high tops: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
MediumInformal
Quick answer
What does “high tops” mean?
A type of athletic shoe, typically a sneaker, that extends above the ankle, originally associated with basketball.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A type of athletic shoe, typically a sneaker, that extends above the ankle, originally associated with basketball.
Any high-top style shoe, not limited to athletic wear; a symbol of 1980s and 1990s youth subculture, particularly hip-hop and skateboarding.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is understood but less commonly used in the UK. UK speakers are more likely to use a descriptive phrase like 'high-top trainers' or simply refer to the brand (e.g., 'high-top Converse').
Connotations
In the US, the term has strong nostalgic/cultural connotations linked to basketball and hip-hop. In the UK, the primary connotation is simply a style of trainer/footwear.
Frequency
More frequent in American English. In British English, 'trainers' is the dominant generic term for athletic shoes.
Grammar
How to Use “high tops” in a Sentence
[Subject] wears/laces up/owns a pair of high tops.[Adjective] high topsHigh tops from [era/brand].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “high tops” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- He prefers a high-top style for skateboarding.
- She bought some high-top plimsolls.
American English
- That's a classic high-top silhouette.
- He's looking for high-top basketball sneakers.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in retail/fashion contexts regarding footwear product lines.
Academic
Rare. May appear in cultural studies papers on fashion, sport, or youth subculture.
Everyday
Common when discussing casual footwear, fashion, or nostalgia.
Technical
Used in footwear design and manufacturing to describe a shoe's cut (high-top vs. mid-top vs. low-top).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “high tops”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “high tops”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “high tops”
- Using it as a singular noun (e.g., 'a high top' is less common than 'a pair of high tops' or 'high-top sneakers'). Confusing it with other high shoes like boots. Misspelling as 'hightops' (though this is an accepted variant).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While originating as basketball shoes, high tops are now primarily a fashion item worn in casual and streetwear contexts.
High tops are a type of sneaker/trainer, typically made of canvas, leather, or synthetic materials with a rubber sole. Boots are generally sturdier, made of thicker materials, and often intended for work, hiking, or bad weather.
Yes, commonly. For example: 'high-top sneakers', 'high-top Converse'. The hyphenated form is standard when used attributively.
It is understood, but 'high-top trainers' is more typical. The generic term for athletic shoes in the UK is 'trainers', not 'sneakers'.
A type of athletic shoe, typically a sneaker, that extends above the ankle, originally associated with basketball.
High tops is usually informal in register.
High tops: in British English it is pronounced /ˌhaɪ ˈtɒps/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌhaɪ ˈtɑːps/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “"Lace up your high tops" (prepare for action, get ready).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'high' (above the ankle) + 'tops' (the top part of shoes). Picture a basketball player with shoes high on their ankles.
Conceptual Metaphor
FASHION IS ARMOR (High tops provide ankle 'support' and a tough, urban 'look'). YOUTH IS A RETRO PRODUCT (High tops evoke a specific, idealized past era).
Practice
Quiz
What is the most defining visual feature of 'high tops'?