They look almost the same in photos, and they sit next to each other on every shoe wall, so it is fair to ask why one costs about $30 more. The short answer: the Chuck 70 is built heavier and sturdier, and the Chuck Taylor All Star is built lighter and cheaper. Here is what that means on your feet.
Wear Converse often, or want them to hold their shape: the Chuck 70, around $95. Want a light, cheap canvas sneaker: the Chuck Taylor All Star, around $65. Both run large, and Converse suggests a size smaller than usual for either.
Side by Side
| Chuck 70 | Chuck Taylor All Star | |
|---|---|---|
| Canvas | Heavier double-ply | Lighter single-ply |
| Foxing | Taller rubber foxing | Lower |
| Sole | Chunkier midsole, all-rubber soles | Slimmer sole |
| Finish | Varnished, glossy midsole and toe cap | Less glossy |
| Details | Reinforced toe-cap stitching, leather heel patch | Classic patch |
| Fit | Same base, runs large | Same base, runs large |
| Amazon price (high top) | ~$95 | ~$65 |
| Check Price → | Check Price → |
Construction details from Converse's Chuck 70 guide and its Chuck comparison page. Prices from Amazon on October 22, 2026.
What the Extra $30 Buys
Most of the difference is material. Converse says the Chuck 70 uses a double-ply canvas that is more rigid and hard-wearing, where the All Star uses a single-ply canvas that is lighter and more flexible. The 70 also has taller foxing, the rubber band that wraps the bottom of the shoe, plus a chunkier midsole, all-rubber soles and reinforced stitching around the toe cap.
In practice, that means the Chuck 70 keeps its shape. A regular All Star softens and slouches fairly quickly, which some people like. The 70 stays crisp longer and feels more substantial underfoot, with a cushioned footbed on the pair we linked.
How to Tell Them Apart
Look at the sole. The Chuck 70 has a glossy, varnished rubber midsole and toe cap, visible stitching along the sidewall, and a leather patch on the heel. The All Star's sole is slimmer and less glossy. Once you notice the shine, you will spot a Chuck 70 from across a room.
Fit and Sizing
Converse says the two are built on the same base and lists them with the same sizing. Both run large, and Converse's guidance is to choose a size smaller than your usual sneaker size. If you already know your All Star size, start with the same size in the Chuck 70.
The Picks
Converse Chuck 70 High Top
Heavier canvas, taller foxing and a glossy vintage sole for around $95. The pair to buy if you wear Converse a lot.
Converse Chuck Taylor All Star High Top
The lighter, cheaper original with more than 30,000 ratings, for around $65. Fine if you want a casual canvas sneaker that breaks in fast.
The Verdict
If Converse are a regular part of your rotation, buy the Chuck 70. The heavier canvas and sturdier sole make it look better for longer, and $30 is a small premium for a shoe you wear constantly. If you want a light, cheap canvas sneaker for summer or the occasional outfit, the Chuck Taylor All Star does the job and costs less.
Both are in our best sneakers under $100 guide, alongside leather options like the Reebok Club C 85.
More Sneaker Guides
FAQs
The Chuck 70 is the sturdier, more premium version. Converse says it uses a heavier double-ply canvas, taller rubber foxing, a chunkier midsole with all-rubber soles, reinforced stitching around the toe cap, a varnished rubber midsole and toe cap, and a leather heel patch. The Chuck Taylor All Star uses a lighter single-ply canvas and a slimmer sole.
If you wear Converse often, yes. On Amazon on October 22, 2026, the Chuck 70 High was around $95 and the Chuck Taylor All Star High around $65. The extra $30 buys heavier canvas and a sturdier sole that hold their shape longer. If you want a light, cheap canvas sneaker, the All Star is fine.
Converse says the two are built on the same base and treats them as sharing the same sizing. Both have a larger fit, and Converse suggests choosing a size smaller than your usual sneaker size.
The Chuck 70 has more to it underfoot, with a chunkier sole and a cushioned footbed, so most people find it more comfortable for a full day. The All Star is lighter and more flexible. Neither is a walking shoe.
Look at the sole and heel. The Chuck 70 has a glossy varnished midsole, taller foxing, stitching on the sidewall and a leather patch on the heel. The regular All Star has a slimmer, less glossy sole.