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Where to buy the Barriers x Converse Collection

Images of the Barriers x Converse Collection

Sneaker Details

Converse seems to have a knack for producing interesting collabs – from the futuristic A-COLD-WALL* Aeon Active CX to a new earthy silhouette with Tyler, the Creator’s GOLF le FLEUR*. The newest addition to their collaborative list is Barriers Worldwide, a New York City-based label. Steven Barter founded this label in 2015 with the purpose of educating the masses about Black history through streetwear and street style.

The label’s newest sneaker designs, consisting of black and egret Chuck 70s as well as brown Pro Leather hi-tops, are based off an anti-slavery newspaper from the 19th century named “The North Star”. Perfectly aligning with Converse’s star logo, this star, accompanied by the text “LIVE-FREE-BARRIERS”, makes an appearance across the whole Collection.

Other aspects that stand out across the two sneaker designs include the “WISDOM-COURAGE-VISION” stitched text that covers the upper of the black Chuck 70, the Sherpa star-chevron logos on the sides of the brown Pro Leather, as well as the unique vibrant contrast laces and cowrie shell lace dubraes on both shoes.

Every detail appears to have been specifically chosen and tailored to each design so as to depict the journey of Black communities through history. For example, the cowrie shell lace dubraes represent the universal currency used in ancient African societies, a design choice you won’t see on any other shoe.

The more one looks, the more one discovers about the designs, and thus about Black history. It’s not common to see a collection that attempts to educate the masses and give voices to oppressed minorities, so this collaboration is a breath of fresh air in the industry. The Barriers x Converse Collection will be releasing on 21 July via Barriers, Converse and select retailers. More details below.

In other sneaker-related news, check out another Converse collab with Uniqlo UT’s Creative Director, Kosuke Kawamura.

Scroll down for more exclusive pictures of the collection.

Where to buy the Collection

Converse [From 21 Jul]

Barriers Worldwide [From 21 Jul]

Nike SNKRS

Footlocker

JD Sports

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Marketplace

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Sneaker Details

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