Barriers Worldwide Gets A Converse Collaboration

Updated on July 8, 2022•Published July 7, 2022

Barriers Worldwide x Converse Collection

Previously employed by Nike, Steven Barter eventually was able to bring to life one of his visions, Barriers Worldwide, a streetwear label that aims to educate through its designs. One of the company's mantras, “Create Your Opportunity,” could not apply more to their recent collaborative effort, landing an opportunity to reimagine the Converse Chuck 70 and the Converse Pro Leather with inspiration from The North Star, an anti-slavery newspaper from the 1800s.

For the Chuck 70, a black premium canvas upper is utilized with raw edges and accented by the colorful details and mottos placed throughout the sneaker. For the iconic rubber toecap, a pre-worn aged design is used, sitting near the seashell lace dubrae and multicolor laces that run up the tongue to the Barriers logo and “Live Free” text. Along the midfoot, the phrase “Wisdom, Courage, Vision” is embroidered in a bloody red thread on the left pair while the right pair states “True Power Come From Within,” replacing the Converse logo on the lateral sides. On the insole, a graphic split between both pairs depicts three individuals staring at The Little Dipper constellation, a call back to when escaped slaves would use the North Star to guide them on their journey to freedom. Rounding out the look is the pre-worn aged midsole in white and a gum rubber outsole.

Barrier’s redesigns the Pro Leather, swapping out the tried and true material for a brown suede from heel to toe. The same lace dubrae present on the Chuck 70 is utilized with a plant-like set of mismatched laces running up to the co-branded tongue label. Along the midfoot, the Converse Star and chevron logo get covered in a white sherpa material with Barriers branding embossed nearby. Back on the heel is a debossed Converse Star graphic in white, piercing off the earth-tone suede. Underfoot is a pre-worn aged midsole and gum rubber outsole.

Both pairs of the Barriers Worldwide x Converse collection are currently available on Barriers Worldwide’s website with a wider release through Converse and select retailers slated for July 21st, 2022. Releasing in unisex sizing, the retail price is set at $110. Keep it locked to our Twitter and the Mobile App. If you're looking for a more in-depth breakdown of Converse and upcoming releases, take a look at our Converse Buyers Guide and our Converse Release Dates Page!