Summary
The first thing that struck me when I first saw the Converse GORE-TEX Chuck Taylor All Star was its dashing good looks, so it was such a treat to discover that it had more to offer when it comes to performance. This boot retained the classic All Star silhouette but came souped-up with more features, making it more than ready to take on the elements without compromising the stylishness that countless Converse fans continue to love. I loved the leather material with the all-black construction, giving the shoe a bold and chic look that seamlessly blends in with various outfit choices for superb versatility. What’s even more impressive is the boot’s waterproof structure, with the GORE-TEX membrane offering outstanding protection against liquid penetration, sealing out wet elements to ensure long-lasting foot dryness in wet conditions.
I also liked the fleece lining, as it significantly increased the softness and snugness of the interior, at the same time offering just enough insulation to keep my foot warm in cold settings. The boot comes with the low-profile yet premium construction that Chucks are known for, delivering lasting quality and performance that I’m sure I’ll be able to enjoy for a long time. This lightweight boot is a great choice for those after a waterproof boot that also offers temperature regulation but doesn’t feel too bulky enough to drag painfully with long hours of use. Below, we’ll go for a more intimate look at the boot’s details to describe which features bring out the best in terms of form and function and if there are qualities that can still be improved upon.
Giving you that OG All Star look with amped-up features, this boot will get you ready to battle the elements in style.
Performance Analysis
Comfort
I was mildly surprised when I first wore the Converse GORE-TEX Chuck Taylor All Star because I wasn’t expecting it to be that comfy.
Granted, the original Chucks that I used weren’t uncomfortable, but this GORE-TEX version elevated the comfortable experience. I believe the major reason for this comfort level is delivered by the fleece lining, enhancing the interior with more softness that surrounds the foot with a welcoming texture all day long. The lining made this waterproof version considerably more comfortable than the OG sneakers, increasing its ability to ward off pain with extended periods of walking or standing.
I liked how the fleece also worked to maintain a comfortable warmth inside the boot, providing the much-needed heat retention to embrace the foot with continuous warmth so it’ll be protected from the unbearable chill when in cold environments.
I was able to use the boot outdoors in cold weather without feeling like my foot was freezing because the fleece-lined interior maintained enough warmth to ward off the extreme temperature. I also noticed that the fleece lining increased the snugness of the boot, enhancing the stable feel, as it kept my foot from sliding uncontrollably inside the boot, especially when walking on uneven ground conditions at a rapid pace. The snug fit also improved the boot’s ability to retain heat and prevent cold air from coming in. I appreciated the presence of the OrthoLite insole, as it provided enough softness from the bottom, protecting my foot from feeling the intense impact of walking and standing on hard floors and other unyielding surfaces for long periods.
The low-profile cushioning didn’t make the sole feel too thick, which could’ve made the boot feel extremely tight in the process.
I’m glad that this boot had the same sneaker-like structure of the original version even if the upper was made of leather instead of canvas. The leather was flexible enough to adjust quickly to my foot’s movements, allowing me to move normally and without the discomfort that can result from wearing boots made with stiff leather materials. The sole was even more flexible and didn’t hamper my movements from underneath the way boots with rigid rubber soles do, helping me walk almost effortlessly over varied surfaces without pain getting in the way.
Weight
This waterproof boot had a lightweight structure that didn’t drag my foot down with unbearable bulk. This minimal weight worked with the streamlined silhouette to deliver an almost effortless way of walking as it felt like I didn’t have much on my foot to weigh it down. This lightweight construction makes the boot an ideal choice for all-day walking or standing, especially in cold or wet environments.
Traction
The sole of this version is the same one that’s built into the original sneaker version. It had an almost flat outer surface that offered enough flexibility for increased mobility but didn’t do much when it comes to traction.
I felt that the sole had decent traction, delivering a good grip on the ground, but it isn’t strong enough to prevent slipping on extremely slick or unstable surface conditions.
This makes the boot suitable for outdoor environments because of the outstanding waterproofing, but not for conditions with exceptionally slippery or rough terrains.
Fit and Sizing
This boot is true to size, although the manufacturer suggests buyers downsize half a shoe size because the boot runs big. However, I felt that I got a good fit when I went for my usual size 10, but this could be because my toes are a bit on the wide side. The boot’s construction makes it very easy to put on and take off, with the flexible upper helping things along since it easily accommodates the foot’s entry without causing any discomfort.
Waterproofing
This boot offers outstanding waterproofing with the GORE-TEX enhancement, completely blocking mud, water, and liquid substances to guarantee that they won’t have a chance to get into the boot. I fully appreciated the presence of the gusseted tongue as it further increases the boot’s protection from liquid penetration, ensuring that wet elements won’t seep in through the shoelaces.
Breathability
The leather upper doesn’t let in much air, but the OrthoLite insole does a good job of maintaining a fairly ventilated boot interior. The open-celled structure of the insole keeps the air moving continuously inside the boot, allowing pent-up warmth and moisture to disperse so overheating won’t easily set in.
Quality and Durability
The Converse GORE-TEX Chuck Taylor All Star showcases the same look as the OG Chucks with some enhancements that further improved the footwear’s functionality.
I loved how the leather upper elevated the boot’s look from its old-school sportiness to a sleeker profile, giving it a classier aesthetic that blended seamlessly with different outfit attire options, so I was able to maximize the boot in a variety of settings.
The metallic eyelets are built to offer lasting strength, maintaining a strong bond with the upper that won’t easily get damaged with frequent lace adjustments.
I liked how the thick rope laces look strong enough to resist fraying, giving me the confidence to change the boot’s fit as often as I needed to without worrying that these components would quickly deteriorate
The high-top profile gives this boot a timeless charm while also working to deliver extended protection against the elements. Another aspect that I found to be truly impressive is the GORE-TEX waterproof membrane, rendering outstanding protection against wetness by blocking liquids from entering, especially with continuous boot use in extremely wet conditions. The waterproof membrane works double-time to allow moisture to evaporate, keeping the interior dry and fresh-feeling for a long time to stop excessive sweatiness from developing, especially with extended periods of boot-wearing. This ultra-dependable waterproofing action is further strengthened by the gusseted tongue that closes the area between the tongue and the upper, preventing even small amounts of moisture from getting in through the shoelaces. This gusseted component also works to stop debris from going into the boot, protecting the foot against the discomfort that can be felt when pebbles, dirt, and other unwanted elements accidentally get into the footwear. The OrthoLite insole offers remarkable cushioning that I fully enjoyed, as it created a padded base to cradle my foot, protecting it from feeling the pain that can be produced by standing or walking on hard surfaces for prolonged periods. This material has a breathable structure that allows air to move freely, making it easier for the interior to stay cool as heat is dispersed before the boot can turn overly warm in hot surroundings. I welcomed the fleece lining that gave the boot’s interior an almost luxurious feel, enveloping my foot with a comforting plushness that also served to maintain enhanced warmth. This lining warded off the extreme cold, enabling my foot to enjoy continuous comfort while outdoors in winter and in other low-temperature conditions. I liked the addition of a soft toe cap, as it added an extra ruggedness to the boot’s aesthetic, at the same time reinforcing this area so it won’t easily be damaged or scratched with exposure to abrasive objects. The embossed logo proudly displays the brand on one side without getting in the way of the streamlined aesthetic.
Other Versions
The Converse GORE-TEX Chuck Taylor All Star is offered in the following colors: all black, terracotta, medium brown, and bone. It doesn’t come in other versions.
The Challengers
Vans Sk8 Hi MTE Shoe
The Vans Sk8 Hi MTE Shoe combines streetwear style with enhanced protection that you’ll be able to enjoy indoors and even outdoors in inclement weather conditions. The leather upper has a supple texture that adds a bit of elegance to the casual aesthetic, giving it a versatility that you can easily pair with jeans, cargo pants, and even shorts without fearing that your footwear will look out of place in the process. The skater silhouette offers extended coverage, making this a great alternative to boots. The leather upper is treated with Scotchguard, creating a water-resistant exterior that can keep your foot dry with limited exposure to a bit of rain and other liquid sources so you can continue staying in wet environments without your foot getting soaked. The interior is lined with fleece, offering increased warmth to keep the foot comfortably cocooned and protected against the uncomfortable chill when you’re outdoors in cold weather and even while you’re indoors in low-temperature settings. The padded collar embraces the ankle to keep it firmly in place, maintaining superior support and comfort while preventing the ankle from twisting accidentally. The waxed laces add a chic touch to the boot’s look, blending seamlessly while offering lasting performance that won’t easily get damaged with heavy use. The rubber outsole has deep lugs that bite into the ground, delivering strong traction to prevent slipping on tricky surfaces. However, the heel doesn’t seem to have a strong bond with the upper as it tends to detach with short-term use.
Nike Lunar Force 1 Duckboot Low Shoe
The Nike Lunar Force 1 Duckboot Low Shoe features a classic sneaker silhouette but comes with enhanced weather-proof materials. The synthetic leather upper offers reliable water resistance, enabling your feet to remain dry even if you’re in areas surrounded by extreme moisture sources. The upper is also very easy to clean, so you won’t need to worry about maintaining the shoe’s function and appearance, as dirt won’t easily accumulate on its surfaces. At the end of the day, the shoe can be wiped clean in minutes, providing you with a convenient way of maintaining its appearance and performance for a long time. The metallic eyelets are designed to hold the strong laces in place and won’t easily deteriorate, giving you the chance to adjust the laces as you see fit to achieve a stable and comfortable walking experience without worrying about the components breaking down within a short timeframe. The soft interior surrounds the foot with a comforting texture to prevent painful chafing while also relieving pressure points all around. The plush interior also promotes warmth, making this product a good choice for maintaining comfortable foot warmth in cold indoor or outdoor settings. The premium construction offers lasting durability, enabling you to maximize the shoe’s remarkable qualities for long-term use. There’s just a bit of an issue with the tapered tongue, though, as it makes the shoe quite difficult to tighten since this component doesn’t easily flex to follow the fit adjustment.
Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II Hiking Boot’s
The Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II Hiking Boot’s upper is constructed with PU coated leather, mesh, and suede, delivering a sleek aesthetic that looks great on the trails but also blends in remarkably well in relaxed indoor settings. The mesh panels allow plenty of air to come in, helping maintain a cool interior by dispersing heat and moisture before these can build up to an overheated boot, especially with long hours of use in hot or humid places. The exclusive Omni-Tech waterproof membrane stops mud, water, and other liquid substances from penetrating the boot, enabling you to enjoy long-lasting foot dryness while you’re working in extremely wet settings. The seam-sealed design blocks wet elements so they won’t have a chance to seep in, maintaining the foot’s comfortable dryness even as the bootie construction forms a welcoming embrace around the foot. The proprietary Techlite midsole offers ample cushioning, providing continuous support from underneath to keep pain at bay, especially with extended periods of boot-wearing on hard surfaces. The midsole offers the right amount of bounce to return energy to each step, enabling you to stay on your feet for longer without suffering from intense pain. This midsole has a low-profile structure that doesn’t add much to the boot’s total weight, resulting in a lightweight structure for increased comfort and performance without the excessive bulk. It’s worth mentioning that the lace hooks don’t look very sturdy and may cause some durability issues in the long run.
Danner Mountain 600 Hiking Boot
The Danner Mountain 600 Hiking Boot showcases the traditional hiking boot silhouette with a few innovations added in to enhance its performance. The suede upper delivers a premium look, making this boot handsome enough not only to stand out when you’re outdoors on the trails but also in indoor settings when it’s paired with less rugged attire. The Danner Dry waterproof membrane blocks mud, water, muck, and other liquids from entering the boot, guaranteeing all-day foot protection when you’re in exceptionally wet conditions. This membrane is also responsible for maintaining the boot’s breathability, permitting more air to freely get in so that the interior can stay properly ventilated, as heat and moisture are quickly dispersed. The sole is designed to be as flexible as possible, allowing a wider range of motion that can’t be experienced when you’re wearing boots with stiff rubber soles. The OrthoLite footbed cradles the foot with a cushioned base, shielding the foot against the pain that can result from standing on hard surfaces for long hours. The Vibram SPE midsole is stronger and longer-lasting compared to conventional EVA, offering increased durability and cushioning underfoot even as it delivers a higher energy return to help you walk and stand comfortably for longer. This boot has a very snug fit, though, making it unsuitable for those with wide feet, as it may feel uncomfortably tight.
Timberland Killingtin Chukka Boot
The Timberland Killington Chukka Boot has a sleek profile that’s versatile enough to be paired with various attire choices for work and leisure purposes. The nubuck leather upper has a premium look that can easily elevate the stylishness of your outfit, with metallic eyelets that are built for lasting functionality, keeping a strong bond with the upper that won’t easily break down even with heavy use. The OrthoLite insole delivers much-needed cushioning to cradle and support the foot, preventing it from becoming fatigued, especially with continuous boot use for long periods. This material offers enhanced durability, guaranteeing that the cushioning properties won’t easily deteriorate with long-term boot-wearing. It also keeps the boot interior breathable by allowing excess warmth and moisture to quickly escape, maintaining a cool and fresh environment even with extended hours of boot use in humid or hot locations. The interior is enhanced with antimicrobial treatment to inhibit bacterial growth, enabling you to wear the boot for hours without being disturbed by smelly feet problems. The sole is built with an exclusive comfort system that adjusts with every step, enabling you to move with ease without losing your balance on varying surface conditions. This boot isn’t the best option for those with wide feet, though, as it has a narrow structure that can cause a bit of discomfort for people after roomier footwear.
Conclusion & Verdict
The Converse GORE-TEX Chuck Taylor All Star is the weather-proof version of the classic Chucks. The old-school silhouette is still stylish enough to be paired with a wide variety of ensembles, while the weatherproof construction provides increased protection against the elements. The waterproof construction completely seals out wetness, making this a suitable choice for outdoor use in unpredictable weather. However, its snug fit can bring discomfort to those with wide feet.
