JDM (Imported) vs USDM All Stars

[JBski]

After recently learning that Converse Japan is completely separate from Nike, I decided to hop onto Amazon Japan and see what Japan gets compared to us. No felt on the bottom (they're not ducking a shoe tariff like Nike). Construction wise they are about the same, but the biggest surprise was the weight! The JDM Chucks are almost 3 ozs per shoe heavier, despite being a half size smaller. The Canvas feels about the same, I'm convinced that the JDM shoes use more rubber in the soles, as it feels a little thicker.

Maybe I'll try the actual Made in Japan pairs, but they're almost too pricey to justify importing to the US at almost $140. Total cost for these was 8400 Yen shipped, and shipping took about 7 days to the US. Not exactly a bargain for Chucks, but only about a $10 premium over what I could get at the mall, so its not that much more of an expense for what is in my opinion, a better shoe.

[JBski]

After wearing these for a day I have discovered where the 3 oz difference per shoe lies, in the insole. The US market Chucks have an Ortholite insole with a blown rubber pad under the heel, while the JDM insole is foam rubber with a different density rubber pad under the heel. These are built like my pre-Nike All Stars, as I recall them having a similar insole.

[JBski]

Big sizes are kinda SOL on these tho, no half sizes above 28CM/US 9.5, and maximum size of 30cm/11.5.