
Although Mario is occasionally seen riding atop his faithful dinosaur companion Yoshi, and Mercedes-Benz recently hooked him up with a pretty sweet ride, Nintendo’s biggest hero has spent most of his adventures on foot. Even after three decades of running and jumping, though, Mario always seems up for the latest physical challenge life throws at him.
He must have some pretty comfortable shoes, and now thanks to Converse, you can try on a pair of Mario kicks for yourself.
Just as Nike’s swoosh is immediately recognizable, in the world of footwear the star is associated with Converse. The icon is so iconic that Converse even makes a model called the One Star.
Of course, in the video game realm when most people see a star it brings back fond memories of grabbing one to turn invincible in Super Mario Bros. Recognizing the symbol’s cross-promotional potential, Converse and Nintendo have teamed up to create the Super Mario Bros. One Star.
The special model will go on sale in late August in Japan for the price of 20,000 yen (US$196). Aside from having a facial expression on the Converse star(man), they come in Mario’s trademark hue of red, and also feature the plumber himself on the tongue, although surprisingly in non-powered up form.
▼ Maybe the picture changes if you step on a mushroom?
Even though he gets top-billing, Mario isn’t the only beloved character in the franchise, however. That’s why there’s another pair of One Stars paying tribute to another important figure from the series, and of course they’re green.
After all, you can’t have the Super Mario Bros. without…
…Bowser?!
Wow, Nintendo wasn’t kidding when they said its Year of Luigi was over. With treatment like this, we can sort of see why the guy’s eyes are cold as ice in Mario Kart 8.
Sources, Jin, Inside Games
Top image: Inside Games
Insert images: Rakuten, Inside Games








Puma releases new Super Mario sneakers that’ll have you jumping for the stars【Photos】
Naruto and Converse team up for new line of shinobi sneakers[Photos]
Hello Kitty gets a new job — this time appearing on Converse sneakers!
From kicked to the curb to stylish kicks, here come Mega Man sneakers!
New Kyoto Converse sneakers celebrate Japan with traditional kimono fabrics for your feet
New Japanese overnight train coming to connect Tokyo with Tohoku in sleep-travel style
Japan’s cheap beef bowl chain goes upscale with Matsuya Premium, but is it worth the higher price?
7-Eleven Japan joins the craze for Korean Gamja Cheese Balls
Two of Kyoto’s famous temples tackle streetside trash with solar-powered trash cans
Starbucks Japan releases special limited-edition summer drinks… at only 30 stores
Anne Hathaway creates PR frenzy in Japan after mentioning Tottori in Devil Wears Prada interview
East Japan Railway announces plans to abolish magnetic-strip tickets
Lawson transforms convenience store food with massive katsu burger and an insane curry bread
Luxury houseplant fraud leads to arrest of Takamatsu man
Super Mario Galaxy Happy Meal toys now available at McDonald’s Japan
Even at twice regular Daiso price, this handy item is still great for summer travel in Japan
New Square Enix Cafe reveals Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest, Nier, and Fullmetal Alchemist menu items
Ghibli’s No Face continues to demonstrate his generous character growth by dispensing soy sauce
Japanese rice cooker recipe gives us a tasty new way to enjoy vegetables and wieners
Family Mart commits “reverse fraud” in new Giant All-Star Festival, and we couldn’t be happier
New Tokyo sweets shop offers 648 different mochi ice cream dumpling combinations
Colour Hunting: The hot new street photography trend changing how we see Japan
Body of missing American college student found in Kyoto mountains
Tokyo’s life-size Gundam anime mecha statue will be removed this summer
Ichiraku Ramen-inspired ramen sets from Naruto anime pay homage to Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura
Kanji ice cream becomes a sell-out hit in Japan
Uniqlo reveals third round of massive 100-year-anniversary manga T-shirts for Jump’s Shueisha
New official Ghibli anime food cookbook will teach you how to make Ponyo’s ramen and more
Japanese convenience store Lawson launches new “mini supermarket” chain, L Minimart
Japan’s real-world Pokémon hot spring’s first photos are here![Photos]
Kyoto public junior high school becomes first in Japan with a hoodie school uniform
Japanese convenience store shows us how to dress for the rainy season
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
Nike Air Mo’ Money sneakers with Japanese text and yen symbols are the coolest kicks around
Nike’s new anime mecha sneakers look Gundam awesome【Video, photos】
12 tabi split-toe sneakers to add a ninja flair to your casual everyday wear
Sakura sneakers, in three different varieties, now on sale from Nike 【Photos】
Vans to release line of Nintendo 8-bit sneakers this summer【Pics】
Kimono with sneakers? Why not, says Osaka fashion retailer 【Photos】
Sakura steps deeper into anime fashion world with sailor-collar Cardcaptor sneakers and necklace
If Evangelion heeled sneakers are on your feet, all’s right with the world with new shoe line
New Trigun sneakers are the perfect footwear for your next stampede across the anime badlands
New Adidas Hachiko sneakers pay homage to Shibuya’s famous loyal dog
Nike’s wild new shoes for China may bless you with prosperity, will definitely get you attention
Looking for a new New Balance? Try these rare “Nyu” handmade sneakers from Japan
Super Mario Run runs right into the expected entitlements of unhappy Japanese reviewer
Nike releases izakaya sneakers in Japan【Photos】
Reebok Insta Pump Fury OG sneakers: Take a walk on the kawaii side with Hello Kitty and Gudetama
New shoes from Converse will have both kids and adults showing off their love of Pokémon in style