Converse Classic Chuck Taylor All Star vs Chuck 70: Which Pair Should You Get?

It all comes down to the classic Chuck Taylor you know and love and its retro counterpart. Which one is right for you?

Published April 23, 2024

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The Converse Chuck Taylor is the all-time MVP of everyday kicks. Since 1917, the canvas high-top sneaker has been a mainstay on basketball courts, gym floors, red carpets and more. But over the last century, Converse has released countless variations of this iconic silhouette, confusing buyers who just want an affordable shoe that looks best a little beat up.

Converse Classic Chucks vs Chuck 70s

Undoubtedly, the two most popular versions of the Chuck are the classic Chuck Taylor All Star and the Chuck 70.

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Chuck Taylor All Star

Pros

Break in is easier
Costs $25 less than the Chuck 70
Available in dozens of colors

Cons

Materials are cheap
Minimal cushioning

$65.00 at Nordstrom

The Upgrade

Chuck 70

Pros

Cool vintage aesthetic
More supportive cushioning and upper
Premium materials and construction

Cons

Much more expensive than the All Star
Break in takes longer

$85.00 at Nordstrom

The All Star is Converse’s entry-level Chuck. It comes in nearly two-dozen canvas colorways and costs, at most, $65 at full price (but you can frequently find it on sale during key shopping holidays).

The Chuck 70, meanwhile, released in 2013, is a revival of the Chuck Taylor sneaker from the late 1960s and 1970s. It boasts a taller sidewall and sculpted silhouette while playing on its vintage looks with yellowish-tinted rubber, reminiscent of an aged vintage sneaker. It also comes with a price hike: $90 vs $65 for the regular Chuck Taylor All Star.

converse chuck 70 — First released in 2013, the Chuck 70 ($90) is a revival of the Chuck Taylor from the late 1960s and 1970s.

The Chuck 70’s handsome looks paired with the upgraded components has helped solidify it as a mainstay sneaker for Converse. The brand has even released collaborative iterations of te shoe with a bevy of notable designers and celebrities including Brain Dead, Carhartt WIP, Dover Street Market and JW Anderson.

The two most popular versions of the Chuck are the classic Chuck Taylor All Star and the Chuck 70.

So other than aesthetics, what else is different? Is the $30 price jump worth it? And, most importantly, which version is right for you? I tested both to find out.

The Chuck Taylor All Star breaks in easier

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Chuck Taylor All Star

Pros

Break in is easier
Costs $25 less than the Chuck 70
Available in dozens of colors

Cons

Materials are cheap
Minimal cushioning

$65.00 at Nordstrom

Go with classic Chuck Taylor All Star if you want a faster, more comfortable break in period. The uppers are smoother than what you will find on the Chuck 70, plus the All Star is more flexible, as well. And while the All Star is noticeably lighter than the Chuck 70, the heel counter is more stiff, which helps the shoe to hold its shape over time.

The shiny varnish on the rubber of the 70s does indeed evoke a vintage feel but it isn’t the most attractive for people who favor a beat-up sneaker. The matte look of the Classic’s eyelets and rubber subdues its looks.

If you’ve known and loved the Classic Chucks, you know the saying: if it ain’t broke. Plus, you’ll save $25 — almost halfway to a new pair.

The Chuck 70 has better materials and construction

The Upgrade

Chuck 70

Pros

Cool vintage aesthetic
More supportive cushioning and upper
Premium materials and construction

Cons

Much more expensive than the All Star
Break in takes longer

$85.00 at Nordstrom

Go with the Chuck 70 if you’re willing to pay a little extra for upgraded materials and construction, as well as a cool, vintage vibe.

The canvas on the Chuck Taylor All Star feels like a tote bag you’d get as a free gift, while the 12-ounce canvas on the Chuck 70 feels more like a tote bag you’d have to pay for. There’s also a leather ankle patch (vs the printed version you’ll find on the Chuck Taylor All Star) and ornamental stitching near the toe box — a fun, old-school flourish.

If you need more comfort and support, the Chuck 70 is the better choice.

Under the hood, the Chuck 70 boasts more cushioning than the classic All Star, so if you need more comfort and support, this is the better choice. On that note, the raised rubber sidewall isn’t just for show. It adds more stability, too.

The Bottom Line

classic chuck vs 70s chuck — The Converse Chuck Taylor All Star and Chuck 70 both capture the look, feel and swagger of the most iconic shoe in existence.

The Converse Chuck Taylor All Star and Chuck 70 are both fantastic, semi-affordable sneakers that capture the look, feel and swagger of the most iconic shoe in existence.

The Chuck Taylor All Star is more affordable and made with cheaper materials, however, those make it much easier to break in than the Chuck 70.

The Chuck 70 is the more fashionable choice, made with thicker canvas and vintage details like ornamental stitching near the toe box. It’s also more supportive and comfortable than the classic Chuck Taylor All Star. But all that comes with a premium price tag: $90 vs $65.

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