There’s something about a fresh pair of Converse High Tops that feels like a small reset. Whether you’re after the original Chuck Taylor silhouette or a chunkier platform, the choice is surprisingly personal. This guide covers where to buy them in Ireland, how to pick between styles, and what to expect from retailers like Lifestyle Sports, Very, and Schuh.

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Original release year: 1917 ·
Average price range (Ireland): €70 – €120 ·
Available colors: Black, White, and 20+ others ·
Free delivery threshold (Ireland): Orders over €70 ·
Key retailers in Ireland: Converse IE, Schuh, JD Sports, Very, Lifestyle Sports

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Exact number of color options available in Ireland at any given time (Lifestyle Sports)
  • Whether all Irish retailers stock zipper versions consistently (Very Ireland)
3Style comparison
  • Classic high tops: flat rubber sole, canvas upper, €70–€90 (Lifestyle Sports)
  • Platform high tops: thicker sole (1.5 inches), added height, €90–€120 (Next Ireland)
  • High tops with zipper: side zipper, same silhouette, €80–€110 (Very Ireland)
4What’s next
  • Expect more seasonal color drops from Converse Ireland (Lifestyle Sports)
  • Zipper variants are becoming more widely available across Irish retailers (Very Ireland)

Six key facts give a clear picture of what Converse High Tops offer Irish shoppers.

Attribute Value
First introduced 1917
Most popular model Chuck Taylor All Star
Upper material Canvas
Sole material Rubber
Available in Ireland Yes, at 5+ major retailers
Free delivery threshold €70 (Schuh), €75 (Lifestyle Sports)

What Are Converse High Tops?

History of the Chuck Taylor All Star

  • Converse introduced the first high top basketball shoe in 1917 (Lifestyle Sports (Irish sportswear retailer)).
  • In 1923, basketball player Chuck Taylor endorsed the shoe, leading to the Chuck Taylor All Star (Very Ireland (online department store)).

Key features of high top design

  • Canvas upper with rubber toe cap – a durable, breathable combination (Next Ireland (fashion retailer)).
  • Laced closure with 8 eyelets; replacement laces typically range from 54 to 63 inches (137–160 cm) (Lifestyle Sports).
  • Available in low, mid, and high top versions (YouTube (sneaker buying guide)).
The upshot

Converse High Tops started as basketball gear and became a global casual icon. The 1917 origin and 1923 endorsement by Chuck Taylor gave the shoe a legacy that still anchors its appeal today.

The implication: Converse High Tops aren’t just a shoe – they carry over a century of sneaker history that shapes their design and perception.

Where Can I Buy Converse High Tops in Ireland?

Official Converse Ireland website

Schuh Ireland

JD Sports Ireland

Very Ireland

  • Very sells Converse Unisex Leather Hi Top Trainers in white, available sizes 3–12 with half sizes (Very Ireland (online department store)).
  • Standard fit, leather upper variant.

Lifestyle Sports

  • Lifestyle Sports positions Converse high tops under its ‘High Tops & Platform’ range (Lifestyle Sports (Irish sportswear retailer)).
  • Free delivery on orders over €75.
Why this matters

Irish shoppers have at least five reliable retailers, each with different delivery thresholds and payment options. The best choice depends on whether you value free shipping, flexible payments, or the widest style selection.

The pattern: no single retailer covers every style – you may need to check two or three to find your exact color and variant.

What Is the Difference Between Converse High Tops and Platform High Tops?

Sole height comparison

  • Classic high tops have a flat rubber sole – height is consistent with original Chuck Taylor design (Lifestyle Sports).
  • Platform high tops feature a thicker sole (approx. 1.5 inches), adding about 3.8 cm of height (Next Ireland (fashion retailer)).

Style and comfort differences

  • Platforms offer a chunkier, modern look that many find more stable (Very Ireland).
  • Classic high tops are lighter – around 11 ounces in women’s UK size 6 (reported from YouTube buying guide).
The trade-off

Choosing between classic and platform is a trade-off between original lightweight feel and extra height with a bolder silhouette. Neither is superior – it depends on your wardrobe and comfort preference.

The catch: platform high tops are heavier and may feel less flexible, but the added height is often worth it for those who want a statement shoe.

Are Converse High Tops True to Size?

Sizing guide for men and women

  • Most customers recommend going half a size down, especially for canvas styles that stretch (Very Ireland).
  • Women’s sizes differ from men’s by 1.5 sizes (e.g., a women’s UK 6 is roughly a men’s UK 4.5) (Lifestyle Sports).
  • Width is generally narrow – consider a wide-fitting variant if available (Next Ireland).

Customer feedback on fit

Editor’s note

Half-size down is the most common advice, but leather variants may not stretch as much as canvas. If in doubt, order two sizes and return one – most Irish retailers offer free returns.

What this means: don’t assume your usual shoe size. Converse sizing leans big and narrow, so a half-size down and narrower width expectation will save you from buying too loose.

How Do I Clean White Converse High Tops?

Machine washing vs hand washing

  • Hand washing with mild detergent is safest – avoids damage to the canvas and rubber (Lifestyle Sports (Irish sportswear retailer)).
  • Machine wash on gentle cycle with cold water if you prefer a quicker method (Very Ireland).
  • Always air dry away from direct heat – tumble drying can warp the rubber (Next Ireland).

Removing stains from canvas

  • Baking soda and white vinegar paste works on most stains (YouTube cleaning tutorial)).
  • Avoid bleach – it yellows the canvas over time (TikTok (style tip)).
What to watch

Machine washing can loosen the adhesive between canvas and rubber. If your Converse have sentimental or long-term value, stick to hand washing.

The implication: keeping white Converse clean is doable, but the rubber sole or canvas can degrade if you choose the wrong wash method.

Do Converse High Tops Come With a Zipper?

Zipper styles available

  • Some Converse high tops include a side zipper for easy on/off, while others have laces only (Very Ireland).
  • Zipper versions are often marketed as ‘Converse High Tops with Zipper’ and are available in black and white (Next Ireland).

Where to find zipper Converse

  • Schuh and Very Ireland typically stock zipper variants (Schuh Ireland (footwear retailer)).
  • Lifestyle Sports also lists some zipper models in their High Tops & Platform category (Lifestyle Sports).

The pattern: zipper models are a niche but growing segment – they solve the ‘hard to put on’ complaint while keeping the classic silhouette.

What Colors Are Available for Converse High Tops?

Classic colors: black and white

  • Black and white are the most common colors across all retailers (Very Ireland).
  • They are often available in both classic and platform styles (Lifestyle Sports).

Seasonal and limited editions

  • Other colors include red, navy, and pastels such as light pink and mint (Next Ireland).
  • Platform versions often have additional color options beyond the classic range (Lifestyle Sports).
The upshot

If you want a specific seasonal color, order early – limited edition drops sell out quickly in Ireland. Black and white are always available.

The trade-off: seasonal colors give you exclusivity but may not be restocked, while core colors offer consistency.

Key Specifications

Seven specs define the Converse High Tops that matter most to Irish shoppers.

Specification Value
Upper material Canvas (or leather in select models)
Sole material Rubber
Closure Laces (8 eyelets); optional side zipper on some models
Weight (women’s UK 6) ~11 oz (high top), ~9 oz (low top)
Platform sole height Approx. 1.5 inches (3.8 cm)
Classic sole height Flat – about 0.75 inches
Lace length range 54–63 inches (137–160 cm)

What We Know and What’s Unclear

Confirmed facts

  • Converse High Tops were first released in 1917 (Lifestyle Sports)
  • Platform high tops have a thicker sole (Next Ireland)

What’s unclear

  • Exact number of color options available in Ireland (Very Ireland)
  • Whether all retailers stock zipper versions (Lifestyle Sports)
  • How long platform styles will remain in fashion (YouTube (trend analysis))

What Shoppers and Retailers Say

“The Chuck Taylor All Star High Top is a canvas and rubber icon – it’s the sneaker that started it all.”

— Converse Ireland official website (Converse Ireland (brand store))

“We offer free delivery on orders over €70, and our Converse range includes both classic and platform high tops.”

— Schuh Ireland customer service (Schuh Ireland (footwear retailer))

Related reading: Converse High Tops & Platform Range · Converse White Platform Lift High Top Trainers

Additional sources

youtube.com

For those unsure about fit, the complete sizing and buying guide offers detailed measurements and style comparisons to help you choose the right pair.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I wear Converse High Tops in the rain?

Yes, but canvas is not waterproof. Apply a protective spray to keep them dry. Leather variants handle light rain better (Very Ireland).

Are Converse High Tops good for walking?

They are comfortable for casual walking but lack arch support. Add an insole for long walks (Lifestyle Sports).

Do Converse High Tops stretch over time?

Canvas stretches about half a size after a few weeks of wear. Leather stretches less (YouTube sneaker guide).

How long do Converse High Tops last?

With moderate use, about 18 to 24 months for canvas models. Leather versions may last longer (TikTok sneaker enthusiast).

Are Converse High Tops unisex?

Yes, most models are unisex. Sizing differs by 1.5 sizes between men’s and women’s (Very Ireland).

What socks should I wear with Converse High Tops?

Low-cut or no-show socks keep the silhouette clean. No-shows prevent slipping and blisters (Next Ireland).

Irish shoppers searching for Converse High Tops have more choice than ever – from classic canvas to platform and zipper styles. The variety across retailers like Lifestyle Sports, Very, and Schuh means you can find your exact color and fit, but the trade-off is that no single store carries everything. For the Irish buyer, the decision is clear: prioritize delivery policy and payment options first, then narrow down by style and color.