The Converse G4 revives the brand’s loud, late-’80s basketball aesthetic for the modern positionless player through a dynamic combo of Nike React foam in the heel and Nike Zoom Air in the forefoot.
The two technologies form a natural pairing for heel-to-toe transition. In the G4, the connection supports a cycle that absorbs, stores and transfers energy for movements on both ends of the court, and the responsive process is further supported by the reductive arch sculpting on the shoe’s outsole platform.
“The reload aspect comes from the Nike React foam technology in the heel, and the explosive component comes from the Nike Zoom in the forefoot,” says Brandis Russell, VP of Converse Footwear. “When a player comes down on their heel, the shoe activates the stored energy, and allows him or her to propel forward, especially for relentless players like Draymond Green.”
So, for example, as soon as a player like Green comes down with the rebound, there’s no hesitation—he’s already leading the fast break to make a play.
The upper, notably in the hi-top, is an extension of its cultural predecessor, the Converse ERX. The thicker collar padding at the ankle helps provide comfort, while giving the shoe its boot-like muscle.
The Converse G4 releases May 1 on converse.com