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Byrdie / David Hattan
You don’t have to shoot hoops to appreciate a good high-top sneaker. Versatile and durable, high-tops are ideal for trips filled with walking and Instagram photos as well as daily treks across the city. Crisp white sneakers go with practically any outfit, yet today, you can show off your personality with sneakers in different shades, fabrics, and trends.
Regardless if you are looking for your new go-with-anything sneaker or simply want to add a new kick to your collection, we researched the best high-top sneakers. With expert styling tips in mind, we evaluated each based on silhouette, material, color, sizing, and price.
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Materials: Textile Upper, Rubber Sole | Colors: Optic White, Black, + More | Size Range: 5–20
You know you’ve created a brilliant design when it's lasted for more than 100 years. Though they’ve gotten some tweaks over the decades, Converse Chuck Taylor All Star high-tops look largely similar to the first iterations in 1917. Canvas upper, rubber sole, star logo. People love them because they come in a variety of colors and prints, can easily be dressed up or down, and don't cost a fortune.
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Materials: Canvas Outer, Rubber Sole | Colors: White, Red, Pink, Black | Size Range: 5—11
"If you were trying to mind the budget and going with no branded trainers, these are a great option as you can never go wrong with white sneakers,” says Jay Hines, a stylist and art director. They come in even more shades, like pink, red, and black.
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Materials: Canvas Upper, Rubber Outsole | Colors: True White, Racing Red, Navy, Black/White, + More | Size Range: 5–17.5
"You can never go wrong with classic black and white, and Vans has been doing it right for years,” says style expert Risa Kostis. “This is the shoe you can wear with anything from a tailored suit to a skater dress and cardigan, and you’ll always look effortless. It’s sophisticated streetwear that will never go out of style.” The all-white canvas can be hard to keep clean, but you can always select another color or embrace the worn-in look.
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Materials: Knit Upper, Rubber Sole | Colors: Jet Black, Slate Gum, Clay, + More | Size Range: 5—12
When you have wide feet, you want to look for sneakers with a wide-toe box and stretchy fabric to accommodate your foot. The Legacy high-top checks off those boxes with their shape and breathable knit material made from recycled water bottles. Designed for travel, these sneakers are moisture-wicking, washable, and packable. The weatherproof toe cap not only looks good but protects your feet as you travel between different climates.
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Materials: Canvas Upper, Mamona Oil Base, Cork Insert | Colors: Off-White, Black, + More | Size Range: 5—13
What we love about Cariuma is the brand’s commitment to sustainability. The OCA high-top fuses fair trade organic cotton upper and 100% vegan insole from responsibly managed ethical factories. Not only that, but these sneakers are some of the most comfortable shoes the Byrdie team has tried. "I wore them all day while viewing apartments. Because they’re high-tops, I expected to have some discomfort around the ankle as the day went on, but I didn’t experience that at all,” says updates writer Shannon Stubbs. “My feet felt completely comfortable all day.”
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Materials: Leather | Colors: White | Size Range: 36—41
If you’re on the hunt for a luxury pair of sneakers that will set you apart, look no further than these stunners from Zadig & Voltaire. You have to look close to appreciate all the details like the perforated stars covering the white leather and silver-toned ZV printed laces. A zip fastening makes it easy to put these on and take off.
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Materials: Leather Upper, Rubber Sole | Colors: Off White, Navy, Taupe | Size Range: 5.5—11
Think all Puma sneakers look the same? Well, you haven’t seen this pair. Sure it has the classic leather construction but instead of a sleek platform, you get a spiked chunky sole. With enhanced cushioning and even a sockliner, these shoes will feel like walking on a cloud.
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Materials: Synthetic Outer, Rubber Sole | Colors: Beige, White, Black, + More | Size Range: 4.5—11
For a shoe that is as sporty as street, check out this pair of Ubfens on Amazon. Inspired by a basketball trainer, these sneakers have a removable insole if you’re looking for comfort and even a bit of extra height. They’re ultra-stylish and as comfy as can be.
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Materials: Leather Upper, Rubber Outsole | Colors: White, White/Habanero Red, Black/Sail, Phantom/Pearl, White/Chlorophyll, + More | Size Range: 5—12
Consider leather sneakers an investment piece—the durable material is easy to clean (just wipe down) and molds to your feet. With Nike’s timeless design, you’ll be wearing these high-tops for nearly, well, forever. Styled in the 1970s, the shoes have a sleek silhouette that won’t feel bulky on your feet. And one large swoosh can add a flash of color (orange anyone?) or you can keep it clean with all white. Or become your own muse by designing a custom pair.
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Materials: Corn leather, bamboo, organic cotton | Colors: 5 | Size Range: 36-46
If you want the look of leather without the impact, we recommend Saye, a Spanish brand making sneakers out of sustainable materials. The ‘89 is a high-top sneaker made from bio-based corn leather, bamboo lining, vegan suede, and recycled polyurethane. We love the simple design that features touches of vegan suede and color.
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Materials: Leather and Textile Upper, Synthetic Sole | Colors: White | Size Range: 5—12
Pay tribute to designer Virgil Abloh with his take on the high-top basketball shoe. True to his brand, Alboh infused this sneaker with unique details like an eccentric platform design, labeled laces, and an arrow appliqué. It also comes in a glitter version for those who want some daily sparkle. “It’s a statement high-top that will not only start a conversation but is also designed with the wearer in mind,” says Kostis. “From the upper sock detail to the durable lug sole, it’s a designer high-top worth the investment."
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Materials: Leather Upper, Rubber Sole | Colors: White/Ice | Size Range: 6—12
Do you ever feel nervous about wearing a new pair of sneakers because they are so clean and pristine? Golden Goose has the solution for you. Inspired by Southern California skating culture, the sneakers come pre-distressed, sort of like a pair of jeans. Now you might be wondering why you would shell out more than $500 on shoes that come dirty. Well, each scuff, stain, and smudge is handmade in Italy, meaning no two pairs are the same. Besides the design details, the brand has built a cult following as fans rave they are some of the most comfortable sneakers they own.
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Materials: Canvas Upper, Rubber Outsole | Colors: Black | Size Range: 6.5—15.5
Sometimes you want a shoe that’s all black. Like literally all black from the sole to the laces. PF. Flyers shut out the lights in this high-top design. Coming in a canvas material with a ribbed texture on the toe wrap, these just might be some of the most comfy sneakers on the market. Not to mention, the material has a water-repellent treatment, meaning you can rock them in even the wettest of conditions.
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Materials: Leather and Mesh Upper, Rubber Outsole | Colors: White, Black, + More | Size Range: 6.5—15
These throwback sneakers from Reebok are inspired by basketball shoes from the 1980s—but you don't have to be a baller to wear them. You can rock them with street clothes, athleisure attire, or activewear, whether you're running errands, going to class, catching a flight, heading to a party, or just hanging out. "An all-white, retro high-top is always a good idea,” says Kostis. “Just when you think what’s old is out—it’s actually the mark of true style to understand when something will stand the test of time. Reebok has proven that this shoe is here to stay by keeping this sneaker as an evergreen style in their rotation."
What to Look for in High-Top Sneakers
- Material: If you want to invest in a shoe that’ll last a long time, Stitch Fix stylist Stephanie Valponi recommends looking for leather options, whether genuine or vegan. “The benefit [of leather] is that it gives a sleek polished look, and it’s super easy to clean. A quick polish will have your shoes feeling eternally new,” Valponi says. “Not just that, but leather tends to increase in comfort with time, as the material molds to your feet.” For a more casual look, you can’t go wrong with classic canvas, though it can be harder to clean.
- Silhouette: Though all high-top sneakers share the common trait of extending above the ankles, there are so many variations of the style today. Some are form-fitting to the foot while others have platforms or chunkier silhouettes. Valponi says it’s all about balance. Sleek shoes balance out more voluminous layers, while chunkier silhouettes turn up a minimalist getup.
- Color: While a white sneaker is a wardrobe essential that goes with every outfit, colorful shoes can add that extra oomph to your wardrobe. “The key to successful styling is building in contrast. If your outfit is more neutral, then don’t shy away from snagging a bold color shoe with a fun logo. The contrast will give the whole combo a fun pop,” Valponi says. “Alternatively, if you are wearing fabrications with colorful prints, then choose a muted shoe with neutral colors.”
Why Trust Byrdie
Emily Cieslak is an associate commerce editor for Dotdash Meredith and has covered fashion for Byrdie since 2021. Cieslak always owns at least one pair of white sneakers to dress up or down and has cycled through various brands and styles. Her white Vans high-top sneakers will always have a special place in her heart.
Taylor Augustin is a freelance beauty and fashion writer with bylines in Brides, Popsugar, Who What Wear, Teen Vogue, and more. Her shoe collection might lead some to believe she has a bit of a problem, but there’s nothing she loves more than completing an outfit with a nice pair of sneakers.
Together they interviewed the following experts:
- Stephanie Valponi is the California Styling Lead at Stitch Fix, an online personal styling service
- Jay Hines is a stylist and art director
- Risa Kostis is a style expert and founder of the styling company Risa Kostis Creative
According to our Diversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly-published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find enough high-top sneakers from Black-owned and/or Black-founded businesses to meet this percentage. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at contact@byrdie.com, and we will evaluate the product ASAP.
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