ABC Presidential Debate

Coconut Trees and Chucks: Can Kamala Harris Help Bring Converse Back to the Forefront?

Katie Abel

July 23, 2024 at 11:52 AM·2 min read

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Long before all the ‘coconut tree’ memes took over social media, it was Kamala Harris’ beloved Chucks that won the Internet.

Back in 2020, the then-vice presidential candidate was photographed on the campaign trail many times in her favorite Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star Low-top kicks. Harris inspired fans to don her trademark footwear, and even posed on the cover of “Vogue” in the sneakers.

Four years later, the VP — who is well on her way to securing the Democratic presidential nomination after President Joe Biden dropped out of the race over the weekend and immediately endorsed her — is more frequently seen in power suits and pumps from Manolo Blahnik and other big names.

But in the 24 hours since Harris launched her presidential bid, Converse is suddenly back in the conversation — proving that it is still the shoe brand most closely associated with the VP.

“Called up Converse today to request a line of Kamala Chucks,” wrote one Threads user on Monday.

“Converse really needs to make Kamala 2024 edition Chucks. They would be a great answer to the $300 Trump sneakers,” wrote another, referring to the high-tops that the former president and current Republican presidential nominee debuted at SneakerCon in February.

Elsewhere on the internet, T-shirts featuring pink Chuck Taylors and the phrase, “Make Sure to Wear Shoes Ladies, There’s Glass Everywhere” were popping up too.

Harris last talked about her affinity for Converse in an interview with Kiki Palmer last year, when she was asked what a collaboration between the pair might look like.

The new buzz couldn’t come at a better time for the $2.1 billion label, which saw sales decline 14 percent during parent company Nike’s fiscal 2024 year.

It remains to be seen whether Harris will remain loyal to the classic American sneaker during this campaign season, especially during “brat” summer. But one thing is for sure: Fans are ready for a Converse comeback.