Summary
The Converse Utility All Terrain Chuck Taylor All Star stands out from the other high-top footwear choices that the brand offers, delivering a bold aesthetic while working hard to provide a higher level of protection against the elements. I loved the way the leather upper looked aggressive and chic at the same time, making this boot a superb addition to any ensemble if you’re looking to make a statement without going over the top with the details. What made the upper even more impressive is its waterproof quality, allowing this boot to easily take on varying weather conditions while helping maintain complete foot dryness at the same time. This waterproof quality is made even better with the fleece lining, locking in the warmth so I didn’t experience painfully frozen feet when I was working outdoors in cold weather or in indoor areas with low-temperature settings.
I liked how the quilted tongue added another interesting dimension to the boot’s look; it also worked hard to provide reinforced protection with its gusseted structure, blocking excess moisture and debris so these unwanted elements wouldn’t have a chance to get inside the boot, especially when I was working outdoors or in other challenging settings. The innovative lacing system is another feature that’s worth mentioning, wrapping around the ankle for increased support so my steps were stabilized while walking over different ground conditions. In this article, we’ll go for a much deeper look into the boot’s details so you can discover which aspects deliver significant contributions to the overall performance and which qualities might need some tweaking for improved functionality.
With an eye-catching profile and weatherproof construction, this boot has what it takes to keep you comfortable on your feet without compromising protection and style.
Performance Analysis
Comfort
I was expecting the Utility All Terrain Chuck Taylor All Star to be quite comfortable based on my previous experience wearing other Converse All Stars – and I’m glad to say that I wasn’t disappointed with this choice as well.
I liked how the leather upper came with a flexible structure, providing me with increased comfort because I was able to walk without the pain that comes when stiff leather parts dig into the foot with every step.
This pliable quality didn’t interfere with the way I walked and moved around, allowing me to enjoy effortless mobility not just with walking but also with kneeling, crouching, and bending since no rigid components were getting in the way of my freedom of movement. An inner bootie embraced my foot to keep it secured in place, protecting it from unintentionally sliding inside the boot – which can be a risk when walking rapidly over inclined or uneven ground conditions.
I liked how this bootie is lined with fleece that provided a welcome layer of insulation inside the boot, keeping my foot cocooned in cozy warmth when I needed to work outdoors while it was raining or during winter.
The fleece material had a softness that surrounded my foot with a welcoming texture, providing a protective layer that prevented my skin from rubbing painfully against the boot’s interior which would’ve caused blisters to form, especially with continuous walking for long periods. The fleece lining stopped cold air from seeping in while also regulating the temperature inside, keeping my foot comfortable and insulated against the unbearable cold. At first, I found the tongue’s extended structure to be weird, but I eventually discovered that it also added a bit to the overall comfort of the boot. The tongue has a thin layer of padding that protected the top of my foot from getting easily bruised with exposure to blunt or abrasive objects in tough outdoor environments. The wraparound lacing system was another surprising component that, in the end, contributed to the boot’s comfort as it increased ankle support to prevent twisting, especially with quick lateral movements on tricky surfaces. You do have the option to do away with the wraparound portion and just use the laces normally if you feel uncomfortable with the boot laced all the way to the top. This boot felt almost the same as the original high-top All Star Chucks but this one had a more comfortable interior, with the addition of the bootie and its fleece lining.
I appreciated the flexible sole because it easily adapted to my steps, resulting in a comfortable walking experience without a hard, stiff platform that can hamper normal foot movements.
Traction
This waterproof boot has a reinforced outsole structure that’s an improved version of the rubber sole found in other All Star Chucks footwear. Instead of the usual rubber surface, this version’s sole featured an extra rubber layer, with ridges that helped increase the traction level. This made the boot suitable for use outdoors in inclement weather, especially with slick or uneven ground conditions. It’s worth noting, though, that while this All Terrain boot possibly has the highest traction among other All Star boots, this traction level still isn’t as strong as those of other work boots and casual boots – which can take on extremely slippery and tricky surfaces.
Fit and Sizing
The manufacturer recommends going for smaller sizes because this boot runs large – but I had a different experience altogether. I felt that my usual size 10 was a bit too small, resulting in the toe box feeling uncomfortably tight, especially when worn for long hours. This tight feeling might be impacted by the narrow boot design or may be the effect of my wide toes, which led me to think that a 10.5 would’ve resulted in a better, more comfortable fit. I should mention that the GORE-TEX version of this waterproof Chuck felt like a better choice in terms of fit.
Waterproofing
I loved that this boot was built with waterproof leather, maintaining a high level of protection against liquid penetration to ensure that I continued to enjoy totally dry feet even when I was in extremely wet surroundings. This waterproof upper makes the boot an ideal choice for working outdoors in bad weather conditions because it can keep your foot safe from being thoroughly soaked in case you need to work in areas with high exposure to moisture sources. The high-top structure also contributes to the boot’s ability to maintain a dry interior so it was easier to wade in water puddles as well as muddy areas without worrying that the liquid would accidentally splash in through the boot opening.
Breathability
The fleece material lining of the interior traps warmth to ward off the unbearable cold, but this can be a double-edged sword that can cause discomfort in other settings. The fleece lining doesn’t allow much air to get in and circulate, resulting in the interior becoming uncomfortably warm when the boot was used outdoors under the sun or in other warm conditions. The leather material of the upper and the high-top construction also prevent air from moving freely into the boot, making it suitable mainly for cold settings and not for high-temperature environments.
Quality and Durability
I loved how the Utility All Terrain Chuck Taylor All Star stands out with its striking looks yet doesn’t compromise when it comes to providing continuous protection against the elements.
The leather material gives the boot a sleek look, showcasing an understated style that can be enjoyed indoors and outdoors for a variety of purposes. This boot looks rugged and stylish at the same time, making it a perfect match for jeans, chinos, and cargo pants so you’ll be able to enjoy the boot’s premium appearance on and off the worksite. I got the egret colorway which featured white double- and triple-stitching accents throughout the black leather upper, delivering a sporty touch for added points when it comes to style and versatility. The stitching also served to strengthen the bond between portions that make up the entire upper structure. This boot has a distinctive ankle patch and a square logo on the heel, both proudly displaying the Converse All Star brand. The matte black lace eyelets and D-rings are built to provide lasting functionality, allowing you to achieve the most comfortable fit through constant lace adjustments without worrying that these components will easily deteriorate in the process.
I liked the look and feel of the thick laces that reminded me of the ones often seen in hiking boots, providing superior robustness that can easily take on heavy usage without easily breaking apart.
These laces have moisture-wicking capabilities, making it easier for the boot to dry up pretty quickly after it’s been exposed to liquids. Speaking of liquid exposure – the boot’s waterproof leather upper held up quite nicely against wet elements, ensuring that my foot stayed dry and comfy throughout the time I needed to work in wet conditions. However, this waterproof quality isn’t as strong as the one offered by the GORE-TEX version of this boot. The wraparound lacing system was an interesting enhancement that boosted the cool vibe of the boot while working doubly hard to deliver increased support. I found that when fully laced up, the wraparound system aided in keeping my ankle secured in place, protecting it from easily being twisted, especially when I needed to go over tricky surfaces. The tongue with its quilted structure and white stitching accents across the top further enhances the eye-catching styling while the thin padding adds a bit of comfort on top of the foot. I appreciated the premium construction with how sturdy the boot and its components felt, giving me the confidence to walk and move naturally without constantly worrying about premature damage, especially in challenging environments. I fully enjoyed the bootie structure with its fleece lining, delivering welcoming softness to prevent blister formation and chafing. The inner bootie lined with fleece delivers reliable insulation, locking in the warmth that hugged my foot and keeping it comfy in cold conditions even as it worked twice as hard to stop cold air from seeping in. The sole with its channeled traction gave a good grip on different surfaces, although I believe it’s still not as grippy as the rigid rubber soles fitted into other work or casual boots.
I also felt that the boot’s flexible sole may not be as strong as thicker rubber soles.
Other Versions
The Utility All Terrain Chuck Taylor All Star is offered in the following colorways: all black, amber sepia, velvet brow, and egret (black and white). It isn’t available in other versions.
The Challengers
Vans SK8-HI MTE-1 Sneaker
The Vans SK8-HI MTE-1 Sneaker features classic sneaker styling but comes with enhanced features for improved functionality in all weather conditions. The water-repellent leather upper offers continuous protection to keep the foot comfortably dry, stopping mud, water, and other liquid substances from coming into the boot when you’re in exceptionally wet surroundings. The high-top design offers extended coverage against the elements and abrasive materials for increased safety in various conditions. The innovative HydroGuard wrap offers additional protection with its water-resistant system, shielding the top of the sneaker and the toe area from splashes of water and puddles. This system works hard as well to maintain a breathable interior, allowing plenty of air to move into the sneaker to quickly disperse pent-up heat and moisture so that overheating won’t have a chance to develop. The exclusive molded EVA footbed cradles the foot with equal amounts of softness and support, preventing pain from setting in even with long hours of nonstop use. This low-profile footbed fights discomfort without the excessive bulk, maintaining the sneaker’s reduced weight so that the interior doesn’t feel painfully tight. The outsole has lugged treads that deliver strong traction, making it easier to go over tricky surface conditions without easily losing your balance in the process. However, the heat retention properties of the footbed make this sneaker unsuitable for warm environments where it may cause discomfort and an overly warm feeling.
Sorel Waterproof Caribou Chukka
The Sorel Waterproof Caribou Chukka Sneaker is built with a waterproof leather upper to provide long-lasting foot protection against wetness, preventing liquids such as water and mud from penetrating while you’re outdoors when it’s raining or if you need to stay in extremely wet conditions. The seam-sealed construction reinforces the moisture resistance of this sneaker, ensuring that wet elements won’t be able to get through the defense system in place. The molded EVA footbed creates a comfortable base for the foot, cradling it in place while protecting it from feeling the hardness of the unyielding surfaces that you’re walking on for hours. This footbed is made with a lightweight material, preserving the sneaker’s minimal weight so it doesn’t drag painfully on the foot with excess bulk. The streamlined profile seamlessly works with jeans and chinos, enabling you to maximize the sneaker’s stylishness in a variety of settings indoors and outdoors without worrying that your footwear will look out of place. The molded rubber outsole comes with a Caribou lug design that offers strong traction, helping you walk with increased confidence over tricky surfaces while also helping you maintain your balanced gait, so you won’t easily slip. It’s worth noting that this traction isn’t as strong as that of work boots, so the sneaker may not be the best choice for extremely slippery surroundings.
Palladium Pampa Shield WP+ LTH Boot
The Palladium Pampa Shield WP+ LTH Boot is made with a water-repellent upper to prevent wet elements from easily getting in, keeping your foot safe from getting completely soaked when you’re in very wet environments. The tongue has a gusseted structure to reinforce the waterproofness of the boot, sealing out liquids as well as debris so these won’t be able to get into the boot. The sock liner with its wool cover provides comfortable softness, surrounding the foot with a welcoming texture to protect the skin from the friction that can lead to the formation of painful blisters. The interior has a fleece lining that delivers extra cushioning to ward off the pain, at the same time providing enough insulation, enabling you to continue walking in cold outdoor conditions and low-temperature indoor settings without your foot suffering from a frozen feeling. The outsole is constructed by combining rubber and die-cut EVA, producing a sole that’s a lot lighter than one that’s made completely out of rubber, so that the boot easily maintains its reduced weight profile. It’s worth mentioning that this boot can be quite difficult to pull on at first, especially if it hasn’t completed the break-in period.
Sperry Striper Storm Waterproof Boot
The Sperry Striper Storm Waterproof Boot comes with a waterproof upper made with suede and leather, keeping the foot protected against extreme wetness by blocking liquids from seeping in. The upper has a sleek design that’s equally chic and sporty, making this boot a welcome addition to casual outfits that you’ll be able to maximize in indoor and outdoor settings. The padded footbed cradles the foot to keep it comfortable, cushioning the blow of walking on hard surfaces so your foot and leg muscles won’t become painfully fatigued even when you stay on your feet for hours. The textile lining allows air to move into the boot, promoting a breathable interior to stop overheating and extreme sweatiness. The rubber outsole features a diamond lug pattern that delivers strong traction, cutting through liquids on the surfaces you’re walking on so you can move around comfortably without compromising your safety in the process. The fabric lace eyelets leave a lot to be desired, though, as they don’t look like they’re as strong and durable as metallic components.
ECCO Bypath Tred Mid Boot
The ECCO Bypath Tred Mid Boot uses GORE-TEX technology that offers outstanding waterproofing, providing you with the guarantee that your foot will remain completely dry and comfortable regardless of how long you need to stay in wet surroundings. The technology keeps the boot breathable as it permits plenty of air to come in, maintaining a cool interior by stopping moisture and heat from building up. This prevents an overheated feeling from setting in. The proprietary ECCO FLUIDFORM technology enhances the sole with ample cushioning, supporting the foot with comfortable plushness while offering continuous support for increased stability. The sole has a lightweight structure that won’t get in the way of your effortless movements and doesn’t considerably increase the boot’s weight. However, the outsole doesn’t deliver strong traction, making this boot unsuitable for use in exceptionally slippery or unstable ground conditions.
Conclusion & Verdict
The Converse Utility All Terrain Chuck Taylor All Star showcases a striking aesthetic that stands out regardless of the clothes you pair it with, giving you a chance to fully maximize this boot’s remarkable features in various settings. The waterproof construction kept my foot comfortably dry in wet environments, although I believe the waterproofing still isn’t as strong as the GORE-TEX system. I liked that the bootie construction with its fleece lining offered reliable insulation to ward off the uncomfortable chill in cold surroundings. The unique wraparound lacing system and the quilted tongue add bonus points for coolness but may take some getting used to in terms of functionality and comfort. While this boot’s appearance is a definite attention-catcher, it also offers enhanced comfort and protection against the elements, making it a superb footwear choice that you’ll be able to enjoy indoors and outdoors.
