Your Ultimate High Top Summer Style Guide

Are High Tops A Good Choice For Summer?

Let’s address the elephant in the room: the myth that high-tops are too hot, too clunky, and too much for summer. We’re here to tell you that’s simply not true. While a bulky leather basketball shoe might feel a bit heavy on a scorching day, the world of high-tops is vast and versatile. The secret to summer success lies in two key ingredients: the right material and smart styling.

Busting the Myth: It’s All About Material and Styling

The game-changer for summer high-tops is the material. At Myshopmen, our custom kicks are built on a foundation of lightweight and breathable canvas. Unlike heavy leathers that trap heat, canvas allows air to circulate, keeping your feet comfortable even as temperatures rise. This makes them an ideal choice for everything from city exploration to relaxed afternoons at a brewery.

Beyond the material, the right outfit combination is what truly unlocks the potential of high-tops in summer. Pairing them correctly ensures you not only look cool but feel it too. Keep those kicks looking box-fresh all season long with a proper care routine. If you get a little dust on your white canvas, don’t sweat it—we’ve got you covered with a complete guide on how to clean canvas sneakers without ruining the print.

What Kind of Shorts Go Best With High Tops?

Pairing high-tops with shorts is a classic summer move, but getting the proportions right is essential for a sharp look. The goal is to create a balanced silhouette that flatters your legs and showcases your sneakers.

For a Classic Vibe: Denim Cutoffs

You can’t go wrong with this timeless combination. Denim shorts and high-tops are a match made in style heaven, evoking a laid-back, effortlessly cool feel. To nail this look, opt for shorts that hit above the knee. A pro tip is to give the hem of your shorts a small cuff or two; this creates a deliberate visual break that draws attention down to your awesome kicks and shows off their full profile.

For an Athletic and Trendy Look: Above-the-Knee Sweat Shorts

The athleisure trend is here to stay, and nothing captures that vibe better than a comfortable pair of sweat shorts paired with statement high-tops. This look is perfect for casual weekends and active days. To make it pop, choose a pair of high-tops with a bold, graphic print. It transforms a simple, comfortable outfit into a curated ‘fit that expresses your unique style.

For a Smarter Casual Fit: Chino Shorts

Need to dress it up a bit for a backyard barbecue, patio drinks, or a casual date night? High-tops have you covered. Pair them with a crisp pair of chino shorts. For a sophisticated look, stick to neutral-colored shorts in shades like khaki, navy, or olive green, and let your sneakers be the star. A pair of our Skull & Roses sneakers provides the perfect pop of personality against the clean backdrop of chino shorts.

How Do You Style High Tops With a Summer Dress or Skirt?

High-tops aren’t just for pants and shorts. They create a fantastic and unexpected contrast when paired with dresses and skirts, adding a touch of urban edge to more traditionally feminine pieces.

The Effortlessly Cool T-Shirt Dress Combo

This is arguably the easiest and most comfortable summer outfit in existence. A simple t-shirt dress and a pair of high-tops is a go-to formula for a reason: it always works. It’s the perfect look for running errands, grabbing coffee, or taking a sunny walk around Boulder’s Pearl Street Mall. The high-tops give the simple dress structure and intention, making the whole look feel put-together.

Pairing With a Flowy Midi or Maxi Skirt

For a more fashion-forward approach, try pairing your high-tops with a flowy midi or maxi skirt. The contrast between the rugged, structured sneaker and the soft, flowing fabric of the skirt creates a dynamic and chic silhouette. The key to balancing the proportions here is to ensure the skirt’s hemline doesn’t awkwardly meet the shoe. A skirt that ends mid-calf or at the ankle works best.

Rocking a Denim Skirt and Graphic Kicks

Much like denim shorts, a denim skirt is a versatile summer staple that pairs beautifully with high-tops. Whether it’s a classic mini or a trendy midi length, the combination is perfect for concerts, festivals, or any weekend adventure. This is where your personality can truly shine. Let your graphic kicks do the talking by choosing a standout design, like our popular Galaxy Print High-Tops, to complete the look.

Which Summer Pants Actually Work With High Tops?

Even on hot days, sometimes pants are a must. The right pair will not only keep you comfortable but will also perfectly complement your high-top sneakers, creating a streamlined and stylish silhouette.

Cropped Pants and Ankle-Grazer Jeans

This is the most important rule for wearing high-tops with long pants: show some ankle! Cropped pants or cuffed jeans that end just above the top of your sneakers create a clean, intentional line. This small gap of skin prevents the outfit from looking sloppy and visually shortens your legs. It ensures your high-tops are the main event, not an afterthought hidden under a pile of fabric.

Lightweight Linen Trousers for a Relaxed Feel

Embrace the ultimate in summer comfort with lightweight linen trousers. This combination is the epitome of relaxed sophistication. The airy, breathable fabric keeps you cool, while the sneakers ground the look with a casual touch. A pair of crisp all-white canvas high-tops paired with beige or navy linen pants is a foolproof outfit for a coastal vacation or a classy brunch.

On-Trend Cargo Pants or Parachute Pants

Lean into the current streetwear aesthetic by pairing your high-tops with baggier silhouettes like cargo or parachute pants. The volume of the pants complements the structure of the high-top sneaker perfectly. For the best look, ensure the pants have an elasticated or cuffed ankle that sits neatly above or right at the top of the shoe, maintaining that all-important clean break.

What Are The Best Socks to Wear With High Tops in Summer?

The socks you choose can make or break your high-top look, not to mention your comfort level in the heat. It’s a detail worth getting right.

The No-Show Sock for a Bare Ankle Look

When you’re wearing shorts, skirts, or cropped pants and want to create that clean, bare-ankle look, a no-show sock is your best friend. It gives you all the comfort and blister-protection of a regular sock without interfering with your style. This choice keeps the focus purely on your kicks.

The Crew Sock for a Retro or Skate Vibe

Don’t hide your socks—make them part of the outfit. A classic crew sock, pulled up to the mid-calf, can be a powerful style statement. Paired with shorts, a crisp white crew sock gives off a cool, retro athletic vibe. Alternatively, a sock with a graphic or pattern can add another layer of personality to your fit, tying different colors together.

Quick Tip on Sock Material

While classic cotton is common, it’s not the best for hot weather as it holds onto moisture. To keep your feet cool and dry, opt for socks made from moisture-wicking materials like merino wool blends or synthetic fabrics designed for athletic performance. Your feet will thank you.

What Colors and Prints Should You Cop This Summer?

Summer is the perfect time to play with color and let your footwear make a statement. Whether you prefer timeless classics or bold, custom designs, there’s a perfect pair of high-tops for your wardrobe.

Timeless All-White or All-Black

These are the undisputed champions of versatility. An all-white or all-black canvas high-top is a wardrobe essential that pairs with literally any outfit you can dream up. They provide a clean, sharp foundation that allows the rest of your outfit to shine, or they can stand on their own as a minimalist statement.

Bold, Saturated Colors to Make a Statement

This season is all about vibrant, eye-catching colors. Don’t be afraid to rock high-tops in saturated shades of emerald green, ocean blue, or fiery orange. A colorful sneaker can be the perfect exclamation point for a neutral outfit, adding an instant dose of energy and fun.

Custom Hand-Painted Prints That Show Your Personality

This is where Myshopmen truly sets itself apart. Why settle for mass-produced when you can wear art? Our custom printed sneakers are the ultimate form of self-expression. They’re a testament to the fact that hand-crafted prints are better than mass production. From celestial galaxy patterns to intricate florals or edgy anime designs, a custom print ensures your summer style is 100% unique. It’s the easiest way to guarantee no one else at the party will have the same kicks as you. Ready to explore the cosmos? Check out our bestselling Hand-Printed Galaxy Collection!

What Common Mistakes Should I Avoid?

Styling high-tops is easy, but a few common missteps can throw off your whole vibe. Here’s what to watch out for.

Wearing Bulky, Thick Socks

Unless you’re intentionally going for a specific chunky sock look, avoid thick, bulky socks in summer. They not only trap heat and make your feet sweat, but they can also ruin the sleek silhouette of the sneaker around your ankle.

Pairing with Long Pants That Bunch at the Ankle

This is the most common high-top crime. Letting long, straight-leg pants bunch up messily over the top of your shoes looks dated and unkempt. Always take a moment to cuff or roll your pants to the proper length. It’s a small detail that makes a huge difference.

Forgetting Creative Lacing

The laces that come with your shoes are just the beginning. The way you lace your kicks can completely transform their appearance, adding a unique and personalized touch. Instead of the standard criss-cross, why not try something new? Explore our guide on 5 creative ways to lace your sneakers and give your high-tops a fresh twist.