DRIFT

 


First released in 1917 as a basketball shoe, the Converse ALL STAR has traversed more than a century of transformation. From sports courts to city streets, it has become one of the most iconic sneakers in the world—woven into the fabric of fashion and subculture alike. Over the years, countless updates have kept the silhouette alive, relevant, and deeply beloved by generation after generation.

In February 2025, Converse introduced a new flagship model: the ALL STAR LGCY. Rooted in the legacy of the 1970s version of the ALL STAR, the LGCY combines vintage detail with contemporary comfort and design. It is a sneaker that doesn’t just revisit the past—it reflects the future, fusing heritage with innovation. Whether you’re a lover of vintage sneakers or someone discovering the ALL STAR for the first time, this stripped-back, minimalist expression feels both timeless and refreshing.

To explore the cultural impact of the ALL STAR LGCY, Converse partnered with six leading stores across Japan—each known not only for their curated style but also for the subcultures they help foster. Among them is UNDEFEATED, whose West Coast-inspired aesthetic and deep roots in street and sportswear make them an essential voice in the journey of this new silhouette.

UNDEFEATED: Bridging Past and Present

UNDEFEATED, with its heritage in Los Angeles street culture, is not simply a retail space—it’s a cultural hub. Known for blending military, athletic, and street aesthetics, the store brings a unique lens to the ALL STAR LGCY. For UNDEFEATED, the appeal of this model lies in its authenticity and its potential to evolve.

The store’s creative team highlights how the LGCY’s balance of retro detailing and modern wearability aligns with their ethos. “We’ve always respected pieces that carry history but are versatile enough to feel new again,” says an in-house stylist. “The ALL STAR LGCY is like a clean slate, but with soul—it fits right into the way people dress today.”

In a landscape where fashion often feels overcomplicated or hyper-stylized, the ALL STAR LGCY’s restraint is its strength. For UNDEFEATED, the sneaker represents more than just product—it’s a tool for expression, a shape that can adapt to any wardrobe without losing its identity.

Reframing the Legacy

By focusing on key features from the 1970s model—the high foxing tape, vintage-style eyelets, and distinctive toe cap—Converse has preserved the DNA of the original design. But subtle tweaks to cushioning, fit, and materials modernize the sneaker for daily wear. It’s this fusion that resonates with stores like UNDEFEATED, where past and present are always in conversation.

The store’s curated visual campaign for the ALL STAR LGCY mixes archival Converse imagery with urban Tokyo backdrops. Skaters, DJs, and creatives from the UNDEFEATED community wear the sneaker in raw, natural settings. The message is clear: this isn’t just a reissue—it’s a reset.

A Platform for Possibility

By spotlighting stores like UNDEFEATED as part of The Timeless Journey campaign, Converse acknowledges the role these retailers play in shaping fashion narratives. Each partner brings its own lens, its own community, and its own interpretation of the ALL STAR LGCY’s potential. For UNDEFEATED, that means honoring the ALL STAR’s roots while actively pushing it forward.

As fashion continues to navigate the space between digital culture, real-world wearability, and nostalgia-driven revivalism, the ALL STAR LGCY stands out not through loudness, but clarity. It is a shoe of intention—stripped back, thoughtfully built, and wide open to interpretation.

In the words of one UNDEFEATED team member: “Some sneakers chase trends. Others set them. The ALL STAR LGCY? It just is. And that’s what makes it powerful.”

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