Ready to make the jump to high-top sneakers? Us too. In fact, we just released the DECO HI TOP (in white and black). It’s a good time to look at some basic high-top rules, starting with Lesson One: Don’t tuck your jeans into your shoes.
Men’s high-top sneakers surged to popularity in the 1980s, but you can trace their history all the way back to 1891, when Spalding released the first men’s basketball shoe: a canvas high-top. Converse All Stars (also known as Chuck Taylors) came along in 1917. By the end of the 20th century, high-tops were the essence of indie-rock style. And they’re still one of the coolest things you can put on your feet.
High-tops are technically any sneaker that covers your ankles, and they usually fall into two categories: ‘thin high-tops’ (your classic canvas sneaker), and ‘mid high-tops’ (a chunkier, athleisure-style sneaker). Our DECO high-tops sit somewhere in-between: they have the sharp lines of a ‘thin high-top’, but they’re made from 100% leather, not canvas.
Here’s how to wear men’s high-top sneakers.
Pick your style
The reason high-tops work is because they make your feet pop. Instead of hiding underneath your cuffs, like regular sneakers, they draw attention to your ankle and frame your entire outfit. The first thing you need to decide is style. Thin high-tops will make your feet and ankles look smaller, especially if you tie them all the way up. (It’s usually better to stop halfway and tuck the excess laces under the collar.) Thick, basketball-style high-tops will make your ankles look wider. Neither look is good or bad—it all comes down to styling. Find the fit that makes you feel comfortable. Uncomfortable sneakers are an oxymoron.
Show your ankles
High-tops have a kind of special relationship with your pants. They need to work together, more-so than regular sneakers. Stick to slim-fit jeans or chinos, and cuff them high, above the tongue of your shoes. Don’t be afraid to show a little sock, either. Skinny jeans can work on the right frame, but slim-fit is usually the way to go. Either roll the cuffs high, or let the fabric bunch naturally around the collar. The big mistakes people make are either tucking their jeans into their shoes, or wearing baggy, loose-fitting pants that obscure the high-tops. You don’t want a traditional ‘break’ here. Think clean, simple, natural lines. High-tops are made to be seen.
Color matching high-tops
As a general rule, your high-tops shouldn’t be the exact same colour as your pants. That kind of defeats the purpose of high-tops: you want your feet to stand out, not blend in. The only exception are black high-tops with black jeans, which is a classic indie rocker look. If you’re wearing colourful chinos, pick a neutral high-top sneaker, like white or black. If you’re wearing neutral pants, or blue jeans, there are basically no rules: WHITE or BLACK, you can't go wrong.
Styling high-tops
High-tops have stayed popular because they’re so versatile. You can wear them with jeans, chinos or even shorts (if you’re going the short route, stick to baggy fits and loose tees). High-tops with jeans are your classic weekender vibe, and it’s really hard to style them wrong. Just throw on some blue-wash denim and a crew neck tee, or a two-tone denim shirt. Remember: your feet are kind of bottom-loaded, so keep the rest of the outfit simple and clean. You don’t need 17 layers and a coat. For high-tops with chinos, try and channel a smart, urban style. Think khaki chinos with a sharp polo shirt, or even an untucked, open Oxford. Again, you want slim, natural fits for the pants: nothing too skinny or too baggy.
High-tops with suits
Canvas high-tops with a suit is definitely not on, but you can totally get away with a sleek full leather high-top, like the DECO. Still, this is a delicate balancing act. It requires an easygoing boss (and a good tailor). For starters, your high-tops can’t be more than two colours: one for the upper, and preferably white on the sole. Make sure to lace your shoes up all the way. You don’t want your suit pants catching on the tongue. Lastly, the pants need to be slim, tailored and perfectly hemmed, with a slightly higher cuff than usual. But don’t go too high: if you can see your pink business socks, you’re doing it wrong. Also, you want zero break here: these aren’t your dad’s brogues.
Greetings, enthusiasts of footwear fashion! I'm here to guide you through the fascinating world of high-top sneakers with a depth of knowledge rooted in both historical context and contemporary style trends. As someone deeply immersed in the realm of footwear, let me share my insights to bolster your understanding of the concepts presented in the article.
The article delves into the resurgence of high-top sneakers, focusing on a particular release, the DECO HI TOP, available in white and black. These high-tops, falling into a unique category, boast 100% leather construction, setting them apart from the classic canvas models.
1. Historical Evolution: Men's high-top sneakers have a rich history dating back to 1891 when Spalding introduced the first canvas high-top basketball shoe. The iconic Converse All Stars, also known as Chuck Taylors, followed suit in 1917. The 1980s marked a surge in popularity, evolving into a symbol of indie-rock style by the end of the 20th century.
2. High-Top Categories: High-tops are broadly categorized into 'thin high-tops' resembling classic canvas sneakers and 'mid high-tops,' which are chunkier and align with athleisure style. The DECO high-tops, mentioned in the article, fall in between, characterized by sharp lines reminiscent of thin high-tops but crafted entirely from leather.
3. Styling Tips:
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Choosing the Right Style: The article emphasizes the importance of choosing the right style to complement your look. Thin high-tops create a sleeker appearance, especially when not laced all the way up, while basketball-style high-tops provide a bolder look, making ankles appear wider.
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Ankle Exposure: High-tops work best when paired with slim-fit jeans or chinos, with the cuffs sitting above the tongue of the shoes. The goal is to highlight the ankle, avoiding the common mistakes of tucking jeans into the shoes or wearing overly baggy pants.
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Color Coordination: To make a statement, the color of high-tops should not precisely match the pants. For example, if you're wearing colorful chinos, opt for neutral high-top sneakers in white or black. Black high-tops with black jeans create a classic indie rocker look.
4. Versatility in Styling: High-tops offer remarkable versatility, seamlessly pairing with jeans, chinos, or even shorts. Whether you're aiming for a classic weekender vibe with blue-wash denim or a smart, urban style with khaki chinos, the key is to keep the outfit simple and clean to allow the high-tops to shine.
5. High-Tops with Suits: The article explores the daring combination of high-tops with suits, noting that while canvas high-tops may not be suitable, sleek full leather high-tops like the DECO can work. It's emphasized that this pairing demands slim, tailored pants with a higher cuff than usual, ensuring a contemporary and polished look.
In conclusion, as you embark on your high-top sneaker journey, remember that these fashionable kicks are not just shoes; they are a statement that can elevate your entire outfit. Choose wisely, style confidently, and let your feet make a lasting impression!
