Our verdict

Converse is back with another incredibly popular model that has created a fuss in the fashion industry. The Run Star Hike features a crazy high platform with a rugged vibe inspired by hiking footwear. This sneaker boosted not only our height but also our confidence when we were walking (and bragging) around town! This icon features a marvelous OrthoLite insole that kept our feet comfortable, and its stylish appeal matched most of our wardrobe (we'd skip skinny jeans, though!). Just be careful with wet surfaces, this shoe slips like crazy!

Pros

  • A modernised icon
  • Incredibly stylish and trendy
  • Height and confidence booster
  • Comfortable OrthoLite insole
  • Durable structure
  • On the affordable side

Cons

  • EXTREMELY heavy
  • Slippery on wet surfaces
  • Might squeak

Audience verdict

92
Great!

Who should buy

You can't let this iconic pair get away from you if you're looking for:

  • An incredibly stylish sneaker that looks awesome with pretty much anything you wear.
  • An oldie but goldie with a futuristic and rugged vibe to conquer the streets.
  • A height and confidence booster with a super high platform.
  • A high-top pal that screams Converse and is on the affordable side.

Converse Run Star Hike_outdoor_002

Who should not buy

If you're looking for a lightweight pair, FORGET about this one! It's crazy bottom-heavy, and if you're not used to heavy shoes, walking for a couple of hours might become a challenge. If you love this model's style and you wouldn't want to change, the Chuck 70 High Top is still heavier than average (at 17.0oz/482g), but it's lighter than the Run Star Hike by a lot!

You can also have a look at our lightweight sneakers catalog and find a pair that matches your vibe.

During our wear tests, we tried this shoe on wet surfaces, and the experience was... unforgettable. In the worst sense of the word! We slipped, the outsole squeaked... yeah, let's not remember that again. If you're looking for a high-top icon that is also inspired in hiking, try the Vans Sk8-Hi MTE-2 as it proved to be quite grippy!

Converse Run Star Hike_cut_in_pieces

Breathability

When we took this beauty to our lab and had a quick look at its upper, we already knew the breathability test would be tough for it.

We grabbed this Converse pair (left) and the Adidas Astir (right) and put smoke into both using our smoke machine. You can clearly see it in the video, our candidate lost the battle, but it did put up a fight! After all, there's some smoke coming out of it, but mainly through the tongue.

Before giving the Star Run Hike our final score, we wanted to ask a couple more questions.

Our light agreed, there isn't a single pore or ventilation hole around! The material of the upper is solid, and even though we can see some brightness, we can't say that makes the shoe breathable. It's just the white colourway!

Converse Run Star Hike Breathability_3

And the microscope just confirmed it. Look at that, there's no way the air can get through its iconic canvas upper.

Converse Run Star Hike Breathability_4

With a 2/5 in our breathability test, don't expect to feel the air running wild through your toes when you wear this Converse!

If you want your feet to wear icons but you'd like to brag about your shoes in the summer, you should have a look at the Vans Knu Skool and its everlasting popularity.

Test results
Run Star Hike 2
Average 3.1
Compared to 68 sneakers
Number of shoes
1
Breathability
5

Durability

Toebox durability

What's a Converse pair without its extra iconic toecap? Well, our Dremel wasn't very fond of it. Let's see if its efforts are enough to break these 2 pieces apart!

It felt like it was snowing in our lab, all the white rubber was flying around after touching our tool! Nevertheless, when we put it aside to see the result... it wasn't so bad! What's more, it was pretty good!

Converse Run Star Hike Toebox durability_2

After all, our Dremel couldn't get through that rubber protection, so the shoe's integrity was completely fine.

Converse Run Star Hike Toebox durability_3

The Star Run Hike (on the left) scored a well-deserved 4/5 in our toebox durability test. In the image above, you can compare it with the New Balance 480. As you can see, the NB model had it tough, and our abrasive tool almost made a full hole! It scored a 2/4, you can even see a black dot at the top that indicates the fabric was almost ripped apart!

Test results
Run Star Hike 4
Average 3.9
Compared to 68 sneakers
Number of shoes
1
Toebox durability
5

Heel padding durability

After our experience with the Converse Chuck 70, which is like the Run Star Hike's cousin, we didn't expect its heel padding to be incredibly durable. Yeah, we're not gonna lie here!

Our Dremel created a snowstorm once again! When we saw the white fabric dancing around, we knew the results were not going to be the best.

Converse Run Star Hike Heel padding durability_2

And we were right. The tool obliterated that first layer, bye-bye!

All we could give the Star Run Hike in our heel padding durability test was a 1/5, the lowest score. Just in case you're wondering why, we believe it's easier to understand with a comparative picture.

Converse Run Star Hike Heel padding durability_3

On the left we have our contender, the Converse Star Run Hike, and its 1/5 in our abrasion test. On the right, the Adidas Ozelia, and its "Excuse me, did you say something?" 5/5 in this same test.

Test results
Run Star Hike 1
Average 3.5
Compared to 68 sneakers
Number of shoes
1
Heel padding durability
5

Outsole hardness

As you can see, this shoe's outsole is quite unique. We always put our durometer in the very same spot because it allows us to compare and understand better the differences between every model that gets the VIP pass to be a member of our lab.

Converse Run Star Hike Outsole hardness_1

At 88.1 HC, it's just slightly harder than the average sneaker outsole. But take into account that it's the black rubber that we're analysing! We also have the brown compound and the white section, which is basically the midsole.

Converse Run Star Hike_outdoor_008

Still, don't worry about it too much. The white part doesn't necessarily touch the floor, as we noticed after our wear tests walking around town.

Test results
Run Star Hike 88.1 HC
Average 85.3 HC
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.
Compared to 68 sneakers
Number of shoes
72.9 HC
Outsole hardness
90.5 HC

Outsole durability

Last but not least, our Dremel could shine one more time!

Now fighting against this Converse's outsole, we expected it to be fine, honestly. Why? Well, first of all, its hardness was higher than average, even if it was just a bit. Second, it's a model inspired on hiking, its outsole has to be durable!

Right...?

Converse Run Star Hike Outsole durability_2

Well... our tread gauge might disagree on this one. At 1.5 mm, this shoe's dent was an incredibly 50% deeper than average!

Converse Run Star Hike_outdoor_007

So yeah, even though the material is not soft, its resistance to abrasion is definitely not the best. This might mean the overuse of this Converse or if you wear it constantly on tough surfaces might make you see signs of wear pretty soon.

Note: signs of wear do not equal this shoe becomes unwearable! 

Test results
Run Star Hike 1.5 mm
Average 1.0 mm
Compared to 68 sneakers
Number of shoes
0.0 mm
Outsole wear
2.0 mm

Outsole thickness

You might have expected us to say: "Don't overuse this shoe" or "Don't wear the Star Run Hike on abrasive surfaces for long" after this Converse's awful score in our outsole durability test, right?

Well, you would have read our minds if it wasn't for our caliper!

Converse Run Star Hike Outsole thickness_1

Just look at that, the big black chunk of an outsole got a result of 12.5 mm! This is, by far, the thickest outsole we've ever seen in our lab. Wow!

Converse Run Star Hike_outdoor_006

We believe Converse decided to go for a super thick outsole in order to compensate for the lack of durability of its material. In other words, the cool chunky vibe of this shoe is not just for show!

Test results
Run Star Hike 12.5 mm
Average 5.5 mm
Compared to 69 sneakers
Number of shoes
3.1 mm
Outsole thickness
12.5 mm

Weight

We hope you're reading this comfortably on a chair, because you might not be ready to hear about this shoe's weight. Honestly though, when we saw the number on our scale we thought that maybe we had stepped on it, but... nope.

Converse Run Star Hike Weight

At 20.5 oz/581.0g (yes, you read that right) the Converse Run Star Hike is one of the heaviest models we've seen in our lab. By far, it's the heaviest sneaker, but the most incredible part is that its weight is comparable to that of hiking boots! BOOTS!

Converse Run Star Hike_outdoor_0012

And obviously, we felt it during our wear tests. Here, in RunRepeat's lab, we try many different types of shoes (such as basketball, hiking, trekking..., etc.) so we're used to models that are on the heavier side. Still, when we walked around town with this shoe, we felt it was dragging our feet down and back to the ground.

So, if you're not used to heavier pairs, you might not find this Converse super comfortable to walk in. Additionally, when a shoe is heavy it implies that your feet will get tired sooner. The Star Run Hike is pretty comfortable overall, but this might be a breaking point for some people.

Test results
Run Star Hike 20.49 oz (581g)
Average 13.86 oz (393g)
Compared to 69 sneakers
Number of shoes
8.50 oz (241g)
Weight
22.61 oz (641g)

Cushioning

Heel stack

Once again, this Converse rises as the highest of them all!

Converse Run Star Hike Heel stack_1

At 50.5 mm, our caliper indicated it's the shoe with the highest heel stack we've ever seen. Just wow, another record for the Run Star Hike!

Converse Run Star Hike_outdoor_001

We felt really tall with it, which didn't only boost our height, but our confidence too! But that's not it, as this big heel also makes the whole shoe more comfortable. Hooray!

Test results
Run Star Hike 50.5 mm
Average 29.7 mm
Compared to 69 sneakers
Number of shoes
16.9 mm
Heel stack
50.5 mm

Forefoot stack

At 27.9 mm, the forefoot stack is an incredibly 48% taller than average.

Converse Run Star Hike Forefoot stack_1

Once again, we found this incredibly comfortable for our walks and nights out.

Test results
Run Star Hike 27.9 mm
Average 18.7 mm
Compared to 69 sneakers
Number of shoes
10.6 mm
Forefoot stack
28.3 mm

Drop

After measuring both stack heights, we were left with a crazy high drop of 22.6 mm!

Converse Run Star Hike Drop_1

You can clearly see it in this picture: steep it is! Before you think about it, no, we didn't feel uncomfortable with it. There's no such thing as a "good" or "bad" drop, it's all about personal preference!

Test results
Run Star Hike 22.6 mm
Average 11.0 mm
Compared to 69 sneakers
Number of shoes
4.6 mm
Drop
22.6 mm

Midsole softness

Note: a low durometer measurement equals a soft material, whereas a high measurement means it's firm.

Our durometer marked 31.3 HA, so this shoe's midsole is pretty much as soft as average.

Converse Run Star Hike Midsole softness_1

Still, we found its ride super comfortable. Why? Well, wait for the insole section and you'll find it all about it!

Test results
Run Star Hike 31.3 HA
Average 29.1 HA
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.
Compared to 54 sneakers
Number of shoes
15.0 HA
Midsole softness (soft to firm)
60.0 HA

Insole thickness

We didn't make you wait for long, did we? Look at our caliper reading and try to close your mouth!

Converse Run Star Hike Insole thickness_1

At a crazy 14.2 mm, the only insole thicker than this one out of all the shoes we have reviewed so far is the Hoka Restore TC's at 16.9 mm.

To sum up, this means comfort, comfort, and comfort again. The best part is that this is not your average insole, but an OrthoLite one! And we're loving it.

Test results
Run Star Hike 14.2 mm
Average 5.2 mm
Compared to 69 sneakers
Number of shoes
3.1 mm
Insole thickness
14.2 mm

Stability

Lateral stability test

This shoe's lateral stability wasn't bad at all!

As a high-top model, it stands its ground against our wobbly ankles. If you want to feel even safer, you can lace the whole shoe up to the top. We say this because some people (us included) tend to leave the last eyelet empty and tie the laces around their ankles.

Converse Run Star Hike_outdoor_009

So, hey, this Converse is all about style. And there's no better style than the one you're comfortable with!

Torsional rigidity

Our thumbs had it tough in our torsional rigidity test, this shoe didn't want to give in!

As you can see, its extremely big platform wouldn't bend. This translated into great stability during our wear tests, which we appreciated a lot. It's normal to think that tall shoes make your ride lose some balance, yet this Converse pair proved itself to be different!

Test results
Run Star Hike 5
Average 3.4
Compared to 68 sneakers
Number of shoes
1
Torsional rigidity
5

Heel counter stiffness

Just by looking at the Run Star Hike upper, you can most likely tell it doesn't have the roughest build out there.

Look at that! Just as flexible as Simon Biles, ain't that right? Our heels felt happy and comfortable, and as it's a high-top model, we didn't really miss that structured heel of other shoes.

To sum up, we gave it a 1/5 in our heel counter stiffness test. But trust us, we would've given it a 0 if we could!

Test results
Run Star Hike 1
Average 3.2
Compared to 68 sneakers
Number of shoes
1
Heel counter stiffness
5

Midsole width in the forefoot

Our caliper had to do some stretches before measuring this shoe's midsole width in the forefoot.

Converse Run Star Hike Midsole width in the forefoot_1

At 114.9 mm, it's a fantastic 6% wider than average. Our standard-sized feet were pretty happy with the space they had to dance around. Also, a wider platform means a more stable ride.

Thank you, Converse!

Test results
Run Star Hike 114.9 mm
Average 108.4 mm
Compared to 69 sneakers
Number of shoes
95.1 mm
Midsole width in the forefoot
121.0 mm

Midsole width in the heel

At 87.7 mm, this shoe's midsole width in the heel is also higher than average.

Converse Run Star Hike Midsole width in the heel_1

We didn't find any problems here. Our feet were pretty happy with this shoe's overall wider platform, and so were we!

Test results
Run Star Hike 87.7 mm
Average 82.9 mm
Compared to 69 sneakers
Number of shoes
67.7 mm
Midsole width in the heel
103.1 mm

Flexibility

Stiffness

With its chunky (and lovely) platform, we didn't expect this shoe to be super pliable.

It took us 60.5N to make this shoe bow, its stylish self didn't feel like going all the way up to 90 degrees! You might not believe it, but it's an incredible 151% stiffer than average.

Converse Run Star Hike_outdoor_004

However, this didn't make the shoe any less comfortable. When we walked around town with these pretty pals during our wear tests, we felt confident in every sense of the word. It wasn't like this model didn't bend well with our feet, but a higher result in our stiffness test is what big platform pairs like this one can't help!

Test results
Run Star Hike 60.5N
Average 23.0N
We use an average of four tests. The video shows one of those tests.
Compared to 69 sneakers
Number of shoes
5.8N
Stiffness
60.5N

Grip / Traction

Now, now... brace yourself cause a lot is coming! The Run Star Hike's outsole is like a new celebrity, and it caused a sensation all around the world.

Converse Run Star Hike_outdoor_003

It features two big rubber pieces, in the ball of the foot area and at the heel. These protect the white section, which is basically the midsole material.

During our wear tests, we went out to have a coffee and for a walk around the park, and we felt this shoe was fine traction-wise. We didn't have any big problems... as long as the floor wasn't wet or slippery. OH. MY. GOSH. This Converse could as well work as ice skaters, to be honest.

Converse Run Star Hike_outdoor_005

Run away from wet floors. Wait, no, don't run, you'll end up falling on your bottom!

And one more thing: this shoe squeaks! Yeah, we know, it's not the best news. But, at least in our case, it did occasionally, not all the time!

Size and fit

Internal length

Despite looking like the classic Chuck 70 High Top with a monster sole, the Run Star Hike follows a different sizing scheme than its counterpart. It does not run long like all Chucks do.

Our own measurements confirmed the brand's statement as the Run Star Hike showed an internal length of 271.0 mm in a men's US size 9. For reference, the Chuck 70 High Top showed 280.1 mm in the same size!

Converse Run Star Hike Internal length

Thus, you are safe to go with your regular Converse/Nike shoe size in the Converse Run Star Hike.

Test results
Run Star Hike 271.0 mm
Average 272.1 mm
Compared to 63 sneakers
Number of shoes
265.3 mm
Internal length
280.1 mm

Toebox width at the widest part

Our caliper showed 100.7 mm, which means this shoe is slightly wider than average at the widest part of its toebox.

Converse Run Star Hike Toebox width at the widest part_1

Honestly, this is exactly what we expected from a Converse model!

Test results
Run Star Hike 100.7 mm
Average 98.8 mm
Compared to 69 sneakers
Number of shoes
91.6 mm
Toebox width at the widest part
107.7 mm

Toebox width at the big toe

At 74.9 mm, our caliper indicated that the Run Star Hike's toebox width at the big toe is just average.

Converse Run Star Hike Toebox width at the big toe_1

What we really liked about this model's toebox design is the rubber toecap. It manifests the model's hiking spirit, acting as a shield and protecting this Converse's integrity.

Test results
Run Star Hike 74.9 mm
Average 74.7 mm
Compared to 68 sneakers
Number of shoes
63.7 mm
Toebox width at the big toe
83.0 mm

Tongue: gusset type

As it's typical of the brand, the Run Star Hike features a non-gusseted tongue.

Converse Run Star Hike Tongue: gusset type

Like, imagine that you have not only to remove the laces from their eyelets, but also deal with a fully-gusseted tongue! Your feet would have such a hard time getting in.

Test results
Run Star Hike None

Comfort

Tongue padding

We've got some more groundbreaking records here, or so it seems!

Converse Run Star Hike Tongue padding_1

At 1.2 mm, it looks like our caliper claws are touching. This shoe's tongue is an outstanding 87% less padded than average. On the one hand, we liked this because it meant less weight in an already heavy shoe, and it also helped with the breathability! On the other hand, thin tongues usually equal less comfort; but we didn't really feel that with the Star Run Hike.

It did slip to one side when we were walking though, typical from Converse!

As you can see in the video, following the tongue's dynamic, this shoe's upper is not extremely padded. All its weight comes from its bottom!

Test results
Run Star Hike 1.2 mm
Average 9.1 mm
Compared to 69 sneakers
Number of shoes
0.7 mm
Tongue padding
38.4 mm

Heel tab

Faithful to its style and heritage, this Converse has a wonderful finger-loop at the top of the heel collar.

Converse Run Star Hike_outdoor_0010

By the way, we are OBSESSED with the star logo on the medial side and in the midsole coverage as an extension of the outsole! We think it looks incredibly cool. Nice one, Converse!

Converse Run Star Hike_outdoor_0011

Test results
Run Star Hike Finger loop

Removable insole

This shoe doesn't have a removable insole, but as it features an OrthoLite one, we didn't even think about changing it.

Converse Run Star Hike Removable insole

Test results
Run Star Hike No

Misc

Reflective elements

You're the one shining in these pretty pals, not them! No reflective elements here.

Converse Run Star Hike Reflective elements

Test results
Run Star Hike No