You’ve seen them. Maybe it was on a basketball court in the 80s, or perhaps you just caught a glimpse of them under a pair of slim-fit chinos at a coffee shop last week. There is something about the silhouette of adidas high top shoes for men that just doesn't quit. While low-tops are the "safe" bet for most guys, the high-top carries a certain weight—both literally and figuratively. It says you actually give a damn about the history of what’s on your feet.
Streetwear moves fast. Trends die before the shipping notification even hits your inbox. Yet, the high-top remains. Why? Because it anchors an outfit. If you're wearing baggy cargos or heavy denim, a low-profile sneaker can make your feet look like toothpicks. You need volume. You need that extra leather wrapping around the ankle to balance the visual weight of your clothes.
The Forum and the Rivalry: More than just leather and laces
Let’s get into the weeds for a second. When people talk about adidas high top shoes for men, they usually start with the Forum. Released in 1984, the Forum was actually a high-performance basketball shoe before it became a fashion staple. It had this "criss-cross" ankle system that was designed to prevent injuries. Today, nobody is buying a pair of Forum 84 Hi’s to play a game of full-court at the local Y. They’re buying them because of that velcro strap. It’s iconic.
Then you have the Rivalry. If the Forum is the polished, slightly preppy older brother, the Rivalry is the gritty cousin. Popularized by Patrick Ewing back in the day, the Rivalry High has a chunkier, more aggressive stance. It’s less about "athleisure" and more about raw street presence. If you’re looking at the Rivalry, you’re looking for something that can take a beating and still look better with a little bit of scuffing.
Honestly, the nuance between these models is where guys usually get tripped up. The Forum has a bit more of a narrow toe box compared to the Rivalry. If you have wider feet, the Rivalry is probably going to be your best friend. But if you want that "clean" 80s aesthetic that fits under a pair of trousers for a casual Friday at the office? Go with the Forum.
The materials matter (and they aren't all created equal)
Adidas uses a range of leathers. You’ll see "full-grain," "synthetic," and sometimes "premium tumbled leather." If you're dropping over $120, you should be looking for that tumbled leather. It’s softer. It doesn't crease in that ugly, plastic way that cheap sneakers do. Instead, it develops a character.
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The "Top Ten" is another heavy hitter. It was originally designed for the top ten players in the NBA. It’s stripped down compared to the Forum—no strap, just clean lines and a padded collar. It’s the "minimalist" high-top. If you think high-tops are too bulky, the Top Ten is the gateway drug. It’s slim enough to not feel like you’re wearing moon boots but still gives you that high-profile look.
Styling adidas high top shoes for men without looking like a middle schooler
This is the hard part. Most guys avoid high-tops because they’re afraid of looking like they’re stuck in 2005. The secret is the "break" of your pants.
If your pants are too long and they stack up on top of a high-top, it creates a messy pile of fabric around your ankles. It makes you look shorter. It looks sloppy. You want your pants to either hit right at the top of the shoe or have a slight crop.
- The Wide Leg Move: If you're wearing wide-leg trousers or oversized jeans, let them drape over the shoe. The high-top provides enough structure so the hem doesn't drag on the ground.
- The Tapered Look: If you're a fan of joggers or tapered denim, tuck the hem just slightly behind the tongue. It shows off the silhouette.
- Socks are not optional: If you’re wearing high-tops, wear high socks. Seeing a sliver of bare ankle between a high-top and a pant leg is... a choice. Usually a bad one. Stick to crew socks.
The colorway also dictates the vibe. A "Triple White" Forum is basically a blank canvas. It works with everything from black jeans to navy suits (if you’re bold enough). But once you start getting into the collegiate colors—the greens, the reds, the royal blues—you have to be careful. Let the shoes be the loudest part of the outfit. If your shoes are bright blue, maybe keep the rest of the fit neutral.
Is the Nizza High actually a "high top"?
Technically, yes. But it’s a canvas shoe. It’s the lightweight alternative. If the Forum is a boot, the Nizza is a t-shirt. It’s based on a 70s basketball design, but today it’s purely a lifestyle play. It’s vulcanized, meaning the sole is fused to the upper with heat. This makes it more flexible but less supportive. If you’re walking 10 miles across a city, the Nizza might kill your arches. For a backyard BBQ? It’s perfect.
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The longevity of the high-top silhouette
We see cycles. For a few years, everyone wants the flattest, lowest shoe possible—think the Samba or the Gazelle. Then, the pendulum swings back. People want protection. They want ankle support. They want that retro-future look that only a high-top can provide.
Adidas has been smart. They haven't just stuck to the 80s. They’ve brought high-top tech into the modern era with things like the Terrex line for hiking, which blends the high-top sneaker aesthetic with actual Gore-Tex waterproofing and Continental rubber outsoles. It’s a hybrid.
Dealing with the "Bulky" stigma
Some guys worry that adidas high top shoes for men make their feet look huge. Look, if you wear skinny jeans with a Rivalry High, yeah, you’re going to look like a kingdom hearts character. The proportions have to match. High-tops are a "heavy" shoe. They need "heavy" fabrics. Think 14oz denim, heavy fleece hoodies, or corduroy. You’re building a silhouette from the ground up.
Real-world maintenance for your leather sneakers
If you buy a pair of white Forums, they will get dirty. That’s a fact of life. But don't just throw them in the washing machine. The heat can warp the glue and ruin the leather.
Instead, get a soft-bristle brush and some mild soap. For the midsole—that rubber part that always turns yellow—you can use a bit of baking soda and water. And for the love of everything, don't forget the laces. Dingy laces make a brand-new shoe look old. Swap them out or soak them in OxiClean every few months. It makes a world of difference.
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Also, leather needs to breathe. If you wear your high-tops every single day, the sweat from your feet will eventually break down the internal padding. Rotate them. Give them a day off to dry out. Use cedar shoe trees if you’re feeling fancy; they soak up moisture and help the leather keep its shape so the toe box doesn't collapse.
Why the "Terrell Owens" effect still matters
In the early 2000s, there was this explosion of athlete-endorsed high-tops that felt a bit "plastic-y." Adidas moved away from that and went back to their heritage. That’s why the shoes we see now feel so authentic. They aren't trying to be futuristic gadgets; they are pieces of history you can wear. When you put on a pair of high-tops, you're tapping into a lineage that includes everyone from Run-D.M.C. to modern-day designers like Jerry Lorenzo.
The versatility is what keeps them relevant. You can wear them to a concert where you know you’re going to get your toes stepped on. You can wear them on a date. You can wear them to the grocery store. They provide a level of "finished" look that a low-top just can't match.
Final verdict on choosing your pair
If you’re new to this, start with the Forum Mid or High in a white and navy colorway. It’s the safest entry point. It’s classic, it’s comfortable, and it won't make you feel like you're trying too hard. If you’re a veteran and you want something that stands out, look for the "84" versions of these shoes. The "84" designation usually means higher-quality materials and a shape that is more faithful to the original release. It’s the "connoisseur’s" choice.
High-tops aren't a trend. They are a staple. They’ve survived the 80s, the 90s, and the minimalist 2010s. They'll survive whatever comes next too.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check your wardrobe proportions: Before buying, look at your pants. If all you own are super-skinny jeans, you’ll need to pick up some straight-leg or "relaxed fit" trousers to make high-tops look right.
- Identify your use case: If you want a daily driver for walking, prioritize the Forum with its cushioned midsole. If you want a summer-specific shoe, look at the Nizza canvas high-top.
- Sizing check: Adidas high-tops generally run true to size (TTS), but the Forum can be a bit snug around the midfoot because of the strap. If you have a high instep, consider going up half a size.
- Maintenance kit: Buy a basic sneaker cleaning kit (brush and solution) at the same time you buy the shoes. Keeping the white leather bright is 90% of the battle in making high-tops look "expensive" rather than "worn out."