NORTH
ANDOVER, Mass. (October 14, 2009) – Converse
today announced the launch of the Weapon Evo, an all-new, court-ready,
basketball shoe evolved from the original Weapon, which was
worn by superstars during the game’s “Golden Age.” The
Weapon Evo will be branded with the iconic Star Chevron logo,
which will now be the primary logo on all Converse basketball
footwear.
“The Star Chevron logo represents a defining time in
basketball history,” said Geoff Cottrill, Chief Marketing
Officer. “This logo first appeared on footwear when
players changed basketball by bringing their unique style
to the sport. Converse still stands for that today and we
celebrate those who create positive change and challenge
the status quo.”
The
shoe’s design is inspired from the original Weapon.
It features an ankle support Y-bar and the original “broken
Herringbone” traction pattern that allows increased
grip. The iconic Weapon toe and heel overlays, along with
bold color blockings, give the shoe a retro look for off-court
appeal.
The
Weapon Evo also debuts Converse Balls Technology, an all-new
cushioning system in the shoe’s heel that provides excellent
impact protection. The heel of the shoe has several polyurethane
balls that rebound and push back when compressed during play.
The cushioning system creates unique, low profile support that
reacts to the athlete’s foot as it responds to the
demands of the game. The balls are enclosed in a clear TPU
cage to provide stability and attractive visible technology.
The Evo also features a perforated leather upper for enhanced
breathability, fit and feel and an additional lateral support
overlay to help contain splay during hard cuts.
The
Weapon Evo brings Converse’s independent attitude
to players, both pro and pick-up – with Converse Balls
Technology and a refreshed design that brings Converse heritage
to today’s game. Converse introduced the Weapon Evo
to musicians this summer at the first-ever Band of Ballers
tournament. Jim Jones, Asher Roth, Pac Div, Matt and Kim
and others laced up the Weapon Evo and squared off on the
court in gritty 3-on-3 contests where Jim Jones walked away
a champion. Content from the event is posted online in webisodes
on Converse.com.
The Weapon Evo hit stores with two premium colorways that pay homage to the original Weapon, worn by two of basketball’s greatest on-court rivals. The premium colorways retail
for MSRP $90 and are available now at select Finish Line
stores, FinishLine.com and Converse.com. The Weapon Evo
will continue to roll out in nine team colorways for MSRP
$80 at nationwide sports specialty retailers in September.
Two additional in-line colorways roll out for MSRP $80
at nationwide sports specialty retailers in October 2009.
The Weapon Evo is also available on converse.com.
About Converse
Converse Inc., based in N. Andover, Massachusetts, is a wholly
owned subsidiary of NIKE, Inc. Established in 1908, the Converse
brand has built a reputation as “America’s Original
Sports Company”™ and has been associated with
a rich heritage of legendary shoes such as the Chuck Taylor® All
Star® shoe, the Jack Purcell® shoe and the One Star® shoe.
Today, Converse offers a diverse portfolio including premium
lifestyle men's and women's footwear and apparel. Converse
product is sold globally by retailers in over 160 countries
and through 43 company-owned retail locations in the U.S.
For more information, visit Converse on the web at www.converse.com.
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