With the sudden switch by Dwyane Wade last summer from Converse to Jordan Brand, it left many sneaker watchers wondering what the fate of the already-in-production Converse WADE 5 signature shoe would be. Today, we get one possibility: A replaced chassis stacked underneath a stripped WADE 5 upper. As compared to the original WADE 5 samples, this new version carries the exact same material base with various alterations such as the removal of the TPU lace holder design element and de-badging such as the disconnection of the “Wade-as-Converse-Star” emblem as seen on the original model replaced simply by the official Converse Star logo on this pair. To complete the transformation, the existing Weapon Evo midsole/outsole tooling is used. Read our interview with Michael DiTullo, Converse Design Director, for the backstory on the Weapon Evo design. Continue reading for more detailed photos of this re-vamped and re-tooled Converse “WADE 5″ sample.
via Kinstor
I really like old Wade design. New shoe looks bulkier but I hear the evo is a good performance. Wonder if they ever release them because its long time since Wade left now
These aren’t bad I notice they still left on a Wade tag on the tongue. Guess they just destroyed the other midsoles then? Interesting idea
Interesting development….what will happen to Team Wade converse? I remember that was in catalog too. Shame he left
Good info. I dig the original version of it as well. It was sleeker and looked faster IMO
Good thing dwade left. These need serious help!
Not bad…
shoe looks good , liked the other sole better ,and could do without the red star on the back. Converse needs to get these and other new shoes on the court and in the stores so people can buy them!