Customer Reviews Converse Jack Purcell® CP Canvas Low Top

These were my go-to shoe for almost any outfit, but the white ones that Zappos sent me were not the ones pictured. They were Purcells, but as one other reviewer stated, these aren't the same shoes. The insole is now a tan color, and is not the blue 'suede-feeling' sole that you could so easily go barefoot in...the Jack Purcell logo is no longer present on the tongue. The two eyelets on the inside arch are now put through the rubber. The toe box is longer. The upper is now only one cheap-feeling canvas layer, as is the tongue. The laces are thin and have no metal tips. The Jack Purcell 'smile' is now level with the rubber on the toe, not recessed as before. Not sure if the company was trying to cut costs, but this shoe now feels cheap. I have since returned them and hope I can find a white pair from the better days. I'm disappointed with the changes to this shoe.

Converse has cut corners without cutting the price. I have been wearing Jack Purcells for the last six years, replacing a worn out or dirty pair about once every 10 months. I received my latest replacement pairs (one navy, one white) in July 2012. The cost cutting measures and decrease in quality are blatant, abhorrent and disappointing. In no particular order, I am starting with the overall feel of the shoe. The canvas feels flimsier than that in shoes past, and that may be because some of the extra layering around the ankle and heel has been removed. Also gone is the blue detailing on the inside of the back of the shoe, which helped with providing substance, as well as style, to the inside of the heel. The tongue of the shoe is now just one piece of unadorned flimsy canvas, whereas in the past it used to have a little padding and the Jack Purcell logo stitched on it (as you can see in the picture on the Zappos website as of July 10, 2012). That logo is gone. The sole of the shoe also lost a layer. In the past, the multicolored sole was, from center outward, red, navy, white and light blue (as you can see in the picture on the Zappos website as of July 10, 2012). Now the shoe no longer has the white layer. The insole also has changed, from the nice navy with stitched-in tag (as you can see in the picture on the Zappos website as of July 10, 2012) to one layer of stamped ecru canvas. The heel of the shoe used to sport a raised and inked Jack Purcell logo (as you can see in the picture on the Zappos website as of July 10, 2012). Now the rubber on the heel is just stamped with the logo, a logo that rubs off very easily. At the toe of the shoe is the Jack Purcell signature smile. In the past, the smile (i.e., navy horizontal line) was indented on the toe, providing some texture and depth (as you can see in the picture on the Zappos website as of July 10, 2012). Now, it is just painted on the top. This also means that the line is prone to scuffing and being scraped off. This has never happened to any of my previous Jack Purcells, but has happened to the new pair after one day of city walking. And even the laces are cheaper. Gone are the steel aglets at the end of the laces. They have been replaced with clear plastic. The craftsmanship on the rubber between the canvas and the sole also is poor. The vertical seam tying the rubber together is very evident. What has not changed, however, is the price. I would have gladly paid a bit more if Converse decided to maintain the quality that they had just one year ago. Instead, I feel like I am wearing a full-priced, poor quality knock-off.

Purchased the white JPs and was delighted. So much so that I decided to buy the black version as well. I don't think this has anything to do with Zappos, but something has gone wrong in the short few months since. The black version does not have the black sole as pictured, the laces are thinner and cheap and do not have the trademark metal ends, the lip has no padding and does not have the embroidered JP logo, the canvas material feels very cheap, and the padding around the ankles is gone. Worst of all, the two vent eyelets have been lowered into the rubber midsole and are now completely covered by the insole--providing no ventilation. What happened???

From my first pair of Jack Purcell's in January of 2009, I have been a devotee. My first pair (white) went with me to London while I studied abroad. They were my main pair of shoes as I trounced all over that city and many others. I bought a second pair (navy) upon my return to mix it up a bit. I still switch between the two to this day, but decided it might be a good time to get some new white ones for summer. My current ones have a lot of character, if you will (they're completely falling apart, where I would've expected them to have a long time ago). I, like a few other reviewers, am extremely disappointed in the quality of these Jack Purcells. Converse has ruined them. Comparing them to my beat up pair exposes the following faults: 1. New, less comfortable (when sock-less) insole. 2. Cheaper laces, lacking the signature metal ends (which actually used to sport the Purcell logo). 3. Tongue lacking the Jack Purcell emblem (it looks so blank and boring!!) 4. The vents are now covered by the rubber insole, thus, no ventilation! 5. No padding on the inside of the tongue or around the ankle, again making them less comfortable sock-less (a classic way to wear Purcells). 6. The signature smile on the front of the toe cap used to be recessed into the rubber, no it's level. This doesn't really make an aesthetic difference, but it's still noticeable. I can only imagine that all of these changes have been made to cut costs. An innocent bystander probably wouldn't notice - they still have the look and feel of the classic Purcell that I have loved. However, their classic nature was part of what made them so cool! I cannot recommend paying for these, as you're only paying for the Converse name and the smile on the front. The quality is awful. You're better off spending $10 on a pair of canvas shoes at Old Navy or Gap or some other retailer whose bread and butter isn't shoes. On the plus side, Zappos has exceeded my expectations as always (a somewhat dangerous game, as I may someday assume them to bump up my shipping when they don't/can't). I ordered them on Saturday and they were at my door Monday. Zappos is incredible. I really don't know how they do it.

If you like the regular Converse All-Stars then you will most likely love the Converse Jack Purcell. The Purcell is both lighter and all around more comfortable than the All-Stars. I have several pairs of Jack Purcells and they are all very comfortable and the fit and finish is consistent. The Purcell runs true to size, unlike the All-Stars. The only downside is that the Purcell is not available in as many colors and styles like the All-Star but hopefully that will change soon. Like I mentioned at the start, if you ever tried a pair of All-Stars, which most people I know have, and liked them then definitely get a pair of Purcells and you will like them just the same, if not more.

I am usually a standard 10 and these fit perfect. Nice shoe, surprisingly comfortable, the only thing is the shoe laces are strangely long.

Jack Purcells have a great classic look to them that go with everything, and this is my fifth pair. Unfortunately, Converse recently decreased the quality of the shoes by skimping on some of the subtle characteristics that made JPs so nice. The tongue no longer has the logo, the suede that was featured on the inside of the shoe (both heelback and sole) has been removed, the laces don't have the metal tips on the ends, and the glue holding the rubber to the sides seems to give a lot sooner than previous versions. To the casual observer, the changes aren't drastic - but I am sorely disappointed the Converse took the cheaper route on such a classic.

Forgot to mention Zappos. They are simply the best. They ship faster than any on-line retailer...they answer your questions promptly. Flawless return policy. Amazing operation.

I must echo what the poster "Anonymous" from SF said earlier.... I purchased the white JPs and was delighted. So much so that I decided to buy the blue version as well. I don't think this has anything to do with Zappos, but something has gone wrong in the short few months since. The blue version does not have the blue insole/cushion as the white version does, the laces are thinner and cheap and do not have the trademark metal ends, the lip has no padding and does not have the embroidered JP logo, the canvas material feels very cheap, and the padding around the ankles is gone. Worst of all, the two vent eyelets have been lowered into the rubber midsole and are now completely covered by the insole--providing no ventilation. What happened? I am sure this is a Converse issue, but just wanted buyers to know. The white version is a work of art, and while I am saying this, I will wear the blue ones without being too nit-picky.

The first pair of these I bought about a year or so ago were awesome. They are my favorite daily shoes. I finally wore holes in the sides so I needed to replace them so I ordered a new pair. Wow, what a disappointment. These are not only an inaccurate design, but the quality has taken a dive. Cheap laces without the metal tips. Ventilation holes half covered by the sides of the insole and rubber sides. Toe boxes that are too small. They fit narrower. These things are joke. A shadow of their former selves. Nike has absolutely no respect for the Converse brand. I am sad to say, that these are going back. They suck and unfortunately, I will never be able to wear another pair of these again. Depressing. I hate how corporations ruin my favorite things.

I was holding off replacing my 7 year old Jack Purcell's for as long as I could, due to all of the reviewer's description of Converse's changes to the shoe. I finally purchased a new pair, hoping for the best, and when I received them I was disappointed beyond my expectations. The shoes look even worse than shown! The toe appears elongated, and the cap near the laces is rounded, not flat. The interior logo does not say Jack Purcell, only Converse. The back logo has been changed, and instead of the iconic Jack Purcell logo there is a stamp, already half rubbed off, that says Converse Jack Purcell (no graphic). I loved my old shoes and it is such a shame to see the shoe cheapened to such a shocking degree. Do not buy, you will regret it!

I know there are many negative reviews of these updated Jack Purcell's, but I have to add that these shoes have been ruined in the current design. I honestly knew ahead of time that the trademarks are gone (metal tipped laces, suede interior lining and foot bed, air holes that actually keep the shoe cool vs being completely blocked by the insole) and I actually like the less bulbous toecap on the current model, but these shoes really have been ruined to the point where I (and many others) will never buy them again! My main problem with the current model is the actual 'fit' of the shoe. I lined up the current model with my last remaining pair of originals (that are so worn out that I will sadly have to throw them away) and the new model is a good half inch or more longer. I also compared the insole on each and it is the exact same problem. Speaking of the new insole, Converse really has no class! The new insole appears to be made of the same material as fast food packaging and offers zero support, even when standing in the shoe! I even tried a size down, but the fit was still off...but I have noticed that lately with all Converse.

As someone who never worn a converse before (usually wear Nike shoes), it's a little tight on the pinkie toe area. With some stretching and callous developing in that area, it feels fine now. It's very stylish. Also the soles are 1/2 inch thick, which is really nice. I wore 8.5 Nikes, had to size down to 8 for these Jack Purcells just because of length.

This are super comfortable... Great sneakers and super good service. I do recommend.

Love jack Purcell Converse! Looks good with shorts and pants! May have to get a half size bigger next time but besides that these are stylo!

Love this shoe, it's a staple piece. I wear it with dresses and khakis rolled up. Great fit, had to go one whole size down. The extra padding and arch support was a pleasant surprise.

I just love these! I had to stop wearing my good old Chuck Taylor Converse because of lack of support and these are a great alternative. The inner sole is very cushy and removable which is great for people that use orthotics!

I have worn Chuck Taylor since the mid-1980's when it was cool then, and later when they were not so cool. Now they are "in" again and it was time for another new pair, I thought I'd try Jack Purcell. Chucks have become so trendy and now that I'm 40, maybe I should look a little more grown up? These Jacks are very comfortable and super cute! The insole is nicely padded and even the tongue is too. I wish they came in more colors like Chucks. Caution: they run smaller than Chucks. You can't wear the same cotton socks. I had to buy thin athletic socks to fit easier. My next pair of Jacks I'll try a 1/2 or one size larger. I love Zappos!

These provide total comfort that you can wear all day. There is no fake leather, ridiculous price, or glued seams. There is just good old sewn canvas Jack Purcell value. I love the shoes, the service and price from Zappos made it all a great deal!

These sneakers are as cute and fun as I expected. The color is a lot like the picture shows; a perfect shade of navy, not too dark. They are also very comfortable (there are few shoes that do not hurt my feet). I have to admit, I got them after I saw the movie Twilight. Thank you, Kristen Stewart!

Love these sneakers; have another pair and bought the black from Zappos! Best company!

I used to wear these in high school, but I forgot how comfortable they were! If you're looking for a plain white canvas sneaker Jack Purcell is the only way to go. Way more comfy that Chuck's and I love the little blue toe strip.

I love Jack Purcell CPs! Have an old pair in light gray, which is no longer available. Wish you would cary them in more colors; the LP version just isn't the same.

I. Love. This. Shoe. It's got more support than the original Chuck and really stinkin' cute too! I wish it came in more colors, because I'd buy them all!