Tested: The Best Men’s High-Top Sneakers to Wear Every Day

Typically associated with basketball, high-top sneakers have a versatile design blending classic looks with comfort. And it’s truly all about getting the right pair for the right occasion when searching for the perfect pair. In our search for the best high-tops on the market, we gathered a mix of classics, casual iterations, and everything in between to give you a pair of high-tops for every occasion. Of course, no matter what high-tops you’re rocking, you’ll always feel like you can run a fast break for a monster jam with our hands-on guide to the best high-top sneaker picks.

How We Tested

You’ve made it back to another entry to our Tested series, where we take a closer look at some of our favorite gear, and we’re tackling the famous high-top sneaker this time around. As always, we begin by narrowing down a selection of only the best sneakers, using our collective experience in the style space while considering reviews, brand reputation, and the online space. 

Testing starts with an off-body inspection, taking a look at the upper, midsole, outsole, and overall build quality of each shoe. Then we get to work putting them on, looking to see how comfortable and breathable they are, and how much support we get with each stride. To keep each pick on an even playing field for style considerations, we paired them with the same pair of pants, while experimenting with other styles to gauge each pair’s strengths and weaknesses. A big advantage of the high-top silhouette is the ankle support, so we put that to the test as well, taking note of how comfortable they are and going through certain movements (especially lateral) to see if they can prevent sprains. 

Measurements: I’m 6’2” and wear and in between a size 10.5 and 11. I usually go for a size 11 when shopping for sneakers, so every high-top you see in this guide is a size 11 (the listed sizes are men’s US).

What to Look For

Upper: The most classic material (and still durable to this day) is definitely canvas, but modern takes offer plenty of options ranging from leather to textile, and there’s nothing wrong with shaking things up. Leather is just about as classic as canvas (notably used to craft Jordans), and offers more durability. 

Midsole: High-Tops (especially the classics) aren’t traditionally known for their supportive midsoles/footbeds (can you believe people used to play basketball in Chucks?), but again, modern takes like Seavees’ Mariners Boot have a memory foam footbed for some extra support. 

Outsole: We’ll get into the different styles below, but a classic rubber sole will be the most common when it comes to high-tops. Of course, different patterns can give you more or less traction and thicker soles will be more durable.

Style: Images of your beat-up Chucks from childhood (or now) probably came to mind when you opened up this guide, and that’s for a good reason, as that classic high-top style is still the most iconic. Leather basketball shoes like Jordans follow closely after, and there are a wide variety of offshoots (like Salomon’s Odyssey Elmt Mids) for stuff like hiking and running. 

Use: While the NBA has opted for more low-profile silhouettes over the years, plenty of high-tops are still capable basketball shoes as they still offer solid ankle support. Lifters are also keen on the design of the classic high-tops, as the ankle support is appreciated along with the wider toe box.

Converse Chuck Taylor

Best Starter High Tops: There’s really no better shoe to kick off a guide to the best high tops as the iconic Converse Chuck Taylor has been the blueprint for over a century now. Equipped with a canvas upper and OrthoLite cushioning, not much has changed over the years, like the instantly recognizable Chuck Taylor ankle patch.

If you were only getting a single pair of high tops, then these are likely your best bet, starting with that classic canvas upper that’s undeniably Chucks, and finished with that iconic Chuck Taylor ankle patch and All Star license plate. Cushioning has never been this silhouette’s strength, but you are getting some OrthoLite cushioning that’s enough for day-to-day wearing. There’s also a bit of a break-in period when it comes to Chucks, and they do get a lot more comfortable/easy-wearing as you wear them. These can also be a bit hard to get on during this break-in period, but it gets a lot easier as you find the right lacing for the size of your feet. Chucks are also really good for weightlifting and have become super popular in the space thanks to the ankle support and lack of cushioning. 

I do have to say that Chucks aren’t the most forgiving for people with wider feet (like myself), which may call for some to go for a size up. That said, this gets better as you break them in (the shoes just get better in general after breaking them in, really), so this shouldn’t be too big of a problem. Breathability here is definitely better than leather high top choices, but your feet can still get hot if you’re wearing thick socks. Traction also isn’t the best to be honest, but Chucks are known for being kind of slippery.

Verdict: This is really the quintessential high-top, with a century of history and iconic moments that cement it as an all-timer. If you’re not sure what you want, you really can never go wrong with a classic pair of Chucks. 

Vans Sk8-Hi

Best Skate High Tops: When Vans’ Sk8-Hi broke into the world in 1978, their new ankle design changed the game by helping to protect skaters from sprains or breaks when they took a spill. Four decades later, they’re still being put to good use, protecting ankles while skaters push the action sport beyond the wildest 1970s imaginations. The legendary lace-up high-top sneakers are made from a rugged canvas and have suede uppers, reinforced toe caps, padded collars for superior support and flexibility, and their signature waffle outsoles.

Building on the iconic Vans Style #38, the Vans Sk8-Hi is a legend in its own right, arriving in 1978 and beloved by everyone from hip-hop fans to skaters to this day. You’re getting a suede and canvas upper built to take a beating, reinforced toe caps for you skaters out there (and are honestly super useful for longevity even if you don’t skate), padded collars for some extra support, and that classic rubber waffle outsole. Similar to Chucks, the insole here is super flat and not cushioned very much, but this is intentional, as the shoes were originally designed for skating. Also, similar to Chucks, these require a bit of a break-in period before they really get comfortable, but it’s not as long. 

Considering the lack of cushioning here, I wouldn’t recommend wearing these for long walks, but they’re great daily-drivers. I will say that these aren’t the most breathable silhouettes either (I found my feet getting hot during testing), but wearing socks without cotton should help out with that. For day to day use, the waffle outsole is decent enough, but you may run the risk of slipping if you rock them while it’s raining.

Verdict: This is yet another instantly recognizable silhouette that’s influenced many high tops to come, and remains a super solid skate shoe. 

P.F. Flyers Center Hi 1993

Best Throwback High Tops: Everybody remembers the classic family movie The Sandlot. And if you don’t, you should get that squared away real quick. The P.F. Flyers were Benny “The Jet” Rodriguez’s secret weapon, allowing him to reach the status of legend in his neighborhood. These basketball-style sneakers are designed to be simple and durable with rubber soles, canvas uppers, lace-up entries, vertically ribbed toes, and metal eyelets. Topping them off are the posture foundation inserts, a distinct treaded outsole, and retro branding. Legends never die.

Any fans of The Sandlot probably clocked this silhouette immediately, and it remains one of the most iconic movie shoes of all time. It’s made with a super classic construction, opting for a 100% cotton canvas upper for breathability, along with a rubber toe cap for durability and a rubber rigid wedge outsole for traction. You’re also getting the label’s signature Posture Foundation Comfort sock liner along with a ribbed toe bumper, and it’s finished with a P.F. printed ankle patch. Feel (and looks-wise), there’s no denying the similarities with Chucks, which means these don’t have the most cushioning in the world (and it’s a bit of a struggle to put them on), and it takes some time before they really break in and feel comfortable. That said, I found these to be more comfortable than Chucks, actually, and they have an equally nostalgic look as well. 

My only gripes with this pair are similar to Chucks: they can be a bit narrow if you have wide feet, and it will take some time to break them in. Other than that, these are actually a bit more comfortable than Chucks, in my opinion, and felt considerably more breathable, too. Traction also felt pretty solid here, but again, I wouldn’t trust walking faster than a brisk pace over wet terrain.

Verdict: This is the perfect pair of classic high tops for fans of The Sandlot, and it’s just a really clean pair of shoes on its own, rocking that classic canvas upper.

Nike Blazer Mid ‘77 Vintage

Best Classic High Tops: Bursting onto the basketball scene in 1972, the Nike Blazer Mid sneakers were designed to go up against the Converse and Adidas sneakers that were dominating the NBA hardwood. They feature a simple design with a dominating swoosh logo and comfortable outsoles fused to the uppers. These shoes are perfect for casual days, but with excellent ankle support, you can still take on a few obstacles with these kicks on your feet.

Much like its equally iconic counterparts (namely the AJ1, which is coming up shortly), the Nike Blazer lineup was originally designed for basketball and has since become an absolutely classic silhouette. The pair is made with a leather and synthetic upper and does its best to maintain that classic ‘70s look, with exposed foam on the tongue, a “vintage treatment” on the midsole, and an autoclave construction that fuses the midsole to the outsole to drive home the vintage look. On the bottom, there’s a solid rubber outsole with the same herringbone pattern that’s been used since the beginning, and there are padded ankle collars for some extra comfort/support. Biases aside, this is one of the cleanest-looking high-top silhouettes out there, and one of the most comfortable, in my opinion – it’s easier to put on compared to other high tops (especially the canvas ones) and has noticeably softer footbed. 

One criticism I have (that I honestly have with a lot of Nike silhouettes as a wider-foot individual), is how narrow the shoe runs. It didn’t feel uncomfortable, and it should get better as they break in, but my feet felt a little squashed on the sides. Also, walking around in these can be a bit uncomfortable around the ankle if your socks aren’t thick enough or if they’re a bit too tight, so you may want to go a half size up to be safe. Similar to the AJ1s, the leather construction here can make your feet hot from time to time, so you may want to grab some nylon socks (or anything without cotton).

Verdict: The Nike Blazer Mid ‘77 is undoubtedly among the basketball greats, and the retro look is still super clean to this day, with nods to the ’70s like the exposed foam.

US Rubber Co. Military High Top Sneaker

Best Military-Inspired High Tops: U.S. Rubber CO. has been around since the late 1800s and was one of the first labels to make vulcanized shoes. The durability of these shoes, particularly regarding the outsole, was noticed by the U.S. Military, which eventually began using them. These shoes are a certifiable classic with construction built to last.

This pair of old-school high tops is a recreation of one of the oldest sneakers dating back to 1892 when the U.S. Rubber Co. acquired Charles Goodyear’s (yes, that Goodyear) shoe business and used the label’s vulcanized rubber to make some of the very first vulcanized sneakers. U.S. Rubber Co.’s outsoles went on to be used by plenty of labels (even the U.S. military) and inspired high tops to come, like this recreation here. You’re getting a lightweight and durable canvas upper, an outsole crafted using the company’s original vulcanization method, and a leather U.S. Rubber Co. patch on the ankle. It’s also made without using any animal products, making this a vegan-friendly silhouette as well. Compared to the baseline (Chucks), I found these a lot easier to get on, and the footbed has this raised area that gives you some nice arch support that you just don’t get in other silhouettes. These are also super comfortable right out of the box, and I doubt that they’ll need a break-in period that’s as long as Chucks require. 

I truly have no criticisms for this silhouette; it felt true to size, comfortable right out of the box, and had that raised arch I mentioned earlier that really adds to the comfort of the footbed (which feels the same as a Chuck footbed otherwise). Breathability was on par with Chucks, meaning it was solid but could get hot if worn in the sun for too long.

Verdict: This is a faithful recreation of one of the OG high tops from a company that’s been in the game for over a century, using vulcanized rubber that the U.S. Military used to use. 

Shoes Like Pottery 01JP High Top

Best Japanese High Tops: Made in a similar way to how Japanese pottery is fired, the Shoes Like Pottery (SLP) 01JP High sneakers are heated up in a 120° C kin for 70 minutes. The special ka-ryu process helps SLP produce some of the world’s best vulcanized shoes. These black canvas high-top kicks have durable toe caps with wax stamp details, and are built to high Japanese standards. If you’re looking for high tops that are slick and strong, grab a pair of these sneakers.

This silhouette is the definition of “if you know, you know,” taking the classic high-top silhouette and elevating it with Japanese-made construction, using a kiln to fire the shoes during production (like traditional pottery is, hence the name). It’s built with that classically high top canvas upper on top of a blue vulcanized rubber outsole (also very classic), and finished with a blue stamp on the midsole. I’ve owned this particular pair for some years now, and they’re easily one of my favorite high-top silhouettes of all time, taking the classic look and elevating it with high-quality craftsmanship and small details. The canvas here also feels a lot softer than your average pair of high tops, and even after years of wear, there’s no sign of damage yet.

I may be biased here, but I really don’t think there’s a single thing wrong (or even slightly wrong) with these shoes. Sure, like any other pair of high tops, there’s a bit of a break-in period, but it’s not as long as other high tops. Also, they can be a little hard to get in the States sometimes; something to keep in mind. The softer and more lightweight canvas upper makes these noticeably more breathable than most other high tops I’ve owned as well, a huge plus for me as a Los Angeles resident.

Verdict: Made in Japan using a kiln, this is an elevated take on an absolutely classic style that will last you years (and earn you some street cred with other fashion heads). 

Seavees Mariners Boot

Best Waterproof High Tops: If you’re looking for more function in your high-tops, look no further than Seabees Mariners Boots. These high-top sneakers are water resistant and made from genuine Ventile duck canvas, which is a tough material to keep you comfy and dry. It also features a gusseted tongue for extra protection, a sealed seam construction, and a contoured footbed lined with soft cotton canvas for ideal airflow. Also, it has SeaVees signature herringbone grip lock rubber outsoles so you’ll be sure-footed on land or sea.

We’re big fans of Seavees’ coastal vibe (we’re a Los Angeles publication, after all), and the label’s waterproof Mariners Boot is the perfect pick for beachgoers, boaters, and coastal dwellers. It’s a clean high-top silhouette made of water-resistant Ventile cotton canvas with a gusseted tongue, sitting on top of a vulcanized rubber outsole with a trusty herringbone traction pattern. It’s bolstered by some raised rubber around the midsole, and you’re getting memory foam insole (which feels super supportive) with airflow channels for some breathability. Fit here was true to size and I didn’t feel any narrowness like I do with Nike silhouettes, for example (besides Jordans). The construction is vegan as well, giving the silhouette a sustainable edge.

Considering the beefier (and water-resistant) construction of these shoes, I found my feet getting a little hot while rocking them in the sun (it was around 70℉ during testing). But the airflow channels in the footbed definitely helped with this. 

Verdict: Waterproof and ready to take on the summer, this silhouette from Seavees takes that classic high top style and hits it with some coastal-friendly style and protection. 

Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG

Best Jordans: Besides Chucks, Air Jordans are some of the most iconic high tops of all time, especially the AJ1. Debuting in 1984 and made for the goat himself, Michael Jordan, not a whole lot has changed here, with the silhouette rocking the same iconic shape and leather construction.

Here we are with another absolutely classic silhouette, arguably one of the most important in the style besides Chucks. Much has been said about the Air Jordan 1 and its legendary history; it was worn by the GOAT Michael Jordan during plenty of career-defining games and continues to reign as one of the most popular high tops of all time. It starts with a genuine leather upper, rubber outsoles, padded ankles for some added cushioning, and those iconic Air-Sole units for support. Again, biases aside, the AJ1 is one of the most comfortable daily drivers when it comes to high tops, with plenty of support for day-to-day wear and a classic style that goes with anything (especially this Yellow Ochre colorway that we went with that looks really nice in person). Traction is also still super solid, with a reliable grip on the outsole born on the courts.

Although these are more comfortable than Chucks, for example, there’s that scene in MJ’s The Last Dance doc where Jordan plays in a pair of AJ1s and starts bleeding, which highlights just how far basketball shoes have come. In short, I wouldn’t recommend actually playing ball in these, or really doing anything besides daily wear. Also, considering the leather construction here, they can get pretty hot in the summer if you’re out and about for too long.

Verdict: You know it, you love it, and they’re not going anywhere; the AJ1 remains one of the most iconic silhouettes of all time, high top or not. 

Salomon Odyssey Elmt Mid Gore-Tex

Best Outdoor High Tops: While these aren’t like most traditional high tops, the style has made its way to the hiking scene, and Salomon makes one of the best outdoor-ready silhouettes in the game. The recently released Odyssey Elmt Mid GORE-TEX combines city-friendly style with outdoor support, equipped with a weatherproof Gore-Tex membrane and ultra-stable bottom unit to keep you steady on the trails.

High tops aren’t only made for basketball or skating anymore, with labels like Salomon offering beefy and outdoor-ready takes on the style with silhouettes like the Odyssey Elmt Mid Gore-Tex featured here. It’s a hybrid sneaker that blends gorpy support (like the GORE-TEX lining and ultra-stable bottom unit) with some city-friendly style. You could easily take these for a challenging hike (it’s bolstered by lace locks) and transition seamlessly to the streets, especially since these are by far the most comfortable shoes in the guide (and probably the most comfortable Salomon’s I’ve worn). I really liked the beefy look of these, too, and how the outsole stretches behind the ankle in a unique way. These were also some of the easiest high tops to put on, thanks to the pull tabs on the heel and tongue, and the perforations (along with the mesh) on the upper add some added breathability. It should also come as no surprise that these have the best traction by far, with a lugged outsole that’s designed for the outdoors (doesn’t hurt elsewhere, though).

As much as I loved the look of these, the beefier construction may not be for everyone, which I totally understand. But I personally think that the style is versatile enough to pair with quite a few other pieces (especially if you go with the “Vanilla Ice/Almond Milk/Feather Gray” colorway we featured here). 

Verdict: Tackle the trails and the city with ease in the gorpy pair of beefed-up high tops from the legendary Salomon, complete with a GORE-TEX membrane and super comfortable construction. 

High-tops Comparison Chart

WHY ARE THEY CALLED HIGH-TOPS?

Well, simply put, because the top of the shoe rides high up the ankle. But why were they built this way? Dating back to the 1910s, high-top sneakers are a timeless style trend. Originally, they were made for professional basketball players, providing them with ample ankle support, but today they can be worn just about anywhere. Modern high-tops have cut down on the bulky look from the 80s for a sleeker design for your soles, so nowadays, they aren’t limited to sports. Additionally, some high-tops may be vulcanized (a heating process that makes the shoes more durable) if they’re meant for activities like skating or basketball.

WHY GO WITH HIGH-TOPS?

Although these shoes were originally made for athletic endeavors, they’ve quickly become streetwear icons. They’re still great choices if you’re looking for extra ankle protection, whether it’s for getting active or just in general, but they’re also great casual shoes that have no problem being daily drivers.

HOW TO STYLE HIGH-TOPS

Many of the classic high-top sneakers are athletic, yet there are plenty out there you can slip into and not look like you’re trying to rack up a triple-double at the nearest park. These days, high-top sneakers can be worn with casual clothes or even something a little more dressy, with suits being their only real limitation. But if you are planning to wear them on the court, you can never go wrong with classic basketball shorts or joggers/sweats with an athletic slant.

Honorable Mentions

It wouldn’t be a complete high-top guide without the three stripes included, a key player in the sports and fashion industry. The Forum Shoes from adidas are basketball icons, and the Forum Mid Shoes carry the torch in a mid-top silhouette. With an all-white leather upper and rubber outsole, you can easily take on the court or the city with these bad boys.

Chuck Taylor shoes are high-top heroes, but the collaboration between Comme Des Garcons PLAY and Converse shakes things up with the original design. These street-ready sneakers feature quirky peekaboo hearts for a little more flavor. The new graphics on the shoes come from the imagination of New York graphic artist Filip Pagowski and Comme Des Garcon designer Rei Kawakubo. And, with textile uppers and lining along with rubber soles, these shoes are up for any adventure.

With a clean design that’s easy on the eyes, Superga’s 2433 Collect Workwear Sneakers go with just about any outfit you throw on. They’re built with material found in work wear, Broken Twill, so the style is complemented by some welcome utility as well.

The Common Projects Original Achilles Leather High-Top Sneakers have been around the world, designed in NYC, and then crafted in Italy. And they’re ready to go around the world with you thanks to the premier build quality. They’re also beautifully simple with white Nappa leather, making them versatile shoes that will pair nicely with quite a few pieces. Additionally, the iconic Common Projects serial number is on the side in gold.

The red and black Nike Air Ship, which was the prototype for the Air Jordan 1, was banned by NBA Commissioner David Stern for having a minimal amount of white on it. This led to the Air Jordan 1 shoe being released with colorways featuring more white. This model was worn by Michael Jordan in his rookie season, where he won Rookie of the Year and made his first All-Star game appearance. The AJ1 Bred Banned shoes are made from a mix of leather and synthetic leather uppers for extra support on the hardwood floor, rubber soles with pivot circles to attack the rim, and Nike Air cushioning in the heel for lightweight comfort.

New Balance and Aimé Leon Dore collaborations are always exciting, and the New Balance 650R Aime Leon Dore in white/green is no exception. ALD has helped expand New Balance’s lineup with a comfy high-top sneaker that has as much function as it does style.

Tested: The Best White Tees for Men

If you’re in the market for another wardrobe staple that can easily complement your new high tops, our guide to the best white tees has you covered.