Five Plus One is our weekly series of buyer’s guides. We pick a specific category and dig up five great options along with one that’s a little outside the norm.
It doesn’t get much more classic than a fabric, high-top sneaker. Regardless of whether you’re looking for traditional sneakers or something more modern, there are nearly an endless array of options, so we’ve put together a set of high tops that cover a wide range of styles and makers. And, while we can’t guarantee the right pair for you is on this list, we hope it serves as a good starting point.
1) PF Flyers: Center Hi
For many of us, PF Flyers represents the best value in the world of canvas sneakers. Their Center Hi’s are made from a 10 oz. canvas with a rubber cup sole, rigged rubber toe, and flat cotton laces. We won’t pretend there is something life-altering about these sneakers, they’re just a really solid, traditionally styled pair of classic American high tops that everyone should try once in their lifetime.
Available for $78 from P.F. Flyers
2) Buzz Rickson: Water Resistant Sneakers
If you are looking to pick up a pair of canvas sneakers but don’t want to give up the water-resistance of boots, then Buzz Rickson’s Water Resistant Sneakers can be the answer. They’re made in Japan from water-resistant cotton fabric and feature a natural rubber sole and anodized steel eyelets. Now, I will say that these feature ventilation eyelets on the side which may, if not backed by additional material, seriously hurt these sneakers’ water resistance; however, they’ll remain additionally protective against those sudden, spring rainstorms, and they’re made by one of Japan’s coolest brands.
Available for $250 from Self Edge.
3) Superga: 2433-W Moleskin High Top
Superga‘s 2433-W Moleskin High Top features many of the design details of classic, high-top sneakers but with an extra special, royal blue moleskin fabric. They’re finished with a padded insert, crepe sole, and rubber detailing over the toe. If you want a pair of high tops that are a bit more robust and have and stick out from the crowd, these are a great option with their textured overlays and sturdy fabric.
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Available for $168 from Denimio
4) Shoes Like Pottery: Hi Sneaker
Shoes Like Pottery has been a well-respected brand for years, and we’re thrilled to see them inching closer and closer to being a household name (at least amongst denim heads). Made in Japan using the ka-ryu kiln-firing technique to vulcanize the soles, these shoes feature a reinforced toe, blue sole and wax seal, and hand-sewn details. Classic high-top styling with an artisanal edge.
Available for $165 from Stag Provisions
5) Colchester: National Treasure Sneaker
Colchester‘s National Treasure Sneakers are replicas of some of the first basketball sneakers from 1892. They’re constructed from canvas and vulcanized rubber, just like the originals, and feature the same, understated design. Available in several colorways, the deadgrass’ combination of different color canvas, sole, and toe rubber is a thing of beauty.
Available for $95 from Manready Mercantile.
Plus One – Moonstar: All-Weather Sneaker
Moonstar‘s All-Weather Sneaker has a lot less canvas visible than most canvas high-tops on this list, but for good reason. The additional rubber wrapping results in a much more water-resistant and durable sneaker, something than prevents many canvas sneakers from being worn year-round. These made-in-Japan sneakers are finished with a lugged sole for extra traction and a branded heel tab.
Available for $225 from Blue Owl.
