Some sneakers are designed to quietly complete an outfit. Converse’s latest collection has no interest in doing just that.
The company has teamed up with Dragon Ball Z for a limited-edition collection that puts some of the anime series’ most recognizable characters on America’s most familiar sneakers. Goku, Vegeta, Frieza, Cell, and Shenron all have their own designs, and the collection officially launches on July 23. Consider this a perfectly acceptable way for grown adults to get their childhood back on its feet.
The standard character-themed Chuck Taylor All Stars cost $80, which suddenly makes collecting sneakers feel almost financially responsible. It’s certainly easier to convince your significant other of this than a Mercedes-Maybach GLS, although both purchases arguably make a very strong statement when you get somewhere.
Goku and Vegeta’s sneakers are joined by versions dedicated to Frieza and Cell, while Shenron gets the slightly more premium Chuck 70 treatment for $100. Converse also offers Dragon Ball Z apparel, including a Goku T-shirt, a Shenron tee, and a matching hoodie.
And because apparently choosing your favorite Dragon Ball Z character wasn’t that hard, Converse is allowing shoppers to create their own version. The Converse By You x Dragon Ball Z Chuck Taylor All Star is priced at $105 and allows customers to play with colors, materials, laces, patches, prints, and other details. Converse says buyers can access designs inspired by the show’s characters and battles, while the shoe also features a Dragon Ball Z ankle patch and a limited-edition tongue design.
View 2 images in this gallery on the original article
In other words, you can make your sneakers as restrained or ridiculous as you want. Somewhere, Vegeta is probably evaluating your color choices. This collection also offers something different from the steady stream of performance-oriented and retro basketball sneakers. There’s always another Air Jordan 9 or highly anticipated Nike release waiting around the corner, but Dragon Ball Z Chucks aren’t trying to convince anyone that they’ll improve the jump shot. They’re here because they’re fun.
That may ultimately be the collection’s biggest selling point.
Converse has taken the Chuck Taylor, a shoe whose basic formula needs little introduction, and incorporated it into characters familiar to generations of anime fans. You don’t need to understand sneaker resale markets or know every obscure colorway to appreciate what’s going on. You just need to decide if you’re a Goku guy, a Vegeta guy, or willing to spend an unreasonable amount of time designing a custom Chuck.
The Converse x Dragon Ball Z Collection Is Now Available through conversationAdult character shoes start at $80 and the Shenron Chuck 70 costs $100. Just don’t expect the boots to make you a Super Saiyan.
For eighty bucks, that might be asking too much.
