'high-top' originates from English, formed as a compound of 'high' + 'top' in modern English to describe something with a high upper part (particularly shoes).

'high' goes back to Old English 'heah' and 'top' to Old English/Old Norse forms like 'topp'; the compound 'high-top' is a modern English formation (early 20th century usage) to name shoes whose uppers reach the ankle.

Initially a literal compound meaning 'having a high top'; over time it became specialized to refer mainly to footwear (especially sneakers) with uppers that extend above the ankle.