7 Best High Top Sneakers, 100+ Shoes Tested in 2023
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.
Table of contents How we test sneakersBest overallBest skate shoeBest platformBest retroBest chunky shoeBest valueMost popularComparison
Overview
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.
- To make our rankings even more comprehensive, we have gathered reviews from other users.
We call our scoring system CoreScore. Each model is graded from 1-100 using test results and user reviews. The higher the score, the better the overall feedback.
Best high top sneakers overall
Vans SK8-Hi
Amazon
Free shipping
$38
Stadium Goods
$49
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$53
Sun and Ski
Free shipping
$57
CoreScore
- Top 12% in sneakers
- Top 19% in Vans sneakers
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
Verdict
The Vans Sk8-Hi is the original subculture sneaker. Built as a super-padded skate shoe it was soon adopted by the punk rock scene for its large space on which to customize. Today it's not just a piece of history but a versatile and easy-going silhouette that works with almost any outfit. Not only that but it's strong enough to last years of use and abuse.
Best skate high top sneakers
CoreScore
- Top 1% in sneakers
- Top 1% in Nike sneakers
- Top 23% most popular sneakers
Pros
- Snug fit
- Amazing colorways
- Can take a beating
- Excellent for skating
- Good ankle support
- Quality construction
- Comfy on foot
Cons
- Needs time to break in
- Pricey
Verdict
The Nike SB Dunk High Pro does not only exhibit an attractive design. It also captures the favor of both members of the skate community and casual wearers for its reliable performance and versatility. This unwavering excellence is brought forth constantly by the new colorways and collaborations that keep its spirit alive.
Best platform high top sneakers
Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Move Hi
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$54
Zappos
Running Warehouse
REI
CoreScore
- Top 7% in sneakers
- Top 8% in Converse sneakers
- Top 21% most popular sneakers
Pros
- Cloud-like comfort
- Break-in period not required
- All-day support
- Surprisingly light
- Quite the beauty
- Budget-friendly
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Somewhat tight overall
- Frail logo stitching
Verdict
Feel like an absolute popstar when you don the Chuck Taylor All Star Move Hi from Converse. It's your literally elevating kick that spoils your feet with heavenly plushness with every step, all while bewildering you with its combination of chunkiness and lightness. And if its platform-centric chicness doesn't win you over, we're sure its affordability will.
Best retro high top sneakers
Adidas Top Ten RB
Adidas
Free shipping and returns
$30
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$55
Stadium Goods
$60
Champs Sports
$70
CoreScore
- Top 3% in sneakers
- Top 8% in Adidas sneakers
- Top 19% most popular sneakers
Pros
- Captivating throwback looks
- Comfier than ever
- Minimal break-in
- Excellent fit
- Fantastic colorways
- Lightweight
- Improved leather quality
- Attractively affordable
Cons
- Difficult access (women's version)
- Too high arch
Verdict
We're convinced that the Top Ten RB from Adidas is the improvement many fans of the OG version have been looking for. Yes, from the enhanced plushness of its confines to the way its leather upper looks and feels, this retro bball sneaker is worthy to receive the torch and run away with it. It's indeed a successful comeback, and it's yours at a price ($100) you'll find quite hard to resist.
Best chunky high top sneakers
Fila Grant Hill 1
Amazon
Free shipping
$63
Shoe Mall
Free shipping
$92
Champs Sports
Free shipping & returns
$140
Zappos
CoreScore
- Top 11% in sneakers
- Top 10% in Fila sneakers
- Top 19% most popular sneakers
Pros
- Head-turning design
- Solid construction
- Comfortable in-shoe padding
- Affordable
- Clean detailing
- Grippy
- Durable
Cons
- Requires a break-in period
- Tight toe section
Verdict
Fila Grant Hill 1 returns in OG colorway and other crisp designs for men and women. It also steals attention among the chunky shoe-loving crowd and those who embrace retro fashion. It delivers comfort and durability while still falling within the cheapest range. The neat detailing of this shoe also offers a top-notch feel.
Best value
CoreScore
- Top 3% in sneakers
- Top 3% in Converse sneakers
- Top 21% most popular sneakers
Pros
- Timeless aesthetics
- Comfy
- Zero break-in
- Pairs with anything
- Tank-like
- Great for daily use
- Skate-worthy ankle support
- Enviable finish
- For the thrifty
Cons
- Sliding tongue
- Tricky access
Verdict
Even if you time-travel between the current year and the flower power era, there won't be much of a difference while you got the Chuck 70 Vintage Canvas on. Yes, you're still gonna be your usual head-turning self, but in a pair of tough canvas kicks. And no matter the year, this high-top sneaker from Converse will give you tons of dapper points at an ever-unbeatable price.
Most popular high top sneakers
Nike Dunk High
Amazon
Free shipping
$113
Champs Sports
Free shipping & returns
$125
Zappos
Running Warehouse
CoreScore
- Top 30% in sneakers
- Top 21% in Nike sneakers
- Top 1% most popular sneakers
Pros
- Classic look
- Superb quality
- Supreme comfort and cushioning
- Great value for money
- Long-lasting
- Ample arch support
- Eye-catching silhouette
Cons
- Some versions run narrow
- Lacks ventilation
Verdict
The Nike Dunk High is a classic hoop shoe model that can match any outfit. Amazing comfort and cushioning allow the shoe to be worn both on court and as a daily sneaker. It's insanely durable and it simply can't go out of style.
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