The Converse Chuck 70 "Capitols" Celebrates NBA's First African American Player

The Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star 70 is back with an homage to the NBA’s first African American player in Earl “Big Cat” Lloyd, who first suited up in a regulation game on October 31, 1950 for the Washington Capitols.

Here, the iconic silhouette features premium details from the gold lace eyelets down to the off-white rubber outsole contrasting subtle striping in light blue and green. The colors harken back to the piping on the old school jersey that “Big Cat” first wore. This particular release is also notable because it is the first time that another name has been prominently displayed on a Chuck Taylor’s heel ‘license plate’ – the back heel square utilizes vintage cursive typography in honor of Earl Lloyd’s accomplishments.

Lloyd also became the NBA’s first African American coach after helping to lead the Syracuse Nationals to the NBA title back in 1955. The Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star 70 “Captiols” is currently available now at select retailers like SneakAvenue and will arrive in the near future at more global outlets.

In more footwear updates, the Nike Air Force 1 Sage Low LX has returned with an updated molded Swoosh.