You know the look. That chunky silhouette peeking out from under a pair of relaxed-fit jeans or grounding a slim-tapered jogger. It’s unmistakable. Since the 1970s, adidas high top mens sneakers have basically been the unofficial uniform of subcultures ranging from Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s hardwood dominance to the gritty concrete of the 80s hip-hop scene.
They’re big. They’re bold.
Sometimes they’re a bit much, honestly. If you’ve ever tried to shove a padded Forum collar under a pair of skinny jeans, you know the struggle is real. But there’s a reason why, despite the massive trend toward "dad shoes" and low-profile terrace kicks like the Samba, the high top just won’t quit. It’s about presence.
The Forum vs. The Top Ten: Choosing Your Fighter
When people talk about adidas high top mens sneakers, they’re usually talking about one of the "Big Three": the Forum, the Top Ten, or the Nizza. Let's get into the weeds of why they're actually different.
The Forum is the king of the mountain right now. It was born in 1984. Designer Jacques Chassaing actually spent time talking to basketball players and podiatrists to figure out where ankles were weakest. The result was that "X" strap. It’s not just for show. It actually creates a bracing system that feels more secure than almost any other shoe in the lineup. But let's be real—most of us leave the strap dangling or ripped off entirely because it looks cooler that way.
Then there’s the Top Ten. If the Forum is the luxury SUV of sneakers, the Top Ten is the classic muscle car. It’s leaner. It was originally designed for the ten best players in the NBA back in 1979. There’s no strap. No gimmicks. Just a padded collar and a perforated toe box that screams old-school cool. It’s the shoe you wear when you want people to know you know your history.
Why the Nizza is the Wildcard
Don’t sleep on the Nizza. It’s canvas.
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It's basically the chill cousin of the leather heavyweights. Because it’s canvas, it breathes. Leather high tops in July? That's a recipe for swamp foot. The Nizza High offers that same ankle height without the weight. Plus, it’s usually cheaper. You can beat it up, throw it in the wash (though the purists will hate you for it), and it just looks better with a few scuffs.
Fit, Feel, and the "Half-Size" Headache
One thing most "expert" reviews miss is the actual break-in period. Adidas leather isn't all the same. The Forum 84 uses a higher-quality, slightly stiffer leather than the standard Forum Low or Mid.
It's going to hurt. For a few days, anyway.
The heel counter on adidas high top mens sneakers can be notoriously stiff right out of the box. You’ve gotta work for it. Most guys find that adidas runs a bit narrow compared to brands like New Balance. If you have wide feet, don’t even think about staying true to size. Go up half a size. Trust me. Your pinky toes will thank you after four hours of walking.
- Forum High: Go true to size for a snug fit, or up 0.5 for comfort.
- Top Ten: These run slightly long. Stay true to size.
- Nizza: Canvas stretches. Stay true or go down if you like a tight fit.
The "Ankle Support" Myth
Let’s address the elephant in the room. Does a high top actually protect your ankles?
Sorta. But not really.
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Sports medicine experts like those at the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society have pointed out that while high tops provide sensory feedback—making you more aware of your ankle’s position—they don't necessarily stop a roll. If you’re buying these for actual basketball, you’re looking for the proprioception. If you’re buying them for the look, you’re looking for the aesthetic weight.
High tops change your silhouette. They shorten your legs visually. If you’re shorter, wearing massive high tops with baggy shorts can make you look like a Kingdom Hearts character. Balance is everything.
Style Moves That Actually Work
How do you wear these without looking like you’re headed to a 1985 varsity practice?
First, the pants. You want a crop or a cuff. If your pants are bunching up over the top of the shoe, you’re hiding the best part. Let the collar show. Some guys swear by the "tucked-in" look with joggers, but that can look a bit "security guard" if you aren't careful.
Try a straight-leg chino with a single roll at the bottom. It hits the top of the shoe perfectly.
Colors matter too. The classic white and royal blue is iconic, but it’s loud. If you’re nervous about pulling off a high top, go for the "Orbit Grey" or a triple-black leather. It rounds off the edges and makes the shoe look more like a boot and less like a piece of athletic equipment.
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The Collab Factor
Adidas has been smart with who they let touch their high tops. The Bad Bunny Forum collaborations changed the game. They added double tongues, buckles, and heavy-duty materials that turned a basketball shoe into a piece of high-fashion trail gear. Then you have the Y-3 versions by Yohji Yamamoto. Those are basically art pieces. They take the DNA of adidas high top mens sneakers and stretch them into futuristic, avant-garde shapes that cost as much as a car payment.
Maintenance: Keeping the White "White"
Leather high tops are magnets for scuffs. Because there's more surface area, there's more to get dirty.
Don't use bleach. Seriously. It yellows the glue and the synthetic bits.
Use a soft-bristle brush and a dedicated sneaker cleaner. For the soles, a "magic eraser" style sponge works wonders on that stubborn blue or black transfer from the court or the sidewalk. If you're wearing the canvas Nizzas, a bit of warm water and dish soap is usually plenty.
The Future of the High Top
We’re seeing a shift. Adidas is leaning hard into sustainability with their "End Plastic Waste" initiative. Many of the newer high tops use "Primegreen"—a series of high-performance recycled materials.
Does it feel the same as the 1980s leather? No. It’s a bit thinner. It’s a bit more "plasticky" to the touch. But it’s lighter, and it doesn't require a week-long break-in period where you're sporting Band-Aids on your Achilles.
The high top isn't just a retro throwback anymore. It’s a canvas for new tech. We’re seeing Boost foam—that "walking on clouds" material—being integrated into the midsoles of classic silhouettes. You get the 80s look with 2026 comfort. It’s the best of both worlds.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Pair
- Measure your foot at the end of the day when it’s most swollen. High tops are unforgiving to tight toes.
- Check the material. If you live in a rainy climate, skip the Nizza canvas and go for the coated leather Forums.
- Invest in socks. Wear "crew" length socks. No-show socks with high tops will lead to skin irritation against the collar.
- Decide on the strap. If you buy Forums, decide early if you’re a "strap on" or "strap off" guy. Taking it off later can leave the Velcro exposed and fuzzy.
- Look for the 84 designation. If you want the most authentic, high-quality build, look for models labeled "Forum 84" or "Top Ten Hi OG." The quality difference in the leather is massive compared to the mass-market versions.
High tops are a commitment. They take longer to put on. They're heavier. They make a statement. But when you get that perfect pair of adidas high top mens sneakers laced up just right, nothing else feels quite as solid. Stop overthinking the "trend" and just buy the silhouette that fits your vibe. Whether it's the court-ready Top Ten or the street-heavy Forum, these shoes have survived forty years for a reason. They’ll survive your wardrobe too.