Converse Goes Tactical with the Urban Utility Collection

Converse has crossed over into the tactical market with a line of gear for utilitarians. The Urban Utility Collection features products that are built for abuse and seem suitable for the range. Each product in the Urban Utility line uses Gore-Tex to keep you dry. This is a big change from the days of old when soaking wet Chucks caused your toes to squish into the insole.

This jump into the tactical market is another sign of companies taking notice that function beats fashion. Another recent example of this is when Dickies introduced its tactical apparel. While Converse doesn't say the Urban Utility Collection is specifically intended to be tactical, they do use tactical-esque verbiage like military-inspired textiles for added durability. 

The Urban Utility Collection includes two jackets as well as updated Chucks.

The Urban Utility Chuck 70 Utility Hiker is essentially a lovechild of the Chuck 70 and Jump Boot models. With three color options, you're not stuck with another shade of FDE.

Urban Utility Chuck 70 Urban Hiker rundown:

• Waterproof
• No-fuss elastic enclosure
• Reflective upper panel for high visibility

MSRP: $150

Direct link: https://store.nike.com/us/en_us/pd/converse-urban-utility-chuck-70-utility-hiker-high-top/pid-12225223/pgid-12359464

Not as easy on the eyes as the Chuck 70s, but just as functional, are the Converse Urban Utility Jump High Top. The high top footwear is only available in black or white.

Urban Utility Chuck Jump High Top rundown:

• Waterproof
• Heavy-duty ribbon detailing and patchwork upper
• Extra long laces to secure the neoprene collar

MSRP: $170

Direct link: https://store.nike.com/us/en_us/pd/converse-urban-utility-jump-high-top-unisex-boot/pid-12225225/pgid-12359396

The Urban Utility Gore-Tex Utility jacket has an M65 field coat vibe. It's available in olive or black.

Urban Utility Gore-Tex Utility Jacket rundown:

• Waterproof
• Adjustable cuffs and a storm flap covered two-way zipper
• Four bellowed storm pockets
• Secure zip chest pocket

MSRP: $400

Direct link: https://store.nike.com/us/en_us/pd/converse-urban-utility-gore-tex-utility-mens-jacket/pid-12310030/pgid-12368952

Miss your woobie? The Urban Utility Coaches jacket features stitching reminiscent of highly-coveted poncho liners that are issued to military members. It's a sad moment when you have to give your beloved poncho liner back to Supply.

The Urban Utility Coaches is available in two olive variations or solid black.

Urban Utility Coaches Jacket rundown:

• Waterproof
• Four bellowed storm pockets
• Hidden media and zip chest pocket

MSRP: $160

Direct link: https://store.nike.com/us/en_us/pd/converse-urban-utility-coaches-mens-jacket/pid-12290186/pgid-12368814

While manufacturing apparel that appeals to the tactical market seems like an odd shift, Converse is actually blasting back to the past. During WWII, Converse manufactured footwear used by US soldiers. We look forward to seeing how far Converse scales its Urban Utility Collection, as the possibilities and consumer-needs for quality gear are endless.

To check out Converse online, go to: https://www.nike.com/us/en_us/c/converse

Keep up with them on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/converse/

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