The Best Men’s High Top Sneakers and How to Wear Them

By Megan Collins | Last Updated: Mar 10 2022

As a kid, I felt like high top sneakers were strictly for the basketball court. As an adult? I say, game on.

Truly, if you only add one shoe to your spring wardrobe this year, let it be a high top. There’s so many good ones to choose from, but we’ve narrowed the list down to our three favorites to make shopping easy. We even included a few outfits so you get an idea of how to wear your new (favorite) shoes.

Each sneaker has a very different vibe, and you might be surprised by which jumps out and calls, Wear me!

Below, the 3 best men’s high top sneakers, chosen by Team SG:

1. Nike Blazer Mid Vintage

If you’re looking for a trendy sneaker, stop. Do not pass go. Do not collect $200. Unless it’s to spend on these sneakers.

Nike’s sneaker of the moment is a throwback but also feels totally youthful. So youthful, in fact, that guys born before the 1990s might not be sure if they can pull them off.

Don’t worry, you can. Just keep the rest of your outfit subdued. The look you are going for is not, Justin Bieber on tour. It’s I am going to see Justin Bieber on tour sort of as a gag but also, hey, the guy’s got some bops.

2. Vans Sk8-Hi

Another youthful sneaker that pretty much every guy can pull off. No, you don’t ever need to have owned a skateboard, ridden a skateboard, or sat through grainy home videos of other people skating to wear Vans today.

I like the suede style, as it feels a bit more elevated, but you can always go with the tried and true canvas in black and white, if that’s your style.

3. Converse All-Stars

A classic. Truly, whether you’re fifteen or pushing fifty, you can pull off Converse All-Stars.

And they last forever, so buy them now and wear them until the next time you go through a mid- (or quarter!) life crisis and wonder if you’re too old for them. Then, come back here and we’ll assure you that you’re not.

What to wear with high top sneakers

Casual Cool

SG Says: The Vans lend themselves to a laid-back look. Think: joggers, a vintage tee and ready-for-anything casual jacket.

RELATED: The SG Guide to Guys’ Joggers

Shop the outfit:

City sophisticate

SG Says: Have we mentioned that the iconic Gap arch logo hoodie is back? Because it is.

Buy one in whatever color you like, then wear it with everything. Including the Nike Blazers and a cool fatigue jacket, like this one from Flint and Tinder.

Cuff the jeans so everyone can get a good look at the sneakers.

Shop the outfit:

Old-school elegance

SG Says: Didn’t think you could wear sneakers with a dressed-up outfit? Think again. This look would totally work for a backyard cocktail party or, like, a baptism at a cool church where they allow gay people to be priests.

Shop the outfit:

Want more sneaker style? Check out the #SGapproved download on all the best spring shoes for guys