These aren’t gadgets exactly, but with all those zippers and leather, you have to admit that they’re gear. I haven’t worn All-Stars in a good 15 years, but these Schott crossovers might be the pair that brings me back to the flock.
They’re made of “motorcycle jacket leather,” which I suppose is just extra thick and tough, and have zippers lining the tongue and on the back. That’s right, these shoes are rear-entry.
Too bad they cost a bundle. $200 is a lot to pay for Chucks, though these will probably last a lot longer than the garden-variety canvas versions. You can pick them up at the Converse First String retail stores.