Featured
Shop For
Shop For Custom
Latest Stories
SHOP BOOTS
Shop Boots
Best Sellers
All your favorite styles.
SHOP MI GENTE COLLECTION
Customize Your Own
Have a question?
SHOP PLAID
Shop Plaid
Shop Leather Styles
SHOP LEATHER STYLES
BestSellers
ShopLeather Styles
CustomizeYour Own
Search
Top Searches
Your browser's Javascript functionality is turned off. Please turn it on so that you can experience the full capabilities of this site.
Home / All Stories / Create Your Own Story
Create YourOwn Story
Inspired by basketball legend Dr. J, five up-and-coming style icons try the Pro Leather on for size and reflect on how their individuality unlocked a creativity that’s all their own.
Feb 1, 2020
Introduced in 1976, the Converse Pro Leather became an instant basketball classic. It featured new technology for the time, with a cupsole design that made it lighter and more durable than its predecessors. The silhouette was also the boldest expression of the Converse Star Chevron logo, offered in multiple "team colors" and at one point, shipped with markers to encourage personalization.
But, the legacy of the Pro Leather can't be expressed without acknowledging the player who elevated the sneaker to a staple of basketball style, on and off the court: Julius "Dr. J" Erving. Donning the Pro Leather in the '70s and '80s, Dr. J completely changed the game of basketball, soaring above the rim like no one had done before, introducing a uniquely elegant style of play, and inspiring a new generation of players in their creative approach to the sport.
Now—as Converse reintroduces the Pro Leather to its lineup—we tapped five style leaders, themselves accomplished creatives, to tell us how they’re changing the game in their own way: Kelly Oubre, Jr., Sage Elsesser, Paloma Elsesser, Natasha Cloud, and IDK.
Scroll to find out just how they channel the Be the First attitude of Dr. J.
"I'm trying to make everyday a masterpiece. It’s all about being creative. My style is just me, it's my emotion, it's who I am. Whatever you see is how I feel."
Kelly Oubre Jr.
"Sometimes you have to take a couple losses to understand what it feels like. The truth of the matter is… just be you."
Sage Elsesser
"I radically accept who I am. That doesn't mean that I love every single part of it, but I am who I am. What is anyone going to do about it or who is going to tell me differently?"
Paloma Elsesser
"There's no one way to do it. There's not a blueprint for it. Just be an original."
Natasha Cloud
"There's a level of confidence that comes with being yourself that you can't really replicate. Tapping into yourself is the most important thing."
IDK
Inspired by basketball legend Dr. J, five up-and-coming style icons try the Pro Leather on for size and reflect on how their individuality unlocked a creativity that's all their own.
Introduced in 1976, the Converse Pro Leather became an instant basketball classic. It featured new technology for the time, with a cupsole design that made it lighter and more durable than its predecessors. The silhouette was also the boldest expression of the Converse Star Chevron logo, offered in multiple “team colors” and at one point, shipped with markers to encourage personalization.
But, the legacy of the Pro Leather can’t be expressed without acknowledging the player who elevated the sneaker to a staple of basketball style, on and off the court: Julius “Dr. J” Erving. Donning the Pro Leather in the ‘70s and ‘80s, Dr. J completely changed the game of basketball, soaring above the rim like no one had done before, introducing a uniquely elegant style of play, and inspiring a new generation of players in their creative approach to the sport.
Now—as Converse reintroduces the Pro Leather to its lineup—we tapped five style leaders, themselves accomplished creatives, to tell us how they're changing the game in their own way: Kelly Oubre, Jr., Sage Elsesser, Paloma Elsesser, Natasha Cloud, and IDK.
"I’m trying to make everyday a masterpiece. It's all about being creative. My style is just me, it’s my emotion, it's who I am. Whatever yousee is how I feel."
Shop The Story
Shop Pro Leather
More Stories
Breaking Down Barriers
A new NBA Hardwood Classics collection that shines a spotlight on the first three African American basketball players to break the color barrier.
Twist What You Know ToCreate What You Don't
Meet the Changemakers:6 emerging creatives who are using art—and activism—to inspire progress.
Q&A With Louie Lopez
On the first anniversary of his first pro model shoe, Cons team skater Louie Lopez spills on his design—and what’s up next for 2020.
Twist What You Know To Create What You Don't
We’ll Keep You Posted
Get latest news on deals, product launches, collaborations and more.
