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 best high-top sneaker picks.
The Best High-Top Sneakers
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Although these shoes were originally made for athletic endeavors, they’ve quickly become streetwear icons.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.
Vans Sk8-Hi Shoe
The 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.
PF Flyers 1993 Center Hi Top Limited Edition
The 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.
Nike Blazer Mid ‘77 Vintage
The Classic: 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.
U.S. Rubber CO. Military High Top Sneaker
The Best Military 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.
Shoes Like Pottery 01JP High Sneaker
The Best Japanese-Made 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-tops kicks have durable toe caps, and 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.
Converse Chuck Taylor x Comme des Garçons PLAY Hidden Heart High Top Sneaker
The Best Chucks: 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.
Seavees Mariners Boot
The 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 waterproof 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.
Common Projects Original Achilles Leather High-Top Sneakers
The Best Premium High-Tops: These shoes from Common Projects 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.
Air Jordan 1 Retro High Bred Banned
The Best Jordans: The red and black Nike Air Ship, which was the prototype for the Air Jordan 1, were banned by NBA Commissioner David Stern for having a minimal amount of white on them. 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 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.
The Best of the Rest
More High-Tops Worth a Look
adidas Forum Mid Shoes
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 are carrying 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.
Superga 2433 Collect Workwear Sneakers
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.
New Balance 650R Aime Leon Dore
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.
The Best Tank Tops for Getting Active
Now you may not be immediately taking your new high-tops to the court, but it doesn’t hurt to have some extra help if you are. Check out our best men’s tank tops guide for some more athletic gear or just something comfy.
