high-top: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal
Quick answer
What does “high-top” mean?
A type of sports shoe, especially a trainer (sneaker), whose upper extends over the ankle.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A type of sports shoe, especially a trainer (sneaker), whose upper extends over the ankle.
Can refer to any shoe or boot style with an upper that covers the ankle. It can also function as an adjective to describe such shoes.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is common in both, but 'trainers' is the more generic UK term for athletic shoes, while 'sneakers' is common in the US. 'High-top' specifically modifies these terms.
Connotations
Strongly associated with 1980s/90s basketball culture and later with skateboarding and streetwear fashion in both regions.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English due to the cultural dominance of basketball, but well-understood in the UK.
Grammar
How to Use “high-top” in a Sentence
[wear] + high-tops[a pair of] + high-topshigh-top + [trainers/sneakers/shoes][adjective] + high-topsVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “high-top” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- He prefers high-top trainers for skateboarding.
- The new collection features a high-top design.
American English
- She bought classic high-top sneakers.
- The basketball player wore high-top shoes for ankle support.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in retail, marketing, and fashion industry contexts to describe a product category.
Academic
Rare; might appear in cultural studies on fashion, sport, or youth subcultures.
Everyday
Common when discussing casual footwear, fashion, or sports gear.
Technical
Used in shoe design and manufacturing to specify a construction style.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “high-top”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “high-top”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “high-top”
- Writing as one word: 'hightop' (less standard).
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'to high-top' is non-standard).
- Confusing with 'high-heeled' shoes, which are completely different.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It can be both. As a noun: 'I love my high-tops.' As an adjective: 'high-top sneakers'.
High-tops are a style of sports shoe or casual sneaker. Boots are generally sturdier, made from different materials, and used for different purposes (hiking, work, rain).
They were believed to provide extra support and stability to the ankle, helping to prevent sprains during quick lateral movements.
Yes, but it's less common. The term can describe any shoe with a high upper that covers the ankle, though it is overwhelmingly associated with casual and athletic styles.
A type of sports shoe, especially a trainer (sneaker), whose upper extends over the ankle.
High-top is usually informal in register.
High-top: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhaɪ tɒp/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhaɪ tɑːp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to this term.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'high' (tall) and 'top' (the upper part). A shoe with a 'high top' comes up high on your ankle.
Conceptual Metaphor
PROTECTION IS HEIGHT (The higher the shoe, the more it encloses and protects the ankle).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'high-top' MOST specifically used?