Converse Brings Premium Nubuck to the First String Jack Purcell

Converse is giving the First String Jack Purcell a premium material update for Holiday 2026, dressing the classic silhouette in nubuck leather.

Arriving in Brown and Beached Mauve, the latest release keeps the Jack Purcell’s familiar shape intact while replacing its traditional canvas construction with soft, textured nubuck. The approach falls under Converse’s First String platform, which focuses on elevated materials, craftsmanship and more refined executions of the brand’s archival silhouettes.

The Jack Purcell dates back to 1935, when the shoe was introduced and named after the world champion badminton player who helped popularize it. Its signature “smile” toe has remained one of the model’s most recognizable details as the shoe moved beyond the court and into music, art, skateboarding and everyday style.

For the latest First String campaign, Converse once again puts the model in a sporting setting with 17-year-old French tennis player Moïse Kouamé, who also fronted the Fall 2026 Jack Purcell campaign.

The Converse First String Jack Purcell Nubuck releases November 9 through select Converse retailers.