Converse CONS x Ben Raemers Foundation
A collaboration that honours the life and legacy of Converse CONS team rider Ben Raemers, the much loved Converse One Star Pro Mid receives an unfeigned update that pays tribute to the skater’s adventurous spirit, pioneering vivacity and the charitable Ben Raemers Foundation.
With the 14th of May marking two years since 29 year old Ben Raemers’ passing, the memorialised Converse One Star Pro release is one that focuses its attention on honouring not only Ben’s life, but on serving as a reminder that if you or someone you know is struggling it is always ok to ask for help and reach out. Working in collaboration with the Ben Raemers Foundation to break the stigma and burden that so often clouds issues of mental health, this signature release is one that aims to bring increased awareness and understanding to the wider skateboarding community. Growing up in Essex and known for his selfless personality and his willingness to tackle each and every new day with an unchallenged sense of optimism, Ben Raemers will continually be remembered as a loving son, brother, friend and an undoubted inspiration.
Led by their ‘Organisational Theory of Change Model’ that maintains Ben’s legacy in a manner that enables the growing skate community to support and address mental health issues, the Ben Raemers Foundation is a charitable cause propelled into fruition through seeing the sadness left behind after Ben’s passing. Host to the SMiLe Film Series that highlights skaters’ personal journeys in mental health, the foundation creates informative content and delivers suicide prevention training to skate teams, skate shops and crews across the globe, the foundation continues to grow in honour of its cause. Inspired by its influence, previous collaborations with the likes of CHPO and Vague were set out in support of the foundation, whilst the ‘Maaate’ T-Shirt and Decks from The National Skateboard Company pay tribute to their good friend with heartfelt illustrative designs. Hailing from Essex, the skater’s influential character and fun loving energy continues to be honoured, with artist Jon Horner unveiling a tribute to the skater in 2019 at Ipswich Skate Park, a place he was known to enjoy, with many more memorial paintings popping up at skate spots across the UK.
Styled in a classic shade of midnight navy with crisp white contrast stitching and a performative CONS rubber traction outsole, the tributing Converse One Star Pro Mid is a sneaker that not only honours team rider Ben’s life but his passion for the sport too. Mid collared with an integrated CX Foam sockliner for additional structural support and cushioned impact protection, this brushed suede skate shoe features a grippy underfoot tread, auxetic overlays and two tone white and black midsole foxings for additional abrasion resistant protection. Diagonal quarter panel perforations complement the cut through One Star side wall decal in keeping with the profile’s courtside aesthetic, whilst the embossed all black Ben Raemers silhouette designed by Rob Mathieson across the lateral quarter offers a touching tribute to the Essex born skater. Flat poly cotton laces secure the 8 eyelet lacing system in place across the gusseted tongue, whilst custom artwork across the insoles is paired with classic ‘Converse CONS’ heel scab branding for a timeless finish.
If you or someone you know is struggling with issues surrounding the topic of mental health, remember that there is no shame in reaching out. Contact the Samaritans for free on 116 123 (UK) or contact jo@samaritans.org to reach out via email.
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