The Best High Top Sneakers For Men In 2023

As we’re getting closer to the fall season it’s time to take a look at the line up for high top sneakers for men available this year. In 1917 Converse created the first shoes featuring canvas upper that offered ankle support for basketball players which marked the beginning of this new silhouette. Fast forward in the 60’s Adidas came out with the Pro Model that was also designed for the same purpose. The 1980’s witnessed a transformation in the perception of sneakers, as they transitioned from sports gear to cultural icons. The emergence of hip-hop culture played a pivotal role in this shift, with artists like Run-D.M.C. embracing high-top sneakers as a symbol of authenticity and rebellion. Their partnership with Adidas on the Superstar model elevated the shoe’s status to a fashion statement, propelling sneaker culture into the mainstream. In 1985 the Air Jordan 1 was released which started a whole new era of lifestyle sneakers.

But aside from their part in the street culture the high top sneakers have a practical aspect that made them even more sought for. While most of the styles mentioned in this article are no longer considered performance basketball shoes they are very versatile sneakers.They are great for casual wear, whether in school or just for everyday use. What was once seen just as ankle support is now also seen as a great way to keep the feet warm during the cold season. In this article we gathered the most popular high top sneakers for men in 2023.

Air Jordan 1 Mid

Retail: $125

More than three decades since their release the Air Jordan 1 remains one of the most popular retro sneakers on the market. It is one of the very few on our list that are more sought for than their low cut version. Among the best colorways in 2023 are the “black/white”, “The Next Chapter”, the “Space Jam” and the “Alternate Bred”. This is a sneaker that you can’t go wrong with, regardless of their purpose.

Nike Air Force 1 ’07 Hi Top

Retail: $125

The High top version of the Air Force 1 is another retro sneaker that is one of the best choices when the cold season comes around. With a simple, stylish design and a durable construction, these are made to last. The velcro strap that goes around the ankle area adds a nice design touch but also a better lockdown that comes handy when taking these on the court. Nike included in this year a triple black and triple white colorways among many others.

Nike Dunk Hi Retro

Retail: $125

The Nike Dunk Hi is another classic from the mid 80’s which transcended from a basketball shoe to an everyday sneaker. While its low cut version has been more popular lately, Nike made sure to come up with several colorways this fall for the high top version, including a “Panda” version in black and white. This is surely one of the most popular high top sneakers for men this season, another one that combines retro looks with versatility.

New Balance 650

Price: $130

In 2022 the New Balance 650 made a comeback as part of a collaboration with New York fashion house Aime Leon Dore. The 650 is the high top version of the more popular New Balance 550. The Boston brand came up with a bunch of colorways in the spring of 2023 which are mostly on sale at this time. This is one of the most solid pairs of sneakers on the market today made of durable real and synthetic leather.

Converse Hi Street

Price: $75

While we were first tempted to include in our list the classic hi top Converse All Star Chucks, we went instead with the Street version that we took a look at recently. This is because of the added padding around the ankle area which adds some comfort but also comes “handy” on colder days. It is a practical sneaker that combines a classic style with a practical silhouette at a price that is well below most of the ones mentioned here.

Nike Court Vision Hi

$85

If you do not want to spend $125 on a pair of Dunks or Aj 1 the Nike Court Vision is surely one model worth considering. We recently included it among the best back to school shoes in 2023 due to the value it offers at $85. It is a great budget high top sneaker for men that offers much of what the more expensive models do. There are various colorways available, including dark tones that go great with the fall season.

Adidas Top Ten

Retail: $100

The adidas Top Ten is one of the original retro basketball shoes on this list, dating from the late 70’s. Adidas kept its high top silhouette unchanged which makes it a great shoe for the cold season. New colorways have been released this year, including the navy blue and white, the red and black and the black and white with suede and leather upper. Of all high tops from the German brand this one is our favorite.

Nike Blazer 77

Retail: $105

The Nike Blazer ‘77 continues to have a solid presence on the market in 2023 with several colorways available. This is a sneaker that is different from all the others by the way it was constructed, with a supple leather upper and a sole unit that makes it one of the lightest on this list. This one has an overall softer feel when on feet all while being a durable shoe that goes well with any attire.

Vans SK8 Hi Top

Retail: $79

The SK8 Hi Top from Vans is a classic sneaker that could not be missed from our list. The California based brand is making sure that every year leather versions of this shoe are being made available to the public. Compared with the other models from this brand these feature ample cushioning, especially in the ankle area. If you’re into the flat feeling Vans shoes are known for this is surely one of the models to consider this fall.

Converse Malden Street Hi Top

Retail: $99

Lastly, we included in our lineup a brand new model from Converse, the Leather version of the Malden sneaker boot. It features a water repellent leather and mesh upper with a high stacked rubber outsole that looks like a great combination for the cold season ahead. While just a triple black version of this model surfaced recently we are sure that we’ll see some more versions soon.

All in all, the best high top sneakers for men this year are mostly retro models given their popularity among young and older generations. While for some nostalgia is what makes them go for these others appreciate their classic style, comfort and versatility. There is a lot of hype around many of these and it will likely continue to be for decades to come.