The First Japanese Converse Flagship: CONVERSE STORE HARAJUKU

Converse’s long history began in 1908 when it was established by Marquis Converse in the US state of Massachusetts. At the very beginning the brand actually started producing rubber galoshes, but in 1917 they announced the arrival of the Canvas All Star, which became the favorite shoe of star basketball player Charles H. Taylor. Taylor’s love for the Canvas All Star helped it spread far and wide, and before long Converse had cemented its status as a basketball shoe brand. Of course, as the years passed, Converse shoes became a cultural icon, and they slowly shifted from sports equipment to fashion items. These days the brand has expanded to offer all kinds of sports and lifestyle products, and with the slogan “Design Yourself,” Converse continues to evolve, offering both eternal classics and inspired new takes on old favorites.

Japan’s very first Converse flagship store, the CONVERSE STORE HARAJUKU, opened in Harajuku, Tokyo on July 20, 2024 as a new center of the Converse experience, and it has quickly become a popular gathering spot for Converse fans from around the world. The brand’s unique identity can be felt everywhere, from the basketball court design on the ceiling that calls back to Converse’s roots, to the asphalt flooring that provides a natural backdrop for modern Converse street style, and of course the wide variety of exclusive Converse products.

This time we’ve put together a Converse shopping list for fans of the brand planning to visit the CONVERSE STORE HARAJUKU, along with a quick look at the cool customization options available at the nearby White atelier BY CONVERSE Harajuku, so you can find the best Harajuku styles from Converse on your next Tokyo shopping trip.

CONVERSE STORE HARAJUKU (コンバースストア原宿)
1F 1-14-4 Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo
Hours: 11:00 – 19:00
Official Website (jp)

“Made in Japan” Models, Japan Exclusives Constructed with Japanese Craftsmanship

ONE STAR J SUEDE

^{Blue: ONE STAR J SUEDE}

Among the many Made in Japan options available from Converse, the ONE STAR J SUEDE is particularly noteworthy, with its sleek classic style, and an upper made from high-quality Japanese suede. The bright eye-catching colors are reminiscent of Converse’s vintage designs, and it goes perfectly with the Ura-Hara fashion that originated in the backstreets of Harajuku, which is seeing its own revival these days.

CANVAS ALL STAR J Series

^{Black: CANVAS ALL STAR J HI / White: CANVAS ALL STAR J 80s HI}

Our next Made in Japan recommendation is a series based on the classic All Star, but this Made in Japan version is called the CANVAS ALL STAR J. These models takes the ubiquitous, beloved All Star design to the next level using Japanese craftsmanship and high-quality materials made in Japan, and proof of that cool Made in Japan status is right on the heel, thanks to a rubber label printed with “Made in Japan.” During our visit to the CONVERSE STORE HARAJUKU, we tried on the black high tops, but these shoes come in just as many colors as you would expect. Look out for seasonal colors, or try out some low tops, and you’ll find a pair of Converse for just about any occasion. The CANVAS ALL STAR J 80s HI (seen above, bottom right) even takes a page out of the 80s Converse lookbook, bringing back vintage details from the archive for an extra retro look, with the theme extending all the way to the vintage design of the shoe box. The white x white version is only available in Japan at CONVERSE STORE JAPAN, White atelier BY CONVERSE, and the Japanese online shop.

Thick Soles for Extra Style with the Converse Platform Series

ALL STAR Ⓡ TREKWAVE Series

^{ALL STAR Ⓡ TREKWAVE PC HI}

TREKWAVE shoes, with their bold platform soles, are the epitome of Converse’s ability to combine their classic designs with the latest trends, and we particularly recommend you take a look at the ALL STAR Ⓡ TREKWAVE PC HI. These shoes are not only a Japan exclusive, but they’re also only available in three places: the CONVERSE STORE HARAJUKU, the White atelier BY CONVERSE, and the Converse Official Online Shop in Japan. The model is a combination of the iconic All Star design and a sole reminiscent of trekking (hiking) shoes, and with details in colors like navy and yellow, there’s no denying the trendy appeal of these unusual Converse. Thanks to the thick, comfortable E.V.A. midsole and the non-slip outsole, they’re actually perfect for rainy days, too!

Find Your Favorite TREKWAVE

Aside from the limited edition TREKWAVE sneakers above, you can check out a variety of similar designs at the CONVERSE STORE HARAJUKU, like the simple black and white ALL STAR Ⓡ TREKWAVE HI, or the ALL STAR Ⓡ TREKWAVE NC HI in fun pastel colors like lavender, pale blue, and light grey. There are even ALL STAR Ⓡ TREKWAVE LOAFER models with trendy loafer-style uppers!

Make Converse the Focus of Your Look

^{Black: ALL STAR CHUNKYBLOCK HI / Pink: ALL STAR PLTS MANYHEARTS OX)}

Browse the selection at the CONVERSE STORE HARAJUKU, and you’ll find some funky designs to add a little flair to any outfit. The ALL STAR CHUNKYBLOCK HI has a unique black and white checkerboard pattern in the blocky soles, perfect for anyone who likes to show off their footwear without going overboard. The ALL STAR PLTS MANYHEARTS OX, on the other hand, has an adorably eye-catching heart theme, which fits perfectly into any cutesy aesthetic. Not only are there big red hearts all over, but the heel is even labeled “ALL♥STAR” for extra effect, making them just the thing for your most “kawaii” looks.

Matching Merchandise for the Whole Family

^{Clockwise: BABY ALL STAR N Z & CHILD ALL STAR N Z HI / BABY ALL STAR N Z & CHILD ALL STAR N Z HI / CHILD ALL STAR N Z HI / CHILD ALL STAR N Z OX}

Converse’s Harajuku flagship isn’t just for adults! There’s also a wide selection of kids’ products, which means that families with kids can all dress up in cute matching outfits.

The Full Range of Converse Fashion

Most people associate the Converse brand with sneakers, but shoes aren’t the only thing they make. The CONVERSE STORE HARAJUKU also has a wide range of fashion and apparel, including bandanas printed with a Converse box design from the ’70s, t-shirts and tote bags made in collaboration with brands that are quintessential on the Tokyo scene, and other exclusive merchandise only available at Converse flagships. Don’t miss this chance to see what Converse has to offer outside of just the shoe scene.

Get Custom Converse at White atelier BY CONVERSE

To customize your Converse to your heart’s content, walk fifteen minutes from the CONVERSE STORE HARAJUKU to get to the Harajuku location of the White atelier BY CONVERSE.

This special Converse concept shop lets you take the blank canvas of a limited edition all-white All Star, and make it your own with a variety of customization options. Look through the sample books to find a design you like, and put together a custom pair of Converse you won’t find anywhere else, all at the White atelier BY CONVERSE.

White atelier BY CONVERSE Harajuku
HOLONIII Bldg, 6-16-5 Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo
Hours: 12:00 – 20:00

Experience the Origins & Originality of Converse at CONVERSE STORE HARAJUKU

Over the course of its long history, Converse has gone from a basketball must-have to a staple in any wardrobe, and their best-known sneakers have even become a beloved part of Harajuku fashion, making it only natural for the brand to open its first Japanese flagship in the heart of Tokyo. On your next trip to Japan, head to Harajuku for the latest in Japanese fashion, and stop by the the newly opened CONVERSE STORE HARAJUKU.

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