The Science of Sneakers: High-Tops Vs Low-Tops (2024)

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“Life may or may not be perfect, but your sneakers can be, surely”

Adding light to the above context, I would like to bring some life to the almost daily worn essential named “SNEAKER”. We all wear, use and buy sneakers really often, but have we ever thought of “Science” related to it. Yes, my friend you heard it right because Good Sneakers take your good places. Very well, they come handy with different styles, colours, size and most of all quality. But, have you ever noticed a detailing of sneaker on the basis of High-tops and Low-tops?? Well, I am quite sure, you wouldn’t have had. Aan!! Aan!! Don’t run to your browser window, here’s a catch I am going to share with you all.

They have more to deal with problems related to Ortho based and Athletic performances. It almost seems an easy task to simply design a sneaker structure, but if we talk about behind-the-scenes part, it does take a lot of Manly efforts, curious Mind and bundle of thoughts to process that one such masterpiece.

The science behind the revolutionary design upholds many terminated ideas and prototypes. The very basic point of view that every company beholds is to provide the best of comfort to the wearer. They tend to hire professionals for testing and analysis purpose.

Adding facts to the figure-When the sneakers were on the run, It is being said that, people at that time had one thing to look after and that was beauty of the footwear and the comfort alongside.

Talking about athletics, having the right pair of shoe/sneakers is very important. They should be designed in such a way to reduce maximum chances of injury and turmoil for falling with bad grip.

Info Bits-

  • Low-Tops Sneakers provide freedom whereas High-Tops Sneakers hold the grip strong.
  • While playing, Low-Tops shoes give you a better cut, whereas High-Tops shoes don’t, slightly .
  • High-Tops Shoes keep you safe from ankle injuries, on run whereas there’s less security in Low-Tops Shoes.
  • High-Tops Sneakers are good for mountaineers, whereas Low-tops Sneakers for casual one.
  • Low-top sneakers are lighter, and enables one to make moves easier, quicker and faster thereby increasing the range of motions.

High-Tops Highlights:

High Top sneakers are better into popularity for providing better ankle support than low-tops because they are laced up right above till “ankle bones”. The Ankle and Foot movement should be interdependent on each other in such a way that the moves are free of any inconveniences or irregularities.

Considering High top shoes in athletic shoe can support the complex structure by adding extra flexibility to the motions. In practical, if the joints in the buttress are less complex and supported in a better way with a better architecture, have lesser tendency to cause injuries. However, there are sayings that high-tops shoes can cause more injuries in real time than low-tops shoes. They can reduce the blood flow through the veins causing a lot many chances of ankle injury. The first and most important thing to keep in mind before buying a pair of high-top shoes is that you don’t want to compromise the flexibility and freedom of movement of your foot and ankle.

Few examples of High Top Sneakers for better understanding:

Low-Tops Highlights:

Low top sneakers are less supportive, but light weight footwears. As in high-tops sneakers, the low-tops sneakers lack the mechanical support round the ankle, which allows the muscles to be freer and more active during any sense of motion or activity. It is believed that muscles, which are more active are believed to be capable of providing dynamic and rigid support. As with any other shoes, you want your feet to be free from interference, compression, and artificial support in order to keep your feet healthy. This is the only way to keep a life-long healthy relationship with your feet. If you are just learning about these elements, remind yourself that most of the time it is not too late to adopt good new habits.

Few examples of Low Top Sneakers for better understanding:

The Foot-Ankle Bond:

Did you know that for every movement of the foot and ankle, there are approximately 20 bones involved? Ligaments keep the bones stick together with leather like soft tissues. Some professionals even believe that a lot of external support around the ankle can cause harm, leading to instability and weakening of surrounding muscles.

Myth or Fact:

A myth, still circulating among odds that mostly injuries (in players) take place while Low-tops shoes are worn. Whereas, many players consider low-tops shoes while playing as it allows them to take a free ankle side cut. While wearing either, low-tops sneakers or high-tops sneakers, you may still get injured. It depends, even after the injury what you prefer to wear. It is suggested to wear low-tops shoes to allow more free area and let the veins make their way to move freely, contraction and relaxation basically. High-tops sneakers, though are comfortable and safer in comparison to low-tops sneakers because they provide a better grip to the players while making moves.

Orthopaedic Functionality in Sneakers:

Orthopaedic Sneakers are worn by people of different age groups, starting from best foot structure to the a little unorganized one. Anankle sprainoccurs, when the ankle ligaments get stretched beyond their normal range. While playing basketball, during landing after taking a shot (jump shot, layup, dunk) or grabbing a rebound, after the player's feet land on an uneven surface, ankle sprains mostly occur. Usually, that uneven surface is another player’s feet. The most common type of ankle sprain is a combination of both ankleinversionandflexion.

Solely, it depends on you and what you prefer wearing throughout, be it Low-tops or Men's High-tops Shoes. It would be wise to perform an exercise routine that will facilitate the activity of the ankle muscles in an attempt to have them prepared to contract and help stabilize the foot and ankle complex.

The Science of Sneakers: High-Tops Vs Low-Tops (2024)

FAQs

Are high-top or low-top sneakers better? ›

Low-Tops Sneakers provide freedom whereas High-Tops Sneakers hold the grip strong. While playing, Low-Tops shoes give you a better cut, whereas High-Tops shoes don't, slightly . High-Tops Shoes keep you safe from ankle injuries, on run whereas there's less security in Low-Tops Shoes.

Why don't NBA players wear high tops anymore? ›

These findings show that wearing low-tops can provide more freedom of ankle movement, which fits players who employ a lot of sudden shifts in movement. Several studies showed that the pre-activation of muscles has a higher intensity when the subjects were wearing low-top shoes.

What is the point of high top sneakers? ›

Stopping and starting and changing directions at high speeds can lead to ankle injuries if the ankle and foot complex is not supported adequately. The use of a high top sneaker or athletic shoe can aid the support of the complex by being a mechanical buttress to motion.

Are high tops better for weak ankles? ›

Research does support the idea high-top shoes provide good stability when outside forces may cause an ankle sprain when the person is stationary (for example, when a person standing still is knocked from the side and starts to topple over, putting stress on the ankle).

Are high-tops good for your feet? ›

It may, at first, seem like a safe choice for your ankle, but over time it will cause more damage than wearing a low-top shoe. If you are wearing a high-top shoe and feel snuggled at the ankle, it is probably overbuilt and the wrong shoe to wear.

Are hi tops still in fashion? ›

High-tops have stayed popular because they're so versatile.

Why can't players wear 69 in the NBA? ›

(Anthony would not have been able to wear his normal No. 15 anyway and would have had to trade jerseys; the Knicks have retired the jersey number). No NBA player has ever worn the number 69, which is believed to be implicitly banned due to its sexual connotations; the NBA has never confirmed this.

Why do people like high tops? ›

Support: High tops offer superior ankle support, which is great for sports or everyday activities. Style: With their unique look, they make a bold fashion statement.

What are the benefits of high-top basketball shoes? ›

Generally, high tops provide better support to the foot and ankle joints while playing the sport. For larger players with higher weights benefit more from the ankle support that high tops provide, while smaller players with less can should be able to play basketball in low cut basketball shoes.

Who should wear high-top shoes? ›

High-top sneakers are the perfect sneakers for people who do not wish to bare their socks and have that awkward length between a low-top sneaker and their jeans covered up. High-top sneakers are especially popular amongst men who have a wide range of versatile situations to wear them in.

Why were high-tops invented? ›

High tops were originally designed for basketball but today they are mostly just a style choice.

Why don't basketball shoes have ankle support anymore? ›

You can't stop an ankle from turning if you don't firmly keep it in place. "We're not going to construct a shoe to be like an ankle brace or a boot, because athletes will tell us over and over that they don't want that," says Dodson. "They don't want to be restricted to that degree."

What sport is hardest on your ankles? ›

Sports that cause the most ankle injuries are football, basketball, soccer, tennis, and running. Football is a rough sport that can cause, among other things, high ankle sprains. A high ankle sprain is an injury that happens from the outward twisting of the foot or ankle.

Are low tops bad for basketball? ›

A low cut shoe provides much more agility than a high cut shoe which made sense: high cut shoes restrict players' ankle movement by having an additional layer of material. If you are one of the basketball players that value speed and agility, low cut shoes may be a better fit for you.

What to wear to prevent rolling ankles? ›

The most common way to help prevent an ankle injury is by wearing a preventative ankle brace that is comfortable enough to wear every practice and game but durable enough to last for multiple seasons.

Are high-top or low top cleats better? ›

Some players like the extra ankle support that high-top cleats provide, some prefer the feel of low-cut cleats. It's really up to you. Try on a few pairs of each in different brands and then decide. Don't just buy what looks best.

Is it better to have high-top or low top hiking shoes? ›

Moral of the story: Both low-profile hiking sneakers and taller boots provide stability for traversing uneven terrain. However, one pro for low-tops is that they allow for more mobility in and around the ankle, and they reduce the possibility of uncomfortable rubbing or bruising due to a stiff collar.

What is the difference between high quality shoes and low quality shoes? ›

Low-quality shoes may skimp on stitching, or use low quality glue that's prone to coming apart. A higher-quality shoe will use advanced construction to ensure that the shoe holds up over time, and also eliminate any spots that may cause chafing or blisters.

Are high-tops or low tops better for skating? ›

If you value ankle protection and stability, high tops may be a good option. However, if you prioritize flexibility and agility, a lower-cut shoe may be more suitable.

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