The world’s greatest designers understand imitation as an art form, and, naturally, it’s sportswear brands they look to for inspiration when dreaming up sneaker designs. More often than not, it’s the OG basketball silhouette — the Converse All Star — that acts as muse. Ever since its 1917 debut, the fashion industry has been obsessed with the versatility and timelessness of the quintessential sneaker.

Interested in getting your hands on a pair of Converse-style designer sneakers? Keep scrolling to discover the best high-end kicks for Converse lovers.

visvim provides discerning dressers of all generations with wardrobe classics that refuse to go out of style. And, of course, when it came to creating a sneaker that transcends demographics, the Tokyo-based label used the Converse All Star as its foundation. The result? The visvim Skagway — a sensible rotation mainstay.

The latest designer sneaker to capture the attention of fashion’s inner circles is Maison MIHARA YASUHIRO’s low top. The shoe bears an uncanny resemblance to the Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Ox and is characterized by its ultra-thick laces and uneven midsole. The Maison MIHARA YASUHIRO Peterson sneakers are the most Chuck-like of the brand’s various lines, with a canvas body, rubber toe tip and metal eyelets.

Perhaps the most prominent example of a designer Converse imitation is the Rick Owens DRKSHDW high-tops, also known as the Rick Owens Ramones. The Italian-made shoe eschews logos, patterns and graphics; instead, it lures the luxe enthusiasts with its clean-cut aesthetic built using first-rate materials.

Instantly recognizable, these designer sneakers are ideal for those who prefer to wear a brand on their sleeve, or in this case, their feet. If you feel seen, Burberry’s new season low top sneaker could be for you — a shoe that takes the shape of the Converse Ox and upgrades it by employing the London-based label’s house codes. Pair with tailored trousers and a bomber jacket for an elevated casual look.

There's a Maison Margiela shoe for everyone, including Converse devotees. Christened the ‘Love to Death’ sneakers, these Maison Margiela high-tops feature distressed detailing and deconstructed layering for that lowbrow luxury feel. If you want to peel back the layers of the high-top construction with interest and precision, this is the designer Converse shoe for you.

Keen to upgrade your sneaker rotation but too loyal to ever stray from your trusty Converse? Enter the ongoing Comme Des Garçons PLAY x Converse collaboration. Together, the two brands are constantly finding new ways to add a touch of high-fashion flair to functional footwear silhouettes. Each sneaker is emblazoned with the signature heart motif against a plain canvas, like the low top pair above — perfect for pared-down dressing.

Think LA streetwear meets grunge — the brand’s signature aesthetic works perfectly in these new-season AMIRI Court high-top sneakers. A monogrammed logo, black contrast eyelets, thick soles and chunky laces take these Converse-style sneakers up a level into designer territory. From the skate park to the office, these AMIRI kicks are as versatile as they are comfortable.

Made in Italy but inspired by the Venice Beach skateboarding scene, the Golden Goose Slide sneakers use the high-top silhouette as a springboard for retro details. The Golden Goose distressed finish features as well as the signature star patch, adding to the preppy 80s feel.

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Olivia Woodhouse is an SEO copywriter at FARFETCH, where she optimizes on-site content and has helped relaunch the fashion blog as the Fashion Feed. With a background spanning fashion, lifestyle, tech and travel, she brings a versatile voice to every project.