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There are few things more classic than a pair of high-top black Converse. Too bad they’re so narrow. So, when Tolos announced they were making a canvas high-top trainer, my ears perked way, WAY up. The Tolos Archetype is one of my favorite shoes, and I love the company as a whole. I was stoked to try these new canvas options.
Tolos took it a step further. While the original Archetype, and Archetype 2.0, only came in a barefoot option, Tolos dropped the Canvas High in both a barefoot and transition option. I snagged both, and I’m glad I did.
You know I love barefoot shoes. Lately, though, I’ve found myself wearing more transition shoes. What’s the difference? Barefoot shoes skip the midsole for maximum ground feel. Transition shoes add one for a little more cushion and protection.
Transition shoes are a great option for those who are interested in barefoot shoes but hesitant to dive all the way in. I took both of the new Canvas High models through the paces, and needless to say, I was impressed.
Tolos did it again,. Disclaimer: I am going to talk about both models in this review. I’m referring to both models unless I specifically call out one or the other.
Tolos Canvas High
$130
Pros
- Timeless and classic appearance
- Grippy and durable outsole
- Wide midfoot and toe box
Cons
- Tongue can slide
Best For
- Strength Training
- Powerlifting
- Daily Casual Wear
- Wide & Flat Feet
Specs
| Heel-to-Toe Drop | 0mm |
| Weight | 10.55 oz (size 10) |
| Width | Wide |
| Lifting Threshold | ~500 lbs |
| Run Distance Threshold | N/A |
Who Should Buy The Canvas High?
- If you love Converse but want (or need) a wider option, these are worth checking out. Right now, they only come in two colorways: white and natural, so if you’re looking for a black option, you’re sadly out of luck.
- If you’re new to barefoot shoes and are looking for something in that high-top Converse style, the transition option is going to be your best bet. Ground feel, more width, it’s a win-win.
- If your training leans toward strength and hypertrophy, or you’re a powerlifter, the barefoot option will give you superior ground feel and lockdown in a training shoe.
Who Should Pass On These?
- If you have narrower feet, you’ll be swimming in these. They’ll be too wide and spacious for a snug fit.
- If you’re looking for a pair of shoes with good ankle support, like the Vans high-top for instance, the canvas construction doesn’t give you much in the way of support or structure.
Fit & Sizing Suggestions
About My Feet: I have a normal arch/instep and my feet come in at an E/EE width. The length of my left and right foot are consistent with one another, and I size as a true US 10 for most companies’ sizing charts.
Fit Breakdown:
- Narrow – 2E: True to size
- 3E and Up: Go up a half size
I had a chance to talk to the owner of Tolos before ordering these, and I’m glad I did. He warned me that they run a bit short, so instead of getting my normal size 10, I sized up a half size. The 10.5s fit perfectly.
If you have worn the Archetype or Archetype 2.0, don’t base the sizing decision on those models. I’d instead make sure you confirm on the Canvas High’s product page what Tolos recommends doing for the sizing of this shoe. Those recommendations are there for a reason.
Like most barefoot shoes, they are wide. I recommend narrow up to 2E stay true to size, but honestly, if you have a narrow or D width foot, you might want to pass on these altogether.
Performance Assessment
Lifting: 8.5/10
I have thoroughly enjoyed these for lifting — and this is where these will excel the most in the gym. Both models are incredibly flexible, which allows my feet to move naturally. The grip of the full rubber outsole has a ton of bite for machine work and extra stability under heavy barbell loads.
Thanks to the wide toe box, my toes have plenty of room to splay out. There’s no uncomfortable digging into the sidewall with the pinky toe when I’m really pushing hard into the ground. For my sumo pulling friends, I think you’ll like the sidewall in these.
For lighter work, general strength and hypertrophy, machine work, or kettlebell and dumbbell accessories, the transition is the way to go if you want a little more material under the foot. The added midsole gives a solid amount of cushion without completely negating the ground feel.
If you really want to push weight and maximize ground feel, grab the barefoot option. It has the superior ground feel and the canvas construction does a nice job of hugging your feet without feeling too restricting.
Cross-Training and Short Runs: N/A
I didn’t rely on these for cross-training or HIIT sessions, and I didn’t take them for any runs. I don’t mind running in barefoot shoes, but the canvas material and high-top construction would end up being more trouble than they’re worth for anything athletic.
That’s not to say you couldn’t take these out for a more athletic style training session or mix in some interval runs. Just know that’s not what these shoes are made for. They’re better deployed for your general training and all-day wear.
Daily Wear: 8.6/10
Speaking of daily wear, both the barefoot and transition models have been stellar. The overall fit and width are perfectly on point. The grip doesn’t feel slippery or sketchy on any type of surface. And the transition model specifically, with the added midsole, has the right amount of comfort that you can run errands, travel, or walk around the city without your feet getting beat up.
I don’t have any concerns with them breaking down either. The canvas material is top notch and will hold up to whatever you throw at it. They’re also not overly branded and gaudy like a lot of other shoes are these days. Branding is minimal, just a tab on the tongue, a faint heel print, and a subtle outsole emboss. They’re super clean and aesthetically pleasing. You can dress them up or down seamlessly.
Construction Details
The barefoot option weighs 10.5 oz and has a 7 mm stack height. The transition option weighs 12.6 oz and has a stack height of 14 mm. They’re both zero drop models, which is common for barefoot shoes.
Tolos chose not to ship these with additional insoles, something they did with the Archetype 2.0. So, if you got the Archetype 2.0 and loved the extra insole, be prepared to swap one out from another shoe. You likely won’t need it with the transition model thanks to the addition of the midsole.
The upper is a full canvas construction with double stitching. There are 7 core eyelets running up the high-top boot. The tongue, sadly, is not gusseted. It can be frustrating if you wear them loose since the tongue tends to slip off to the side. Once you cinch the laces though, the tongue locks into place.
Underneath, both models feature a full rubber outsole that extends up the sides of the shoe, adding to their overall durability. Both models feature a rubber toe cap that’s more abbreviated than what Converse uses. That allows for a lot more forefoot flexibility and you don’t have to worry about the toe cap digging into your toes.
The barefoot model does not feature an insole. Again, if you need a bit more cushioning, you’ll either need to pick up an extra insole or go with the transition model. The transition model has a built-in midsole that runs throughout the shoe. It’s not super plush and soft, but it provides enough support and protection to make you feel like you’re not wearing a true barefoot shoe.
Final Thoughts: Would I Get Again?
Look, I love these shoes. They hit all the right notes of what I want from a canvas high-top and finally wide enough to be comfortable on my feet.
They’re solid in the gym, comfortable enough to wear all day, and clean enough to pair with anything. If they came in black, they’d be a legitimate Converse killer.
For max ground feel, choose the barefoot option. For more comfort and support, go with the transition model.
Whichever way you go, you won’t be disappointed.
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