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If you look around the training shoe market, you’ll likely notice that there are a ton of low-top training shoes. This is because low-top training shoes are by far the most popular and preferred option to train in, but what about mid-top and high-top training shoes?
I love utilizing mid-top and high-top training shoes from time to time and I wanted to put together a round-up highlighting some of my favorite mid-top and high-top shoes for training and lifting weights.
While there aren’t a ton of mid-top and high-top training shoes on the market, I still think it’s worth breaking the options that are available into different performance categories.
Not every mid-top and high-top training shoe is created equal, so contextualizing where specific models perform the best will help you make more educated investments. Below, I’m going to break my favorite mid-top and high-top shoes for training into different categories.
My Go-To High-Top Shoe Options for Training
- Top Pick for Lifting: Nike Blazer Mid ($100)
- Go-To Option for CrossFit: Born Primitive Savage 1 High-Top ($149)
- Pick for Versatile Sessions: NOBULL Outwork Edge High Top ($159)
- What I Wear for Lifting/Casually: Nike Blazer Mid ($100)
- Favorite Budget Option: Converse Chuck Taylor High-Top ($60)
Author’s Note: This article is hyper-focused on high-top training shoes and generalist high-top shoes for working out. If you’re after high-top barefoot shoes for training, then you’ll want to check out my barefoot-shoe-focused article.
High-Top Training Shoes for Lifting Weights
When considering the best mid-top and high-top shoes for lifting weights, I like to wear options based on the context of my lifting. For example, I’ll rotate between shoes like Vans and Converse if I’m doing relatively static strength work.
I’ll opt for options that are more cross-training focused if my lifting has some versatility to it. Below, are two of my favorite mid-top and high-top shoes for lifting weights in two different contexts.
Top Pick: Nike Blazer Mid 77′ Vintage
- Best For: Lifting and Daily Wear
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: 5mm
- Weight: 13.8 oz (for my size 10 model)
- Removable Insole: No
- Sizing: True to Size
- For More Info:Read My Review
- Runner-Up: AVANCUS Apex Power High Top
Nike Blazer Mid '77 Vintage
$100
Pros
- Stable for lifting
- Classic appearance
- Grippy outsole
Cons
- Lacks breathability
- Narrower toe box
- Lacks overall versatility
Best For
- Recreational Lifting
- Barbell Training
- Daily and Casual Wear
Specs
| Heel-to-Toe Drop | 5mm |
| Weight | 13.8 oz (size 10) |
| Width | Narrow/Medium |
| Lifting Threshold | ~530 lbs |
| Run Distance Threshold | <1 mile |
The Nike Blazer Mid 77′ Vintage is taking my top pick as the best high-top shoes for lifting and working out. Over the last few years, the Nike Blazer Mid, often slated as a tried and true classic, has steadily grown in the gym for good reason.
Lifting and working out-wise, this model has a similar performance to a Converse Chuck Chuck Taylor All-Star High-Tops but has a classic vintage Nike appearance, which helps give it an edge for both daily wear and lifting.
In the gym, I like the sole maneuverability that you get with the Nike Blazer Mid 77′ Vintage. For things like lunges, split squats, and other leg exercises, the sole of the Nike Blazer Mid articulates and flexes better than a Vans and Converse.
Another perk of the Nike Blazer Mid 77′ Vintage for lifting and working out is its stability. This model was plenty stable for my deadlift sets over 500 lbs and it performs exceptionally well for heavy hack squats and barbell squats.
High-Top Training Shoes for CrossFit
If you like tackling functional fitness workouts in mid-top and high-top training shoes, then you’re going to need a model that provides you with stability, but not so much that it limits your abilities to be dynamic.
To be honest, I think mid-top and high-top models can be a bit limiting at times for this style of training, however, you can still use them for this context if you prefer to do so and they’ll likely be fine for you.
Top Pick: Born Primitive Savage 1 High-Top
- Best For: CrossFit-Style Training and Lifting
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: 4mm
- Weight: 11.2 oz (for my size 10 model)
- Removable Insole: Yes
- Sizing: True to Size
- For More Info: Read My Review
- Runner-Up: NOBULL Outwork High Top
Born Primitive Savage 1 High Top
$149
Pros
- Good versatility for a high top shoe
- Wider toe box
- Dense midsole for lifting
Cons
- Tough to get on at times
- Breathabiltiy is so-so
Best For
- Lifting
- CrossFit
- Athletic Workouts
- Wider Feet
Specs
| Heel-to-Toe Drop | 4mm |
| Weight | 11.05 oz (size 10) |
| Width | Wide |
| Lifting Threshold | ~500 lbs |
| Run Distance Threshold | <1,000m at a time |
The Born Primitive Savage 1 High Top has quickly become my go-to high-top shoe for CrossFit. Don’t get me wrong, I still enjoy the NOBULL Outwork High Top, but the Savage 1 has earned my top spot due to its versatility, fit, and long-term durability.
This model features a dual-density midsole, which gives you a nice, responsive forefoot and slightly denser heel. For CrossFit WODs that blend lifting and jumping, the midsole of this shoe feels forgiving and accommodating. I’ve deadlifted well over 500 lbs in this shoe without issues and have used them for box jump and heavy jump rope-focused workouts — they feel solid.
The durability is also great in this model. Born Primitive kept a lot of the core construction details the same on the High-Top as the low-top model. The low-top model has held up exceptionally well for both me and my community. The high-top has shown no major signs of early breakdown and I don’t have concerns about them imploding during a rope climbing heavy WOD.
The final wins that the Savage 1 High Top has going for it revolve around its fit and ankle support. The wider forefoot in these is great for promoting toe splay and their midfoot isn’t super aggressive. If you have flatter and wider feet, you’ll appreciate these fit aspects with the Savage 1 High Top. Additionally, the boot isn’t super rigid which is a nice subtle perk for not limiting range of motion during squats and jumps.
Best High-Top Workout Shoes for Versatile Training
When it comes to versatile training, I define this as a training style that could be described as being more athletic in nature. Workouts may include lifting, plyometrics, and different exercises that would help one improve their abilities in different sports.
Top Choice: NOBULL IMPACT High-Top
- Best For: CrossFit-Style Training, Versatility, and Lifting
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: 4mm
- Weight: 14.85 oz (for my size 10 model)
- Removable Insole: Yes
- Sizing: True to Size
- For More Info: Read My Review
- Runner-Up: Born Primitive Savage 1 High Top
NOBULL Impact High-Top
$149
Pros
- Good ankle support
- Great outsole grip
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Lacks breathability
- Can feel heavy
- Ankle materials can limit flexion
Best For
- Recreational Lifting
- Casual Cross-Traning
- CrossFit WODs
- Daily Wear
- High-Top Lovers
Specs
| Heel-to-Toe Drop | 4mm |
| Weight | 14.85 oz (sizer 10) |
| Width | Medium |
| Lifting Threshold | ~475 lbs |
| Run Distance Threshold | <1 mile |
The NOBULL IMPACT High-Top is another fantastic option to explore if you’re after a high-top trainer for versatile workouts. This shoe’s thicker EVA midsole makes it more responsive than its OUTWORK peer, and it’s easier to wear for longer durations.
I’ve enjoyed rocking this shoe for my workouts, where I’m blending jumping with lifting and conditioning. For example, if I’m doing things like power cleans, then jump rope, burpees, and box jumps, and want some ankle support, I’ll grab these for my session.
Outside of the midsole, I also enjoy the upper and outsole in this shoe. The herringbone tread is wicked aggressive and does a good job promoting grip on different surfaces. The SuperFabric upper is easy to clean and tends to be durable in most training settings.
The one thing to keep in mind with these shoes is that they can run pretty warm, so if you’re rocking these in hotter gyms and climates, expect your feet to be pretty toasty in these. This is stereotypical with NOBULL shoes, though, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise to those who’ve worn their models before.
High-Top Shoes for Training and Daily Wear
One of my favorite aspects about rocking mid-top and high-top training shoes and shoes that you can lift weights in is the fact that they also work really well for daily and casual wear.
I know not everyone likes how mid-top and high-top shoes look, but if you do, then you’d likely agree that this is one of the best perks of this style of footwear.
Top Choice: Nike Blazer Mid 77′ Vintage
- Best For: Lifting and Daily Wear
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: 5mm
- Weight: 13.8 oz (for my size 10 model)
- Removable Insole: No
- Sizing: True to Size
- For More Info:Read My Review
- Runner-Up: STRIKE MVMNT Transit StreetTrainer Mid
Nike Blazer Mid '77 Vintage
$100
Pros
- Stable for lifting
- Classic appearance
- Grippy outsole
Cons
- Lacks breathability
- Narrower toe box
- Lacks overall versatility
Best For
- Recreational Lifting
- Barbell Training
- Daily and Casual Wear
Specs
| Heel-to-Toe Drop | 5mm |
| Weight | 13.8 oz (size 10) |
| Width | Narrow/Medium |
| Lifting Threshold | ~530 lbs |
| Run Distance Threshold | <1 mile |
Honestly, the Nike Blazer Mid 77′ Vintage could also swap in and take the top spot as the best high-top shoe for daily wear and working out. This model is great for daily wear due to its vintage appearance.
I find it super easy to style the Nike Blazer Mid 77′ Vintage and enjoy wearing them in a wide range of contexts. This shoe is easy to wear out and about to run errands and even out to things like dinners depending on the settings, obviously.
On top of being a great high-top shoe for daily wear, the Nike Blazer Mid 77′ Vintage is also a really solid shoe for recreational lifting, especially for those with a heavy bodybuilding and strength bias.
I think if you’re someone who typically enjoys how Nikes fit and like vintage shoes and apparel, then it’s hard to miss with the Nike Blazer Mid 77′ Vintage for daily wear.
Budget High-Top Shoes for Working Out
For my friends looking for high-top shoes on a budget, you have options — which is always nice. Outside of the Converse and Vans listed below, I’d also suggest looking into older colorways and models of the NOBULL Outwork High-Top and GORUCK Ballistic Mid.
Top Pick: Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star High-Top
- Best For: Recreational Lifting and Casual Deadlifting
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: ~5-7mm (with insole in)
- Weight: 14.3 ounces (size 10 high-top model)
- Removable Insole: Yes
- Sizing: Size down .5-1 full size
- For More Info: Read My Review
- Runner-Up: Vans Sk8-Hi
Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star
$60
Best For
- Powerlifting
- Heavier Strength Training
- Recreational Lifting
- Deadlifting
Falls Short
- For Versatile Training
- Long-Term Durability
The Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star High-Top obviously had to make our list. This shoe is a tried and true classic and it’s tough to beat that simplistic and iconic Chuck Taylor All-Star appearance and look.
Whether you’re rocking shorts or pants, this shoe will look good and I like rocking this model a bit more loose to give them a nice casual look. In addition to looking great for daily wear, the Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star High-Top is also a great shoe for lifting weights.
This shoe features a stable rubber sole and 0mm heel-to-toe drop which makes them an awesome model for lifters and athletes that love training with a flatter foot position. The price is also a pro with the Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star High-Top.
Most standard canvas models come in at $60 USD which is an awesome price point for a shoe that doubles as a daily driver and a model that can be used for lifting weights. The only area where this shoe falls short is for CrossFit and more versatile training, so keep in mind that that’s a limitation of this model.
Are High-Top Shoes Good for Working Out?
If you look around the training shoe space, then you’ll likely notice that the most prominent shoes are typically made with low-top boot constructions. This is due to low-top shoes generally offering a slight edge for versatility and the fact that many prefer training in low-top shoes compared to mid-top and high-top shoes.
This doesn’t mean that mid-top and high-top shoes are bad for working by any means. However, I do think there are a couple of important construction aspects to note with mid-top and high-top shoes for working out. For example, this style of footwear may not work well in every training setting.
A good example here would be using mid-top and high-top shoes for CrossFit workouts that vary greatly in nature. If you’re tackling a WOD with lifting, jumping, and running, then you may find that a shoe with a higher boot isn’t the most comfortable for ballistic exercises and even running.
In this example and context, the potential limitation of ankle mobility due to the shoe’s boot construction would be something to consider for this style of training. If you have a higher boot and lace them tightly, then you may find that you feel limited when moving into deeper ranges of motion.
Outside of this, the weight of the shoe in question could be another factor to consider when looking into mid-top and high-top shoes for working out. Typically, mid-top and high-top shoes will be slightly heavier than their low-top peers which may hurt their performance for jumping and running.
Mid-Top Vs High-Top Shoes, Differences
The main difference between mid-top and high-top shoes is the height of the boot. High-top shoes have boot constructions that cover and come well over the ankle. Mid-top shoe boots will be slightly lower and can vary slightly in height based on how a company is defining its shoe.
For example, in this list, the GORUCK Ballistic Trainers Mid-Top and NOBULL Trainer High-Top both have similar boot heights. However, GORUCK calls their shoe a mid-top while NOBULL calls their model a high-top.
That being said, when looking into a company’s shoe, always try to look for imagery for how the shoe fits on the models used on their product page. Even if a company calls their shoe a mid-top, it’s worth looking at where the boot falls on a model’s ankle as this can suggest how they’ll fit for you.
Takeaway Thoughts
I don’t always wear high-top and mid-top shoes for my training, but I do enjoy swapping them in here and there for certain training sessions. For example, I prefer to lift in mid-top and high-top shoes but often opt for low-top models for jumping, running, and tackling versatile training.
All of the mid-top and high-top shoes in this article are awesome picks for working out in certain contexts. Before investing in any of the shoes above, it’s worth noting where they excel and where they tend to fall short so you can make the best selection per your training needs.
If you have any additional questions on the shoes listed in this article, drop a comment below or reach out to me personally via Instagram (@jake_boly).
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