High-Top vs. Low-Top Basketball Shoes

Basketball shoes can certainly make a statement on the court, but what do they say about performance? Do high-tops and low-tops have distinct advantages on the court? In a game that uses very little gear, shoes are a vital part of a basketball player’s equipment, so it’s important to choose the shoe that fits your play style and preferences. Here’s the lowdown on high-tops and low-tops for basketball.

A Brief History of Basketball Shoes

The terms high-top and low-top refer to a shoe’s collar height. In high-tops, the collar extends over the ankle. In low-tops, the collar stops before the ankle. These terms can describe any kind of shoe, but they’re most closely linked to basketball shoes.

High-Tops 

When basketball shoes were first introduced, the main selling point wasn’t collar height—it was the rubber soles, which kept players from skidding on the court. At the time, rubber was a revolutionary material. The tall canvas uppers of these first shoes may have been designed to protect players’ ankles, but it’s also possible they simply reflected the fashion of the time, when pretty much every shoe was a “high-top.” Patches on the uppers of these early shoes supposedly provided additional protection in case players’ ankles came into contact. Maybe. It might also have just been clever marketing. In any case, this basic high-top was pretty much it for basketball shoes through the 1960s. More advanced high-top designs exploded in popularity in the 1980s, both on the court and as streetwear.

Low-Tops

Low-tops saw a big surge in popularity in the 2000s, but pro players had actually sported them decades earlier in the 1970s. Low-top devotees prefer how this shoe style allows for more range of motion around the ankle, which is good for fast cuts. And because low-tops tend to involve less material, they’re often lighter than high-tops.

Mid-Tops

Mid-tops were introduced in the 1980s. This design splits the difference between the two styles, with a collar that goes partway up the ankle to provide a mix of ankle stability and range of motion. For players who feel a high-top is too constraining, a mid-top can be a good option.

Today, you’re likely to see all three styles on the court as players choose shoes to fit their foot anatomy, complement their style of play, and express their personalities. 

Support & Stability

Ankle sprains are the most common injury in basketball. It seems logical, then, that high-top basketball shoes must be better than low-tops for preventing ankle injuries. However, research shows there’s really no difference in incidence of ankle sprains in basketball players based on their shoe collar height. At least one study also showed that collar height doesn’t influence performance either, at least in terms of jumping. What does matter is how well a shoe supports and stabilizes the foot as a whole. Heel support, for example, also helps stabilize the ankle. For players who do a lot of rebounding and jumping, extra cushioning is important for shock absorption, stability, and comfort. Of course, training and conditioning are vital to injury prevention as well, and likely to play a much more important role than style of shoe.

Choosing the Right Type of Basketball Shoe

The right basketball shoe for you is the one that feels best and helps you move comfortably—no matter the height of the collar. Look for a shoe that provides good stability and doesn’t cause irritation—around the ankles or anyplace else. Think about how the whole shoe works for all your movements. If you take a lot of jump shots, you probably want to pay extra attention to “spring” in the insoles. If you’re an inside rebounder, you might appreciate an insole with more cushion. Also consider your position and your personal gameplay style. No particular shoe profile is a “must” based on position, but there are a few reasons a certain collar height may be preferred. 

Point guard, shooting guard, or small forward: A low-top works well for these positions that call for lots of speed and agility. Low-tops allow plenty of freedom of movement around the ankle for quick, lateral moves. 

Power forward or center: For players who do a lot of rebounding and those who are physically larger and taller, a high-top may feel more stable and comfortable. 

High-Tops vs. Low-Tops: Pros & Cons

Here’s a summary of the pros and cons of high-tops and low-tops.

Along with the practical considerations of a basketball shoe, you may also simply prefer the look of one shoe type over another. Whether you love the sleek profile of a low-top, a statement-making high-top, or a mid-top that delivers a little of both, you’ll find your sweet spot with a shoe that’s stable, comfortable, fits your gameplay, and makes you feel your best on the court.