Best High-Top Sneakers for Men
Step Back Into Spring in Style With These Top High-Tops
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You know the footwear you rely on through fall and winter all too well at this point, through days of fighting through snow and slush. Relief is in sight: Consider the best high-top sneakers an antidote to cold weather and the same tried-and-true boots. As the sun peeks through the clouds a bit more each day and things come back to life, perhaps you’re slowly dipping your toes into the proverbial water and dressing a bit more carefree: High-top sneakers are but one classic way to do that.
They don’t skimp in matters of performance: The best high-top sneakers add cushioning and a literal spring to your step, along with crucial ankle support. Because it’s not quite full-on “T-shirt and shorts” weather yet either, high-top sneakers are a natural style move with jeans: They provide more coverage and support when it’s not quite time to show off some ankle just yet. High-top sneakers are almost like the footwear equivalent of trading your winter parka for one of the best waxed jackets: We’re lightening things up, but not ditching functional needs entirely just yet.
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And at the end of the day, there’s just something that feels right about wearing high-top sneakers in the spring. They’re giving your feet a break from winter boots, they’re a perfect partner for your jeans (be they black, light wash or indigo blue), and most pairs — especially lightweight canvas — pack up easily for long-awaited spring getaways. If you don’t yet have some high-top sneakers handy, allow us to suggest a few favorites.
Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star Sneakers
Converse
Perhaps the most widely known and widely worn sneakers on the planet, Converse first developed these kicks to be worn on the basketball court. They’ve stuck around in the decades since then, beloved by hip guys, punk rockers and seasoned style aficionados everywhere. They’re still affordably priced, the lightweight canvas is durable yet comfortable, and the range of color options is astounding — go ahead and get yourself a couple of pairs.
From $52.66 at Amazon.com
GREATS Royale High
GREATS
GREATS has been a force to be reckoned with in the sneaker category since launching as a Direct-to-Consumer brand in the early 2010s. They still call Brooklyn home, and NYC informs a lot of the brand’s versatile silhouettes, including this dressy black leather high-top you could even rock with a lightweight khaki cotton suit. The brand’s secret revolves around premium materials and reduced pricing by cutting out the middleman — never a bad thing to have in your wardrobe. If you want affordable Italian leather high-top sneakers, you want these ones.
$199 at Greats.com
Nisolo Everyday Mid Top Sneakers
Nisolo
Not every pair of sneakers has to have roots in sporting culture. Some can lean a little more rugged, almost like a sneaker version of your favorite boots. The same approach to handsome leather and sustainable design is evident in this take on the high-top sneaker from eco-friendly footwear and leather goods purveyors Nisolo. The rich, visually interesting brown leather will break in quite nicely over time, while a shock-absorbing cushioned insole provides a smooth ride.
$160 at Bloomingdales.com
Vans Sk8-Hi Sneakers
Vans
In the pantheon of the most recognizable sneakers in the industry and on the planet, Vans sits pretty close to the top. Originally the footwear of choice for skaters everywhere, the aptly named high-top shown here is a certified style classic. The white stripe pops nicely even on the all-white version of these kicks, and the padded collar and grippy Vans outsole add sturdy comfort and reliable performance. Best of all, you can’t go wrong with a sub-$70 price tag.
From $56.35 at Amazon.com
Common Projects Original Achilles Leather High-Top Sneakers
Common Projects
Common Projects has helped set the standard over the last decade-plus as far as premium leather sneakers are concerned. The fact that sneakers can now be worn with a suit might even spring from Common Projects’ super clean, sleek designs. Although its low-top sneakers are still plenty covetable, they’ve taken the same minimal, surprisingly refined approach to high-top sneakers made for day-to-night wear. And after all, how many pairs of sneakers do you have with their own signature CP serial number?
$435 at MrPorter.com
P.F. Flyers Center Hi
P.F. Flyers
If you’ve seen The Sandlot — and it might be the perfect time to rewatch as baseball season starts — you know these sneakers. The brand was a mainstay in American recreational footwear for decades, and recently relaunched with an array of classic styles. There’s tons to love about the Center Hi, from the incredibly durable duck canvas fabric to the even more durable ribbed toe bumper. Classic colors like Black, Navy or White pair with absolutely anything in your wardrobe, too.
$78 at PFFlyers.com
Nike Air Force One Sneakers
Nike
Some of the best high-top sneakers have a legend all their own: Nike’s Air Force One sneakers have been immortalized in song and are routinely found on the feet of the world’s most stylish guys and trendsetting icons. They’re so much more than a trend, though: Get yourself a crisp, fresh pair and choose from options that feature a contrasting “swoosh” for a nice change of pace. Just be careful to keep them clean, all the better to get the most out of them.
From $145 at Amazon.com
Levi’s 521 XX Est Hi Sneakers
Levi’s
You know Levi’s for its dependable jeans and iconic denim jackets, but what’s missing from your Levi’s-centric ensemble? A pair of nicely priced Levi’s high-top sneakers, designed without a ton of bells and whistles and yet essential to your next spring style look all the same. These feature extra padding at the heel for a snug fit, plus a reinforced rubber outsole and toe for added traction. The white leather is also a crisp option if you want to wear your sneakers in more business casual settings.
From $49.95 at Amazon.com
New Balance 440 High Sneakers
New Balance
You’ve seen New Balance’s “dad sneakers” everywhere, underneath the cuffs of rolled jeans or chinos, but what about the U.S. sneaker brand’s high-tops? The 440 High, especially in a vibrant “White Knox” color scheme, screams throwback style when paired with light wash (not stone wash) denim. Use these sneakers to add a pop of color to straightforward looks — you can even wear them to skateboard, since they’re reinforced with foam in the heel.
From $72.99 at Amazon.com
Cariuma OCA High Brown Leather Sneakers
Cariuma
If you tend to lean more towards chukka boots or dress shoes than sneakers, change that preference slowly but surely with brown leather high-tops you can wear in nearly as many situations. It’s the dark brown leather that gives these a bit of added polish for business casual style scenarios, while the fact that Cariuma focuses on sustainable materials and construction is a huge added bonus. These tend to sell quickly, so snag a pair ASAP.
$159 at Cariuma.com
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