Why Converse is INSANELY Better in Japan

[@chillblue1650]

Japanese consumers, even the ones who aren't particularly interested in fashion, actually have a demand for better quality and better comfort. Meanwhile here in the United States, people don't care as much, which tells these brands that we're okay with subpar quality, the bare minimum, and limited choices.

[@paddlefitdad]

When I took the family to Tokyo a year ago, we noticed how well put together everyone looked everywhere we went, especially the women. The only person we saw in ”athleisure wear” was a young man in track pants but in a trendy style with an overcoat. To be harsh, North America is where fashion comes to die.

[@Osprey1994]

​@@paddlefitdadThat's a terrible take, and this is from someone who has been to Japan...

[@Mrfrizzodo]

@@paddlefitdad100% agreed

[@dfu7474]

Asians go into a store, rub their hands on the fabric and judge whether it is cool or hot to wear. basic survival skills

[@omarkharnivall2439]

@@paddlefitdadim from Brazil and my japanese friend told me that athleisure wear is for kids 😂 in brazil adidas is quite expensive so wore them everywhere when I first came to Japan Im always amazed to see ppl in the richest country in the world dressing so badly 😂

[@barbaroja.mp3]

Converse Japan need the Rose Anvil treatment ;)

[@pastense]

Dude! That would be dope. It’ll hurt to see them sliced, but worth the look!

[@cheesim]

Maybe he will when a competitor pays him to…

[@Jose-ln3co]

@@cheesim It's not that deep.

[@killpuzz_8879]

True mate😂

[@anon21482]

He did All star vs Chuck 70s. That was eye opening for me.

[@Phreddish257]

I've bought a few pairs of converse in my visits to japan, and they're absolute amazing.

[@Phreddish257]

Also love the White Atelier store on Cat Street. Usually first on my list to go to.

[@pastense]

I scored a pair of second hand Mastermind Jack Purcell’s for $14! (Yeah, that shop had no idea what they had) you can tell they were heavily used, but after a good cleaning I can tell the quality is just unmatched! And Reggie, stop apologizing for boasting about Japan. It’s what we all come here for!

[@sergioamaya6614]

whats the name of the shop

[@pastense]

@ it was from a chain of shops called Plato’s Closet here in the Bay Area. But the particular one I bought these from just recently closed down. That one was honestly pretty bad. They’re predominantly run by young GenZers and most of the time, they don’t know when they have gems on their hands. Otherwise, the prices are true to good old Goodwill-esque prices for what you might be looking for.

[@paddlefitdad]

I was in Tokyo about a year ago and walked into a Converse store without any of this background you’re providing. I was shocked by the quality options offered and the level of customization available. I wish I had taken more time to find myself a pair. A big regret. Best I can do here in Canada is a pair of Chuck 70.

[@tommyyee1149]

How do the Japanese converse compare to Chuck 70s?

[@dontcare3293]

Btw did you speak english throughout your experience? Planning to go to japan soon and i would like a pair but i barely speak japanese

[@jackcullen69]

Damn. I’m in Japan right now and I just found out about this. Definitely going to buy a pair… or two. Thanks! Liked and subscribed

[@ps2crossing]

Thank you for this, I'm a big converse fan and sort of collector. & I've been trying to tell others about the Japan brand. Could you one day go to their big store if you can film in there.

[@charanchazz]

Missed Opportunity for me, cuz a couple of my friends have visited JPN recently & I should known this a bit early, anyways love this and even saw a couple of KZbinrs showing/sharing the differences but this one is on point. Thanks Reggie!

[@caley2000]

Goddamn yes. Picked up a near-new pair of Chuck 70 hitops in yellow from Hardoff Koenji and the quality is INSANE. I mean they won't outlive me or anything - they're still Cons - but they look and fit great, and feel wonderful even after a whole day walking around Japanese cities. Only minor nuisance is the eyelets still stain any light-coloured shoelaces.

[@timo7641]

JDM Converse are mostly Made in Indonesia (like the Addict series), tho we as Indonesian got them Converse that is Made in Vietnam never got the goodies that is sent to Japan sad....

[@potatoman7475]

😔

[@tydshiin5783]

Its funny, we all complain about like stuff made overseas and not locally, but some are and they for tax reasons are not sold to where it was made locally Like computer processors are made where I live, but it costs nearly double sometimes here compared to other countries

[@RoyJblack]

Just got mine!!! Your video helped before coming here, thanks!

[@PaladioBlaze]

Ok, so I love Converse for just about everything you said. As I get older, I appreciate more understated, classic, staple silhouettes. I fall under the camp that tends to go for the more elevated versions of Converse. The ones that seem to to get the heritage treatment like the Chuck 70, Star Player 76, even the Weapon. What actually aggravates my soul is that Nike demonstrates that they can absolutely hit certain marks as far as quality is concerned but, like you said, it seems to be a certain kind of consumer that is actually seeking these things out. What elates my soul is that I can often find quite elevated Converse options on deep discount. Then, I get a little sad again because we know that if the consumer isn't biting, even these better versions will slowly go away.

[@mynameisrob_co_uk]

I love my Converse and actually have 62 pairs, covering multiple colours, graphic designs and sole types (all high-tops) and now I am aware of Japanese Converse being better I will definitely try to find a way to get a pair. I wish it was just a simple as getting on a plane to Tokyo but my bank balance won’t allow it. I love your passion for items you enjoy wearing and you videos have loads of detailed information, thanks :)

[@jackcullen69]

Thanks to this video, I bought a standard off-white canvas Made in Japan pair. Pretty excited since these cost 1.5x more than the non-Japan Converse that’s being sold in my country of origin. Hopefully I can find Made in Japan Jack Purcells during my next trip. Thanks! Liked and subscribed

[@akumaz78]

Thank you, my eyes are opened now 😜

[@sitiazleen]

Reggie, tq for your awesome video. I'm in osaka. Where can I get converse made in Japan here? Retail shop. Tq so much.

[@simoling]

How do we get Japan Converse from the US?

[@marioscott4788]

Converse Japan comes up if you do a Google search. You can change the language from Japanese to English at the top. and order from the site.

[@jacqs4386]

U can’t lol

[@brentgordon3801]

Using a Japanese proxy service which will buy from their jp site and ship it to you

[@rudy7803]

its not worth it ,Trust me. im living in japan and ive worn alot of converse, converse 70 is a no brainer in price point, comfort and looks. even all of my japanese friend always looking for converse 70 while the cant get it in japan.

[@dolyharianto]

Rakuten

[@kanzaki0001]

6:15 I bought a pair of winterized gore Tex chucks stateside. The fact they didn’t use gum soles or even a tread built for winter/rainy defeats the purpose of it being gore Tex in the first place

[@TheSmokeACE]

I wore the converse Chuck Taylor (black label) to Japan last year and the local people were amazed by it and keep saying ‘Chukusu?’. Don’t they sell it in Japan?

[@D-ISM]

They don't. I used to work at the Converse in Hawaii before it closed, and we'd constantly get Japanese customers coming in for 70s, so much so that that the phrase "日本に買えないやつ" "nihon ni kaenai yatsu" "The one you can't buy in Japan" is ingrained into my brain.

[@TheSmokeACE]

@ ahh I see, they are quite comfy

[@sigisings]

My first pair of red canvas size 11 high tops while in High School got my nicknamed Big Red 😂 I came back to the brand decades later when it collabed with John Varvatos (black leather with metal spikes), and with Rick Owens DrkShdw collection. I'd be happy to empty my wallet for a high quality version

[@JorgeArnoldson-r6z]

Ever since Nike changed their core Chucks for the worse over two years ago, I learned about Converse Japan and decided to buy those every time, and I have not been happier ever since!

[@dunkkid23]

I might need that “Reggie Casual” shipping agent service for a pair 👀

[@dailydriving1]

Agree with this got some converse in Japan earlier this year

[@rohanes]

Kudos for getting straight to the point in just about a minute in 👍 Though I wish there was a direct comparison with the "regular" Chuck 70s to its Japanese counterpart(s). I'm not really big on exotic/limited/collab releases as Chucks = basic canvas shoes for me and the Chuck 70 GRs are already good for me (they're always on discount too). Maybe if Chuck JP release one with full length Zoom I might get sucked in to this rabbit hole🤞

[@jaysato]

Its interesting because i see japanese shoe reviewers and a lot of them say they prefer american ones. I dont know if the ones in converse and in abc mart are different quality wise. But they say buying converse from abc-mart is easily accessible and affordable. But the quality sucks as they say.

[@adrianveidt4344]

The Japanese market that typically loves *quality* American/Western footwear and fashion are typically those rooted in Japanese Americana fashion, and love well known heritage brands like Red Wing, Barbour, etc. that still produce most if not all their product in the Western world. That's considered a niche for the Americana/Heritage fans in Asia cause it's a style and quality that's a bit more difficult to obtain due to pricing and availability.

[@mattray9962]

Great video as always, sir. 🤘🏻Quick question... how does the sizing compare to the US models? If I wear an 8.5M here, is there an equivalent? Thanks for answering if you are able!

[@JoeyLevenson]

Yeah, I’ve had some regular (not 70s) Japanese chucks that were different and unique. I’ve also had the made in Japan ones they have now, but they are people with slim feet. Great quality, though.

[@THECASUALco]

For the record, I apologize for before. It will never happen again. Good to see you have us another shot. -Reggie

[@emilcioran9954]

It happens all over the world, quality changes from country to country for better or not. I live in Brazil and brands like Converse and Vans are lisenced by national companies that manufacture and distribute only here. Our national versions have considerable low quality if compared with USA versions. I can't understand why brands allow it. And I'm not talking about fake versions, but the official licensed ones.

[@robertt.7673]

I love wearing converse back in the 80's and I find the converse shoes now are uncomfortable and cheap looking. Thanks to you now i know why.

[@108u9]

Hi Reggie, do the JP versions of Converse still split at the forefoot where it flexes? Thank you!

[@THECASUALco]

The cheaper ones unfortunately do. However Japan has a crap ton of high quality models both Made in Japan and not that have reinforced stitching. They costs more but basically have as high as durability as a Chuck 70s. IMO there’s just more variety from Japan when it comes to quality models

[@lumilikha]

@@THECASUALcostitching? Does it solve the sole breaking at the flexion area?

[@LockheedDChase]

Converse specially allstar never disappear on my sneaker preference.

[@k-cx7137]

Chuck 70s are just as good in my opinion

[@reshnel9540]

Another great video 👌

[@edithchu1]

Hi! I love your channel and will be visiting Japan soon. Thanks for sharing this information! I’m planning to visit the Converse store in Tokyo, but I have a few questions. When browsing the Converse Japan website, I noticed some shoes have a label on the back that says only “All Star,” while others say “All Star Made in Japan.” Are all the shoes in the flagship store in Japan made in Japan ??? I am interested in quality and comfort,

[@Kylirr]

my feet are too big for converse 🥲

[@BanhChui1968swe]

Damn, I might need to get me a pair when the time comes and I'm visiting Japan

[@Zepoku]

Funny how here in Japan Converse heads are willing to pay a premium for Chuck 70 because they are not sold officially in the country. People usually buy on trips (Korea, Europe, etc) and resell here... The grass is greener !

[@sergioramirez1693]

Converse addicts been tryna get some but since im in the states it’s tuff

[@danielgalil5020]

I've been a boots guy since I was 18(I'm 33 now) so converse wouldnt be my thing. I've been kind of getting into Jikatabi(not the boots that you see in America, the actual japanese workwear item I'm sure you're familiar with), especially on Yom Kippur as I'm (fun fact the reason why you can't wear leather shoes is because it says in the talmud that you can't wear sandals. I've interpreted to the point that you can't even wear canvas sneakers, so I'm engaging in my japanese fashion sense and 1-uping religious law). Also thank you so much for teaching me about japanese fashion, which I've learnt everything from you. I started watching you after searching how to style a kimono after seeing my favorite author Osamu Dazai in it, and from there I've gotten into selvedge denim and amekaji. One of my ensembles which I've taken from your lesson on kimono and the belgian school of fashion philosophy is 16 inch lineman boots, since I like the tall riding boots in fantasy manga and video games, naked and famous weird guys, a kendogi with an obi, and a kasuri haori and sometimes a kurmontsuki haori, with a fur hat to incorporate my jewish heritage. Much love Reggie.

[@gshorter]

Good sir, I’ll be in Japan at the end of the month. If I’m looking to get a pair of Converse where would be the optimal place to shop for them? Also thank you, video was awesome

[@punospoo6]

While Japanese fashion enthusiasts pay 2 or 3 times more to import chucks from the US

[@arceus54321]

do you have a recommendation for which converse store to visit in tokyo?

[@esa1241]

White atelier

[@CaliKiid714]

Converse Japan and VANS Japan have so much better things compared to us, its not even funny. Mastermind Collabs immediately come to mind for both brands. Converse’s Addict line is so dope for those that want to wear Converse daily (Vibram bottoms are nice touch). Converse constantly pulls out archive pairs, and even the regular stuff looks more close to OG Converse than even what we get with the 70s Line.

[@DetroitNinja]

Converse shoes are the most uncomfortable shoes to walk in.

[@Casper76]

What this tells me is that you haven't tried a lot of shoes

[@afifsahrin5708]

whoa hold on

[@malih7777]

Try the 70's

[@xlixity]

Jordans 1 - 11 are worse. All hype, no comfort.

[@CoolCoolYams]

Runstar Legacy are like walking on clouds

[@Skeletomania]

The biggest problem with Converse is the outsole/midsole separating from the canvas. Unless the Japanese version are more durable I'll stick to the cheapest Chuck.

[@spek-27]

I've never had that happen with Converse, how long and how frequent were you wearing them?

[@Skeletomania]

@spek-27 this is a common problem with all chucks. I wear them every day, and the white band around the shoes will split give or take a year.

[@spek-27]

@@Skeletomania Oh, ok. I've been buying Chucks since I was a kid, that's never happened to me. But I never wear the same shoe everyday, so I'm sure that makes a huge difference.

[@robg.2688]

When can you do a video about mid range clothing lines like Takeo Kikuchi and Younger Song?

[@jensonzai]

Thanks for special introduce Converse japan to me.

[@alexli4942]

Can you get them in larger sizes? I wear a size 12 and when I went to Japan they looked at me like I was crazy (and yes, I speak enough Japanese to go into boutique stores ). All of the places I went to would top out at size 9 or 10. They had some super cool shoes but never in my size. I went there looking for Japanese made Onitsuka Tigers and left with nothing. It was really frustrating.

[@THECASUALco]

First my friend, I would never challenge anyone’s Japanese level. That for those “other” Japan purists that do more harm than good😅 Second, yeah that’s the issue BUT recently Japan has been expanding model sizes so a 12 might be available although much of the bigger sizes are online exclusive.

[@alexli4942]

@@THECASUALco I wasn't trying to start any drama and I'm sorry if it came across that way. My point was I went to small stores and not just the big department stores. I just wanted to point out it might be difficult to get these cool shoes if you wear pretty typical US sizes of 11+.

[@marioscott4788]

How do I shop Japanesque fashions here in the States? You show all these great trends and clothing options, but As you've stated yourself, they don't cater to the American market, sizes are limited, and it's hard to have that same swagger here when you want to add Asian-inspired clothing to your wardrobe. Are their American alternatives? I need a Kimono (male version) to get that POP! Help this brother out who's 6'1 220LBS middle-aged. Who wants to look age-appropriate, but add some flair to the Drip..

[@bobbydavis5119]

Buyee. Japan market. World shopping

[@lestertarranza]

How about the French brand Patrick or Patrick Labo which also has high quality made shoes.

[@streetteams]

Good one. Love my Cons.

[@JatAziz]

Where can i get the hi-cut one in Japan (Tokyo)? I google it and seems out of stock everywhere in Japan site. I will be visiting Tokyo at end of Jan 😅

[@lambosid4217]

Wait!!!!! I should get them from Japan now

[@bubblepopinc5]

But can you buy the insoles seperately?

[@STANKONIA24]

I would buy JP Chucks but I have size 13 feet soooo.... your suggestion is pretty useless for me Reggie.

[@Faithxraul]

I live in Japan I could export this stuff but don’t know how too any help

[@mr_glasses]

I wish I had seen this a week ago... I was staring down a pair of made in Japan chucks at ABC and ended up passing on them... That was largely due to the amount of other things I had already bought though... suitcase was bulgy as hell when I left...

[@antnguyen]

What are those black pants @6:44, where do I find those in the states?!

[@gazcoinegenocide4934]

i need to know this too.. Reggie pls tell us

[@HOTSHOWERDAN]

Trying to find a pair of one star JV3, anyway I can get them to the US?

[@GORGON_OG]

I have the all leather converse by you that nike did they are incredible actually

[@ROMNFT]

My Cons 70s sole britles in time because I always wear it 😅, I will restore my Cons soon

[@malih7777]

Converse and vibram!? Wow!! Japan is the futur!

[@DetectiveGesicht]

I love a classic Chuck- but my feet are just too wide 😭

[@kohort1]

Wish i know this before i can't back from Japan

[@Ragsandriches134]

What retailer can we use from the us for Japan cons?

[@real_randy]

LOVE CONVERSES!

[@JJangNine]

is it me or is this dude getting more zesty with his videos

[@gianlucaalessia5538]

I'm a traditionalist and think cons should only come in canvas. Leather on them is ridiculous to me. Then again so is the Amish outfit but to each their own lol

[@alexandrestanislawski2184]

My issue with Converse (western) is the quality of the sole underneath (the part that touches the ground, not native :D). Is it really better in the japanese versions? Or is only the upper / exterior side?

[@tonyp.bahama9368]

Same, a pair lasts around 6 months

[@ocharejohnpaul8908]

I just love converse that's it🤷🏾‍♂️

[@0n3z]

Low top or high top bru which one better 2 u?

[@ocharejohnpaul8908]

@0n3z high tops

[@MrMooPow]

I’ve missed you man. My bad I fell off the videos

[@alexb5351]

My boy out here with the Hasidic drip looking like Hasidic Rick

[@xote316]

I'm confused. Japanese Chucks still have React but aren't owned by Nike? How is that possible?

[@THECASUALco]

Not the same React company.

[@adonisssss2197]

what's the converse japan equivalent of the Chuck 70?

[@YellowBoatOdyssey]

I’d say that the ‘U.S. Originator’ is equivalent to the Chuck 70 (CT70). Converse Japan released the U.S. Originator series after the CT70 went viral in Japan, so they have similar features to the CT70. But when it comes to quality, I’d recommend the ‘All Star J’ (Made in Japan models).

[@lthdy83]

Biggest problem with all of these is the japanese/asian size. Girls or kids are the ones who could wear converse japan

[@xterno500]

do TNF and TNF south korea.. their jackets are craaazy there

[@nolasensation25]

I just bought some Conserve boots.

[@alexandermjh3528]

Bro I been waiting to get my hands on some japan purcells. Can’t get them anywhere

[@K.Keyumars]

Yeah, I can't tell what's what with them. Just assume they're all awful quality in the states. There's a collab with Comme des Garcon and I can only assume they slapped the logo on it, increased the price tag, and called it a day. Can anybody confirm where their quality falls with the Comme des Garcon collection? Just looked at their product page for them again and there's really nothing to distinguish it that I can spot.

[@2TrainJones]

I wish I would have known before I went. Another reason to go back I guess

[@Alphamaan]

Lee is better in Japan. Penfield is better in Korea. I don’t know about burberry. Any opinion?

[@CyrusChennault]

Now do video on Edwin-japan

[@PaladioBlaze]

7:00 thank you for saying this lol.

[@mohammadshaifullah4658]

You said converse not owned by Nike in Japan, but the React insole is from Nike?

[@THECASUALco]

Different react sole. Also a different company.

[@dolyharianto]

Converse Japan React is from the one they inherited from the 90s

[@azharulhisham1960]

Japan just have better product, even the same product is available everywhere else. I remember I bought a USD15 Reebok, used it daily for the whole 4 years I stayed there, and still overall in good condition, until I misplaced it somewhere, never found it again. Now any shoe I bought usually only last until 2 years and need to buy another one.

[@Jual2AudioSeken]

as a gymrat ill take that hard ass flat sole converse all star any time of the day.

[@jayxlaboy1531]

they started getting worse around the 2000's converse used to be cheap durable shoes.

[@thefrench8847]

Shoe Shoe, Japan

[@DressForAfrica]

I tried to hate Converse, but it's impossible. Even most top brands make their own versions of Chucks.

[@MFJono]

Reggie stays schooling me…

[@memopinzon]

C O N V E R S E B O I S

[@bobbydavis5119]

You gotta break them in. They're stable not comfortable. I usually pick up mine from the mercari japan site for cheap, bought some black/monochromes for $60.

[@scizor285]

Would love to be able to buy converse jp and dickies jp in the states.

[@jack99889988]

Lol you probably never owed a 70s. It is plain better than any mij models

[@JoeyLevenson]

70s are great, and there’s a lot of variation nowadays.

[@THECASUALco]

Addict vs 70s literally depends on the buyer. Westerners wan Addicts and Japanese want 70s. But now that 70s are quality control pairs I give the edge to Addict.

[@bobbydavis5119]

No. Theyre not

[@JoeSmith-np6nz]

Where can I find these converse addict in California ?

[@bobbydavis5119]

Can't. Only on proxy sites

[@919ENTERTAINMENTLLC]

NIKE slowly killing Converse

[@CyrusChennault]

Japan is 2nd best country in the world after USA.

[@thefrench8847]

Not anymore after they were told by the US to accept non-Japanese.

[@haroldgrey134]

Japan: old things are good, discarding things bad. Also Japan: let's take a piece of fruit and wrap it in 9 different types and layers of plastic and then pack it in a new gift box and a gift bag and then incinerate that plastic because we have no space for garbage landfill.

[@JoeyLevenson]

Truth

[@prntm926]

Idk much about fashion, but you looked liked a lesbians on those b-roll mate

[@mjaeang]

everything is better in japan