Random one. I love the Converse style trainer but find the quality of the brand itself absolutely shite. Anyone have recommendations for similar styles that don't fall to bits?
I've been wearing Altama OTB for a while now and find them very comfy. I've never worn Cons but have read these are like a hardcore version. Designed for military swimmers apparently which is why there's the camo versions (I assume). Having a rubber insole they can get a little hot but lots of people have swapped them out for other insoles.
Link to the UK stockist (a little pricey but seem to hold up well in my experience).
I’ve found vans to last a bit longer nothing earth shattering but just seem a bit better in my experience.
I bought a pair of high tops or whatever they call them from Jeffery West. Love the details. Not cheap but certainly a bit different.
These look pretty good at a reasonable price.
Musto 064 Lo Shoe
If you shop around can be picked up for less than rrp.
Also found Musto to be pretty good.
Superga offer lots of similar plimsoll style trainers for a similar price bracket.
I think they're better quality than the converse.
Another vote here for Superga, much better than Converse for me. Also worthy of a look are Novesta and Spring Court.
I’ve found Converse to be of a shocking quality, a pair I had within weeks the rear rectangular badge started coming undone, so I complained to Converse just to see what they might say/do and hey weren’t in the slightest bit interested. In the end I had to superglue it back into place.
The Converse 70s models are more substantially built than the regular Converse, might be worth you looking at. (They also have some arch support, which makes them a damn sight nicer to wear IMHO.)
Dave E
Skating away on the thin ice of a new day
Adidas Originals Nizza hi-top (or low-top). Mine have done a year so far with no significant wear, but I don't wear them day in, day out.
They do have a gore tex version - the quality is supposed to be superior than the regular range.
I have a slip on and sneakers from clearweather,I saw somewhere that they have Converse style sneakers
Another alternative will be pf flyer,their insole are nice
Other alternative will be adidas promodel 1960 or the classic styles with boost midsole
I'm going to put a good word in for the brand, I've 3 pairs of Converse and don't have a single quality related issue with them. The two canvas pairs aren't really suitable for cold and/or wet weather, that's it.
Still hasn't stopped me checking out the other names provided in this thread, though!
I bought a pair of Aldi Converse alike. Perfectly serviceable and make fof a great driving shoe for heal-and-toe.
Apart from not having any brand name on them I honestly don't thing anyone would notice.
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Superga, PF flyers, or Jack Purcell converse are better than standard ones
There are Converse and Vans and then there are copies, fwiw I've never had a problem with the quality, maybe I'm just not hard on my footware!
Lanvin, simiar toe cap but last for years.
Dunlop Green Flash, plimsolls for older boys and girls.
Started out with nothing. Still have most of it left.
Thanks for the feedback so far, I'll check out all the recommendations
^^^^Originally Posted by oldoakknives
Dunlop Green Flash, plimsolls for older boys and girls.
This.
Some proper old school retro footwear right there. Probably a massive hit with the Hoxton Hipsters already.
Pretty impressed with the new GoreTex Chuck 70s HiTops. Footbed far more comfortable than previous versions.
I also like a Japanese brand, Shoes Like Pottery (http://shoeslikepottery.com/en/manufacturing), PF Flyers (as above) and Visvim (although they are ludicrously expensive).
Merrell do a great alternative, last ages and really comfortable
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I've got a few pair of Van's and never had any issues with them, wife and kids have Cons and again never had a problem.
French brand Veja are mega trendy - eco-friendly, fairtrade, socially responsible and all that malarky. They even make vegan versions.
I just knew that veja made something like converse,I know they have chukkas and some sneakers that looks like Nike’s air force one
For something fancy,there are Rick Owens and their Adidas colab too
You for real?
Vans for casual, Nike for gym, Merrell for beach.
Love the quality and comfort of Merrells.Merrell do a great alternative, last ages and really comfortable
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Me, my two teenage sons and wife have been through dozens of pairs of converse, vans and their supermarket equivalent over the years. Our conclusion ? Pay £5 or £55, they’re broadly the same shoe with cheap soles that split far more quickly than ‘proper’ trainers. They’re probably worth £5 but the rest is branding (I might add my wife used to be a footwear buyer for a well known retailer, she understands shoe construction techniques. They’re mostly made in Vietnam and components are often identical if you look up close!)
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As already mentioned, the 1970's Chuck Taylors are purportedly better than the regular line up, and the Made in USA PF Flyers have been noted above too.
Some others to look at;
Spring Court
Novesta
Nigel Cabourn PT plimsols
John Lofgren
Shoes Like Pottery
Moonstar
The latter two (possibly three) are interesting, made in Japan using the now uncommon vulcanised sole method.
*and before anyone comments with the ubiquitous "how much", it's no different to "how much" some spend on watches or any other item beyond basic requirement.
Have a look at Cole Haan. I've bought a couple of pairs and they are super comfy
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So is a knock-off Rolex ok then?
I think the poster means branding is the difference between the £5 and £55 shoes. The £5 shoes would still have their own label and not act as a fake Converse with Converse branding.
You can buy £5000 approx Rolex or a Steinhart (or other brand) as a homage - fakes are never acceptable.
OP wanted something similar to Converse, which they are.You for real?
Similar … with an added £250 worth of dirt
Similar … with an added £250 worth of dirt
Free delivery though
Vans Pro series - much better quality and durability.
I skate, and can destroy Vans in a few months, but converse in a few weeks.
The Pro series will last at least 100% longer than standard Vans for me, get more than a year from them - soles are different construction and far more durable, but still cool styles (hi-tops, sneakers etc)
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Then again, just paid £90 for my latest vans pros
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Patina, I think you’ll find ;-)Similar … with an added £250 worth of dirt
I’m not talking about fakes - I’m talking about different (genuine) brands and ‘supermarket’ brands. I don’t buy or wear fake anything.
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Have a look on Amazon for some decent reductions on Superga:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01MXOJ3...=22&th=1&psc=1
I tried some Dolomite Cinquantaquattro in brown earlier in the winter, getting on well with them. A bit urban crossed with a rugged outdoor boot. The leather isn't monstrously thick so quickly conforms to your foot. Not sure about the goretex lining, have a feeling it might start to get sweaty as the weather warms up. Pleasant boots though.
original vans are pretty indestructible
Vans also land the right way up if you throw them up in the air, I don't know why or why it is useful!
My view is they have got significantly worse across their range over the last 15yrs. What used to last years now barely lasts a couple & I only wear casual at weekend.
I’ve still got a 10yr old pair going strong, recent similar versions have worn through inside heel lining after 12-18 months rendering them useless.
A shame as they used to be a standard go to brand for me for a non expensive quality outdoor shoe.
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https://www.telegraph.co.uk/men/fash...-Converse.html
May be time to buy a stout pair of brogues
Just had a pair of Dunlop green flash delivered ( actually they are the blue version) bought from Sports Direct via E Bay at £10.00 +postage ,they are brand new and boxed BTW and first impression i am impressed far better on first looking build quality than either my Converse or RL Polo ones.
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