Skateboarding experienced an evolution in the ’80s with the introduction of the ollie, a technique discovered late into the decade prior. Once its novelty wore off, it naturally relegated to becoming a fundamental move in a serious rider’s arsenal. So as the intricacies of the sport grew, the demand for high-cut sneakers and the protection it offers did as well. And where else would you find the best of them.

Coinciding with the rising popularity of the Air Jordan 1, it was eventually adopted from the hardwood of an NBA arena and reintroduced into the skatepark, where the common pedigree between basketball and skating started, and the longevity that we see to this day.

While the archetypal Air Jordan 1 represented the narrative, there was another sneaker that Michael wore that’s seeing a resurgence on the feet of skaters: the Converse Fastbreak Pro, his weapon of choice as a Tar Heel playing for North Carolina.

This year, Converse partners with creative savant Sage Elsesser to reimagine the heritage shoe. Depending on which circle, some may be more familiar with his monicker Blue Navy, the rapper, producer, and model. A match made in heaven considering how retro basketball silhouettes have not only been embraced in the skateboarding circle but have unified art, fashion, music, and pop culture becoming a staple in subcultures worldwide.

The collaborative pair carries with it a vintage aesthetic with an off white nylon construction on the base, laces, and tongue, while leather counteracts on the mudguard, eye stays, and heel counter. Decidedly and ode to its namesake, navy blue hues adds contrast on the Converse branding on the quarters, collar, and outsole. Golden handprint graphics in the insoles add an abstraction, along with the golden roses on the heel collar.

The Sage Elsesser x Converse Fastbreak Pro will drop on 2nd September at Converse.com and select retailers for US$110.

In other Converse and skateboarding collaborations, check out the recently released Sean Pablo x Converse One Star Pro Ox “Rapid Teal”.