5 Best High Top Sneakers in 2023

Jaydee
Jaydee on
5 Best High Top Sneakers in 2023
We earn affiliate commissions at no extra cost to you when you buy through us. Why trust us

There are a few things to consider when buying high-top sneakers. Not only should they be stylish, but they must be comfy and supportive as well. 

For this reason, we meticulously put through more than 100 pairs of high-top sneakers under a series of tests and comparisons. We came up with a curated list of our top picks for various categories and provided A to Z details to help you pick which one suits your penchant.

Best high-top sneakers overall

Vans SK8-Hi
92
Great!

What makes it the best?

Results from our lab testing and firsthand experience wearing the Vans Sk8-Hi sneakers confirmed that they are the ultimate high-top. The distinct ankle-length silhouette of these skating sneakers provides excellent ankle support and surprising breathability. What truly sets these kicks apart is their minimalist canvas upper, built to withstand the test of time.

In the lab, we subjected the sneaker to several assessments, including the flexibility test. We used a manual bar clamp and compressed the midsoles of the Sk8-Hi. The kicks bend uniformly at the top of the foot, signifying appreciable bendability, which is awesome for a high top! This is mirrored during our walks, where the footbed took very little time to wear in. 

During our strolls around town, we not only admired the appealing aesthetics of the Sk8-Hi but also found them remarkably comfortable. The well-padded tall collar snugly embraced our feet, ensuring a pleasant experience throughout our journey. The high-cut design also delivered the desired ankle support, making it an ideal choice for everyday lifestyle wear.

Furthermore, we were pleasantly surprised by the breathability of these high-top sneakers. Typically, high-tops lack breathability, but the Vans Sk8-Hi defied expectations. The canvas upper allowed air to circulate, keeping our feet fresh and comfortable. After several days of wear, the Sk8-Hi proved its durability, further solidifying its legendary status among skating sneakers.

However, the kicks take some time to put on. For those who prioritize easy access, we do not recommend Vans Sk8-Hi.

Pros

  • Classic silhouette that works with any wardrobe
  • Fits true to size
  • Breathable
  • Durable
  • Comfortable when broken in
  • Padded collar for ankle support
  • An easy silhouette even for a hi-top

Cons

  • Takes time to put on
  • Can take time to wear in
  • Not good in wet weather
Full review of Vans SK8-Hi

Today's best price

Unisex
Any color
Parisian Night/True Navy (VN0A5KRHA59)
Blue (VN0A5JMJ4W6)
Color Theory Golden Yellow (VN0A7Q5NF3X1)
Black (VN000D5IB8C1)
Grape Wine (VN0A5JMJ8BS)
Navy/port (VN0A5JMJHAF)
Green/White (VN0A7Q5NYQW)
Navy (VN000D5INVY)
More colors

Best chunky high-top sneakers

What makes it the best?

The Converse Run Star Hike comes with a chunky platform that many true-blue Cons fans adore. Yes, reviewers can't seem to get enough of its elevating design. An eye-catching twist on a classic sneaker, this budget-friendly high-top shoe from Converse delivers a futuristic vibe in a modern style without sacrificing its remarkable comfort.

Pros

  • Stylish
  • Uniquely-modified Chucks
  • Comfy
  • Elevated
  • Lightweight
  • Pairs well with any attire
  • Supportive

Cons

  • Gets dirty easily
  • Its laces are too long
  • Lacks traction
Full review of Converse Run Star Hike

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Black (166800C)
Egret/Egret/White (171575C)
White (102697M)
GREY (405933K)
Citron Zest/Black/White (172361C)
Blue/Vintage White/Black (171894C)
Cargo Khaki/White (171667C)
White (172362C)
More colors

Best retro high-top sneakers

What makes it the best?

The Nike Dunk High Retro exudes a throwback appeal that could turn back the time. Its silhouette satisfies the nostalgia for the good old days of many sneaker enthusiasts. The color variations of this high-top shoe also earned the appreciation of many. Overall, this Nike pair is enjoyed by sneaker fans not only because of its beauty but its inexpensive price point as well.

Pros

  • Inexpensive
  • Nostalgic look
  • Varied colorways
  • Spacious interior
  • Soft upper
  • Offers sustained comfort
  • Durable sole unit

Cons

  • Lacks support
  • Thin laces
  • No extra laces
Full review of Nike Dunk High Retro

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Green (DV0829300)
Dark Beetroot/Dark Beetroot (DD1399600)
Court purple/ court purple (DD1399500)
001 lt smoke grey/grey fog-sail (DQ8800001)
White (DD1399105)
Brown (DV0829100)
White (DV7223800)
100 white/habanero red-team red (DR8805100)
More colors

Best Air Jordan high-top sneakers

What makes it the best?

Better than some of the other Jordan releases in terms of performance, the Air Jordan 13 Retro's traction, support, lockdown, and fit are all on point. This basketball-inspired sneaker therefore doubles as a high-top basketball shoe! It offers an adequately cushioned platform and a grippy underside. Overall, wearers highly recommend the shoe for the many benefits it provides.

Pros

  • Great for casual wear
  • Comfortable footbed
  • Uncluttered design
  • Mix and match champ
  • Well-fitting
  • Supportive ankle
  • Reliable on-court traction
  • Excellent court feel

Cons

  • Materials could be improved
  • Not breathable
Full review of Air Jordan 13 Retro

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Black (414571001)
White/Wolf Grey/True Red (414571160)
White (414571164)
Navy/Black-white-university Bl (DJ5982400)
Gym Red/Flint Grey/White/Black (DJ5982600)
BLACK/UNIVERSITY BLUE/WHITE (DJ5982041)
Black/White-court Purple (DJ5982015)
White/university red-del sol-b (414571167)
More colors

Comparison of the 5 best high top sneakers

+ + Add a product
+ + Add a product
+ + Add a product
+ + Add a product
+ + Add a product
+ + Add a product
Best
CoreScore
Users rating
Best price
Ranking
Popularity
# of colorways

-

How we test sneakers

  • To avoid any biased feedback, we purchased our high-top shoes with our own funds. 
  • We put these sneakers thoroughly under various courses of indoor and outdoor tests by wearing them in our everyday usual affairs.
  • To make our rankings even more comprehensive, we have gathered data and scores from the results of our conducted lab tests. We get more profound in obtaining facts by slicing the shoes in half and investigating what composes the inside and the footbed.

One of the things we check is the waterproofness of a sneaker. What we do is stream the whole upper with water and evaluate how dry or how soggy the inside becomes after. This way, we also get to confirm breathability because we are able to determine how permeable the upper material is.

Author
Jaydee
Jaydee

Jaydee dispels the myth that women can't be experts when it comes to sneakers. With hundreds of sneaker articles under her belt, she gained a surefire edge over others claiming to be experts. Since joining RunRepeat in 2017, she’s published formidable arrays of sneaker write-ups - some covered in lifestyle magazines. Interested in scrutinizing a pair of sneakers? Jaydee is the best person to talk to as she can intuitively chew it over with you even while doing her laundry. When she’s not writing, you can catch Jaydee playing with her two kids, online shopping, and spending far too much time on Instagram.