There’s nothing quite like summer convention season. Seeing all the new things coming to tables and nerd caves and hanging out with fellow fans in the flesh is such a refreshment after lurking on the Internet for months. These gatherings also offer a chance to meet creators and the minds behind our favorite games, stories and more.
It’s also amazing to the the wide variety of nerdy clothing options at summer shows. I remember the San Diego Comic Con where Hellfire Club shirts were everywhere. Companies have realized that nerds want to be decked out in clothes that celebrate their fandoms the same way that sports fans do.
Dungeons & Dragons has been moving into this field for years. This year’s 50th Anniversary has kicked the idea into high gear with a new set of gear from Converse. The folks there were king enough to send along some samples to see up close.
Converse x Dungeons & Dragons Collection
The Converse x Dungeons & Dragons Collection debuted at Gary Con 2024. It offered a mixture of sports shirts, hats and, of course, sneakers. Each of these pieces features artwork pulled from the five decades long history of the game. Most of the pieces are black and white giving the whole collection an old school vibe.
The shoes come in a few varieties. There are two styles of Chuck 70 high tops in leather and two styles in the classic Chuck Taylor All Star style. There are also two styles of shoes made for kids who are just starting out on their D&D journey.
Converse x Dungeons & Dragons Chuck Taylor All Star
As someone who has been going to conventions for 35 years, I swear by Chuck Taylor All Star as the best convention shoes. They are comfortable all day and keep me on my feet even my shoulders hurt from hauling books and I’m ready for a nap. My current pair are just ready to reach retirement age after 15 years of comic cons, gaming conventions and at least one trip to Walk Disney World.
I was excited when Converse announced D&D themed shoes. I will be attending Gen Con this year which sounds like an excellent opportunity to break in a new pair of shoes. I picked up the black, white and green All Star from my local Journeys and took them on a quick mall walk to check them out.
The shoes are full of fun details all over the place. My favorite is the inside of one of the tongues made up to look like an old school character sheet. The shoes also come in a mimic shoebox which I immediately repurposed to hold various cards, dice and other essential D&D equipment for my game nights.
The shoes felt just as comfortable as my old pair of high tops from the first wear. I’ve worn them a few more times on short trips but I primarily save my Chucks for conventions. They already feel like trusty companions for my first trip to Indianapolis in years.
The Converse x Dungeons & Dragons Collection ae available directly from Converse and several online retailers.
