By sneakerologist
Published: February 29, 2008
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I have been a fan of Converse Jack Purcells for quite some time now, ever since I picked up a pair of them a few years ago in the US so I was certainly missing them in the stores here in India. But I was pleasantly surprised when I walked into the store recently and saw two colors of Jack Purcells in a "washed up" avatar. I promptly picked up a pair of mustard ones, just in time to match it with my summer wardrobe.
Not unlike Chuck Taylors, the Jack Purcell shoe started its life as a performance court shoe in the 1930's, bearing the name of the then world famous badminton player, Jack Purcell. He was also a tennis player who helped design the shoe he played in and soon the shoe became an icon in North America. The unmistakable tell tale sign of the Converse Jack Purcell is the recessed "smile" in the front which was originally put in as a feature to prevent excessive wear and tear in the toe area. But soon the popularity of the Converse Jack Purcell spilled over from the court to popular culture and ever since, the shoe with a "smile" is seen as a symbol of celebrity cool and understated style. The brand Jack Purcell was originally owned by the company B.F Goodrich but Converse bought the rights to Jack Purcell in 1972 and the shoe has hit new heights of popularity since.
The pair of Jack Purcells I am reviewing today is a "washed" version with artificially manufactured wear and tear effects, like the frayed fabric edges and roughed up rubber edges. Very similar to what Levis does with its jeans, like using a combination of enzyme washed denim with frayed pocket linings.
The "smile" says it all: Notice the "smile" on the toe. This is a "washed" version so signs of wear and tear are artificially manufactured in the shoe. Notice the "scratch" marks on the white toe cap and the frayed canvas edges. Not very unlike a pair of "VSOP" Levi's, eh?
The Jack Purcells have always been a cut above its other Converse Canvas cousins and this pair is no different. The first thing when I notice when I hold the shoe in my hands is the soft enzyme washed fabric used in the upper, supported by a blue heather fabric lining inside which is very similar to what you might find in a high quality casual shirt. The break in time is barely half a second, as you comfortably slip in to shoe and let the soft washed upper cocoon your foot, as would a pair of your favourite old jeans. The lace material is soft and yielding and blends in perfectly with the washed canvas. One of the best things I liked in my old pair of Jack Purcells (and this one) is the extra thick, super squishy footbed. The quality of footbed used in the Jack Purcell can easily shame the ones used in Rs.8000+ (US $200) sneakers - it is one of the thickest molded sockliners I have ever seen. At its thickest point, it must be no less than a centimeter thick.
"Washed" up special effects: The frayed collar and "used" look comes right out of the box. Notice the premium blue heather lining inside.
The footbed story: Extra thick, extra squishy, extra lux, extra....? I'm running out of adjectives, need some help here!
Jack Purcell - in you he lives: A woven label stitched into the footbed fabric lends a special touch of style.
The outsole does not have much since the footbed does most of the cushioning job, but the Jack Purcells use a construction technique called strobeling, which reduces weight by replacing the traditional cellulose board with a piece of woven fabric called the strobel. The outsole texture seems flat at first sight but when you flex it, you can see hidden wavy "cuts" which undoubtedly aids in flexibility and grip. The white rubber midsole wraps around the shoe as in the Chuck Taylors but the toe cap has a unique two layer rubber construction which gives it a distinctive look.
Outsole: Simple but functional design - molded "Converse Jack Purcell" in the center. Look closely and you will notice hidden wavy cuts in the outsole. I would love to know how they do that!
Jack Purcell rubber tab: Another distinctive feature of the JP's.
At Rs.2600, the shoe is a tad expensive if you compare it to the rest of the Converse shoes available in India. But it's pretty much worth the sticker price if what you pay for is what you get. But if you want to stand out of a crowd and still want your shoes to have oodles of style, this is just what the doctor ordered!
The Lowdown:
Shoe Name: Jack Purcell Washed Ox
Color reviewed: Mustard
Retail price (India): INR 2600
Retail price (USA): $ 70
Available at: All Planet Sports stores and select shoe retailers.
Weight: 366 grams for a size 8.5 UK/ 9.5 US
Verdict: The second best thing to happen to Converse, the Jack Purcell is an epitome of understated style and celebrity chic.
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