The Converse Proud To Be Collection is Available Now

Published May 20, 2024

Converse continues its long-standing support for the LGBTQIA+ community by releasing the 2024 Proud to Be Collection. Celebrating its 10th annual Pride campaign, Converse has pioneered creating spaces and opportunities for LGBTQIA+ and gender-expansive youth to learn, develop, and thrive. Since launching its first Pride campaign and collection in 2015, Converse has pledged and donated nearly $3 million to organizations serving the LGBTQIA+ community, including the It Gets Better Project. The 2024 collection features the newly introduced Run Star Utility Sandal CX alongside a suite of restyled footwear classics and accompanying apparel.

This year’s Proud to Be collection is infused with a Western-inspired aesthetic, nodding to the trailblazing spirit of the queer community. Designed by Converse LGBTQIA+ employees and allies, the collection includes a vibrant spectrum of colors that empower individuals to stand out and live unapologetically. Each footwear style features unique design details, such as a Chuck 70 with a platinum upper, harness-inspired embellishment, and a first-of-its-kind Run Star Utility Sandal CX colorway highlighting the transgender flag. The collection also showcases Western embroidery, prismatic Chuck patches and license plates, and neon-rainbow outsoles.

Converse enlisted photographer Cully Wright to capture the essence of its 2024 Proud to Be campaign. Wright’s work embodies the meaning of creating space, representing various queer experiences, and demonstrating the expansiveness of humanity and joy. For Converse, Wright focused on capturing the tenderness and peace of authentic love to show the power of standing in one’s truth. This collaboration aligns with Converse’s aim to celebrate the community meaningfully by showcasing creators pushing boundaries in their fields and building a future where everyone can unapologetically be their whole selves.

The Converse Proud to Be Collection includes the Chuck Taylor All-Star High, Low, and platform styles, customizable through the Converse By You experience. This feature allows customers to personalize their shoes with laces, flags, stars, hearts, flames, trim, and tongue patches, offering a unique way to express individuality and support for the LGBTQIA+ community.

The Converse Proud to Be Collection is available now through Converse and select retailers online and in-store. The collection's prices range between $45 and $120. Download the Sole Retriever mobile app to stay updated on the latest releases, raffles, news, and more in the sneaker and streetwear world.

Images via Converse