Converse, the longest running and most iconic American shoe company raises the bar and reveals some promising releases for this coming year. Mixing functionality and style flawlessly Converse has designed and gave us a sneak peek at both, the new Star Player EVO and SICKS line of sneakers. More after the jump…

Releasing two new styles of sneakers containing foot-breathing meshes to keep your feet fresh, Converse ball technology to give you that extra bounce and support, and some nice modern design details & Colorways to keep the shoe hot and on the tips of sneaker heads tongues until their release at the Nike World Basketball Festival in August. Could the iconic Chuck Taylor have some stiff competition for converse go-to-shoe this year?

“Launching in two color ways including white/red/blue and black/gold both shoes incorporate a design popularized by Julius Irving back in the 70’s with their minds set on the future. The high top lace up features a leather toe, lace plate tongue, [meshed out upper panels] and ankle with a reinforced heel and very cushioned sole. These are definitely built to perform.” Via Nicekicks

“The upper of the shoe is all leather and shares the color duties between red and black. The midsole is a crispy white while the outsole sports a nice looking translucent rubber. The toe is capped with a black rubber piece while the laces are red/white. Tech wise, the shoe features the Converse Balls technology within the sole.” (via Kicks On Fire)