Converse’s Best New Sneaker in Years Is an Unexpected ’70s Throwback

This retro shoe, pulled from the archives and perfected by a surprising collaborator, is primed for a summer breakout.

Converse 1908 Archives Coach Jogger Sneaker closeup

Published May 22, 2025

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When you think of Converse, one shoe probably comes to mind: Chucks. Yes, the Chuck Taylor All Star may be the most iconic sneaker of all time, but it’s also somewhat hurt Converse as a brand. Most folks probably can’t name another silhouette.

I’m here to tell you that Converse has a rich, storied history that extends well beyond that single sneaker. The brand’s latest collab with Tyler, The Creator, the Converse 1908 Archives Coach Jogger, proves exactly that.

It might be the best shoe the brand has released in years — and it could be the perfect summer go-to.

The nylon and suede materials blend beautifully with the shoe’s retro silhouette.

Converse

Put me in, coach

I was skeptical when it was announced that Tyler, The Creator — rapper, comedian and weirdo extraordinaire — was working on a collaborative archival series with Converse. It’s not that I don’t respect his artistry; it just seemed like a mismatch.

I’m happy to say that, after seeing this Coach Jogger, a revival of a ’70s sneaker style, I was deeply mistaken in my snap judgment. This sneaker honors its heritage while elevating it in several ways.

It retains a retro silhouette, including the wrap-around heel and wedge outsole construction, but updates it for modernity. The toecap, heel and eye stays are suede, while the quarter, collar and tongue are nylon.

But it’s not just the materials; it’s also the Golf Le Fleur (Tyler’s brand) color combos (and branding) that make these sneakers fantastic. While my favorite is the Forest Shade/Green, it also comes in Quiet Tide/Starlight Blue and Bistre/Dijon/Star White.

Converse 1908 Archives Coach Jogger Sneaker top and bottom — The elder millennial crowd will likely drool over the Onitsuka Tiger- and Kangaroo-like styling.

The beginning of a beautiful friendship

This release is a part of the 1908 Archives — the official title of the Tyler, The Creator collab series. However, that’s not just some clever name; it has real significance to the brand.

The year Converse was founded is 1908. As its name suggests, that means the releases in this collection will be vintage, retro throwbacks to the brand’s rich history.

In fact, this shoe is launching alongside another, the Naut-1, a “minimalist boating shoe from the ’70s.” It’s similar to another iconic shoe, the Vans Authentic. I’m particularly fond of this terrier-themed one.

If these two concurrent releases don’t prove to you, as they did to me, that this is a rich team-up with a lot of future potential, I’m not sure anything will. In any case, I’m excited to see if the collaboration continues beyond just these two silhouettes.

Converse 1908 Archives Coach Jogger Sneaker worn by Tyler, The Creator — Each pair of Joggers comes with two different sets of laces.

Pricing and availability

While the collection hasn’t yet dropped, you can sign up for email and text alerts through Converse. When they’re released on June 20, the Converse 1908 Archives Coach Joggers will cost $100.