Masafumi Watanabe x Converse First String Johnny DB Hi

Converse First String release alongside BEDWIN & THE HEARTBREAKERS founder/designer Masafumi Watanabe this latest iteration of the Johnny. Calling upon the nostalgia and aesthetics of traditional L.L.Bean Duck Boots, the sneaker/boot fusion is well-executed in a water-resistant rubber and leather upper. The trademark toecap and outsole are mocked up in a brown gum bottom while polished brass lace eyelets, tonal brown laces and contrasting white stitching across the upper panels round out the collaborative. A great fusion between the history and heritage of both the Converse brand and the iconic boot silhouette, the Watanabe-designed Johnny DB Hi also represents a reasonable compromise for the sneaker lover who has yet to venture into the often cumbersome and bulky range of boot offerings. The shoe will release on February 4 via select retailers including Canadian retailer HAVEN.