The trouble with Converse........... (Converse)

Member Name: NutNutNut

Product:	Converse
Date:	23/03/09 (364 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Once they're worn in they are THE most comfortable shoe EVER

Disadvantages: The "wearing in" process is horrible. The sizes can be confusing.

I've gone through a couple of pairs on converse now. They are my absolute favourite type of shoe without a doubt. However, after not being able to avoid finally replacing my (very) old pair any longer, I remembered what a pain Converse can be initially.......

The first problem is the sizing. If you are unfamiliar with Converse I would strongly suggest you try them on in a shop the first time you purchase a pair and DEFINITELY avoid buying them online. You see, Converse are American unisex shoes so the sizing is a little different to what you may be used to (if you are a woman). Lets just say you are a woman with size 7 feet for example and you ordered a pair of size 7 Converse online. What you would end up with is a pair of size 9. This is because women usually need to order 2 sizes down from their regular shoe size as Converse shoes run to mens sizes only. However, I can't recommend that you just say to yourself "oh ok so I'll just order 2 sizes down la la la" and order away. Don't be lazy, go to the shop! I have particularly annoying size feet myself. In a lot of shoes I am a womens size 5, but I also have wide but short feet. This means if I need to wear a very slim fitting shoe, like either very feminine shoes or Converse of course, I tend to be more comfortable in a womens 6. So in Converse I have to go not two sizes down from my usual size 5, but from the size I take in slim shoes, 6. This makes me a size 4 in Converse. Get it? But regardless, you should always try on shoes before you buy them lol.

The second, and worst problem is the breaking in. It WILL be painful for a couple of weeks. Blisters like you've never seen, sore arches etc. Is it worth it? Well you don't think so when you're going through all that, but once they are worn in they are soooooooo comfortable you forget all about what you went through for those first initial weeks. In fact you forget you're wearing shoes at all lol. But yeah, I forgot what it was like as it was so long ago. In fact I kind of said to myself "oh it wasn't that bad" and then realised it was. Still it shows how you forget afterwards, even if my feet are suffering a bit now.

Thirdly, the canvas type are not weather proof. You wouldn't like to wear them in the rain or snow. Saying that though, they are really nice to wear on hot days as your feet stay really cool.

Lastly is the whole "fashion" thing. I don't wear Converse to "fit in" (I am quite aware that I don't and never have done lol), but I also have no desire to "stand out". I just really like to wear them (once they are broken in) for the way they feel. I do like the way they look as well, but that is just my taste, I don't just like them because I am told to. I'm 25 so I'm a little bit past the whole "wear this and you're cool" thing lol. Actually saying all that, where I live not many people even wear Converse anymore. It's either Nike Air Max or Reebok Classic etc or it's Vans. I have stayed true to good old Converse though.

I love Converse. I will continue to stick to them. But I hope you take notice of my advice regarding the sizing and the wearing in, as although I love them they can be a pain, especially if you are unprepared. I am giving them 4 stars. They lose a star for the annoying breaking in stage. I was tempted to knock off another for the sizing issues but to be honest everyone should be more responsible and try shoes on first anyway. Unless you want to go around with clown-size shoes lol.

Summary: Well worth breaking in, but be prepared beforehand.