When it comes to footwear this season, there is one trend you really can’t ignore, but fortunately for once, rather than a scary stiletto or a weird ‘flatform’ style, it is something that is actually comfortable and easy to wear – even if you are sworn off heels due to injuries or just not wanting the extra height – the hi-top sneaker.

Hi-tops are nothing new and are actually pretty much a retro style, with echoes of hip hop trends of the 80’s and basketball shoes from the early 90’s. The style cross between a sneaker and an ankle boot is, as you might expect, a comfortable one, and a lot of the most iconic hi-top styles are also very well cushioned and supportive, making them very pleasant to wear – something of a novelty for a very fashionable shoe!

However, getting the look right can take a little effort – after all, due to the high design and the intentionally bold looks a lot of these shoes have, they aren’t worn to fade into a boring casual jeans and sweater ensemble like normal sneakers – they are statement shoes that need to be worn with a bit of flair!

Streetwear Not Sportswear

One of the key things to remember is that while your stunning new hi-tops are a sneaker, they aren’t really designed for running any marathons in. Yes, some styles can be used for some sports, but most of the looks you will see in stores while this trend is going are intended to be streetwear. Comfortable for wearing all day long or even for dancing all night, but without some of the shock absorption and support that goes into a serious training shoe. Keep them for looking cool in, and use proper running shoes for running and sports shoes for the gym. This also means that in fashion terms, you should consider your hi-tops as something you pair with street clothing, not other sports wear. It can create a better look to go with chic jeans than track pants and sporty tops.

Dresses and Skirts

One of the main drawbacks with a lot of sneakers is they just don’t look good with dresses, skirts or shorts. For a lot of people they can make shorter legs look stumpy, and they can also give a slightly frumpy effect when paired with even casual skirts. Hi-tops actually look pretty good with some ensembles involving skirts or dresses, due to their ankle boot style appearance and the fact that if you have sneakers in an interesting design this lets them stand out better than hiding them under jeans. With skirts or dresses in a casual cut in fabrics like denim, jersey or even leather, you can achieve a cool street look with the hi-tops, and they also work well worn with leggings, jeggings or fashion hosiery. The idea is to look comfortable and casual but not boring or overly covered up!

Color and Texture

When it comes to picking out a good design for the hi-tops you want to wear, you have basically endless choice in terms of color, and quite a few options for textiles too. Vintage inspired suede designs are big, but you can also get shiny patent leather, matte leather, and of course synthetics for those who don’t like wearing animal products. You’ll usually find some sporty features like mesh or perforations for venting, and on some of the more sports focused brands’ offerings, like Nike and Adidas, features to help wick away moisture and keep your feet cool, improved grip and air cushioning. If you are planning to wear your hi-tops all the time or for things like clubbing, it can be better to get ones with special attention to breathability so you’ll feel as fresh and cool as you look!

You can choose classy monochrome designs, bold, vibrant colors, or simple, muted color schemes with a retro feel. You may actually find you end up wanting several pairs so you can experiment with different looks all the while enjoying the comfort and on trend, fashion forward style!

It may seem strange to give advice on how to wear sneakers, however the hi-top trend can look a bit daunting if you are used to plain, inconspicuous sneakers or very practical sports shoes, and so it is worth planning out the things you’ll team yours with and having some cool outfits in mind when you are shopping for them. Then it’s just a case of putting them on and enjoying a fashion shoe trend that for once, won’t hurt you!