Im not really a trainer wearing kind of girl in all honesty. Over the years when I've wanted some comfy footwear Ive always gone for some ballet flats or some flat boots rather than trainers - but since getting into a relationship with a guy who owns more trainers than I own stilettos my opinions have changed somewhat. I now own far too many trainers - most of which were bought for me as gifts by the other half - the most recent gift was some 'Converse All Star Hi-Tops' which Id been looking at for so long in the shops but never got the money to buy as a treat for myself. If I hadn't been already partially converted these would have done the trick all on their own because they seriously are the best looking and comfiest shoes I own without a doubt and seriously I think everyone - male & female - should own a pair of these versatile + everyday shoes, they really are worth every penny ... as long as unlike me you can limit yourself to just 1 or maybe 2 pairs lol!!

Useful Information:
Price: My other half paid around £45 - but the prices varies depending on which style/colour you go for. Although mens & womens Hi-Tops cost the same.
Stockists: I found my ideal pair in Foot Locker, but these are sold all over the place - Schuh & FootAsylum websites and stores definitely stock these.
Colours: I think I've seen Hi-Tops in pretty much every colour you could imagine & a lot of patterns are available as well (my friend has Batman & The Joker ones which are ridiculously cool!) - I maybe played it a bit safe as I got Raspberry coloured which as you might guess is a very vivid & shocking pink, but everyone will certainly be able to find a pair that appeals to their sense of style from this range.
Sizes: From the Schuh website it looks like these come in sizes 3-8 for women + men - although more sizes might be available in stores - and I do recommend trying them on. Also Converse DON'T have half sizes, not an issue for me but for friends of mine I know it has been.

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Appearance:

Converse shoes are instantly recognisable in my opinion and with quite a bright pair like the ones I own they are pretty hard to miss when I'm wearing them. Starting at the bottom these have an incredibly thick, white sole with a pretty impressive grip on them I've found - the thick sole on the outer means they are also pretty padded on the inside, which I'm sure you'll guess is only a good thing as it makes them very comfortable to wear and to walk long distances in. working the way up the shoe is where the fabric comes in - bright pink in my case with a contrasting white front and laces all the way up the front - which makes them stand out from the brightly coloured fabric and once again is very fitting with the brand. On the back of the shoe is the All*Star writing and on the inside foot on the fabric is the Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Logo - that confuses me slightly as I cant understand why it isn't on the outside part of the shoe as when your wearing them both logos are facing inwards - so no-one can see them when they're on - not a massive problem but that confused me! Having said that I like the design of the shoes is perfect - I love that the laces and bottoms really stand out from the fabric and the added depth on the bottoms not only makes the shoes look good but makes them better for wearing and more durable as well for me. The design of the ones I have certainly attracted my attention when walking past Foot Locker - and I'm sure they would for many girls out there!!

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Sizing:

I think its important to write a section on this because Converse sizing can be slightly strange. I am and always have been a size 5 in any shoe be that trainers, boots, heels whatever but when it cam to trying these on I had problems. A size 5 was simply too small and a size 6 was too big - big problem as, as I mentioned they don't sell half sizes and I had fallen in love with them! Luckily the lady I spoke to in the shop recommended some cushioned in soles and having bought them mine now fit me perfectly - even without if I tie the laces SUPER tight so the sizing was a bit of a pain for me - and others have said the same. These trainers are definitely try before you buy as even if you definite about what size foot you are they might not fit - they didn't in my experience anyway. Don't buy online unless they are not your first pair and you know you size in Converse!!

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Wearing Them:

If you havent guessed yet I find these shoes incredibly comfortable and that alone makes them a joy to wear for me. The soles (with or without my in-soles) are very comfortable and cushioned due to them being slightly thicker than average and that means walking in these is very easy. They dont rub - even when you first buy and wear them and they never start to hurt or pinch your feet like other trainers and flats Ive attempted to walk long distances in. Some might argue that buying brightly coloured Hi-Tops will mean you cant wear them with as much as you could with plain black or white ones but this isnt the case for me. A simple t-shirt and skinny jeans is the look I normally go for with these as they are essentially a really casual shoe - and create enough of statement by themselves - helping to bring a bit of colour to my boring, casual clothes. Bright & comfy, wearing them is a joy for me - I even wore them with dresses and shorts while I was in Bulgaria and needed something flat for my nights out.

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Will They Last?

Ive seen a few reviews that say these are a massive no-no if its raining but I only tend to agree with this slightly. Yes in a major rainfall the fabric parts of the shoe would end up being totally ruined however I've been out in the rain wearing mine a few times and seen no change at all in the appearance or condition of them. The white bottoms look as if they would get dirty really quickly as well but any mud or dirt that's been on mine has been removed so quickly with a quick baby-wipe across them and they still look good as new after having them and getting a lot of wear out of them for about 6 months now so in my opinion as long as you don't wear them out in torrential downpours these shoes should last a really long time before any scuffs or bad dirt appears - in that sense they are well worth the money as you will certainly get enough wear out of them.

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Final Bits:

I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Converse Hi-Tops to anyone, regardless of gender or colour preference - although obviously I think the Raspberry coloured ones are worth buying!! If you want some long lasting, comfortable and great designed shoes then look no further, I'm only going to continue adding to my collection with the DC comics range coming to my wardrobe next and I think everyone should own at least one pair of these amazing shoes!!

Thanks For Reading.

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