Sneakers were originally designed for athletic footwear, serving the needs of professional sports persons. Over time, they evolved into an influential fashion statement, expressing individualistic style, offering comfort and sometimes being seen as a status symbol. Sneakers designed by some premium brands have been at the center of major cultural movements in hip-hop and rock ‘n’ roll cultures since the 1970s. Today, the market is flooded with various types of sneakers, making it difficult for men to choose between two types – high-tops and low-tops. It is every sneakerhead’s dilemma: should they buy high-top or low-top sneakers?
With that said, let us break down all the essential criteria to consider before you select your next beloved pair of sneakers. Read on to explore the science behind sneaker designs, unravel the intricacies of high-top and low-top styles, and orthopedic functionalities. Also, learn a few valuable tips to style them across different spectrum of settings.
Sneakers for Men: Brief History, Changing Trends & The Science Behind
Throughout history, sneakers have been designed with the athletic aspects of basketball players in mind. Michael Jordan, Penny Hardaway, Shaquille O’Neal, and many more players were seen sporting high-top sneakers on the court. Not to mention, the recent trends have observed the low-top sneakers gaining popularity. You will see a new generation of players like Kevin Durant, James Harden and Damian Lillard embracing the low-top version.
Top brands across the globe invest millions of dollars to meticulously explore different materials & cushioning technologies in shoes. With a focus on enhancing athletic functionalities and addressing orthopedic tendencies, sneakers do much more than just protect your feet. Both high-tops and low-tops sneakers for men have their own advantages and functionalities. The choice depends on the activities you want to indulge in and your personal style preferences.
High-Tops vs. Low-Tops: Which Ones Should You Choose?
Before you go on purchasing sneakers for men, you need to understand how high-tops and low-tops are essentially different.
High-Top Sneakers
Sports, like basketball, require constant vertical and horizontal movements. This can strain the tendons and the bones in your feet, causing your ankle to twist or sprain. For athletic users and injury-prone players, high-top sneakers for men provide better ankle support and extra stability. However, due to their design, they offer lesser mobility, which may slightly affect your speed.
Low-Top Sneakers
These sneakers offer more comfort due to being lightweight. These factors enhance your speed & provide better flexibility. However, due to their design, they offer comparatively less support around the ankles. For sneakerheads and players who want lesser hindrances with their swift movements, the low-top sneakers for men would be a better fit.
Key Considerations for Optimal Sneaker Selection
In the quest to find the perfect pair of sneakers for men, aesthetics often steal the spotlight. This can lead to a myriad of issues affecting your feet, legs and joints. New-age buyers often overlook the vital role shoes play in protecting the foundation of our bodies – the feet. The wrong pair of footwear can cause issues such as corns, bunions, shin splints, Achilles tendon pain, ingrown nails, lower back pain, and other postural problems. So, whether you buy high-tops or low-tops, consider these factors.
1. Arch Support
Health experts recommend that your shoes provide superb arch support to maintain natural foot alignment. This effectively distributes your body weight, promotes shock absorption, and reduces pressure on your feet, ankles, and lower legs. It also helps prevent overpronation and supination, protecting you from foot and back injuries.
2. Cushioning
Effective cushioning is probably one of the most vital features to consider for shock absorption and pressure reduction. This is especially true if you indulge in activities like walking, running, jogging or playing some sports. You can greatly benefit from quality cushioning as it protects your feet during high-impact escapades without compromising comfort or minimizing fatigue.
3. Laces or Slip-Ons
Recently, there has been a spike in the number of users for slip-on shoes, which offer better convenience. However, laces provide better mechanical support as they securely hold the feet in place—which is crucial for activities involving lateral & vertical movements.
4. Material Matters
Shoe texture and its material significantly impact the quality, durability, and functionality of any shoe, including sneakers for men. Experts recommend footwear that facilitates rapid moisture wicking and is relatively lightweight and skin-friendly—all factors vital for athletic pursuits.
5. Customization
With a wide range of options available today, several brands have started offering customizable options in sneakers for men. Based on your requirements, you can fine-tune aspects like cushioning, insoles, etc., to get optimal comfort and support from the footwear you choose.
Styling Recommendations for High-Top and Low-Top Sneakers
Now that you have a better understanding of high-top and low-top sneakers, here is how you can style them.
High-Top Sneakers
These footwear are ideal for athletic environments. You can combine them with joggers & sports tees to make for a great sporty ensemble. Another great way to elevate your casual outfit is by pairing these sneakers for men with slim-fit or ripped jeans, an oversized hoodie and a snug beanie. The sleek silhouette of these slim-fit jeans complements the robust structure of these shoes, creating a balanced and tasteful ensemble.
Low-Top Sneakers
Embrace the versatility of low-top sneakers by styling them with shorts for a laid-back and relaxed vibe. You can also elevate your ensemble with chinos and a stylish graphic tee. Combine them with tailored trousers or dark denim, a polished polo t-shirt or a button-down shirt for a semi-formal look. Top this off with a chic blazer, and you are all set.
Conclusion
The perennial debate between high-top and low-top sneakers is not just a matter of personal preference. It’s a journey of self-expression while exploring the evolution of different styles and positioning yourself as a status symbol. Depending on your purpose of purchase, you can choose between high-top and low-top sneakers for men using the suggestions in this guide. High-top sneakers work best in athletic environments, sporty ensembles and streetwear aesthetics. At the same time, low-top sneakers for men offer a more versatile option to effortlessly transition between laid back summer vibes and semi-formal attires. Remember, factors like ankle support, stability, cushioning, etc., are also vital before you make a choice. So, find the right pair of sneakers for yourself and flaunt them in style!
