Kicks: Converse ’11 Basketball Collection Debuts Today


In case you missed our breakdown of the Converse ’11 launch party, you still have time to familiarize yourself with the company’s upcoming basketball line, which debuts today, featuring the Converse DEFCON and Converse Pro Leather 2K11. The brand counts JJ Barea, Lou Williams, Kyle Korver and Chris Andersen among its sponsored hoopers, and has constructed kicks that work for players as different as their current roster of unique personalities. All the details on the release, from our friends at Converse:

A consistent staple in Converse basketball performance product, great emphasis has been placed on providing extensive technology in the upper, ensuring superior lockdown and ankle support. The Converse DEFCON and Pro Leather 2K11 shoes feature ConTain Fit Technology in the upper, unique to Converse, which first appeared in the Star Player Evo shoe. Forming a lightweight brace around the foot and providing breathable structural support and cushioning, ConTain Fit contours the foot and transfers all physical force directly to the traction system for increased on-court mobility.

At the recent Converse launch event for the Converse DEFCON and Pro Leather 2K11, Team Converse athlete Chris Andersen, and professional basketball player, spoke about training in the Pro Leather 2K11. “These shoes have blown my mind by the style and the way they perform on and off the court. I’ve been running the incline at the Red Rocks in Colorado in the Pro Leather 2K11 and I haven’t put on a better shoe. Ankle support is key for any basketball shoe and this shoe gives me exactly what I need.”

The Converse DEFCON shoe, named after the military term identifying defense readiness, was built for players to quickly transition from offense to defense. The DEFCON seamlessly integrates the upper and midsole with direct-inject EVA foam for lightness, breathability and containment. The DEFCON also comes with an *OrthoLite® sockliner providing long-lasting comfort during extended wear.

The Converse Pro Leather 2K11 has stepped out of its heritage and straight into the future of Converse basketball. A slight nod to the Converse Pro Leather, the first leather basketball shoe that Julius “Dr. J” Erving made famous, the Pro Leather 2K11 shoe predominantly features a “Dr. J” logo on the Y-Bar. It also boasts the iconic Star Chevron logo and a genuine leather forefoot. This is where the similarities between old school and new school end. The Pro Leather 2K11 is built with technology demanded by today’s athletes. Here, ConTain Fit Technology uses TPU coated mesh offering stability and durability needed on a basketball court, as well as full length Converse Balls Technology for incredible toe-to-heel impact resistance.

The Converse Holiday 2011 Basketball collection continues to deliver quality, versatile performance footwear for the 2011 season. The Converse DEFCON, offered in 12 colorways, is available nationwide at Foot Locker and specialty retailers for a suggested retail price of $90. The Converse Pro Leather 2K11, offered in white/black/red and black/white, is available nationwide at Foot Locker and specialty retailers for a suggested retail price of $100. The DEFCON and Pro Leather 2K11 will also be sold on converse.com.