These Retro Converse Pro Leathers Celebrate a Rich Basketball Legacy

The iconic Converse silhouette worn by NBA legends like Julius “Dr. J” Irving still looks sharp on the streets in these new high and low tops.

More than four decades after Converse first debuted the original Pro Leather, the basketball-centric sneaker is still going strong with a new “Raise Your Game” colorway that celebrates its legacy on the court. 

Throughout the 1980s, the Pro Leather was the official shoe of the United States’ national team and the choice of numerous collegiate and professional players, including legends of the game like Basketball Hall of Famer Julius “Dr. J” Irving, as Hype Beast notes. 

This edition, available as a Hi high-top or Ox low-top, sports a retro white and navy color scheme. An egret suede eyebrow and matching midsole add other subtle nostalgic touches, and the Converse star chevron stamped on the lateral is complemented by the words “Pro Leather” stitched in blingy gold foil. A star-spangled sockliner honors the shoe’s baller pedigree.

While these sneaks serve purely as stylish streewear, other releases under the Nike-owned brand’s environmentally-minded Converse Renew line are made from 100 percent recycled polyester. Meanwhile, Carhartt Work in Progress recently oufitted the Converse Chuck 70 with hunting- and workwear-spec textiles. 

The Converse Pro Leather “Raise Your Game” first launches in New York City’s Kith stores on December 11 before its worldwide release on December 21.