Every month is Black History Month and the Barriers x Converse Collection is a tribute to some of the world’s greatest Black leaders. Using the groundwork laid down by Fredrick Douglass and Marcus Garvey, Barriers creates a capsule that reiterates themes of Black empowerment.
The collection offers a Converse Chuck 70 and a Converse Pro Leather Hi, both of which will be released alongside an apparel collection. The lineup includes a t-shirt, shorts, and a hoodie, which correspond with the sneakers’ central themes. The all-black clothing takes inspiration from the Pan-African flag as it comes accented with red, yellow, and green.
The Barriers x Converse Collection releases on July 21, 2022. Each sneaker is priced at $110. To purchase, visit Converse.com and select retailers. For more sneaker news and release dates, follow @NiceKicks on Instagram.
Barriers x Converse Chuck 70 “TRUE POWER COMES FROM WITHIN”
For the Converse Chuck 70, Barriers gets inspired by The North Star, Frederick Douglass’ anti-slavery newspaper. As an Author and Abolitionist, The North Star allowed Douglass to speak on Black liberation and spread his message. By providing a space for anti-slavery speech, literature, and culture, Douglass was able to help mobilize his community. Inspired by this, the side of the sneaker reads “WISDOM, COURAGE, VISION,” in red stitching. Elsewhere, the black upper has frayed edges and aged midsoles. The mismatched laces come ready in red/green on one sneaker, and orange/green on the other. The Barriers tongue tag reads “LIVE FREE,” which ties in with the apparel collection. The upper also features small star details alongside the eyelets, which have a 3M glow to them, representing the nighttime stars that slaves used as a map to freedom.
Barriers x Converse Pro Leather Hi “ELEVATE HISTORY. EMPOWER THE FUTURE.”
This Converse Pro Leather Hi comes dressed in smooth brown suede. The Converse branding on the side of the sneaker features exposed cotton alongside the Barriers branding. The sneaker is also fixated with an aged midsole which is made to look soiled. The laces are mismatched again, with both color combos nodding to the Pan-African flag. The sneaker is finished with a small cowrie shell dubrae, a vessel of abundance in African cultures.
