This week’s review is about the Converse Malden Street sneaker, one of the latest models from the brand. This is a 2023 release, being in essence another version of the Street model introduced a couple of years ago. With the Malden the Converse brand continues to make the classic Chucks more appealing to the mainstream by giving it a lower silhouette and bringing it closer to a modern casual sneaker. While the original Street sneaker has some 2000’s skate shoes vibes with its extra padding around the ankle area the Malden is a more lightweight model with a slighter slimmer silhouette while still remaining a mid top sneaker.
How They Fit
The Converse Malden Street is still part of the Chuck Taylor All Star family so the fit is pretty much the same as you’d expect. If you already have a pair of Chucks just get the same size. If not, compared to other brands these run big so going half a size smaller is usually the way to go. They are quite accommodating in the toe box area but if you have slighter wide feet then there is no need to go down half a size. If not sure about your Chuck Taylor sizing you can check our size chart here.
Upper
The Converse Malden Street usually comes with the traditional sturdy upper canvas, like the one we were able to have a look at but there’s also a version in leather upper. The enforced stitching design is a bit different than the original Street model, with an emphasis on the front sides of the shoe for better stability and durability in this area. The canvas version features the two eyelets on the inner part of the shoe, same as with the classic Chucks, something that we haven’t seen at the original Street sneaker. This makes this version have better breathability than its predecessor. Because there is less padding in the heel area and tongue this model is a bit more lightweight and has an overall slimmer silhouette that is more appealing to those looking for an everyday sneaker. While trying these on for this review we also noticed how this model traps less heat in the shoe which combined with the two eyelets openings contribute for better airflow.
Sole Unit
The sole unit of the Converse Malden Street is the same we are used to seeing at Chuck Taylor sneakers, with a vulcanized midsole and toe cap. It features a non removable EVA insole so the cushioning you’ll get from these will fade away slowly. As with the other Chucks these do not provide much arch support for long hours, especially when you need to stand up a lot. There is little heel to toe drop of these so if you’re into flat soles, close to ground feel these will work great for you for everyday use. The outsole features the same pattern and two types of rubber as the first model which does a great job for day to day use. They are surely made to last for a while.
Are Converse Malden Street Good For Skateboarding?
The Converse Malden Street features less padding in the heel area than its predecessor. The tongue is also a bit shorter and less padded which means that there is less ankle support. For this reason I think the original Street sneaker is better for skateboarding than the Malden.
Bottom Line
The Converse Malden Street is an overall great day to day sneaker that can be your next “beater” shoe. We did not expect much from this review but we found a few notable differences from the original Street model which makes it lighter and less sporty looking. It is a shoe design for casual wear and it is quite easy to match it with any attire. Converse introduced these in a large array or colorways that included this version we had the chance to look at.
