Meet the new VIP in the Swarovski Crystal Society.
Everyone’s trusty sneaker brand has gone luxury. Yep, we’re talking about Converse, the kicks maker that has outfitted Taylor Swift, Olivia Rodrigo, and even US Vice President Kamala Harris.
But being every star’s go-to trainer is not the only thing that makes the American footwear brand highly valued. Just last weekend, Converse’s mother company, Nike Inc., announced that its youthful, rugged shoemaker and Australian luxury brand Swarovski have teamed up on a pair of sneakers that is out to dazzle sneakerheads and posh fashionistas alike.
Enter the Swarovski x Converse Run Star Trainer in Deep Emerald and showered with Swarovski crystals. Nike describes the collaboration as an “opulent take” on Converse’s retro-cool low-rise trainers. Who would’ve thought it would become a VIP in the Swarovski Crystal Society in just a few months?
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The new pair of kicks features quarter panels bedecked in Swarovski crystals of various sizes that not only make the shoe lavish but also extra special to Converse lovers. To add more luxe and shine, the pair’s traditional nylon and suede construction was ditched for premium suede and satin for the uppers.
Converse envisioned the pair as one that balances glamour with all-around comfort. It comes with a gum sole for durability and a strong grip, just like the rest of the Converse Run Star line. The pair is also equipped with triple-layered memory foam for a comfortable and cushioned underfoot ride.
Meanwhile, its rich green color aims to add sparkle to the holiday season, when it is scheduled to hit shelves. According to the shoemaker, the silhouette was inspired by over 20 Converse models that have been tied to the Olympics.
For context, Converse was the official shoe of the Olympic Games from 1936 to 1968. The sneaker brand and Nike also released a limited-edition shoe collection, which includes the Converse AS-1 Pro and Nike SB Dunk Low, for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
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Unlike the regular Converse Run Star Trainers priced at $90 in the US and P4,290 in the Philippines, the new pair adorned with Swarovski crystals will retail for $300 (P17,500). It is slated to drop on Dec. 13 on the Nike and Converse websites.
This is not the first time the street shoe brand partnered with Swarovski on a pair of shimmering kicks. Last February, the two brands released the Converse De Luxe Squared sneakers that feature signature staples, like the All Star patch, rubber toe cap, and pinstriped rubber sole.
What makes the pair shine is its upper, which is bedecked with over 1,300 Swarovski crystals. It also comes with geometric overlays and squared proportions, bringing an edgy vibe to the classic Chuck 70 silhouette.
Like the Swarovski x Converse Run Star Trainers, the De Luxe Square sneakers came with a hefty price tag of $300. The limited-edition pair now retails for $659—more than twice its original price—on luxury marketplace Farfetch.
Apart from Converse, the jewelry company has collaborated with other sneaker brands to produce crystalized Nike Jordan 1, Adidas Superstar trainers, and Vans shoes. Next in line is the Swarovski Nike Air Max Plus collection which is due out in 2025.
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