Converse sneakers are undoubtedly a footwear staple for nearly everyone’s shoe closet since they are ideal for everyday wear, no matter the age, gender, or identity.
Although canvas high-top sneakers have managed to stay relevant for more than a hundred years, one drawback about these shoes is that they are very expensive. So, why is Converse so expensive? I did extensive research about this, and this is what I discovered!
Why Are Converse So Expensive In 2024?
Converse sneakers are expensive because the shoes are highly popular, increasing their demand. New Converse shoe versions tend to be costly since they have better technology. Increased production expenses also lead to the high prices of Converse. However, it’s worth noting that these high-top canvas shoes come at reasonable prices compared to other shoe brands.
To find out more about why Converse shoes are so expensive despite their simple design, keep reading!
Reasons Why Converse Is So Expensive
Converse sneakers are one of the few shoes in the fashion industry that have been able to stay relevant and consistent for over a hundred years.
These rubber-soled canvas sneakers are made from high quality and durable materials, enabling them to remain a staple among fashion connoisseurs.
However, you might be wondering why these canvas sneakers, whose signature design has remained relatively the same for over ten decades, became so expensive.
Well, here are the top eight reasons why!
1. Converse’s Additional Features
Some Converse shoes come with additional features and innovations that make them expensive since these features add to their production costs.
For instance, the waterproof Converse can go for over $100 since they have additional OrthoLite cushioning, waterproof features, and a unique design which increases production costs.
Moreover, some of these canvas sneakers have a fleece-lined inner, hiker-inspired tread, and waterproof GORE-TEX material, which are expensive.
Thus, more often than not, Converse shoes with additional features made from superior materials will naturally be pricier than sneakers with no extra features.
2. Converse Is Customizable
Converse Rubber Shoe Company offers personalized options online for Converse lovers who want to customize their pair with their color choices or add text to their shoes.
With Converse, you can design your pair of sneakers by choosing the colors that match your outfit and mix-match them as you like.
Therefore, canvas sneakers eliminate the need to spend most of your time in the mall or shoe stores looking for Converse that matches the outfit you have in mind.
Since Converse sneakers are customizable, unlike other shoes, they tend to fetch a higher price than their counterparts.
3. Converse Is Versatile
Converse shoes have remained a fashion trend for over a hundred years amidst the ever-changing fashion trends due to their consistency.
Thus, if you buy these canvas high-top sneakers, you can sport them for many years without worrying about fashion trends since they don’t go out of style.
Additionally, Converse shoes remain classic footwear that you can wear for casual style, smart casual style, and even street style.
Since Converse shoes offer timeless versatility and require minimal maintenance and care, they’re ideal for travel.
That being the case, the consistency and versatility of these rubber-soled sneakers contribute to their high prices.
4. Converse Are Durable
Converse shoes are among the most durable canvas sneakers in the footwear market when it boils down to wear and tear.
These rubber-soled shoes can last for years depending on the materials they are made from and how you use them daily.
Generally speaking, Converse shoes can last for more than 18 months, depending on the maintenance and the care you give them.
The durability of these sneakers comes from their highly durable gum rubber outsoles and tightly woven high-quality top canvas.
Nonetheless, it’s worth noting that some factors, such as your weight and daily usage, can contribute to your Converse shoe’s longevity.
5. Converse Are Sustainable
Over the past few years, Converse has been producing sustainable and durable canvas sneakers while observing set environmental objectives.
For instance, the footwear company makes its sneakers using eco-friendly raw materials such as recycled and organic polyester and cotton.
Also, Converse shoes are made of crater foam outsoles made from 12% recycled rubber sourced from the shoes’ production process.
While using recycled materials protects the environment from pollution, it contributes to increased production processes and costs.
Consequently, this raises the prices of the Converse sneakers.
6. Converse Has a Rich History
Converse All-Stars shoes gained popularity among basketball lovers in 1917 after Charles Taylor, a basketball player, sported them as his ideal sports shoes.
Consequently, the Converse Rubber Shoe Company sponsored the basketball player. Since then, canvas sneakers became the shoe to wear for basketball players.
Unfortunately, after Charles Taylor’s demise in the 1960s, Converse’s popularity as a sports shoe declined after Adidas, Reebok, Nike, and Puma brands gained momentum.
Nevertheless, Converse reemerged as a fashion trend for the youth after changing its identity from sports shoes to everyday streetwear.
Converse has, in turn, become synonymous with the world’s subcultures, thus raising its stature and price as an iconic shoe to wear.
7. Converse Are Wardrobe Staple
Over the past a hundred years, Converse sneakers have immensely evolved in variations, collaborations, and colorways while maintaining their original high-top canvas style.
These rubber-soled boots are arguably one of the most versatile canvas sneakers globally since they extend their reach in every social group niche.
Thus, Converse shoes can be worn by virtually anyone and everyone, from children, women, men, parents, and grandparents from all walks of life.
Since Converse boots have become a wardrobe staple to many, the demand for these shoes has drastically increased, making them relatively expensive footwear pieces.
8. Converse’s Iconic Status
While it’s practically impossible for canvas sneakers to remain popular in the fashion industry for decades, Converse All-Stars have attained this feat.
Sure, Adidas and Nike have been able to do so for a long time, but it’s essential to note that the two big brands engage in aggressive marketing strategies, unlike Converse.
Regardless of the ever-changing fashion trends, Converse shoes have maintained their consistency over the years.
Consequently, this has played a part in the high-top canvas sneakers attaining the “iconic status,” which, in turn, has increased their prices.
Conclusion
In retrospect, Converse sneakers are so expensive due to their sustainability, durability, popularity, consistency, additional features, and iconic status.
However, it’s ideal to point out that the price of each pair of canvas sneakers is relatively reasonable since the shoes are a fashion trend that goes well with any outfit.