Converse’s Latest Chuck Taylor Is an Easy-Wearing Trail-Tackling Oddity

Not only does the iconic basketball sneaker get a chunky, revamped sole, but its upper has been reimagined, too.

Converse All Star Trekwave V2 Ox heel closeup

Published May 8, 2025

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Updated May 8, 2025

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Originally designed for basketball, Converse’s Chuck Taylor All Stars might be the most iconic sneakers ever. Despite dating back to the early 1900s (yes, really), they are still consistently reimagined and revamped.

Proof positive that this timeless footwear style still has plenty of ground yet to cover, Converse has just transformed it yet again. This strange take, called the Converse All Star Trekwave V2 Ox, could bring home the title for 2025’s most easy-wearing hiking sneaker.

Converse All Star Trekwave V2 Ox — Yes, those are Velcro straps.

Easy come, easy go

Clearly, there are some significant changes with this take on the classic Chuck Taylor. One of the biggest ones is that the lacing system has been deleted.

This shoe has Velcro-style straps instead. While that obviously compromises some of the original sneaker’s stylistic charm, it does make putting these shoes on and taking them off a lot easier.

As the Trekwave V2 Ox is made for the outdoors, having a quicker means of adjusting the fit is highly beneficial.

It also makes adjusting the fit a lot simpler. Instead of fiddling with the laces — pulling them tighter or loosening them eye by eye, which can take some time — you can quickly undo the two straps and readjust in seconds.

That’s a boon, considering the sneaker’s intended usage. Since the Trekwave V2 Ox is made for the outdoors, having a quicker means of adjusting the fit is highly beneficial. You can spend more time hiking and less time tugging at your laces.

Stomp the yard

The other major alteration to this new take on the All Star is its sole. While it retains its iconic toe cap, the sole itself is much thicker. Unsurprisingly, this serves a purpose beyond just adding a bit of height to the shoe.

For starters, the sneaker gets an EVA midsole, adding a good amount of cushioning not found in the original, which is much more ideal for absorbing impacts on the trails. That’s furthered by its high-density urethane foam and rubber sponge insole.

Take a gander at the bottom of the outsole, and you’ll find deeper treads than typical Chucks with anti-slip properties. This completes the outdoor DNA, making what was once a relatively minimalist sneaker into a more formidable hiking shoe.

It’s worth noting that the upper is still made from untreated canvas. So, if you plan to use these sneakers in wetter conditions, you might want to hit them with a waterproof spray or at least prepare yourself for soggy feet.

Pricing and availability

Although not yet available, the Converse All Star Trekwave V2 Ox hiking sneakers are coming soon … to the brand’s Japanese site. It remains to be seen if these strange stompers make their way to the States.

The shoe’s pricing is set at ¥15,400 (approximately $107), and it is available in all-black or cream-on-black.