How To Wear High-Top Sneakers Without Looking Like A Kid

In 1917 Converse introduced its All Star basketball shoe, the world’s first high-top sneaker. Fast forward more than 100 years and this now-iconic footwear silhouette remains as relevant as ever. Sure, the athletic focus of these ankle-hugging sneakers has dissipated for the large part, but brands across the spectrum (contemporary, designer, high street) offer stylish, street-appropriate riffs on the high-top sneaker that keep our imaginations inspired and wardrobes stocked. With the rise of athleisure in recent years past you’ve likely got a stash of sneakers in your closet that you probably style with separates like floral dresses, blue jeans, and just about everything else. Still, we’ll be the first to say that wearing high-top sneakers can oft prove to require a bit more mental effort than its no-frills, low-top cousin. Perhaps it’s because we want to avoid cutting ourselves off at the ankle or because they add so much heft to any outfit — whatever the case, we’re here for a fashion challenge and we know it can be done. To help, we took to Instagram to hunt down some of our favorite women in the industry showcasing just how effortless it can be to wear high-top sneakers. Scroll down to load up on outfit ideas and shop a few of our high-top picks of the moment to get started.