7 Best High Top Basketball Shoes, 60+ Shoes Tested in 2023

High-top basketball shoes is the first thing that comes to mind when conversations go into hooping. After all, the iconic Chuck Taylors, which are among the first shoes produced for basketball, were glorious high tops. Also, players like Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Stephen Curry love their shoes high or mid.
It must be noted here, however, that high-tops don't provide more support than low-tops as previously thought. Getting one over the other is not just a matter of preference.
Still, dozens of high-tops flood the market, and choosing the right pair can be a chore. To make things easier for you, we present here the best high-top basketball shoes that we can find.
How we test basketball shoes
We've all seen sponsored content, and creators tend to be kinder to those who sponsor them. This is a clear bias and one that we want to avoid. Hence, we see to it that the high-tops that we review aren't freebies from anyone. We always purchase them using our own money.
We also do the following to reduce bias as much as possible:
- Use these high-tops in actual games to really see how they perform
- Consider other testers' reviews to verify or further inform our own
The result is a Corescore from 0 to 100 which helps us to rank and compare all of the tested high-top basketball shoes.
Best high top basketball shoes overall
CoreScore
- Top 6% in basketball shoes
- Top 20% in New Balance basketball shoes
- Top 24% most popular basketball shoes
Pros
- Good lockdown and support
- Amazing traction
- Durable materials
- Superb comfort
- Simple look
- Secure fit
- Breathable
Cons
- Narrower fit overall
- Lacks cushioning
Verdict
Best high top outdoor basketball shoes
CoreScore
- Top 30% in high top basketball shoes
- Top 15% most popular basketball shoes
Pros
- Responsive
- No break-in
- Durable on rough outdoor courts
- Secure fit
- Great traction
- Excellent lockdown
- Good for running & hiking
- Not a dust collector
- Fits true to size
Cons
- Lacks ventilation
- Stiff footbed
Verdict
Best high top ankle support basketball shoes
CoreScore
- Top 8% in basketball shoes
- Top 8% in Reebok basketball shoes
Pros
- Looks more amazing on hand
- Excellent court grip
- Bouncy cushioning
- Comfortable upper
- Offers a secure lockdown
Cons
- Lacks ventilation
- Tough to put on
Verdict
Best high top strap basketball shoes
CoreScore
Pros
- Excellent performance
- Durable traction
- Light and minimal
- Reliable outsole grip
- Well-cushioned midsole
- Great support and lockdown
- Comfortable footbed
Cons
- Not for the outdoors
- Traction attracts dust
- Expensive
Verdict
Best high top retro basketball shoes
CoreScore
Pros
- Fantastic performer
- Amazing traction
- Feels fast on the court
- Comfortable upper
- Appealing style
- Supportive
- Great quality
Cons
- Outsole attracts dust
- Minimal cushioning
Verdict
Best value high top basketball shoes
CoreScore
- Top 27% in basketball shoes
- Top 18% in high top basketball shoes
Pros
- Great on-court performer
- Great traction
- Quite comfortable
- Very durable
- Excellent lockdown and support
Cons
- Easily gets dusty
- Foam cushion feels a little dense and stiff
- Don't fully break-in
Verdict
Most popular high top basketball shoes
CoreScore
- Top 7% most popular basketball shoes
Pros
- Great cushioning
- Durable shoe
- Ideal for center players
- Impressive ankle support
Cons
- Not for wide feet
- Toe box easily creases
- Better for casual use