If sneakers are popular, it would be a shame to limit yourself to classic white tennis shoes. For a slightly sharper style and optimal comfort in all seasons (admittedly, a little less in summer), high-top sneakers are references not to be neglected. Especially since in the shadow of the Air Jordan 1, brands do not lack imagination in offering interesting and original alternatives.
Fila M-Squad
For a few years now, Fila has been experiencing a revival. Thanks to the retro-sportswear wave in general and the Y2K trend in particular, it can freely reinterpret the pieces that contributed to its success at the turn of the new millennium.
This time, the Italian brand goes a little further back in time, since the new M-Squad is a “signature model” initially launched in 1993. Tailored for the basketball courts, this pair was designed for NBA star Jamal Mashburn, the “M” on the upper indeed referencing the name of the former Dallas Mavericks forward (among others).
Thirty years later, Fila redesigns these sneakers with a more lifestyle spirit, featuring a two-tone design (leather / suede) and a navy blue colour inspired by vintage style.
Palladium Palla Ace Canvas Mid
The Palladium brand is best known for its boots and its Pampa with a thick grooved rubber sole. But in 2024, it reinvents itself on a large scale, with new colorful sneakers and various event collaborations, with JOTT for example.
However, there is no question of denying the past: Palladium thus continues to revisit its classics, such as its Palla Ace sneakers, available in a new high-top version. This unisex pair (available from size 37 to 48) retains the lines of the Pampa but with more urban features.
Always made from cotton canvas, these high-top sneakers showcase a characteristic rubber sole, with a diamond pattern. Various details recall the brand’s origin, such as the embroidery on the eyelet piece and the tricolor loop at the heel.
Caval – The Valiant (Edition #4)
Caval is one of those French brands that we appreciate a lot at Masculin.com. Notably because it brings a (relative) touch of madness that is quite welcome in the market. Indeed, its models are distinguished by their asymmetrical design: in practical and simple terms, the left shoe is not exactly the same as the right shoe. Despite this, the overall ensemble remains harmonious and very successful, much like this Vaillante model.
As its name suggests, this model pays tribute to the comic book hero Michel Vaillant. It’s a long-term collaboration for Caval, as this is the fourth pair of sneakers to come out, in the colors of the famous race car driver. Logos, embroideries and even comic book plates on the inner lining: these shoes, made in Portugal, are full of details inspired by Jean Graton’s hero. On both the left shoe and the right one!
Zeta Alta
More and more brands are developing vegan sneakers, with “real faux leather”, a vegetable tanned material, often made from grains or fruits. We have already talked on Masculin.com about the shoes of MoEa, for example, as well as Zèta, with its beautiful corn-based Bêta B2.
It is precisely in the collections of this young French brand that we have unearthed the new Alta, high-top sneakers that live up to their name. Once again, corn is in the spotlight, the outside of the shoe being made of plant-based material manufactured from pesticide-free cereals. The inner lining, on the other hand, is made of mesh produced from plastic bottles salvaged in the Mediterranean. Indeed, Zéta points out that 3 kilos of recycled waste are used in a pair for about 6 kilos of CO2 emitted during the manufacturing process (which is 60% less than the usual average).
The outsole, made of recycled synthetic rubber, stands out for its “speckled” appearance. For the rest, these Alta sneakers are reminiscent of the Modelo ’89 by SAYE, another trendy brand specializing in… vegan sneakers.
Air Jordan 1 Mid Onyx Curry
What would a selection of trendy sneakers be without a pair of Air Jordans? Whether it’s the “1” or the “4”, models inspired by His Airness are always part of the most coveted on the market. And Nike doesn’t hesitate to produce endless variations, with dozens of new colors and limited editions each year.
Among our favorite variants, the Air Jordan 1 Mid Dutch Green (for 810€) and the Jordan 1 Retro High University Blue (for 650€) are not lacking in style. But for a slightly more reasonable budget, we also really like the Onyx Curry version, with its red and beige panels and its discreet orange-yellow stitching. Here is an excellent compromise to add color to your feet without falling into the ostentatious eccentricity of some Jordans.
To these recent models, we could have added a few more “iconic” pairs… and not necessarily the ones you might think. Among our favorite high-top sneakers from the past few seasons, we can indeed mention the MoEa Gen 1 Full White, made from grape waste, the monochrome sneakers from Jules & Jenn, or the timeless reference 954 from 1083, both made in France.