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Nike has made a lot of good business moves, and buying out Converse is near the top of the list. The Converse design is one of the most iconic in footwear history, and it’s not hard to see why. That said, a common criticism directed their way are the questionable footbeds. For the ideal blend of comfort and style, consider shoes that look like Converse instead.
Footwear brands often like to imitate, but when it comes to Converse, the top competitors genuinely innovate. You might assume that the industry giants are unbeatable, but the Converse vs. Everyone Else battle proves otherwise.
But which Converse alternatives should you get? There’s no shortage of great options, but for your convenience, we’ve narrowed it down to the seven best. There’s something here to match everyone’s taste, and I guarantee that includes you, too.
Without further ado, here are the best shoes similar to Converse.
Key Takeaways
After scouring the internet and reading too many reviews to count (trust me, I tried), I’ve made my decision. The Cariuma OCA Sneakers are by far the best shoes that look like Converse. The quality materials, abundance of colors, and unmatched sole durability make them a no-brainer for any sneaker lover.
For something a bit more attention-grabbing, you can also go for the Burnetie High Top Vintage Sneakers. These shoes combine orthopedic support with a chic leather patch for the ultimate ’90s look.
Why they’re great: What makes these the best shoes that look like Converse? For starters, they have the design down to a T, and that goes for whichever upper material you pick. To make matters better, OCA sneakers are made of sustainable materials, so you can look good and be part of the solution too.
Who are these for? If you adore Converse but wish that they offered more spring to your step, then this is the shoe for you. The rubber sole is both durable and easy to walk with, not to mention it looks incredible. Whether you like it black, white, or even leopard, you’d be hard-pressed to find a cooler pair of shoes.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: I don’t mean to sound biased, but there’s nothing to complain about here. Converse should be taking notes from these guys if they want to stay on top, and I don’t say that lightly.
Material: Canvas; suede; leather; recycled fibers | Sole Material: Rubber | Sizes Available: 5–13 | Colors Available: 3–7 (material-dependent)
Why they’re great: Yes, I added another Cariuma pick to the list, but can you blame me? In true OCA fashion, you can pick between canvas, leather, and suede for the upper, and the number of design options is staggering. There’s also the quality, slip-resistant rubber to get you through most terrain types.
Who are these for? This is the low-top variant of our overall pick, so you can expect a lot of the same perks. The main allure comes from the mamona oil insole, the perfect antidote to flat feet and foot pain in general.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: Again, not much to complain about with these Converse alternatives. I guess some of the uppers are a little daring for my taste, but I’d say that having options is more of a positive than anything.
Material: Canvas, leather, suede | Sole Material: Slip-resistant rubber | Sizes Available: 5–13 | Colors Available: 22 (material-dependent)
Why they’re great: Don’t feel like burning a hole in your wallet over sneakers? I’d challenge anyone to find a more affordable pair that ticks so many boxes. These sporty shoes come in every color you’d want from a Converse alternative, and they shave a few years off you with their sprightly design.
Who are these for? These are a bit of a unisex shoe, so they’re slightly wider than other sneakers with matching sizes. This gives both your toes and ankle area a bit more breathability. As far as occasions go, you can wear these to a hike or the office and not worry about performance or looking out of place.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: Regrettably, there are only a few size options available for these. Either way, the thoughtful fit ensures that most guys with average-sized feet won’t have any issues.
Material: Canvas | Sole Material: Rubber | Sizes Available: 3.5–13 | Colors Available: 17
Why they’re great: Boss is a brand that needs no introduction, and they really outdid themselves here. If you’re going to go for a low top sneaker, then you might as well get one of the most elegant uppers money can buy. There’s also the vulcanized rubber outsole, which is supremely comfortable and able to get you through a full day on your feet.
Who are these for? Besides the build quality, my favorite thing about these Converse alternatives is the color palette. Besides the classic black and white, you have some zanier colors for your summer fits. Then there are the earthy tones to go along with your cargos for a kind of elevated casual look. Oh, and the water resistance helps, too.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: My only gripe with these is that I wish they came in a larger number. Either way, the ones they do have available are top-shelf, so grab them if they have your size.
Material: Cotton | Sole Material: Rubber | Sizes Available: 7–12 | Colors Available: 11
Why they’re great: Not only are these shoes similar to Converse, they’re nearly a one-to-one replica of their low top models. The canvas lets your feet breathe that sweet summer air when it’s hot out, and the color choices are pretty unique. I like that you can get a toe cap that matches the rest of the upper, especially in black and beige.
Who are these for? Any fan of Converse shoes is likely to be a fan of these things, too. It also helps that the soles are anti-slip, making them great for seaside walks and other skiddy terrain.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: The downside here is that these shoes sometimes have that Converse insole issue, too. On the other hand, when you consider how much you’re saving for what’s effectively the same shoe, it’s a pretty obvious no-brainer.
Material: Canvas | Sole Material: Rubber | Sizes Available: 7–13 | Colors Available: 9
Why they’re great: I’m shocked that you can get such a high-quality pair of Converse alternatives at this fair of a cost, but the facts speak for themselves. You can get these puppies in more than a dozen eye-catching colors, each one boasting a quality canvas upper. Then there’s the thick rubber sole, which is leaps and bounds ahead of more expensive competitors.
Who are these for? Whether you’re looking for a travel shoe or something to get you through a night out, look no further. You can style ZGRs with anything from jeans to cargo pants, and no color combination is off the table.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: The insoles aren’t as durable as I’d like, so I wouldn’t wear them running or anything like that. Still, they’re an otherwise incredible product with loads of style points.
Material: Canvas | Sole Material: Rubber | Sizes Available: 7–13 | Colors Available: 14
Why they’re great: These Burnetie sneakers are a little bit different from our other picks, but in a really awesome way. The leather patch on the back is a total blast from the past, and it looks good regardless of color. The OrthoLite insole provides some amazing support, to the point where you won’t feel achy if you’re active throughout the day.
Who are these for? Anyone who can appreciate a throwback shoe, really. Even if the contrast between cotton and leather isn’t your thing, then you can get them in full black for a more conservative look.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: I’m a huge fan of zipper closures on the sides of sneakers, but I understand that it’s not for everybody. If you ask me, I’d say it adds to the retro aesthetic. You almost feel like a cowboy while wearing these Converse alternatives.
Material: Cotton | Sole Material: Rubber | Sizes Available: 8–13 | Colors Available: 3
Buying Considerations for the Best Shoes That Look Like Converse
Color
Converse shoes tend to look best in black, white, red, or blue, so the same goes for Converse alternatives. You’re getting a white-toe cap more often than not, but the color should depend on the rest of your outfit.
Generally, bright-colored clothes like summer tees and worn-out jeans go great with a light-colored upper. Alternatively, you can always go black and call it a day.
Material
Aside from the toe cap, Converse shoes are generally made of a canvas upper and a rubber sole. This is what you want to look for in shoes similar to Converse, too – canvas feels extremely airy on your foot, and rubber strikes a good balance between durability and cushiness.
Size
Converse shoes are known for running a little large sometimes, to the point that you may need to go a full size down. The best Converse alternatives do away with this problem, so unless otherwise instructed, you can rely on the size guides provided. With some high tops, you may need to go half a size up to give your ankles some wiggle room.
How We Chose
The footwear industry is one of the most oversaturated niches in all of fashion. With that in mind, we really did our homework to bring you the best shoes that look like Converse. We read reviews, looked at forum discussions, and cross-referenced every reputable source of information we could find.
Design: Is the product a genuine improvement over the classic Converse formula? My primary focus was making sure that readers aren’t getting a product that looks like the real thing but performs worse.
Price: Does the price of the product make sense? If you’re familiar with the Converse manufacturing process, then you get an idea of how much Converse alternatives should cost. I filtered out everything I deemed unreasonably priced, even if it was of decent quality.
Customer reviews: What do users have to say about the product? Alongside trying them for myself, compiling dozens or hundreds of reviews gives me the best idea of what the product has to offer.
Company reputation: Is the company known for putting out quality footwear? It’s harder to pitch a brand that makes only sneakers inspired by Converse and has no other track record. Generally, the shoes I’ve outlined for you are one in a long line of successful products for the manufacturer.
Why Trust Us?
FashionBeans has been on the forefront of male fashion for a long time, and footwear is no exception. What makes us stand out is our commitment to thorough research – we leave no stone unturned when bringing you what we think are the best products money can buy.
Andrej Paskalov’s shoe closet is a big one, and it grows larger by the year. He likes to stay informed on the latest trends in footwear, and that’s reflected in his work at FashionBeans. Veja sneakers, flip-flops, and loafers are just the tip of the iceberg for him. So, you’d best believe he’s bringing you the best Converse alternatives today.
Final Verdict
And that’s a wrap for today’s list. For me, the Cariuma OCA Sneakers are the best shoes that look like Converse. You can pick between four quality upper designs and loads of colors, all while getting a quality sole and footbed out of the deal.
FAQ
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There are lots of good shoes that look like Converse but perform that much better in terms of comfort. Brands like Boss, Veja, Cariuma, and Vans are behind some of the best alternatives on the market. Then there’s brands like ZGR that, against all odds, manage to one-up the newest Converse products at a fraction of the price.
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Converse shoes are, and will always be, the blueprint for trendy sneakers. Their elegance and versatility in terms of styling are unmatched, and that goes for their competitors, too. All you need is the right color to match the rest of your outfit, and you’re guaranteed to look like a million bucks.
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Andrej is a graduated psychologist-turned-marketer with a penchant for online content writing. Following his stints with Adventure in You, The Packable Life, and other lifestyle websites. When he’s not working on a new piece, he’s working on expanding into the world of fashion.
