This Under-the-Radar Converse Could Be the Retro Sneaker to Rule Them All

Blending design elements popularized by Adidas and Nike, this Japan-exclusive Converse is a clean combo in sneaker form.

Converse Road Classic SK OXConverse

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If aluminum luggage, rare bourbon or one-off Red Wings don’t inspire a trip to Tokyo, how about some under-the-radar Converse sneakers?

As first reported by Highsnobiety, the company’s overseas division reimagined an archival model called the Road Machine into a lifestyle-leaning skate shoe that rivals today’s most popular retro sneakers, especially given how seamlessly it blends various design elements.

Converse Road Classic SK OX
The Road Classic SK OX is a modern reinterpretation of an archival model called the Road Machine.
Converse

Stick the landing

The Road Classic SK OX boasts a mixed-material upper that combines canvas and suede, with paneling around the heel and toebox that’s reminiscent of the Adidas Samba.

Converse Road Classic SK OX
The suede paneling is reminiscent of shoes like the Samba, especially around the toebox.
Converse

On closer inspection, that fact is further reinforced by Converse’s decision to go with sawtooth detailing throughout the upper, a hallmark of the stripes found on old-school Adidas Originals models.

Converse Road Classic SK OX
Sawtooth detailing is a common retro feature, especially when it comes to Adidas Originals models.
Converse

That said, the Road Classic SK OX avoids being an all-out Samba dupe, with a tacky, rubber sole that follows in the footsteps of shoes like the Nike Killshot 2, giving it a leg up for use actually skateboarding.

Converse Road Classic SK OX
The profile of the Road Classic SK OX is more akin to the Killshot 2 from Converse’s parent company, Nike.
Converse
Converse Road Classic SK OX
It may look like a lifestyle sneaker but the sole Road Classic SK OX is designed for skateboarding.
Converse

The only thing missing is notoriety outside of Japan, where the shoe has remained exclusive since launch. In other words, make sure your checked bag has some spare room for the way back.

Availability and pricing

The Converse Road Classic SK OX comes in half a dozen colorways, including Orange, Navy and Ice Gray, which are new for 2025.

It costs 11,550 Japanese yen, or roughly $78.