Types of sneakers: low tops, high tops, slip-ons, mules and more
Sneakers differ in shaft height (low, mid, high), sole (thin, cupsole, chunky, platform, running), fastening (laces, elastic, strap) and whether they have a back.
Below are the types of sneakers drawn from the side. Each page covers how to recognise them, where they come from, who and when they suit, what to pair them with.
Low-top sneakersLow-top sneakers end below the ankle bone, leaving the ankle free; it is the most common height for everyday sneakers.Mid-top sneakersMid-top sneakers reach the ankle bone: higher than low tops but lower than high tops, so the ankle is only partly covered.High-top sneakersHigh-top sneakers have a shaft that covers the ankle and long lacing, often with a round patch at the ankle.Canvas sneakersCanvas sneakers are light shoes with a canvas upper, a thin rubber sole, a rubber toe cap and a band around the sole.Canvas sneaker mulesCanvas sneaker mules are canvas sneakers with a rubber toe cap and a thin sole but no back, so they slip on like mules.Slip-on sneakersSlip-on sneakers have no laces: they slip on without hands and elastic side panels hold the foot.Sneaker mulesSneaker mules look like ordinary sneakers from the front but have no back, so they slip on like mules.Chunky sneakersChunky sneakers have a thick, layered sole and a bulky upper with many overlays, so they look big and heavy.Platform sneakersPlatform sneakers have a very thick, even sole along the whole length that raises the entire foot.Tennis shoesTennis shoes are low, clean-lined leather sneakers on a thin flat cupsole, often white with perforations on the toe.Running shoesRunning shoes are light sneakers with a soft, cushioning sole that is thicker under the heel and a breathable mesh upper.Basketball shoesBasketball shoes are high or mid-top sneakers with a thick, grippy sole and a reinforced shaft that supports the ankle when jumping.Skate shoesSkate shoes are low, sturdy sneakers with a flat, grippy sole, a thick padded collar and a reinforced toe.Retro sneakersRetro sneakers recreate 1960s and 1970s running and training shoes: low, slim, with suede overlays and a thin sole.
How to choose
- Every day and in town: low leather, canvas or retro sneakers.
- With a suit or dress: white tennis shoes.
- For summer and travel: canvas, slip-ons or sneaker mules.
- For sport: running or basketball shoes, not fashion models.
Lengths
| Length | Where it ends |
|---|---|
| Low top | below the ankle bone |
| Mid top | at the ankle bone |
| High top | above the ankle |
Related guides
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- Types of skirts
- Types of pants and jeans
- Types of shorts
- Types of tops, shirts and sweaters
- Types of coats and jackets
- Types of shoes
- Types of heels
- Types of bags
- Types of hats
- Types of necklines
- Types of sleeves
- Types of collars
- Fabric guide: 40 fabrics, properties and care
- Dress codes: what to wear to an event
- Clothing sizes and measurements
Questions and answers
Frequently asked
01What are the types of sneakers?
Low, mid and high tops, canvas, canvas mules, slip-ons, mules, chunky, platform, tennis, running, basketball, skate and retro.
02What is the difference between low and high tops?
Low tops end below the ankle; high tops cover it.
03Which sneakers go with a suit?
Clean white leather tennis shoes.
04Can you wear running shoes every day?
Yes, but they wear out faster and are made for sport.