When March 2026 kicked off, Sanrio and Converse introduced a set of Chuck Taylor All Star, Chuck 70, and Converse by You sneakers and different merchandise with characters like Whats up Kitty, Cinnamoroll, My Melody, Kuromi, and Pompompurin on them. Basically, taking foundation-level objects within the line and adorning them with characters. A few of the objects ended up being extremely apparent concerning the collaboration, just like the Whats up Kitty Chuck Taylor 70 Swarovski pair or Chuck 70 Stickers or Chuck Taylor All Star BFFs design. After sporting the a pair of the Converse x Whats up Kitty and Buddies Chuck Taylor All Star Picnic sneakers, I really feel just like the restricted assortment is at its greatest when it’s barely refined about it.
First, I do suggest going to an precise Converse retailer to attempt on a Chuck Taylor All Star earlier than you place any order. Whereas the official website famous it “runs giant” and recommends ordering a half-size down, I discovered it was true to my precise dimension. Plus, relying on the way you wish to type and put on high-tops, you may need to make certain it isn’t too cosy.
The one factor I’d notice is be ready to mess around with the laces a bit while you first get a pair of the Converse x Whats up Kitty and Buddies Chuck Taylor All Star sneakers. They’re a terrific match which can be fairly comfy when worn, however it actually is about getting them the way in which you want them first. If you wish to use each one of many eyelets, you may have to get longer laces. (Within the case of this Picnic selection, that will additionally imply restringing the charms while you thread the laces.) When you’re unaccustomed to a high-top type, put on them for shorter distances when you get used to that further help. Observe that for those who do resolve to swap the laces, it will likely be a little bit of an affair as there are 4 charms on them you’ll want to switch as you go alongside.
Yup, I discussed charms. If somebody solely rapidly glances on the Converse x Whats up Kitty and Buddies Chuck Taylor All Star Picnic high-top sneakers when you’re sporting the pair, the sneakers may appear to be a typical black and white plaid pair. However the second you spend a bit extra time them, it feels apparent references and extra refined Easter eggs present up. The surface panel the place the ankle emblem can be on every shoe options the “Whats up Kitty and Buddies” emblem and a photograph of Whats up Kitty surrounded by Kuromi, Keroppi, Cinnamoroll, My Melody, Chococat, Badtz Maru, Pompompurin, Tuxedosam, and Pochacco. There’s a strip of (faux) washi tape with Whats up Kitty and Sanrio type tulips and daisies holding it in place. Different “sticker” designs formed like components resembling a Sanrio-style crown, shoe, milk, star, rainbow, mushroom, and heart-shaped diamond encompass it. What’s additionally particular about this picture is that every shoe has a distinct picture. The character’s expressions and poses are barely modified, which is a good contact. On the within of every present, the standard Converse All Star ankle emblem seems. That facet additionally options further “stickers” resembling issues like strawberries and cherries. The heel patch license plate additionally proudly proclaims “Whats up Kitty and Buddies” together with her purple bow on the higher proper nook on each sneakers.
However while you begin wanting nearer, it will get much more enjoyable. On the suitable shoe, there are rainbow and cloud charms on the laces, and the left has blue sneaker and yellow star ones. The upper-most eyelets every appear to be silver Whats up Kitty bows. They’re these little issues that while you actually look, you see there are further nods to the characters and accents Sanrio consists of with designs for its mascots, they usually’re rigorously woven into the general look. However on the identical time, the Converse x Whats up Kitty and Buddies Chuck Taylor All Star Picnic high-top sneakers aren’t inundated with these extras. I feel the eyelet design is one among my favourite components.
One in every of, as a result of my precise favourite is one thing most individuals won’t ever see and sadly will most likely degrade with strange use. There are customized insoles for the Converse x Whats up Kitty and Buddies Chuck Taylor All Star Picnic high-tops that appear to be pocket book paper and keep on the theme with their very own design. The one in the suitable shoe is rather less thrilling, because it simply says “Converse” and “Whats up Kitty and Buddies” with the center diamond, star, and crown “stickers” surrounding the logos. The left shoe, nonetheless, options further “footage” of the Sanrio mascots. It seems like a strip that comes out of a photograph sales space. On the high, Keroppi, Cinnamoroll, and Whats up Kitty are collectively. The center has Pochacco, Tuxedosam, Chococat, and Pompompurin hanging a pose. The third seems like My Melody and Kuromi are fangirling over Badtz Maru. Once more, the faux washi tape is “affixing” it to the lined pocket book paper, with star and daisy “stickers” round it. It’s so good (and in addition so comfy), so I do know I’ve to depart it in and use it. However I’ve already taken so many footage so I’ll bear in mind the way it taken care of months and years of damage and tear.
Oh, proper. These 100% really feel like customary Converse high quality sneakers. The insoles are actually substantial and comfy, so that they really feel like they’re for precise use and never simply ornament. The picnic plaid of this explicit design additionally feels actually versatile and prefer it might go together with a lot of totally different outfits. The canvas cloth feels sturdy too. On the identical time, because it isn’t a plain, white sneaker with accents, I’m rather less involved about them getting soiled. Certain, the outsole is white, however since there aren’t any further decorations on them other than the black line, it’ll be simple sufficient to wash. (I’ve been wiping down the edges and the toe cap, simply to be secure.) Converse additionally offers fairly detailed instructions for cleaning and it isn’t too troublesome, particularly since I’d need to hand-wash them and never toss restricted version sneakers right into a machine, so I’m feeling assured they’ll maintain up.
Mainly, I really feel just like the Converse x Whats up Kitty and Buddies Chuck Taylor All Star Picnic high-top sneakers are restricted version sneakers I don’t need to “child.” I can truly put on and revel in them. The design additionally means the Sanrio homage can be fairly apparent, however not garish. They really feel like a sensible kind of splurge.
The Sanrio Converse Whats up Kitty and Buddies shoe assortment and accent lineup is obtainable now.
