From $220 At Athletic Propulsion Labs
The Athletic Propulsion Labs TechLoom Bliss sneakers are lightweight shoes that slide on and off, according to Charlee Atkins, founder of Le Sweat TV. I have multiple pairs in various colors to match my mood. I often get asked if APLs are worth the price tag and my answer is yes! I wouldnt do hard cardio in these, but I definitely wear my APLs to the gym and while doing my at-home workouts. These are designed with the brands Propelium technology for maximum comfort that will last wear after wear.
Certified personal trainer and Equinox fitness instructor Amanda Katzs shoe of choice is the Brooks Glycerin 19. Im a big advocate of wearing a running sneaker! I even recycle old running shoes for my daily walking, shares Katz. With this in mind, I test a shoe based on my foots fit. I personally need a neutral base with soft cushioning. My arch is very low, so a little stability in the shoe goes a long way. These are designed with the brands DNA Loft cushioning underfoot and soft lining all around for your softest running shoe yet.
Sorel Kinetic Impact Lace Sneakers
Best Fashionable Sneaker
Theres a reason these funky kicks have more than 300 five-star reviews, and it all comes down to the cloud-like EVA footbed. Sorels Kinetic Lace sneakers are designed keep your feet happy all day with a springy, supportive sole and soft, breathable upper thats so comfy, you dont even need to wear socks . Because the laces go so far down the side of your foot, youll notice better arch support than other knit styles. The upper also has a seamless boot construction, rather than a separate tongue, to prevent unnecessary rubbing in weird places. Per one reviewer, I have chronic plantar fasciitis and manage a mall, so I am constantly walking on hard tiled floors and no other shoes have kept my pain at bay as well as these.
Pros: Fashion-forward design Exaggerated lacing system gives additional arch support Breathable mesh upper
Cons: Funky design isnt for everyone
Black Hiker High Tops
Youll feel sure-footed in these heavy black high tops. They are made of solid black leather with a raised sole to match. The design is clean enough to go with most outfits, but hiking-boot style laces add a unique touch. You will find these Veja high-top sneakers easiest to pair with an outdoorsy or dark wardrobe. Find them through Net-a-Porter!
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Stretch Knit High Tops
Balenciaga totally changed the high-top trainers game with the stretch knit design. This unique design feels modern, even futuristic, and lends a unique twist to any outfit. It also makes them slip-ons, which is great for all the lace haters out there, with a bulky rubber sole thats 1-inch high. We love this iteration of them in pink. Shop them online through Net-a-Porter!
How We Picked And Tested
To find the finest white sneakers, I scoured forums, social feeds, blogs, customer reviews, sneaker podcasts, and best-seller listings. Limiting the pool to just low-tops, for consistencys sake, I found 79 pairs of shoes in mens, womens, and unisex sizes, in materials ranging from recycled plastic bottles to leather. I reviewed each pairs style, size ranges, retailer availability, third-party reviews, price, and color options other than white . Shoes that didnt measure up to those criteria were cut, leaving us some 22 pairs, which we categorized as fabric, all-leather, and leather-like shoes.
For the initial round of testing, I ordered the shoes in my regular size and followed manufacturer sizing instructions, as needed. I wore each pair of shoes for a few hours and noted the overall quality, fit, and comfort. I dismissed shoes that had a combination of sloppy stitching, cracked leather, poor fit, or were uncomfortable to wear. That left us with eight pairs of shoes for panel testing: Converse Chuck Taylor All Star , Rothy’s The Lace Up, and Superga 2750 Cotu Classic White fabric shoes, and Adidas Stan Smith Shoes, Greats The Royale, Italic Cadence Leather Sneakers, Nike Air Force 1 Low, and Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 all-leather sneakers.
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Best High Top Sneakers For Women 100+ Shoes Tested In 2022
With over 100 high-top shoe models from 50+ retailer sites, finding the best high-top sneakers for women can be a real challenge. But, don’t worry. RunRepeat is here to make this task a whole lot easier.
From giving you a few handy tips on how to find the best women’s high-top shoes to picking the best out of the best there is, we have got you covered. In fact, our top picks already consist of the most sought-after items, including platforms, classic shoes, and skate sneaks. And if you simply want the best overall, we have got that as well.
Note that most of our top picks consist of shoes we’ve tried and tested. So, take our word for it when we say a shoe’s great. After all, we’ve tested most of these shoes out ourselves.
Platform Womens High Tops
These womens high-top sneakers are striking. They are made of stark white canvas with a sole to match, and they will add about 2 inches to your height because of their platform. They have minimal branding just a small Superga tag. Otherwise, they are plain perfect for the modern, fashionable minimalist. Shop them at Revolve!
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How To Wear High Tops Without Looking Awkward
If you have read some of my previous articles covering sneakers, you may have noticed that I often single out low tops as a great outfit pairing, since they feel more feminine and are considerably easier to style. Because of their effect on the legs, high tops can be difficult to style, but rest assured, I have a few tips that will make it easier.
One secret to making womens high tops a little more flattering is to keep the laces mostly undone at the top. This gives the shaft a wider silhouette, which makes the leg look slimmer in turn. It also adds to the casual vibe of hi-tops and can be particularly cool with a more athletic pair.
The easiest way to rock all types of high tops is with a pair of jeans. In most instances, you should probably stay away from super skinny jeans, since they can really emphasize the bulk of your hi-tops. Instead, embrace bootleg, distressed hem, and high-cut mom jeans, for a modern take on the vintage look. Having a bit of skin show between the hem of your jeans and high tops is crucial for keeping your legs looking a little more elongated.
The main exception to the no skinny jeans suggestion is if your style leans towards more urban-streetwear, in which case more athletic high tops with a chunky shaft can look really cool with a pair of skinny jeans. Youll get double points if your high tops have a bit of a heel to them.
You can also balance out the combination of hi-tops and skirts or dresses by throwing on a casual jean jacket.
Fila Womens Disruptor Ii Sneaker Starting At $46
Take a blast to the past for a moment with these retro Fila sneakers in a time-enduring basic white.
Sold on Amazon, the Fila shoes come in a variety of colors, including all-white, white with the classic red and navy Fila logo,and even some metallic options like white and gold and white and silver.
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Dr Scholls Nova Sneakers
Best Slip-On Sneakers
Some days we just cant be bothered to sit down and tie or untie tight shoelaces, so its good to have some supportive slip-ons in your shoe wardrobe rather than reaching for flats or sandals every time. This easy pair by Dr. Scholls is made using recycled materials and features a podiatrist-approved, anatomically designed insole for all-day support, in addition to extra cushioning at the ankle to help prevent uncomfortable rubbing or slipping. They also come in both regular and wide widths and have a nice roomy toe box that wont leave your poor toes feeling cramped by midday. Living in the city, I walk several miles every day, reads one review. I bought these to replace my Vans slip-ons, and I am obsessed. I don’t even think about my feet, which is all a girl can ask for.
Pros: Lots of color and fabric options Affordable price point Back collar has extra cushioning to prevent blisters
Cons: No laces means less adjustability
The Original Canvas High Tops
Converse Chuck Taylor All-Stars are the first thing that comes to mind when one imagines high-top sneakers. These shoes are iconic, with a design that was first released in 1917 and has been going strong ever since. They are made of durable black canvas, with white soles and an inner cushion. The vintage logo appliqué on the sides shows that they are originals. They are sold at Net-a-Porter.
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Futuristic Womens High Tops
Made by Chloé, these light gray high-top trainers have a unique feel that combines futuristic and industrial elements. Instead of laces, they are overlaid with orange grosgrain straps, with an upper made of a combination of suede, mesh and leather panels that come together in a color-blocked effect. The warm color pattern is distinctly 70s-inspired, which makes them even quirkier. They have a slightly elevated platform that helps balance out the leg. They are sold at Matches Fashion.
Distressed And Studded High Tops For Women
These Golden Goose black leather high tops combine the edge of stud appliqués with a distressed finish, making for a very rock and roll design. These shoes are made of leather, so despite the distressed look they should last a while, and have a side zipper, which makes them extra easy to slip on but suggests you shouldnt wear them to the gym. Buy them from Revolve!
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Skechers Burst Divergent Demi Boot Sneaker
Skechers is the sneaker brand that every woman knows and loves, so if youre looking for the best affordable high top sneakers, Skechers is the best place to start.
If you want a high top sneaker that can do it all and is meant for a variety of purposes, Skechers is that sneaker. Skechers Divergent allows you to go from home to office to play seamlessly, while the added bonus of a high top gives you the ankle support to do it all.
These sneakers use a combination of fabric and synthetic materials for a stretchy, flexible, and breathable shoe. The rubber sole also provides great traction.
The unique thing about this product is the lace-up vamp and wraparound midsole, both of which give you added comfort and support.
With comfort, support, and style in the bag, its got to be a Skechers, and its got to be one of the best high top sneakers for women.
Pros:
Now, finally, UGG isnt just your designer go-to brand for the winter, but all year round as well. The well-known, beloved boot brand also creates one of the best high top designer sneakers that you can wear and love the whole year long.
These shoes are made of 100% leather and come in three neutral colors to match every style youve got.
While they may not be as plush as the winter boots you so adore, the insole does feature PORON cushioning with EVA leather, for a soft, yet supportive interior.
Pros:
- Not for wide feet
- Zipper may become stuck
What Are High Tops And Where Did They Come From
High-top sneakers, sometimes also referred to as high tops, are a category of athletic shoes that have a shaft, almost like a boot, that extends over the ankle. Traditionally, high-top trainers are usually the go-to style for basketball shoes, with the first pair of shoes to popularize the style being Converse All-Stars made for basketball players, all the way back in 1917.
Mainstream fashion went through a very slow process of de-formalization throughout the 20th century, but for the bulk of it the only time women would have worn high tops would have been while doing exercises that required it. It was during the late 70s and early 80s that, along with the rise of athleisure, that womens high-top sneakers became a regular sight to behold.
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Best Luxury: Balenciaga Speed 20 Lt Sock Sneaker
Nordstrom
The most iconic designer high top isnt made from luxury leather it looks like a colorful sock with a chunky sole. Though it wasnt a new concept, the Balenciaga speed trainer caused a sensation when first released. From Cardi B shoutouts to fast fashion brands making their version, the sock sneaker is here to stay. Compared to traditional kicks, the style is lightweight and molds to your foot for a barefoot feel. The neutral color palette is perfect for a sporty, minimalistic look, but it’s also available in more bold colors too if that’s what you’re looking for.
Material: Textile upper and lining and synthetic sole | Colors: Black, Beige, Dark Green, Dark Pink +more | Size Range: 5-12
Consider leather sneakers an investment piecethe durable material is easy to clean and molds to your feet. With Nikes timeless design, youll be wearing these high tops for nearly, well, forever. Styled in the 1970s, the shoes have a sleek silhouette that wont feel bulky on your feet. And one large swoosh can add a flash of color or you can keep it clean with all white. Or become your own muse by designing a costume pair.
Material: Leather and synthetic upper, rubber outsole | Colors: White, White Orange/Blue, White/Animal Print, White/Black/Sail, White/Gold +more | Size Range: 5-12
Best Sustainable: Cariuma Oca High
Cariuma
What we love about Cariuma is the brands commitment to sustainability. The OCA high top fuses fair trade organic cotton upper and 100 percent 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.
Material: Fair trade cotton canvas upper and lining, Mamona oil bio base with cork insert | Colors: Off White, All Black | Size Range: 5-13
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Shop The Most Comfortable Sneakers Of 2021 Below
ASICS Novablast Sneakers
ASICS has been doing its functional thing for ages now, but as the world of style turns closer and closer to the engineered, performance designs that brands like ASICS have been pumping out for years, these brands take on a new life. With a focus on comfort and functionality, silhouettes like the ASICS Novablast have hit the big time in recent years and we foresee the label becoming a mainstay in this arena.
adidas Ultraboost 22
The adidas Ultraboost was already one of the most comfortable sneakers on the market when it first dropped in 2014. At the end of 2021, just when we thought adidas wouldnt no, couldnt go any further the German sportswear giant unveiled another new iteration of the sneaker which is even more comfortable.
The Ultraboost 22 features a closer focus on performance that’s carried over from the Ultraboost 21. A higher heel means that the sole unit is packed with even more Boost goodness and you really feel the difference. Its hard to believe, but you wouldnt be making a mistake swapping your OG Ultraboosts for a pair of 22s.
Ultraboost 22
Reebok x Maison Margiela Classic Leather “memory of”
It’s fair to say that almost everyone had a pair of Reebok Classic sneakers for gym class in school, so I’m sure you’re able to remember how comfortable they are from that alone. This pair with Maison Margiela adds premium details into the mix, including deconstructed detailing, high-grade leather, and an EVA sole.
New Balance 990v3
Linea Paolo Felicia Wedge Sneaker
Best Wedge Sneaker
For those who want a little extra pep in their step but arent a fan of platforms , a wedge sneaker can be just the ticket. This Linea Paolo pair has been a Nordstrom favorite for years , and frequently comes out in new colors and patterns. Reviewers love the sleek design, and a zipper on the inside makes it easy to pull them on and off. And although the heel is 2 ½ inches high, the added support of the front and a cushy 1-inch sole help to offset the pressure put on your arches and the balls of your feet. Those with wider feet or anyone who plans to use custom insoles is better off going up half a size, but otherwise the Felicia wedges run true to size. One 57-year-old buyer says she typically cant wear heels anymore, but loves these sneakers for their combination of comfort and style.
Pros: Sleek design Adds 3-inches of height Side-zipper closure
Cons: Doesnt offer as much support as a flat sneaker
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The High Top Sneakers You’re Seeing Everywhereranked
Theres an old saying that goes, “everything old is new again.” This is the nature of certain fashion trends that seem to come and go through generations. Once upon a time, high top sneakers were a 90s and early aughts staple that complemented everything from a mini dress to baggy pants. Should you need proof of the range, peruse just about any photo of your favorite Y2K-era entertainer. Now, thanks to the most high-profile runways, celebrities, and social media influencers, the trend is back like it never left and more versatile than ever. From the towering sole to the most subtle lift, the high top sneaker is a shoe that can take virtually any outfit to new heights, figuratively and literally.
Once youve decided just how high you want to go, ensure that the rest of your look doesnt spoil your throwback accessory. For example, if youre keeping things casual with a pair of pants or denim, cuff the bottom or stick with a cropped style to elongate your legs. You also want to be conscious of the shoe material, as it could impact your comfort. For instance, if you have flat feet or an injury, high top sneakers with a soft and supportive platform will feel like walking on a cloud. On the other handor should we say, footthose with a penchant for clumsiness and walking a little too light on their toes may benefit from a weightier sole.
How We Found The Best High Top Sneakers
Next up, check out the 10 Best White Sneakers. Opening image: shopbop.com
The Rankings
