You know the look. That extra bit of leather wrapping around the ankle, the serrated Three Stripes cutting across the side, and that bulky, unapologetic silhouette that screams 1980s basketball. High top Adidas mens shoes aren't just a footwear choice; they’re a mood. If you walk into any city center today, you’ll see them. You see the Forum, the Top Ten, and the Nizza. They’ve transitioned from sweat-soaked hardwood floors to the front rows of fashion weeks, and honestly, they haven't lost a bit of their soul in the process.
But why?
Most people think high tops are just about ankle support. That’s a myth, mostly. Modern podiatrists will tell you that unless you’re cinching those laces tight enough to stop circulation, a high top offers more of a "sense" of security than actual mechanical prevention of a sprain. Still, we buy them. We buy them because they change how pants drape. They change how you walk. They have a weight to them that a flimsy runner just can't match.
The Forum and the $100 Psychological Barrier
Let’s talk about the Adidas Forum. When it dropped in 1984, it was basically the Ferrari of basketball shoes. It cost $100. Back then, that was an insane amount of money for a sneaker. Bill Mott, who was a heavy hitter at Adidas at the time, pushed the Forum as a status symbol. It wasn't just a shoe; it was a "look at me, I’ve made it" statement.
The Forum Hi is defined by that iconic X-strap. It’s a bit clunky, sure. But that’s the point. It provides this locked-in feel that feels aggressive. Recently, Adidas brought back the '84 specs—using slightly yellowed midsoles and higher-quality leather—to satisfy the purists who hated how "plastic" the cheaper re-releases felt. If you're looking for the quintessential high top Adidas mens shoes experience, the Forum 84 is where the conversation starts and ends. It’s got that heavy leather smell and a break-in period that actually makes you feel like you've earned the comfort.
Why Do People Still Wear the Top Ten?
It’s a fair question. The Top Ten isn't "techy." It doesn't have carbon fiber plates or Boost foam that feels like walking on marshmallows. It’s old school. Originally designed in 1979 for the top ten players in the NBA (hence the name), it was the ultimate performance beast. Rick Barry helped develop it. He wanted something that could handle the lateral shifts of a professional athlete without falling apart by the second quarter.
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Today, it’s a lifestyle staple. It has a narrower profile than the Forum, which makes it a bit more "wearable" if you aren’t trying to look like you just stepped out of a vintage hip-hop video. The suede toe cap is the secret sauce here. It adds a texture contrast that makes the shoe look more expensive than its price tag suggests.
Honestly, the Top Ten is the "adult" high top. You can wear it with dark denim and a chore coat and not look like you’re trying too hard to be a teenager. It’s understated. Well, as understated as a shoe that goes up to your shin can be.
The Canvas Alternative: Nizza and the Skate Influence
Sometimes leather is too much. Too hot. Too heavy.
That’s where the Nizza comes in. It’s basically a vulcanized rubber sole glued to a canvas upper. It’s simple. It’s cheap. It’s durable. While most high top Adidas mens shoes are rooted in basketball, the Nizza found its second life in skate parks. Skaters loved the high-top version because the canvas saved their ankles from "shinner" (the lovely experience of a skateboard deck slamming into your bone).
The Nizza Hi is the underdog. It doesn't get the hype of a Yeezy or the prestige of a Forum, but it’s the shoe you throw on when you’re going to a concert and you know someone is going to step on your feet. You can toss them in the wash. They look better when they’re dirty anyway.
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Comfort vs. Style: The Great Trade-off
Let’s be real for a second. If you’re walking 10 miles across a Disney park or commuting through Manhattan on foot, a vintage-style high top might not be your best friend. The cushioning in 1980s-inspired Adidas high tops is usually "EVA" foam. It’s firm.
However, Adidas has been sneaky. They’ve started putting "Cloudfoam" or "Bounce" inserts into some of their modern high tops like the Postmove or the Hoops 3.0. These aren't the "collector" shoes, but they are the ones you actually want to wear if you’re on your feet all day.
- The Leather Factor: Real leather stretches. If your high tops feel tight in the store, they’ll probably be perfect in two weeks.
- Ankle Mobility: If you hate feeling restricted, leave the top two eyelets unlaced. It’s a classic look and keeps your Achilles from feeling choked.
- The Sock Rule: Never wear no-show socks with high tops. The friction against your calf will ruin your day. Go with a crew sock. Always.
What Most People Get Wrong About Styling
The biggest mistake? Tucking your jeans into the shoes like it’s 2008. Unless you are actively on a basketball court or you’re a professional stylist, just let the pants sit naturally. A slight crop on the trousers allows the shoe to breathe.
High top Adidas mens shoes have a lot of visual weight. If you wear skinny jeans with them, you end up with the "mickey mouse" effect—giant feet and spindly legs. Try a straight-leg or a relaxed-cut pant. The way the fabric stacks on top of the high collar is exactly what makes the silhouette work. It's a rugged, intentional look.
Performance Reality Check
Can you play ball in these?
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Technically, yes. People did it for decades. But should you? Probably not if you’re playing at a high level. Modern basketball shoes are made of synthetic mesh for a reason—breathability. Leather high tops get hot. Fast. Your feet will sweat, the leather will get heavy, and you’ll realize why LeBron James isn't wearing Forums during a game.
But for a casual game of 21 at the park? They’re fine. Better than fine, actually, because the flat outsoles on shoes like the Centennial or the Rivalry provide a great "court feel" that some overly-cushioned modern shoes lack. You feel the ground. Some people prefer that.
The Longevity of the High Top Trend
Trends come and go in waves. We had the "dad shoe" era. We had the "ultra-minimalist" era. But high tops are like white t-shirts. They are foundational. Brands like Adidas keep them in the rotation because they bridge the gap between sports history and modern subcultures.
When you buy a pair of high top Adidas mens shoes, you're buying into a timeline. You're wearing the same basic design that was seen on the feet of Run-D.M.C. or the 1984 Olympic basketball team. There is a weird kind of comfort in that consistency. In a world where tech changes every six months, a leather high top is a constant.
Actionable Tips for Your Next Pair:
- Check the Material: If the listing says "coated leather," it’s going to be stiffer and more plastic-feeling. Look for "full-grain" or "tumbled leather" for that soft, premium feel.
- Size Down? Adidas tends to run a bit large compared to Nike. If you're between sizes, especially in the Forum or Top Ten, go a half-size down to avoid heel slippage.
- Lacing Matters: For a vintage look, wrap the extra-long laces around the back of the ankle before tying them in the front. It’s a classic move that secures the fit.
- Weatherproofing: If you buy suede high tops, spray them with a water repellent immediately. Suede and rain are mortal enemies, and high tops have a lot of surface area to ruin.
- Rotate Your Pairs: Don't wear the same leather high tops every day. Leather needs time to dry out from foot moisture to prevent cracking and odors.
Investing in a solid pair of high tops is about more than just fashion. It's about finding a shoe that grows with you, scuffs with your adventures, and eventually looks better old than it did brand new in the box.