Remember that moment you laced up your very first pair of high tops? That feeling of ankle support and instant style upgrade is hard to forget. High tops aren’t just shoes; they are a statement, connecting us to basketball legends and street style icons. But let’s be real: choosing the perfect pair can feel like a slam dunk challenge.
The world of high tops is huge. Should you pick leather or canvas? Do you need them for actual sports or just for looking cool? Many people feel lost trying to balance comfort, durability, and the latest trends. Picking the wrong pair means wasted money and shoes that just sit in your closet. We understand that frustration.
This guide cuts through the noise. We will break down everything you need to know about materials, fit, and how to style these iconic kicks for any occasion. By the end, you will confidently step out knowing you found your perfect match.
Top High Top Shoes Recommendations
- ALL DAY COMFORT - The Hi2 white or black high top men's sneakers have a cushioned midsole and removable ortholite foam sock liner to provide comfortable support. Shaft is 5 inches.
- DURABLE TRACTION - Reebok high tops have an abrasion resistant rubber outsole for long lasting durability, making them the perfect gym, workout, or basketball shoes for men - on or off court.
- CLASSIC REEBOK DESIGN - Reebok brings men footwear that's purposed for an active lifestyle and merges fashion with performance. The Hi2 mens high tops hoes have a retro 80s and 90s style that is both timeless and trendy at the same time.
- MULTI PURPOSE - Whether you're looking for men's basketball shoes or a really cool old school mens high top, the Reebok Hi 2 is your new go-to sneaker. More than just a mens hightop, it's a way of life. Available up to size 15 wide.
- TIMELESS STYLE - The Royal mens high top sneakers are part of Reebok heritage, offered in all black and all white to go with anything. Simple, cool shoes that are always on trend.
- Breathable Canvas - Womens high top canvas shoes are made of canvas upper,features breathable and comfortable.The canvas material has been updated to be more breathable.With Padded anti-collision Toe,more safely.
- Anti slip - High top sneakers for women with rubber outsole,features anti slip and strong grip.
- Soft & Comfortable - A comfortable and soft wearing experience for you.Womens black and white canvas shoes are padded memory foam,you can walk comfortable with them.
- Paired Well with - high top shoes shoes are classic design,well matched with jeans,dresses,skirt,t-shirts,leggings,sportswear and any casual wear.
- Occasions - ZGR Womens casual shoes are comfortable enough so you can wear them on any occasions,travel,casual,shopping,indoor work,walking,walk the dog,tennis and any other sports.
- TIMELESS DESIGN: Drawing inspiration from the high-top basketball sneakers of the '80s, these PUMA kicks alley-oop the comfort factor to ensure feet and ankles are supported from top to bottom.
- ENHANCED TECHNOLOGY: Utilizes PUMA's SoftFoam+, a step-in comfort sockliner designed to provide soft cushioning thanks to its extra thick heel.
- EYE-CATCHING: Features a synthetic leather upper. The iconic PUMA Formstrip stretches along the side and the look is completed with subtle branding embellishments.
- COMFORT AND SUPPORT: Mid-height with a padded collar adds extra stability and a lace closure for a snug fit.
- Material : breathable canvas fabric + anti-skip thick rubber sole
- Occassions:High top canvas sneakers easy to paired with jeans,pants and shorts,perfect for office working ,running ,gym sports ,casual wear for autumn ,summer,spring ,winter
- Regarding Shoes Size:pls refer to our size chart inner length before buy and consider your foot width to select correct size
- Warm tips to wash: put some tissue paper on the shoes after wash and do not expose the shoes to the sun directly to avoid color become yellow for white color
- This style runs large. Order a half size down.
- Durable canvas upper for that classic Chucks look and feel
- EVA foam has a lightweight feel
- Elevated platform for added height
- EVA cushioning for comfort
- 【Breathable Canvas】Womens canvas sneakers fashion appearance, the upper adopts breathable canvas, skin friendly not sultry, keep the feet dry, rubber round head design, for different foot types of American women to provide soft and comfortable wearing experience.
- 【Platform Design】The sole of this platform shoes for women is 1.77 inches high, keep it steady while making your figure look taller and slimmer, Effective increase in height. There is no doubt that this will make you exude confidence when you are out and about.
- 【Non-Slip Sole】The white canvas shoes for women are full of design and the special texture of the rubber sole provides superb abrasion resistance and grip to meet your needs in a variety of environments, paired with a soft insole for all-day comfort.
- 【Easy to Match】If you still worry about matching, I think you will try this platform canvas sneakers for women. It can easily match your wardrobe, such as jeans, casual wear, shorts, skirts, etc. It is a good choice for daily wear, work, shopping, travelling and so on.
- 【Customer Service】Rominz women platform high top sneakers are dedicated to bringing fashionable and comfortable wearing experience to women all over the world.
- Perforations throughout the vamp for enhanced breathability
- High top silhouette for a retro vibe
- Cupsole design allows for premium comfort
- Full-length Phylon midsole for lightweight cushioning
- Everyday mid tops inspired by basketball and designed for daily wear
- SNUG FIT: Adjustable laces provide a secure fit
- SYNTHETIC LEATHER UPPER: Lightweight polyurethane leather upper has a leather-like look and feel
- TEXTILE LINING: The shoes are lined for a soft, comfortable feel
- RUBBER CUPSOLE: The rubber cupsole provides outstanding grip and an iconic look
The Ultimate High Top Shoe Buying Guide
High top shoes cover your ankle. They look cool. They offer great support. This guide helps you pick the best pair for your feet and style.
Key Features to Look For
When buying high tops, check these important parts. They make a big difference in how the shoe feels and lasts.
Ankle Support and Height
- Padding: Good high tops have soft padding around the ankle collar. This keeps your ankle comfortable and stops rubbing.
- Shaft Height: Some high tops just cover the ankle bone. Others go higher, offering more stability for sports. Decide how much coverage you need.
Closure System
How the shoe fastens matters for fit.
- Laces: Most high tops use laces. Look for strong laces that hold tight. Good eyelets (the holes for the laces) prevent ripping.
- Zippers or Straps: Some modern designs add zippers or Velcro straps. These make taking the shoes on and off much faster.
Sole Construction
The bottom of the shoe affects grip and comfort.
- Traction Pattern: Check the tread on the outsole. Deep grooves give you better grip on slippery surfaces.
- Cushioning: A thick midsole absorbs shock when you walk or jump. This protects your knees and back.
Important Materials Matter
The materials decide durability and how the shoe breathes.
Uppers (The Top Part)
- Leather: Real leather is tough and molds to your foot over time. It often lasts the longest. It might need more breaking in.
- Canvas: Canvas is light and breathable. It is great for casual, warm-weather wear. It often shows wear quicker than leather.
- Synthetics: Many modern shoes use synthetic materials. These can be very light and water-resistant. Check reviews to ensure they do not trap too much heat.
Outsoles
Rubber is the standard material for outsoles. Harder rubber lasts longer but might offer less flexibility. Softer rubber grips better but wears down faster.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all high tops are made equal. Pay attention to construction details.
Quality Boosters
- Stitching: Double or triple stitching in high-stress areas (like where the sole meets the upper) shows better craftsmanship. Strong stitching keeps the shoe together longer.
- Insole Quality: A removable, supportive insole lets you swap it out for custom orthotics if needed. Good insoles provide better arch support.
Quality Reducers
- Glue Use: If you see lots of visible, messy glue holding parts together, the quality might be low. Strong shoes rely more on stitching than just glue.
- Stiff Materials: If the shoe feels rock-hard right out of the box, it might never become comfortable. Good materials should have some flex.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about where you will wear your high tops.
Fashion and Casual Use
For everyday style, comfort and looks come first. Canvas or lighter leather high tops work well. Prioritize cushioning for long days on your feet.
Sports and Activity
If you play basketball or need ankle support for rough activity, choose a shoe built specifically for performance. These shoes usually have firmer ankle collars and excellent traction patterns. Durability is key here.
Weather Considerations
Waterproof or water-resistant materials are essential if you walk in the rain or snow. Fully leather or treated synthetic uppers handle wet conditions better than porous canvas.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About High Top Shoes
Q: Are high tops better than low tops for ankle sprains?
A: High tops offer more physical coverage around the ankle. This can reduce the chance of rolling the ankle for some users, especially in sports.
Q: Do I need to wear special socks with high tops?
A: It is wise to wear socks that reach above the shoe collar. This prevents the top edge of the shoe from rubbing against your skin.
Q: How do I clean canvas high tops?
A: Spot clean them with mild soap and water using a soft brush. Avoid soaking them completely, as this can damage the glue and shape.
Q: Should high tops feel tight when I first buy them?
A: They should feel snug, especially around the arch and heel. However, your toes need room to wiggle. They should not pinch anywhere.
Q: Can I wear high tops with dress pants?
A: In modern fashion, yes, you can, especially with slim-fit or cropped pants. It creates a fashionable, casual look. Traditional formal wear usually requires a different shoe.
Q: How long should a good pair of high tops last?
A: With regular wear and proper care, quality leather high tops can last several years. Casual canvas shoes might last one to two seasons before wear becomes obvious.
Q: Are high tops too hot for summer?
A: Standard leather high tops can feel hot. Look for styles made with mesh panels or breathable canvas if you plan to wear them in high heat.
Q: What is the main difference between a basketball high top and a fashion high top?
A: Basketball shoes prioritize maximum ankle lock-down and impact cushioning. Fashion high tops often focus more on lightweight feel and aesthetic details.
Q: Is it hard to put on high tops?
A: They can be slightly slower to put on than slip-ons because you must lace them up properly for support. Zippers speed up this process significantly.
Q: Do high tops make my legs look shorter?
A: Covering the ankle can sometimes visually shorten the leg line. Wearing the pants hemmed right above the shoe top helps minimize this effect.