It wasn’t Vice President Kamala Harris’ choice of shoe that won the Democrats the US election last year, but it certainly played a part. Yes, there was the odd heel for a spangly TV appearance, and a sensible wedge here and there, but for the vast majority of Joe Biden’s 2020 presidential campaign, Harris was rarely seen without a trusty pair of Converse. It was a sartorial detail that was as practical as it was political. Eschewing the traditional dress code for female politicians (think Nancy Pelosi’s stilettos or Theresa May’s kitten heels), Harris’ Chucks were taken to signify two things. Firstly, that she was ready to get her hands dirty and secondly, that she was just like you.

Since their inception in the early 20th century, Converse sneakers have shapeshifted throughout culture, beloved by 50s heart-throbs, 80s basketballers, 90s grunge icons, and now, 21st century politicians, alike. As such, the power of the Converse is that they belong to everybody, and absolutely nobody in particular. This everyman, universal nature, is inherent to their appeal. On Harris, therefore, Converse became a conscious marker of authenticity – a levelling of the politician and the public. That’s not to say the shoe is, in any way, derivative, though. If anything, counter culture and Converse have been longtime bedfellows.

Today, Converse has carried that renegade attitude through to its avant garde, fashion forward, partnerships – particularly its chunky JW Anderson capsules, or more recent collaborations with Rick Owens, Comme des Garçons, and A-COLD-WALL*. Just last year, the brand debuted its CX collection, arguably its most visually striking to date, with gargantuan, gooey soles and snug, techy cushioning. It’s all about taking those classic Converse styles and pushing at the borders of style and comfort. Now, Converse are dropping three new CX styles, “the next chapter in comfort and self-expression,” as they put it. See what’s in store below.