I buy and test the products featured on That Fit Friend using a regimen of training tests that I’ve developed over years of testing training shoes and gear. I may earn commissions on sales made through the links on my site.
When it comes to training shoes everyone has a personal fit preference. If you look around the training shoe market, then 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 personally 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 sub-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.
Contents
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Best 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
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.
- 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
- Read My Review: Nike Blazer Mid 77′ Vintage Review
Nike Blazer Mid '77 Vintage
$100
Best For
- Recreational Lifting
- Barbell Training
- Daily and Casual Wear
Falls Short
- For Versatile Training
- For Breathability
Runner-Up: NOBULL High-Top Trainer
If you’re in need of a high-top training shoe that excels for lifting weights and also cross-training, then the NOBULL High-Top Trainer is a good shoe to look into.
This shoe delivers a strong performance and comes with construction features that are consistent with NOBULL’s popular and widely used low-top NOBULL Trainer. The NOBULL High-Top Trainer has a SuperFabric upper construction which is awesome for long-term durability and abrasion resistance.
My pair of NOBULL High-Top Trainers have been through the wringer and their upper is still standing strong and has yet to show signs of breakdown. For recreational lifting and CrossFit, this is a nice perk.
Rocked these for my first squat of 200kg!
When it comes to stability, the NOBULL High-top Trainer comes with a high-density midsole that does a solid job under heavyweight. The full rubber outsole utilizes a lug patterning which also provides a nice level of traction on different surfaces. For example, I’ve used my NOBULL High-Top Trainer to compete in powerlifting and they did a really good job across the board.
- 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
- Read My Review: NOBULL High-Top Trainer Review
NOBULL High-Top Trainer
$139
Best For
- Heavy Lifting
- Day-to-Day Wear
- Long-Term Durability
Falls Short
- For Versatile Training
- For Running
- For Cost-Efficiency
Best High-Top Training Shoes for CrossFit
If you like tackling CrossFit and cross-training 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: NOBULL High-Top Trainer
The NOBULL High-Top Trainer is making the list as a top pick once again. In the context of CrossFit, there are three key reasons why I like this model more than other options for CrossFit and cross-training.
First, the shoe as a whole is pretty lightweight and it never feels super heavy during training sessions and WODs which is not always the case for mid-top and high-top training shoes.
Second, I like the blend of versatility and stability with this model’s midsole. The stability is really solid in this shoe and the high-density midsole does a good job resisting compression in squats, cleans, deadlifts, and pretty much every exercise you can throw at this model. The midsole also provides an okay amount of responsiveness for things like box jumps and burpees.
Third and lastly, this model as a whole has good durability and that’s due to the simplistic construction utilized in this model and its SuperFabric upper. The SuperFabric is good for abrasion resistance and won’t break down easily from things like rope climbs or dragging the toes during burpees.
- 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
- Read My Review: NOBULL High-Top Trainer Review
NOBULL High-Top Trainer
$139
Best For
- Heavy Lifting
- Day-to-Day Wear
- Long-Term Durability
Falls Short
- For Versatile Training
- For Running
- For Cost-Efficiency
2. GORUCK Ballistic Trainers Mid-Top
My second pick for CrossFit is the GORUCK Ballistic Trainers Mid-Top. This model is similar to the NOBULL High-Top Trainer in the context that it’s a follow-up and continuation to the popular Ballistic Trainer low-top training shoe. I like the GORUCK Ballistic Trainers Mid-Top model for CrossFit for two key reasons.
First, the upper construction is super durable and is a good option for abrasion resistance from rope climbs and other areas of training where friction may occur on this shoe’s upper.
The toe box of this model features a breathable, yet durable knit, and the midfoot and boot utilize a CORDURA Nylon that is super durable and easy to clean.
Second, the dual-gradient midsole is stable with a subtle level of responsiveness, and the outsole provides a nice level of traction and supports this shoe’s overall stability. The outsole is designed with three different types of rubber to provide you with a blend of ground feedback, stability, and versatility.
- Best For: Casual CrossFit, Cross-Training, and Lifting
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: 8mm
- Weight: 15.1 oz (for my size 10 model)
- Removable Insole: Yes (comes with two insole options)
- Sizing: True to Size
- Read My Review: GORUCK Ballistic Trainers Mid-Top Review
GORUCK Ballistic Trainers Mid Top
$135
Best For
- Recreational Lifting
- Barbell-Focused Work
- Daily Wear
- Casual Cross-Training
Falls Short
- For Running
- For Serious Versatile Training
Best High-Top Workout Shoes for Versatile Training
When it comes to versatile training, I define this as training styles 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 Pick: STR/KE MVMNT Chill Pill Mid
The STR/KE MVMNT Chill Pill Mid is a pretty slept-on training shoe. This mid-top shoe has a few key construction features that help it excel for more versatile and athletic-focused training.
STR/KE MVMNT uses a medium-density AF midsole material in this model which gives this shoe a nice blend of stability and versatility. If you’re lifting, I think you’ll find that this midsole is plenty stable, and if you’re jumping, running, or doing things like HIIT training, then you should get a nice and subtle level of responsiveness from this shoe’s midsole.
It feels lightweight and never feels limiting like other mid-top and high-top training shoes can which is something I really enjoy about this model. The upper construction in this shoe is durable and lightweight. Additionally, it’s treated with a TRES-FRESH antibacterial treatment which is great for keeping this shoe relatively clean and stink-free.
I also like the rubber outsole and last construction in this shoe. These provide this shoe with a nice level of maneuverability which is awesome for multi-directional activity.
- Best For: Cross-Training and Lifting
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: 2.5mm
- Weight: 11.2 oz (for my size 10 model)
- Removable Insole: Yes
- Sizing: Size Up a Full Size
- Read My Review: Chill Pill Mid Review
STRIKE MVMNT Chill Pill Mid
$130
Best For
- Heavy Training
- Functional Fitness Workouts
- Daily Wear
- Casual Sport-Focused Workouts
Falls Short
- For Longer Runs
- For Serious Athletic Training
Runner-Up: NOBULL High-Top Trainer
The NOBULL High-Top Trainer can also be a viable option for versatile and more athletic-focused training. Since this shoe excels for CrossFit and cross-training, this shouldn’t really come as a surprise though.
When it comes to being lightweight, durable, and good for a little bit of everything the NOBULL High-Top Trainer is a good pick. I think if you primarily want to lift and tackle CrossFit workouts in the NOBULL High-Top Trainer and plan to only use them here and there for versatile training, then you’ll enjoy this shoe.
The only area where this shoe falls short for athletic-focused training is that it’s not the most comfortable for running, sprinting, and agility workouts.
Since this shoe provides such a high degree of stability, its ability to remain super comfortable in these settings isn’t the best, especially for longer training sessions.
- 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
- Read My Review: NOBULL High-Top Trainer Review
NOBULL High-Top Trainer
$139
Best For
- Heavy Lifting
- Day-to-Day Wear
- Long-Term Durability
Falls Short
- For Versatile Training
- For Running
- For Cost-Efficiency
Best High-Top Workout Shoes for 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: GORUCK Ballistic Trainers
If you want a shoe that looks great for casual wear and that can hold its own when lifting weights, then the GORUCK Ballistic Trainers Mid-Top is a great option to look into. In my opinion, the simplicity of this shoe is what gives it an edge for casual wear.
This shoe looks great with shorts, jeans, and pretty much any style of pants. On top of having a simplistic look that goes well with multiple outfits, I also think this model is pretty comfortable for all-day wear.
If you plan to do a lot of walking, wearing them to work, or standing, then I think you’ll enjoy this shoe as a whole. Plus, this model’s upper construction, midsole, and outsole are all pretty easy to clean which is a perk for rainy days and dirty settings.
The fact that this shoe also works well in the gym is an added bonus. I like this model most for recreational lifting and it’s also an okay shoe for some casual CrossFit training.
- Best For: Daily Wear, Casual CrossFit, and Lifting
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: 8mm
- Weight: 15.1 oz (for my size 10 model)
- Removable Insole: Yes (comes with two insole options)
- Sizing: True to Size
- Read My Review: GORUCK Ballistic Trainers Mid-Top Review
GORUCK Ballistic Trainers Mid Top
$135
Best For
- Recreational Lifting
- Barbell-Focused Work
- Daily Wear
- Casual Cross-Training
Falls Short
- For Running
- For Serious Versatile Training
Runner-Up: Nike Blazer Mid 77′ Vintage
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.
- 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
- Read My Review: Nike Blazer Mid 77′ Vintage Review
Nike Blazer Mid '77 Vintage
$100
Best For
- Recreational Lifting
- Barbell Training
- Daily and Casual Wear
Falls Short
- For Versatile Training
- For Breathability
Best Budget High-Top Shoes for Working Out
If you’re on a budget and you’re trying to spend less than $100 USD on high-top shoes for working out, I’ve provided two of my favorite picks below.
Top Pick: Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star High-Top
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.
- Best For: Recreational Lifting and Casual Deadlifting
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: 0mm
- Weight: 14.3 ounces (size 10 high-top model)
- Removable Insole: Yes
- Sizing: Size down .5-1 full size
- Read More: Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star Review
Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star
$60
Best For
- Powerlifting
- Heavier Strength Training
- Recreational Lifting
- Deadlifting
Falls Short
- For Versatile Training
- Long-Term Durability
Runner-Up: Vans Sk8-Hi
If you’re interested in a high-top model for more static strength work, then the Vans Sk8-Hi is a good model to look into. This shoe is similar to the Converse Chuck Talor Al-Star High Top in the sense that it’s not designed for lifting, but it works really well in the context of strength training and recreational lifting.
The Vans Sk8-Hi has a 0mm heel-to-toe drop which is good for anyone that prefers lifting with a flatter foot position. This model features a full rubber sole that also does a good job of resisting compression which is why you’ll see a lot of powerlifters and recreational lifters use these for their barbell training and machine work.
The waffle tread on the outsole of this model gives this shoe a good amount of traction on rubber gym floors, wooden platforms, and other surfaces you might be training on. Potentially, the best part about the Vans Sk8-Hi is their upper construction and how well they work for daily wear. For a pretty fair price, this shoe is a great option for both lifting and wearing casually.
- Best For: Casual Wear and Lifting
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: 0mm
- Weight: 17.5 oz (for my size 10 model)
- Removable Insole: Yes
- Sizing: True to Size
- Read My Review: Vans Sk8-Hi Review
Vans Sk8-Hi
$70
Best For
- Barbell Training
- Recreational Lifting
- Squats and Deadlifts
- Daily Wear
Falls Short
- For Breathability
- For Versatile Training
Are Mid-Top/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 that involves 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
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.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q:What's the difference between mids and highs?
Q:Are high-top shoes bad for working out?
Q:Do high-top shoes help with ankle support when working out?
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).
I buy and test the products featured on That Fit Friend using a regimen of training tests that I’ve developed over years of testing training shoes and gear. I may earn commissions on sales made through the links on my site.
