The Converse Pride 2021 Collection Is Inspired By The Experiences Of Five LGBTQIA+ Young Creatives

Pride collections aren’t just about putting a pretty rainbow on apparel and calling it a day — at least we hope so. Here to bring more meaning to their iconic shoes and to celebrate Pride 2021, Converse has just introduced its sixth Pride collection, and it’s one that honours and commemorates the LGBTQIA+ community.

Consisting of five footwear designs, from the famous Chuck 70s to off-duty slides, the graphic-led collection is inspired by the journey, joy and struggle, and genuine stories of freedom from All Stars young creatives who are part of the global LGBTQIA+ community.

The silhouettes in the capsule include the Chuck 70, Chuck Taylor All Star in both high and low top versions, a new slide, as well as the first-ever appearance of the chunky Run Star Hike. What’s truly exciting though are the range of graphics we spot across the collection. Some are subtle, such as a touch of rainbow hues on the shoelaces, trimming, or rubber outsole; though mostly, the rainbow graphics run quite unabashedly loud and proud, as screen prints on canvas uppers.

[click on the images below to expand.]

 

Here’s a quick run-down of the five shoes, and the five All Stars who worked alongside Converse designers on the 2021 Pride collection:

  • Pride All Star Run Hike — inspired by Caleb. Colourful rainbow gradients represent the experience of stepping from darkness into the light of being fully yourself.
  • Pride All Star Slide — inspired by Tereza. Bright colour twists and turns across each slide celebrate the experience of finding your pride.
  • Pride Chuck 70 — inspired by Rocio. Rainbow embroidery extends through the printed midsole to the rubber outsole, representing the journey to finding your pride.

  • Pride Chuck Taylor All Star Hi — inspired by Xandro. Bright colour twists and turns across each shoe, while alternating prints represent the duality of struggle and joy along the journey to self-love.
  • Pride Chuck Taylor All Star Low — inspired by Ty. Bright colours and flowers bloom across canvas to celebrate the experience of finding your pride, while this also features a dual graphic design.
[click on the images below to expand and to read more about each shoe design.]

Converse also continues their philanthropic efforts this year. A portion of LGBTQIA+ community funding from Converse’s ongoing partnership with the It Gets Better Project [IGBP] will support efforts creators on TikTok and Twitch, while additional grants to support LGBTQIA+ youth will benefit Ali Forney CenterBAGLY and OUT MetroWest.


The Converse Pride 2021 Collection, USD30 – USD115, in 5 styles. Available on Pride collection.