High Tops: The Ultimate Retro Statement
When you want to channel effortless vintage energy while keeping your stride completely secure, nothing beats a great pair of high tops. Welcome to our high tops collection, designed for the trendsetters, the music lovers, and anyone who loves a timeless streetwear aesthetic. Whether you are searching for ankle-high sneakers, high-top trainers, lace-up canvas boots, high-top kicks, streetwear shoes, vintage-inspired sneakers, high-ankle footwear, or classic lace-up high-tops, this collection brings instant attitude to any outfit.
These shoes are made for moments when you want extra ankle coverage without sacrificing style. Perfectly suited for concerts, campus walks, casual weekend hangouts, or whenever you want to add a nostalgic edge to your favorite denim and hoodies, these sneakers ensure your footwear makes a statement.
Comfort That Keeps Up
We believe your favorite shoes should feel as good as they look. That is why our high tops are built with Plush Foam Comfort technology, featuring a high-density foam midsole and insole engineered to compress and rebound with each step, designed to help you stay comfortable over longer periods on your feet. You will also love our wider toe box. Built directly into the construction of our closed-toe styles, this generous, roomier toe box allows your toes to sit naturally and helps reduce pinching. Many customers find that this thoughtful fit makes our shoes ideal for long walks, all-day standing, and city exploring without any extra foot fatigue.
Heritage and Nostalgia
Since 1997, Rocket Dog has been a fixture of the casual California style scene. We grew up right alongside the iconic Y2K era, becoming a favorite among the it-girls of the early 2000s who wanted footwear that looked as bold as it felt. We have always believed in making shoes that are meant to be worn, not just looked at on a shelf. Our designs are built for lasting quality and crafted to hold up to your daily adventures. From campus walks to late-night concert venues, our high tops collection captures that authentic, effortless energy that keeps your wardrobe feeling fun, fresh, and grounded in decades of style.
Explore the High Tops Collection
Iconic High-Top Styles
- The Jazzin high-top sneaker, offering classic canvas coverage and timeless lace-up appeal that goes over your ankles.
- The Cheery high-top sneaker, featuring an updated comfort profile and playful patterns designed to turn heads.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why did people start wearing high top shoes historically? A: High tops originally gained popularity in athletics for the ankle support and stability they provided during fast-moving sports before transitioning into iconic streetwear and youth culture staples.
Q: What is the main benefit of wearing high top shoes? A: High tops provide extra coverage and a secure feel around the ankle, making them a fantastic choice for cooler weather and a distinctly retro streetwear look.
Q: Are high tops comfortable for walking all day? A: Yes, our high tops feature Plush Foam Comfort technology and a generous roomier toe box to help support you through hours of walking and standing.
Q: Do high-top canvas sneakers run true to size? A: They generally fit true to size. If you plan on wearing them with thick crew socks for extra warmth, some customers prefer to size up by a half size.
Q: What clothes pair best with high-top sneakers? A: They look incredible with straight-leg jeans, cargo pants, casual shorts, or mini skirts where the ankle-high silhouette can really shine.
Q: Can I wear high tops during the winter months? A: While canvas high tops are great for mild weather and indoor wear, they provide nice extra ankle coverage on crisp autumn days compared to low-profile shoes.
Q: Are these high tops easy to lace up? A: Yes, the traditional lace-up design lets you adjust the snugness across both your foot and your ankle for a customized fit.
Q: Do the high-top collars rub against the ankle? A: Our high tops are crafted with soft fabric linings and cushioned collars designed to hug your ankle comfortably without irritation.
Q: Can I wear these shoes for travel and airport days? A: Yes, their secure fit and stylish build make them a top-tier choice for navigating terminals and long travel days.
Q: Do the bright colors and prints fade quickly? A: We use durable fabrics and quality dyes designed to maintain their pigment, though storing them away from direct sunlight helps preserve the colors over time.
Q: Are these shoes machine washable? A: We recommend hand-cleaning canvas styles rather than machine washing to protect the glue bonds and preserve the fabrics.
Q: What makes the Cheery high-top different from the Jazzin high-top? A: The Cheery high-top is our updated comfort evolution, featuring an enhanced plush foam insole and a roomier toe box for a superior, pressure-free fit.
Q: Can I wear these high tops to school or a relaxed workplace? A: If your daily environment has a relaxed, creative dress code, these retro high tops add a fun and artistic touch to your look.
Q: Do these sneakers provide good arch support for daily walking? A: The high-density foam midsole provides solid cushioning and support for everyday errands and active walking days.
Q: Do high tops feel heavy on your feet? A: Not at all. They are lightweight and flexible, designed to move naturally with your stride despite the extra ankle height.
Q: Are these styles good for wider feet? A: The generous roomier toe box provides a natural, comfortable fit that many customers with wider feet appreciate.
Q: How do I keep the white rubber outsoles clean? A: A melamine-foam sponge works wonders for lifting scuffs and keeping the white rubber foxing looking bright.
Q: Are these canvas shoes vegan-friendly? A: Our canvas styles utilize fabric uppers and man-made components, making them a great animal-friendly choice.
Q: How do I protect the canvas from dust and stains? A: We recommend applying a fabric protectant spray before your first wear to help repel light dirt and moisture.
Q: What is the best way to style high tops for a casual evening out? A: Try pairing them with black skinny jeans and an oversized leather jacket for an effortless, edgy streetwear look.
STORE-WIDE FAQ
Q: Do you offer free shipping for High Tops? A: Yes, get free ground shipping on all U.S. orders over $65.
Q: What is your return policy on High Tops? A: Returns are accepted within 30 days of delivery w/ return shipping fee of $8.95 unless Checkout+ was purchased.
Q: What is Checkout+? A: Checkout+ is an optional add-on (~$2.98) selected at checkout that covers return shipping on your order, so if you need to return anything, you won't pay the standard return shipping fee.
Q: Do you offer exchanges on High Tops? A: Rocket Dog does not guarantee automatic exchanges. In most cases, you'll return your item for a refund and place a new order for the size/style you want. In some cases, Rocket Dog may offer an exchange or store credit at its discretion.
Q: What are your customer service hours? A: Customer Service is available 8am–5pm PST, Monday–Friday, at RDCS@rocketdog.com.
How do I clean my shoes? Because our high tops collection features durable canvas fabric uppers paired with rubber outsoles, they are best cleaned by hand. Gently brush away loose dirt, spot clean with mild soap and warm water using a soft brush, wipe away suds with a damp cloth, and let air-dry completely away from direct heat.
Material Care FAQ
Canvas / Fabric Upper
Q: How do I clean canvas or fabric Rocket Dog shoes? A: Remove loose dirt with a dry brush first. Mix a small amount of mild detergent (like Woolite or a few drops of dish soap) with warm water, and use a soft-bristle brush to gently scrub the fabric in a circular motion. Wipe away suds with a clean, damp cloth, then stuff the shoes with paper towels and air-dry away from direct heat or sunlight.
Q: Can canvas sneakers go in the washing machine? A: It's best to hand-clean canvas styles rather than machine wash, machine washing can loosen glue bonds and warp the shape over time. If you do machine wash, use a cold, gentle cycle, remove laces and insoles first, place shoes in a mesh laundry bag, and always air-dry, never tumble-dry.
Q: What household items work on canvas stains? A: A paste of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) and water lifts light stains and scuffs. A melamine-foam sponge works well on canvas without damaging the fabric. Diluted white vinegar (acetic acid) helps with odor and mild discoloration.
Q: What should I look for in a commercial cleaner? A: A sneaker cleaner with a mild, non-bleaching surfactant base (often listed as coconut-derived cleansers or decyl glucoside) lifts dirt without stripping color or dye from the fabric.
Interior: Memory Foam & EVA Cushioning
Q: How do I clean the memory foam insole/footbed? A: Remove the insole if possible. Sprinkle with baking soda, let sit for a few hours to absorb odor and moisture, then shake or vacuum off. For light stains, dab, don't soak, with a cloth and a mild soap-water mix, since memory foam holds onto moisture.
Q: How do I clean EVA foam midsoles/footbeds? A: EVA is more water-resistant than memory foam. It can be wiped down directly with a damp soapy cloth or even rinsed lightly under water, then air-dried.
Q: What household items help with odor? A: Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) left in the shoe overnight is the most effective at-home odor remedy for both memory foam and EVA. Dryer sheets tucked into the shoe overnight are a common quick fix too.
Q: What should I look for in a commercial odor spray? A: An odor spray built around sodium bicarbonate or a zinc-based odor neutralizer (zinc ricinoleate) actually neutralizes odor rather than just masking it with fragrance, both are safe on memory foam and EVA.
Outsole (Rubber, EVA, TPR, PU, PVC soles)
Q: How do I clean the outsole? A: Use an old toothbrush with a paste of baking soda and water to scrub grooves and treads. Rinse the brush and wipe away residue with a damp cloth.
Q: How do I get the outsole white again? A: A melamine-foam sponge is very effective on rubber and EVA soles for scuffs and yellowing. For deeper discoloration, a paste of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide, left on for 10–15 minutes then scrubbed off, works well, test on a small area first since peroxide can lighten some colored soles.
Q: What should I look for in a commercial midsole cleaner? A: A cleaner combining a mild surfactant with a fine abrasive (calcium carbonate or silica-based) lifts ground-in dirt from tread grooves without discoloring the rubber or foam.