Converse recently announced a new footwear line that employs a variety of new materials and forms to improve upon the fit and sizing of its classic footwear styles. Dubbed CX, the new design toolkit will influence the way Converse designs footwear moving forward. The collection features three new iterations of the classic Chuck Taylor, along with a collaborative pair of Chuck Taylors with TAKAHIROMIYASHITATheSoloist.

During its research, Converse realized consumers seek a new level of comfort and versatility when it comes to footwear, since one pair of shoes often takes someone from day to night. The CX design toolkit includes three core materials that Converse will be utilizing in new ways to make its shoes even more transitional: stretch canvas, foam and rubber.
As an update to its iconic crisp canvas uppers, Converse is experimenting with expediting the wear-in process by using stretch canvas on CX models. The stretchy material allows for a more comfortable fit and makes the shoes easier to take on and off. Although less sturdy and satisfyingly grainy to the touch than traditional canvas, the stretch canvas does allow for a more snug fit.

For the CX line, Converse is also adding a single-density PU insole and a lightweight phylon midsole. The combination of the two aims to boost impact absorption when walking or running.

The most noticeable design update is a new outsole with a distinct cutout that allows extra mo...