15 Best Designer High-Top Sneakers
Josie Costigan
Table of Contents
Finding The 15 Best Designer High-Top Sneakers
For most, shoes are the most reliable accessory. You can’t be caught wearing the same outfit everyday, but your footwear can stay the same—especially if the shoes are designer high-top sneakers—then you have to flaunt them as much as possible.
The high-top sneaker trend has been leaving footprints all over the fashion world so now it’s time to leave your mark. After reading this article, you’ll know:
- A list of the best designer high-top sneakers
- Where to buy the trendy shoes
- How to choose shoes based on specific criteria
- How to style the sneakers for different occasions
- Answers to the most common questions
The 15 Best Designer High-Top Sneakers
If you’re looking to showcase your urban, athleisure style or introduce a funky element to your chic, modern look, designer high-top sneakers can do it all. So get comfortable and kick your feet up as you read this guide.
#1: Valentino Garavani VL7N Crystal Embellished high-top sneaker
Brand: Valentino Garavani
Retailer: Nordstrom
Price: $2,850.00
Myriad crystals bring sparkling glamour to a leather high-top sneaker named for the seven logo-embellished bands that detail the upper.
- Lace-up style
- Leather and textile upper/leather lining/rubber sole
- Made in Italy
- Women’s Designer Shoes
- Item #6252142
#2: Christian Louboutin Lou Pik Pik Orlato high-top sneaker
Brand: Christian Louboutin
Retailer: Nordstrom
Price: $2,495.00
Bristling with spikes at the cap toe and counter, this high-top goes even bolder with metallic accents framing the glitter-flecked velvet upper.
- Lace-up style
- Leather and textile upper/leather lining/synthetic sole
- Made in Italy
- Men’s Designer Shoes
- Item #6589363
- Whole sizes only; for 1/2 sizes, order next size up.
#3: Alexander McQueen Tread Slick Crystal Sneaker Boots
Brand: Alexander McQueen
Check Availability on SSENSE
Price: $1,490
- Alexander McQueen crystal-embellished cotton combat boot/sneaker hybrid shoes
- 2.25 in / 55 mm chunky heel
- Lace-up front
- Round toe
- Lightweight, sturdy TPU outsole
- Made in Italy
#4: Prada Nylon Zip-Pouch High Sneakers
Brand: Prada
Check Availability on Farfetch
Price: $1,250
This style is crafted from re-nylon gabardine, a regenerated nylon fabric produced from recycled ocean plastic.
- Prada nylon high-top sneakers.
- 1.4″ flat heel.
- Round toe.
- Lace-up vamp.
- Logo zip pouch at ankle.
- Cushioned footbed.
- Pull-tab at back collar.
- Rubber sole.
- Made in Italy.
Fit: Runs true to size.
#5: Balenciaga Track Hike Caged Chunky High-Top Sneakers
Brand: Balenciaga
Check Availability on SSENSE
Price: $1,190
- Balenciaga “Track Hike” faux-leather and nylon/fabric sneaker boots with caged upper.
- Chunky heel.
- Reinforced round toe.
- Lace-up vamp.
- Padded collar.
- Pull-tab at tongue and backstay.
- Imported.
#6: Versace Medusa Charm Leather Platform Sneakers
Brand: Versace
Check Availability on SSENSE
Price: $1,125
- Versace platform sneakers in calf leather
- 4.00 in / 100 mm flat heel
- Round toe
- Lace-up vamp
- Hanging Medusa charm
- Pull-tab at back collar
- Rubber outsole
- Made in Italy
#7: VISVIM Chamberlain high-top sneaker
Brand: Visvim
Retailer: Nordstrom
Price: $1,170.00
VISVIM’s luxe version of a basketball high-top sneaker is hand sewn from leather and suede that’s specially treated so no two pairs are exactly alike. A Vibram® sole and leather-lined cork footbed—which molds to you over time—provide comfort and support.
- Lace-up style
- Leather and textile upper/leather lining/rubber sole
- Imported
- New Concepts @Nordstrom
- Item #6553620
#8: Balmain BBold high-top sneaker
Brand: Balmain
Retailer: Nordstrom
Price: $1,150.00
Dare to be bold in this statement-making sneaker featuring a sock-like profile wrapped with elastic lacing and set on a segmented sole with dramatic cutouts.
- Pull-on style with elastic lacing
- Textile and leather upper/leather lining/rubber sole
- Imported
- Men’s Designer Shoes
- Item #6552628
#9: Prada Cloudbust Thunder high-top sneaker
Brand: Prada
Retailer: Nordstrom
Price: $1,140.00
This chunkier high-top version of the comic book–inspired Cloudbust is bulked up with 3D injected rubber overlays and a surprisingly lightweight sawtooth sole.
- Lace-up style
- Removable insole
- Textile and rubber upper/leather and textile lining/rubber sole
- Made in Italy
- Men’s Designer Shoes
- Item #6279885
#10: R13 Platform high-top sneaker
Brand: R13
Retailer: Nordstrom
Price: $1,135.00
Intentional distressing and dirtied laces add to the grungy appeal of a canvas high-top sneaker boosted by a chunky, hand-stitched platform. Logo-embroidered pull tabs and a sidewall patch provide some cool branding.
- 3″ heel; 2 3/4″ platform (size 39)
- 4 1/4″ shaft
- Lace-up style; back zip closure
- Textile upper and lining/synthetic sole
- Made in Italy
- SPACE: A shop for emerging and advanced designers
- Item #5900550
#11: Bottega Veneta Flash high-top sneaker
Brand: Bottega Veneta
Retailer: Nordstrom
Price: $1,100.00
A wavy layered wedge sole with color-pop insets elevates the statement-making look of a Chelsea-inspired Italian high-top crafted of supple lambskin.
- Pull-on style with elastic gore insets
- Leather upper/textile lining/rubber sole
- Made in Italy
- Men’s Designer Shoes
- Item #6639643
#12: Off-White Bump Sneaker
Brand: Off-White
Retailer: Nordstrom
Price: $1,080.00
Virgil Abloh has reshuffled the sneaker deck again with this innovative high top with a bouncy allure that is sure to add an original touch to any look. Directional arrows and a marbled zip tag lock in Off-White branding to score winning sneakerhead points.
- Lace-up style
- Textile and synthetic upper/textile lining/rubber sole
- Made in Italy
- Women’s Designer Shoes
- Black Owned and Founded
- Item #6777438
#13: Fendi FF Shearling High-Top Sneakers
Brand: Fendi
Check Availability on SSENSE
Price: $995
- Fendi leather high-top sneakers with FF-dyed shearling (Italy).
- Flat heel.
- Round toe.
- Lace-up vamp with shearling band.
- Cushioned footbed.
- Rubber sole.
- Made in Italy.
#14: Giuseppe Zanotti Leather Shearling Dual-Zip Sneakers
Brand: Giuseppe Zanotti
Check Availability on SSENSE
Price: $850
- Giuseppe Zanotti low-top sneaker in smooth calf leather with dyed shearling (South Africa) fur trim.
- Round toe.
- Lace-up vamp.
- Dual side zips.
- Metal logo detail at tongue.
- Pull-tab at back heel.
- Rubber sole.
- Made in Italy.
#15: Christian Louboutin Lou Spikes high-top sneaker
Brand: Christian Louboutin
Retailer: Nordstrom
Price: $995.00
Hand-placed cone studs bring a punk-rock vibe to a high-top sneaker popped with a red logo-debossed inset at the sole.
- Wipe with a soft, dry cloth and store in a dust bag
- Lace-up style
- Removable insole
- Textile and leather or leather upper/leather lining/synthetic sole
- Made in Italy
- Men’s Designer Shoes
- Item #6764985
Where to Buy Designer High-Top Sneakers
Soon you’ll be leaving your favorite designer store carrying a luxury shopping bag. You can also shop for designer high-top sneakers online. Online, your shoe size will more likely be available and most brands offer free shipping on their website.
Here are some stores to consider buying from:
- Dolce & Gabbana
- Prada
- Jimmy Choo
- Versace
- Gucci
Larger, high-end department stores will sell older styles of designer high-top sneakers at discounted prices. The size selection may be limited but browse through selections at the following stores:
- Nieman Marcus
- Nordstrom
- Nordstrom Rack
- Saks Fifth Avenue
Department stores will let you spoil yourself without leaving you scared to check your bank account once you get home.
How to Choose the Best Designer High-Top Sneakers
If you’re starting to get a kick out of this trend, then you’re probably eager to get your hands on a pair of designer high-top sneakers.
We’re going to help you choose the best pair of shoes based on the brand, material, seasonality, style, comfort, size, and price. After considering all this criteria, you’ll be certain about your upcoming purchase and you won’t have any trip-ups.
Brand
Every designer brand will be a good choice. The luxury reputation is not mistaken and each company is known for making your experience and products top-notch. But, brands will differ in terms of overall appeal.
If you want a classic, conservative sneaker then Louis Vuitton of Christian Louboutin may be up your alley. If you’re more outgoing and vibrant, Off-White or Gucci are calling your name.
Material
Our shoes go through the most with us and need a little extra protection to keep them looking fresh. The high costs of designer high-top sneakers will ensure a certain level of good material.
The leather or cotton material should be durable for most climates or lifestyles, and can handle getting dirty. The best sneaker will be one that’s manageable for everyday wear and easy to keep clean.
Seasonality
Since designer high-top sneakers also come at a high price, you’ll want to get the most bang for your buck. Some sneakers won’t be able to withstand heavy snow or rain, so consider the average weather in your hometown before you buy a pair.
Seasonal colors is another factor to think about. If you want to look trendy for every season, you may want to stick to neutral colors like black or white.
Style
The designs of sneakers are versatile, so there will definitely be a pair out there that suits your style and lifestyle best. Classic colors and prints are available and so are quirky, dramatic options. There are tighter fitting designer high-top sneakers and looser, chunkier options too.
The only way to figure out which style fits you best is to try on as many types as possible – we love a good try-on haul.
Comfort
They say beauty is pain but even the nicest sneakers aren’t worth any blisters. So get to know your feet. You may have wide or narrow feet that need a specific style of shoe for maximum comfort. Also, take the time to try on the sneakers and walk around a bit to make sure they fit your foot properly.
Size
Most of the designer high-top sneakers are lightweight and not heavy when you’re strolling around your city. Chunky sneakers are definitely the focal point of this trend—the bonus is that the platform will give you some extra height too!
Of course, if this wasn’t obvious, make sure you know your shoe size. And always try the shoes on before you buy them.
Price
Most designer high-top sneakers will have a price tag in the $900 – $1,100 range. You’re paying for a luxury brand name and high-quality material and girl, it doesn’t come cheap. But, it’s totally worth it! As we mentioned, larger department stores may have sneakers at a discounted price.
How to Style Designer High-Top Sneakers
The ways to style designer high-top sneakers are truly endless. Fashion lovers of all kinds have been seen wearing the shoes and styling them to their taste. There are many ways to add the sneakers into your daily fits:
- With your favorite pair of joggers
- Dressing down a body-con dress with chunky jewelry
- Adding an eccentric twist to a matching suit set
- Pairing the retro sneakers with dad jeans
Those are examples from different walks of fashion. The shoe pairs well with oversized clothing and attire that hugs your figure. Even better, the footwear is the most inclusive accessory and will look trendy on anyone. So there’ll be no Cinderella moment here, since the shoe fits all.
This model based her outfit off the colors in her Nike Air Force 1’s. Her long sleeve black crop top picks up on the black detailing in the sneakers. The brown heel matches the loose, neutral toned joggers and shows an urban styling of the shoe.
The high-top sneakers are a staple that can elevate any loungey, effortless outfit. Also, adding crew socks is a great accent to the shoe.
This model showcases how designer high-top sneakers can be dressed up just as well. Her Prada sneakers give an edgy vibe to her minimalistic, chic outfit. The white blazer matches her bright white sneakers. The joggers follow the relaxed style but the leather material adds a modern touch.
Her polished low bun and tiny sunglasses make her look like a CEO of style.
FAQs
How do you wear a high-top sneaker?
This urban footwear has been seen worn with blazers, oversized hoodies, body-con dresses, and leather pants. There’s really no restrictions when it comes to how to wear a designer high-top sneaker.
Pairing these shoes with graphic or clean crew socks is always a great move. It will draw more attention to your outfit and highlight the sneakers. Plus, it will keep your feet extra comfortable.
Pay attention to the colors detailed throughout the shoe and match them to your clothes, or highlight them with different accessories. For example, if there’s blue detailing in the shoe, grab a blue baseball cap. Featuring the same hue on the top and bottom of your outfit creates a cohesive look.
Are high-top sneakers comfortable?
If you choose designer high-top sneakers that are your correct size and width, then yes the shoes will be comfortable! Looks can be deceiving. Most of the sneakers have a thick, oversized appearance. But, the shoes are actually lightweight.
That’s one of the biggest bonuses of the designer high-top sneaker trend—they’re a comfortable accessory—especially once you wear them in. Let’s be real, you’d rather wear a flat shoe than a heel on a night out with friends. So no more putting bandaids on the back of your heels, your feet will be ready to take to the streets all night in these shoes.
What designer high-top sneakers are in style?
The street-style, chunky designer high-top sneakers are posted all over our social media pages. Fashion icons like Hailey Bieber or Kendall Jenner have been photographed wearing vintage Nike Air Force 1’s or the latest Balenciaga kicks.
You could follow in the footsteps of the dad sneaker trend. The colorful, chunky designer high-top sneakers are seen on the streets everywhere. So start running to your nearest designer store and go find your ‘sole-mate.’
Looking to stay up to date on all things designer? We’ve got you covered:
