Few styles are as versatile and timeless as the best low top shoes. With their sleek silhouette and understated charm, low tops have become an indispensable wardrobe staple combining both style and comfort.
Yet, amidst the sea of choices flooding the market, selecting the perfect low top sneaker can feel like navigating a labyrinth. There's no need to panic though, as we've put together a list of standout low tops released over the last year or so to help you find that stylish addition to your collection.
Considering a spectrum of designs, materials, and features, our selection caters to diverse individual tastes. Whether you lean towards refined style, prioritising comfort, or crave the vibrancy of bold hues, our compilation is your starting point in this pursuit of the best sneaker low-tops on the market.
However, we appreciate there is an element of subjectivity here as not every shoe will resonate with everyone. Nevertheless, our roster contains enough diversity to cater to a wide array of preferences, much like our similarly curated high-tops list. Taking all these considerations into account, here are the best low-tops available right now...
Best low top shoes
- Nike SB Dunk Low "Coconut Milk" - best Nike low tops
- Bad Bunny x adidas Response CL "Wonder White" - excellent adidas alternatives
- Air Jordan 1 Low "True Blue" - top Jordan Lows
- New Balance 990v1 MiUSA "Green Gold" - a superb pair of New Balance shoes
- Vans Knu Skool "Black White" - best choice from Vans
1. Nike SB Dunk Low "Coconut Milk"
Best low top shoes from Nike
Launched in February as part of the City of Love collection, the "Coconut Milk" SB Dunk Low has quickly grown in popularity. It has not only risen to prominence within the SB Dunk range, but it also stands out as one of the best Nike sneakers at the moment.
The sneaker's design is a masterclass in minimalism, featuring a calming Coconut Milk base offset by Light Bone suede overlays. What truly distinguishes it, however, are the subtle Renaissance-inspired details. Among these is the insole's intricate graphic depicting the union of two hands, reminiscent of the iconic Creation of Adam found on the Sistine Chapel's ceiling. These artistic elements enhance the sneaker's love-themed narrative, bringing an added depth of elegance to its aesthetic.
Moreover, this shoe maintains the SB line's skateboarder-friendly features, such as the signature padded tongue and distinctive silhouette. So, while it presents a refined and minimalist exterior, the sneaker reveals its classic rebellious spirit upon closer inspection. This duality makes it a versatile choice for a wide array of occasions, and an excellent low top shoe all things considered.
Reasons to buy:
- It has a subtle colour scheme that's pretty versatile
- It features unique details, like the Renaissance-inspired graphics, that make it stand out
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2. Bad Bunny x adidas Response CL "Wonder White"
Best low top shoes from adidas
Continuing with another strong contender for the award of best sneaker collab over the best year or so is the Bad Bunny x adidas Response CL "Wonder White".
Building upon his impressive and successful history with adidas, the Puerto Rican rap sensation once again brings his unique vision to the forefront, transforming the iconic Y2K sneaker silhouette with a flair that's distinctly his own.
This version exudes a refined, yet subtle charm, decked out in a cream-white base. It features overlays of suede and synthetic leather that boast jagged edges, echoing the look of a cliffside. Embroidered details embellish the forefoot, eyestays, and heel for an added touch of sophistication, while the classic adidas 3-Stripes on the sides are presented in grey, outlined in sharp black for a striking contrast.
Adding a personal touch, Bad Bunny's emblematic "El Ojo" (The Eye) symbol is prominently featured on the heel, and the collaboration is further celebrated with co-branded labels on the sockliners. This elevates the sneaker to one of the best adidas shoes in our eyes, making it an exceptional option to add to your wardrobe.
Reasons to buy:
- Gives a futuristic look to a retro silhouette
- Brings Bad Bunny's style into the mix superbly
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3. Air Jordan 1 Low "True Blue"
Best low top shoes from Jordan
The Jordan 1 Low "True Blue" is one of the best Air Jordans released in recent times as it presents a timeless colour combination that can effortlessly elevate any outfit.
Build-wise, they don't deviate far from what makes the Jordan 1 so great. You get the usual perforations in the white toe caps, while blue laces introduce an additional pop of colour to match the leather overlays.
Then, to embody the iconic Air Jordan brand, the lateral sides feature the renowned Swoosh emblems, while the heel proudly displays the Jumpman logo, providing the usual signature touch.
So, if you're seeking a classic pair of Jordan low tops and an all-time classic Jordan 1 colourway, the "True Blue" design unquestionably stands as a strong contender.
Reasons to buy:
- You can't go too far wrong with a Jordan 1
- It has a very retro feel
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4. New Balance 990v1 MiUSA "Green Gold"
Best low top shoes from New Balance
As far as low tops from New Balance go, the 990v1 MiUSA "Green Gold" colourway designed by Teddy Santis stands out as a great option to consider.
These sneakers feature a harmonious blend of tonal greens and vibrant yellow accents on a premium suede upper that's contrasted superbly by the striking yellow "N" branding adorning the sides.
In terms of comfort, the shoes supply an ENCAP midsole for additional support, designed to keep your feet cushioned all day long. What's more, the lower collar height means you get more ventilation around your ankles to further enhance the levels of comfort.
Ultimately, there's a lot to like about this "Green Gold" 990v1 release. It features a colourful yet subtle design that'll work well in any sneaker collection.
Reasons to buy:
- Colourful but not overwhelming to look at
- It combines different materials perfectly
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5. Vans Knu Skool "Black White"
Best low top shoes from Vans
We're rounding things off with the Vans Knu Skool "Black White", a new model in 2023 that pays homage to the '90s era of extra-puffy skate shoes.
This particular version is crafted from suede and features a heavily padded tongue and ankle collar that harkens back to the original Old Skool style Vans are so popular for.
Furthermore, to retain the essence of some of the best Vans shoes ever made, these sneakers showcase the timeless Vans Sidestripe. However, it has been redesigned as a larger, 3D, diamond-shaped detail, adding to the bold and chunky aesthetic of the shoes.
With the Knu Skool, awesome skate shoe nostalgia seamlessly merges with contemporary style, creating a distinctive and attention-grabbing low top that stands out from the crowd.
Reasons to buy:
- Great for skating and everyday wear
- Refreshes the classic Old Skool design
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Filling out your sneaker wardrobe can often lead to several questions. Don't panic though, we've answered some of the most frequently asked queries regarding low tops below.
Are high top or low top shoes better?
The choice between high-top and low top shoes largely depends on personal preference and the specific purpose for which you intend to use them. There are a few factors to consider to help you decide though.
For example, high-top shoes extend above the ankle, providing additional support and stability. They are commonly preferred for activities that involve quick changes in direction, such as basketball. So, if you have weak ankles or are prone to ankle injuries, high tops might be a better choice to play sports in.
However, low top shoes are typically more flexible and allow for a wider range of motion in the ankle. This can be beneficial for activities that require agility, such as running, or simply for everyday wear. If you prioritise freedom of movement over ankle support, low tops might be more suitable.
It's also worth considering that low top shoes generally provide better ventilation and breathability for the feet. This is because they allow more air circulation around the ankles, making them a better choice for hot climates.
Ultimately, though, there is no definitive answer as to whether high-tops or low tops are better. It depends on your personal needs, preferences, and the specific activity you're wearing them for. Therefore, it's probably a good idea to try on both types of shoes and consider these factors to determine which option suits you best.
Are low top shoes comfortable?
How comfortable low top shoes are can vary depending on various factors, including the specific design, materials used, and personal preferences. Some people find low top shoes to be quite comfortable and enjoy the flexibility and freedom of movement they provide. Low top shoes are generally lighter and allow for more ankle mobility, which can be preferred for certain activities like running or casual walking.
However, it's important to note that low top shoes typically provide less ankle support compared to high-top shoes. If you require additional ankle stability, such as for activities like basketball or hiking on rough terrain, high-top shoes might be more suitable and comfortable.
Overall, though, the comfort of low top shoes is subjective and can vary from person to person. Therefore, we'd recommend you try on different styles and brands, considering your specific needs and preferences, to determine what works best for you.
Do low top shoes offer enough ankle support?
Low top shoes generally offer less ankle support compared to high-top shoes. The design of low top shoes means that they do not cover the ankle area, which can result in less stability for the ankle joint. However, the level of ankle support provided by low top shoes can still vary depending on factors such as the construction, materials, and design features of the shoe.
Some low top shoes may have additional features incorporated into their design to provide better ankle support. These features can include padded collars, reinforced heels, or internal support structures. While these enhancements may offer some degree of ankle support, they typically do not provide the same level of stability and protection as high top shoes.
If you require significant ankle support due to a previous injury, chronic instability, or participation in high-impact activities, it may be advisable to consider high top shoes or footwear specifically designed for ankle support. However, for individuals with healthy ankles or engaging in low-impact activities, low top shoes can still be comfortable and suitable for everyday wear. It's important to consider your specific needs and activities when choosing the appropriate footwear.
Are low top shoes suitable for sports and physical activities?
Low top shoes can be suitable for certain sports and physical activities, depending on the specific needs and requirements of the activity as well as the model of the shoes in question.
As long as you're buying shoes built specifically for the activity you're performing, you should be fine wearing low tops. That said, there are some sports where you may need additional ankle support. Take basketball, for example, where, historically, its shoes feature higher collars to keep your ankles in place during multidirectional movements.
That being said, many of the NBA's top stars wear mid-cut or low top shoes these days as it allows greater flexibility and movement around the ankle which, in turn, can play a vital role in your agility on the court.
At the end of the day though, personal preference and what you find most comfort to wear. Some individuals feel more comfortable and perform better in low top shoes, while others prefer the added ankle support provided by higher collars. Realistically, there's no clear, definitive answer.
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