Second-hand Converse

Converse rests on a model that has barely changed in a century, the Chuck Taylor, and that is what makes the brand easy to read second-hand: an old pair and a recent one can be worn side by side without looking dated. The canvas softens with wear and takes on a patina rather than wearing out, unlike leather. Sizing is the point to watch: Chucks run large, often by half a size, and the brand gives US sizes - the conversion is on the tongue label. On a pre-owned pair, the rubber sole tells you how the previous owner walked, and its uneven wear matters more than how the canvas looks. Then check whether the white band is coming away at the toe, which is hard to re-glue, and the inside of the heel, where the lining goes first.