Helium Shoes from Converse

Different approaches to gas cushioning...

On first glance, the Converse Helium sounds like a knockoff of Nike AIR.

However, Converse Helium is a completely different approach to similar ends. Converse Helium uses a permanently sealed capsule of helium, while Nike AIR uses a capsule that is permeable to gases of low molecular weight.. so Nike AIR actually continues to inflate after manufacture. Helium has the advantage that it is a true inert gas, while the high molecular weight gases required to make Nike AIR work have raised environmental concerns.

The Converse He:01 from the side:

Here is the first in the line of Converse shoes with helium cushioning, the Converse He:01 basketball shoe. Flyers and press releases from Converse indicate that the Helium line will soon include cross-training and skate models.

Converse has two colors: black with silver trim (this shoe), and white with blue trim (immediately above).

The He:01 features an internal, removable "bootie." (The bootie is basically the same between the two colors... therefore, I only pictured it once.) However, the two parts are designed to be worn together. Note the silver helium cushions under the heel.

This is the informational card that Converse puts in the shoe box.

The Converse He:01 from the bottom:

Note that the Converse design team created a transparent window in the outsole, allowing a view of the helium cushions. In the right hand view (the internal "bootie"), the helium cushions are plainly visible.

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Last Updated: 29 March 2008 21:59

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