Forget what you’ve heard. High tops aren’t just for fall and winter. This summer, we’re breaking the rules and showing you how to make this iconic silhouette your go-to for sunshine, adventures, and ultimate style.
How to Rock High Tops in the Summer Heat?
The idea of wearing a sneaker that covers your ankle in the middle of July might seem daunting, but it’s all about making smart choices. The right high top can be just as comfortable and breezy as any other summer shoe. It’s not about if you should wear them; it’s about *how* you wear them. Here’s the secret recipe to keeping your feet cool and your style even cooler.
Choose breathable fabrics: Opt for canvas or lightweight knit high tops.
This is the most important rule in the summer high top playbook. Heavy leather or thick suede will trap heat and turn your feet into a personal sauna. Instead, look for materials designed to breathe. Classic canvas is the undisputed champion of summer sneakers. It’s lightweight, durable, and allows for excellent air circulation. Many modern sneakers also feature engineered knit uppers, which offer a sock-like fit and incredible breathability, making them another fantastic option for hot weather.
Prioritize Bright and Light colors
Remember elementary school science class? Dark colors absorb sunlight (and heat), while light colors reflect it. The same principle applies to your footwear. A pair of black leather high tops will feel significantly warmer than crisp white or pastel pink canvas ones. Embrace the season’s palette! Opt for white, beige, light gray, or any of the beautiful pastels that are trending this year. It’s a simple switch that makes a huge difference in both comfort and a Glook.
Summer high tops must have: Go with perforated designs.
Perforations are a game-changer. These tiny, strategically placed holes aren’t just for show; they create a built-in ventilation system for your feet. They allow air to flow in and out of the shoe with every step, actively cooling your feet and preventing that stuffy, overheated feeling. Look for styles with perforated panels on the sides or toe box to maximize this cooling effect. It’s a subtle detail that delivers a major payoff in comfort.
Wear them Sockless/ no-show socks with a moisture-wicking properties
The sockless look is quintessentially summer. It creates a clean, sharp line from your leg to your shoe. However, going truly sockless can lead to blisters and smelly sneakers. The solution? Invest in high-quality no-show socks. These clever accessories hide completely inside your high tops, giving you the desired aesthetic while protecting your feet. Crucially, choose socks with moisture-wicking properties. Fabrics like merino wool or specialized synthetic blends pull sweat away from your skin, keeping your feet dry and comfortable all day long.
What Outfits Can High Tops Match with?
High tops are incredibly versatile, effortlessly bridging the gap between casual and edgy. Their styling potential in summer is limitless. Forget the bulky pants of winter; it’s time to pair your favorite high tops with the best of your summer wardrobe.
High Tops and Shorts: A Classic Summer Combo.
This is the definitive, no-fail summer outfit. The combination of high tops and shorts is timeless, comfortable, and always looks cool. The key is to play with proportions. For a classic look, pair light-wash denim shorts with a simple white tee and a pair of vintage-inspired canvas high tops. For a more athletic vibe, try pairing basketball-style shorts with a graphic tank and some statement high tops. The higher cut of the sneaker helps to elongate the leg, creating a balanced and flattering silhouette that works for everyone. Don’t be afraid to show some ankle; it’s the perfect way to highlight your kicks.
High Tops and Dresses: Feminine-meets-Edgy Look
Ready to make a fashion statement? Juxtaposing the feminine flow of a summer dress with the structured, slightly rugged feel of high tops creates an unforgettable look. This pairing is all about contrast and confidence. A simple, minimalist slip dress in silk or satin is instantly elevated with a pair of chunky high tops. A flowy, floral sundress gets a cool, street-style-approved twist when paired with classic white or black high tops. This combination proves you don’t have to choose between comfort and style—you can have both. It’s perfect for a day of exploring the city, a casual brunch, or an outdoor music festival.
High Tops and Flowy Skirts: a style combination you may love
Similar to dresses, pairing high tops with skirts offers a delightful mix of styles. A breezy midi or maxi skirt, which might typically be paired with sandals, takes on a whole new personality with high tops. Imagine a pleated midi skirt in a bold color, a simple fitted top, and a pair of custom-designed high tops that pick up one of the colors from the skirt. Or, try a simple denim mini-skirt with a band t-shirt and some worn-in black high tops for a rock-and-roll edge. This combo is playful, unexpected, and shows off your unique fashion sense.
The Hottest High Top Colors and Trends This Summer
This summer is all about expression. From soft and subtle to loud and proud, your high tops are the perfect canvas to showcase the season’s best trends. Here’s what you should be looking for.
Pastel Power: Mint green, baby blue, and blush pink.
Soft, dreamy pastels are dominating the color palette this year. These ice-cream-shop hues are a refreshing alternative to basic white. Mint green high tops add a cool, calming touch to any outfit, while baby blue feels like a perfect summer sky. Blush pink is a versatile and romantic choice that pairs beautifully with denim and neutrals. These shades are easy to wear but still provide a lovely pop of color that feels modern and chic.
Bold and Bright: Neon and vibrant hues make a statement.
For those who want their footwear to do the talking, it’s time to go bold. Neon green, electric yellow, hot pink, and vibrant orange are making a major comeback. A pair of neon high tops can transform a simple outfit of black shorts and a white tee into a head-turning ensemble. They are pure energy and fun, embodying the vibrant spirit of summer.
Earthy Neutrals
On the other end of the spectrum, earthy and grounded neutral tones are providing a sophisticated balance. Shades like terracotta, olive green, sandy beige, and stone grey offer a more mature, minimalist take on summer style. These colors are incredibly versatile and pair well with linen trousers, khaki shorts, and other natural fabrics, creating a cohesive and effortlessly elegant look.
Summer print styles to catch-up
Floral prints
Florals for summer? Groundbreaking. But this year, the prints are bigger, bolder, and more artistic than ever. Think large-scale botanical illustrations, abstract watercolor florals, and retro-inspired daisy patterns. A pair of floral high tops from Myshopmen.com is the perfect way to add a dose of romance and whimsy to your look.
Abstract Art-Inspired design
Turn your feet into a walking art gallery with sneakers featuring abstract designs. Look for shoes with paint splatter effects, geometric shapes, fluid lines, and bold color-blocking. These designs are unique and eye-catching, ensuring that your sneakers are a true conversation starter. It’s a perfect way to express your creativity and individuality.
How to Elevate Your High Top Sneaker Game?
The beauty of high tops is in the details. With a few simple tweaks, you can take your sneaker style from standard to standout.
Experiment with Different Laces
Shoelaces are the most underrated accessory. Swapping out the standard white or black laces that came with your shoes is a quick, inexpensive, and high-impact way to customize your look.
Upgrade your regular lace into gradient rope style lace.
Why settle for a solid color? Gradient or “ombre” rope laces, which transition from one color to another, add a dynamic and modern touch. You can also play with different materials like silk ribbon for a softer look or patterned flat laces to match a print in your outfit.
Cuff or roll your pants
This is crucial for styling high tops correctly. You need to create a small gap between the bottom of your pants and the top of your shoe. This prevents your pants from awkwardly bunching up and, more importantly, it properly showcases your sneakers. A simple double cuff or a neat pin-roll on your jeans or chinos creates a clean break that draws the eye directly to your footwear.
Mistakes To Avoid when Styling High Tops this Summer
While high tops are versatile, a few styling missteps can weigh down your summer look. Here’s what to steer clear of:
Pairing heavy fabrics such as thick jackets
Summer is about feeling light and free. Pairing your summer outfit with a thick denim jacket or a heavy hoodie contradicts that vibe. Stick to lightweight layers like a linen button-down, a thin chambray shirt, or a light cardigan for cooler evenings.
Wearing too-dark Colors
An all-black outfit with black high tops might look sleek, but it can feel visually heavy and absorb a lot of heat in the summer sun. Try to incorporate lighter elements. If you love your dark high tops, pair them with white shorts or a brightly colored top to create a more season-appropriate balance.
Level-Up your Outfit: Complete your Summer look with this items!
Pair your style with: Accessories: hats, sunglasses, jewelry.
The right accessories are the final touch. A classic baseball cap or a trendy bucket hat not only protects you from the sun but also adds to the casual, cool aesthetic. A great pair of sunglasses is a must-have. And don’t forget jewelry—layered necklaces or a stylish watch can complete your high top-centric summer fit.
Style recommendation for you from Myshopmen Custom Kicks.
Feeling inspired? Ready to create a summer look that’s 100% you? The best way to embrace these trends is with a pair of sneakers no one else has. At Myshopmen, we specialize in high-quality, custom-designed high tops that let your personality shine.
Direct Link to relevant product collection (Summer Themed High Tops)
Explore our exclusive collection of vibrant florals, bold abstracts, and dreamy pastels, all designed with summer in mind. Find the perfect print or create your own masterpiece.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of socks do you wear with high top sneakers in the summer?
For summer, the best options are no-show socks or ankle socks. No-show socks give you that breezy, sockless look while protecting your feet and sneakers from sweat and odor. Look for pairs made from moisture-wicking materials like merino wool or synthetic blends. Ankle socks that just peek above the sneaker’s collar can also add a subtle pop of color or style to your outfit.
Can I wear high tops to the beach?
While you can technically wear high tops to a beach boardwalk or a coastal cafe, they aren’t ideal for walking directly on the sand. Sand can easily get inside, making them uncomfortable, and saltwater can damage the materials. For beachside activities, it’s better to stick with sandals or flip-flops. However, a pair of custom high tops from Myshopmen with a tropical print can be the perfect footwear for your post-beach dinner or sunset stroll!
What outfits work best with brightly colored high tops?
Brightly colored high tops are fantastic statement pieces! To make them stand out, pair them with a more neutral outfit. Think white denim shorts and a grey t-shirt, a simple black sundress, or a beige linen jumpsuit. This allows your vibrant sneakers to be the focal point. Alternatively, you can embrace a color-blocking trend by pairing them with another complementary bold color in your outfit, like neon yellow sneakers with a royal blue skirt.
How can I keep my high tops clean and fresh in the summer?
Summer means more dust, dirt, and sweat. To keep your high tops fresh, start by applying a stain and water repellent spray. Spot clean any scuffs immediately with a gentle cleaner or a mix of baking soda and water. For a deeper clean, remove the laces and insoles and wash them separately. Use a soft brush to scrub the sneakers themselves. To combat odor, sprinkle some baking soda inside overnight or use specialized sneaker deodorizer balls. Always let them air dry completely, away from direct sunlight.
Are high tops still trendy in summer?
Absolutely! High tops are a timeless classic that remains stylish year-round, including summer. The key is how you style them. By choosing lightweight materials like canvas, opting for summer-appropriate colors and prints, and pairing them with seasonal outfits like shorts and dresses, high tops remain one of the trendiest and most versatile footwear choices for the sunny season.
Where can I buy Custom Summer high tops in Boulder, Colorado?
While we may not have a physical storefront in Boulder, Colorado, Myshopmen.com is the ultimate online destination for all your custom sneaker needs! We offer a massive collection of unique, summer-themed designs that you can customize to your heart’s content. Best of all, we ship directly to your doorstep in Boulder and across the country. You can design your perfect pair of summer high tops from the comfort of your own home and have them ready for your next adventure.
