Chuck Taylors have been a staple of people’s sneaker wardrobes closing in on a full century now. Seriously, that’s a long time to thrive for a pair of shoes that have remained largely unchanged since their introduction in 1917. It’s why I can’t believe that all these years, they’ve never released a pair designed for wearing in wet and snowy weather. They’re changing that now with the All Star Chuck ’70 Polartec.
While still decked in the traditional canvas and rubber construction, this new release is completely weather-resistant, with the ability to shrug off water like it’s nobody’s business. That way, you can walk in the rain, run through puddles, and engage in heavy water fights at the park without leaving your socks (and your feet) a soaking mess after all is said and done.
To add the waterproofing, the All Star Chuck ’70 Polartec comes with a layer of the Polartec Power Shield Pro membrane between the canvas upper and the tricot inner lining. Yes, the canvas will be wet and soaking, but all the moisture stays outside, allowing your feet to stay dry and smell nice all day long. In case you’re not familiar with Polartec’s membrane, it’s a breathable, water-resistant fabric that combines “air permeability with durably hydrostatic resistance.” Basically, it’s one of the best water-repelling fabrics around, having seen wide use in a variety of products, including rain jackets, climbing pants, and other outdoor gear.
The All Star Chuck ’70 Polartec will be available in two styles: a Clematis Blue high-top and a Gargoyle Gray low-top, each with a reverse-color tongue. It’s dropping as a limited-edition model in a handful of shoe shops around San Francisco, Soho, and Canada, priced at $110.