience wearing Jordan 1s during all weather, they do pretty well. since its an all leather upper, it repels water and snow well. if you are unlucky the leather and mesh material inside the shoe might soak up the rain or snow. During the last large snowfall, I wore the 1s for a week. during that time period, I learned that the sole isn't that good and I lost control with my footing nearly slipping on ice. 

Running / Training

Right away I'm going to say don't even try to run in these shoes. They're not flexible at all, being leather. i did try to play basket ball in these. the result was there is no ankle support, as well as the shoes are heavy and hard to run in. The shoe has no cushioning for your foot and just hurts your feet after just a little bit of running or a bit of walking. Just not an optimal shoe to wear for running or training.

Casual Wear / Walking

When I wear these shoes, I'd only last around half a day before my feet begin to hurt. the Jordan 1 just doesn't have any cushion to keep your feet comfy so I wouldn't recommend going a day in them. Maybe bring a spare shoe to change into cause majority of the time your feet will hurt unless your that lucky person that doesn't notice it. Even though they might hurt your feet, people are wearing the shoes every day and can wear it with just about anything.

Cost

Prices in CAD*

Air Jordan 1  Retail: $200 - $240 

Overall Review

I do enjoy wearing the Jordan 1. It fits any style and is a good shoe during the wetter seasons. It might hurt your feet a bit but it might just be worth it. Going to a nice night out, the Jordan 1 is really nice to wear. If your traveling it might not be the best shoe to wear since it is so heavy. Otherwise, I'd wear the Jordan 1 for short periods of time.

Running: 2/10   Stability: 6/10   Walking: 5/10   Weather Performance: 7.5/10   Comfort: 6.5/10

Image Credits: Google Images, Sneaker News, High Snobiety, Hypebeast, Stock X