Nothing says effortlessly cool like a pair of high-top sneakers. This distinctive design has revolutionized the shoewear market since its debut in the 1890s.
High tops have transcended cultural barriers, having been worn by everyone from jocks and rappers to punks and indie rockers.
High-top sneakers are shoes that extend over your ankle and debuted in the 1890s (Credit: Rawpixel.com / Shutterstock)
They instantly make outfits look fresh and eye-catching and can be worn with almost anything. Below, we’ll share essential tips on how to style high-top sneakers. If you’re not team high-top yet, prepare to be converted.
How to Effortlessly Style High-Top Sneakers for Any Occasion
This versatile design can be dressed up or down for almost any occasion. Depending on the aesthetic you’re going for, they can be styled with jeans, shorts, dresses, or athleisure looks.
High-top sneakers are guaranteed to make your feet stand out. As the ultimate statement shoes, they draw attention and add a bold touch to any outfit. When styling high-tops, it’s best to build your ensemble from the ground up. Here are some essential tips to ensure your high-top sneaker outfits are flawless:
1. Simplify Your Outfit to Highlight Your High-Tops
High-top sneakers often become the focal point of your ensemble, thanks to their intricate stitching and contrasting colors.
While you don’t need to limit yourself to minimalist clothing, we recommend you avoid pieces with loud prints or details that might clash with your high tops.
Theory long-sleeve minidress (1), R13 distressed platform high top sneaker (2), Mother the Insider cropped jeans (3), Extreme Cashmere No.219 Caress cropped top (4), Palm Angels Hibiscus high top sneaker (5), BB Dakota by Steve Madden Flirt a Lot mini dress (6), and Acne Studios Ballow high tumbled sneaker (7)
2. Showcase Your Ankles for Maximum Impact
If you’re wearing pants with your high tops, leave an inch or two between the hem of the pants and the high top to really showcase the sneaker.
Mother the Insider Frayed Step Hem Crop Jeans (1), DL1961 Patti High Rise Straight Corduroy Pants (2), and MSGM Cropped Tailored Trousers (3)
3. Balance Your Outfit’s Silhouette With Your Sneakers
For example, baggy or wide-leg pants and thick, sporty, high-top sneakers will likely look bulky and unflattering. Stick to streamlined canvas styles instead.
P.A.R.O.S.H. Crop Wide-leg Jeans (1), Levi’s Shoes Modern Hi Dreamy Factory (2), R13 Tailored Drop Jeans (3), and Comme Des Garçons Play x Converse Chuck Taylor Hidden Heart High Top Sneaker (4)
On the other hand, tapered and slim bottoms can be worn with thicker high tops.
Washington Dee Cee Mid-Rise Skinny Jeans (1), Off-White Off Court 3.0 High Top Sneaker (2), Stella McCartney Twisted-Seam Slim-Leg Jeans (3), and Puma Mayze Sneakers (4)
4. Match Your Sneakers to Your Overall Aesthetic
Sporty styles look best with athleisure and streetwear-inspired looks, while simple canvas designs make sense with indie outfits.
Sofie D’hoore Drop-Shoulder Cotton Sweater (1), Topshop Ditsy Print Bias Satin Midi Skirt (2), Converse All Star ’70s High Top Sneakers (3), 3.1 Phillip Lim Twisted Tie Back T-Shirt (4), Beyond Yoga Spacedye High Waisted Capri Leggings (5), and Salvatore Ferragamo Noe High-Top Leather Sneakers (6)
Choosing the Perfect High-Top Sneaker Style for You
There are two types of high-top sneakers. Thin high-top sneakers are made of a light material like canvas and have a narrow design. They tend to make the feet and ankles look smaller.
Mid or basketball-style high tops have thick uppers and soles and are often made of sturdy materials like leather. They have a sportier design and tend to make the feet and ankles look wider.
Thin high-top sneakers are lightweight and have a narrow design, while basketball high-tops are sportier and made of sturdy materials
Neither style is better than the other. Your choice should depend on personal preferences and taste, based on the look you’re trying to achieve.
Evaluating the Health Benefits of High-Top Sneakers
High-top sneakers were initially designed for athletes to provide ankle support and prevent injuries. Many high tops are still specially made with athleticism in mind, but plenty of fashion counterparts are just designed to look good.
So unless you’re specifically wearing athletic or orthopedic high tops, your shoes probably won’t prevent injuries more than any other design in your closet.