90 Years Later, The Converse Jack Purcell Returns

Amira Ibrahim
1 day ago
2 min read

In 1935, badminton world champion Jack Purcell designed a shoe to meet the demands of the sport. It later became a cultural staple.

It had a low-profile silhouette, a herringbone rubber outsole for traction, with a smile applied across the toe, inspired by Jack’s nickname, ‘The Smiler’.

The shoe was named the Converse Jack Purcell. Shortly after, athletes, actors, musicians and creators across generations embraced the iconic style. Ninety years after Jack first branded it with a smile, Converse revived the Jack Purcell through First String.

First String is the brand's pinnacle craft franchise, restoring iconic designs through careful construction and refined materials.

The First String Jack Purcell arrives in White and Mountain Green and starts at £225.

With premium leather and increased width in the forefoot, the footwear offers improved fit and comfort. The original rubber outsole has been upgraded with a Vibram outsole for greater durability and traction. It’s fitted with a molded comfort sockliner formed with CX foam and Nike Air technology, advancing the traditional construction.

Converse pays close attention to detail, with every revision drawn from the Jack Purcell archive. The toe cap has been redesigned into a shorter shape, inspired by early 1980s styles. The collar top-line rises to reference the silhouette’s appearance in the ‘70s and ‘80s.

The heel width increases from 20mm to 30mm and a multi line deco-stitch detail is added. Top stitching reflects a bigger arch aesthetic pulled from mid-1970s models. Vent eyelets appear on the top of the foxing, a construction detail found on ‘80s-era Jack Purcell.

Laces are shown with premium vintage metal aglets and main eyelets have a beveled finish. The heel’s license plate now features the 1970s-era JP Script and Wedge logo. The style is finished with an increased midsole tape height, thicker lower tape and upgraded rubber. The signature smile stays, with an enhanced rubber inlay shape.

Converse honors the original design, while elevating aspects of the shoe for comfort. Each pair is produced in limited quantities and sourced with trusted material partners, representing First String’s commitment to doing fewer things, better.

‘Jack is back’, with more Jack Purcell styles arriving soon.

The First String Jack Purcell arrives on September 8 in a limited global release at select retailers.

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