Premier High Top is a minimalist leather sneaker from Thursday Boot Company, designed as a high-top version of their popular Premier sneaker line. The Premier High Top combines premium full-grain leather construction with modern comfort features, offering a sophisticated alternative to traditional athletic sneakers. Built with Italian and North American leathers, shock-absorbent footbeds, and dual-density rubber outsoles, the Premier High Top represents Thursday's commitment to creating stylish, comfortable footwear at accessible prices.
The Premier High Top features the same minimalist Heritage Americana aesthetic and quality construction that defines Thursday's approach to footwear, delivering premium materials and craftsmanship typically found in much more expensive sneakers.
The Premier High Top was developed as part of Thursday Boot Company's expansion into the sneaker market, building on the success of their Premier Low Top model. The Premier line represents Thursday's philosophy of creating high-quality footwear with premium materials at accessible prices, challenging the traditional premium sneaker market dominated by brands charging significantly higher prices.
Launched as Thursday's answer to luxury minimalist sneakers, the Premier High Top was designed to compete with brands like Common Projects and other premium leather sneakers, offering similar quality Italian leather and construction at a fraction of the cost.
The development focused on creating a versatile high-top sneaker that could bridge the gap between casual and smart-casual wear, utilizing Thursday's experience in leather selection and construction techniques from their boot production to create a superior sneaker product.
The Premier High Top exemplifies Thursday's approach to modern sneaker construction, featuring cemented sole construction optimized for comfort and style rather than resoling. The sneaker is built with premium full-grain leather uppers and designed for both casual and smart-casual wear, balancing durability with contemporary aesthetics.
Construction Features:
Cemented Sole Construction: Upper glued directly to sole for lightweight comfort
Full-Grain Leather Upper: Premium Italian and North American leather that develops character with age
Minimalist Hardware: Clean eyelets and cotton or polyester laces
Dual-Density Rubber Outsole: Provides comfort, traction, and durability
Shock-Absorbent Footbed: High-impact performance for all-day comfort
Each pair is crafted with attention to detail and quality control, utilizing Thursday's experience in leather selection and construction techniques developed through their boot production.
The Premier High Top is available in carefully selected premium leather options, each chosen for its quality, character, and aging properties. Thursday Boot Company partners with certified tanneries to source full-grain leathers that develop beautiful patina over time while maintaining durability.
Available Colors:
White: Italian nappa leather from Valletri Tannery, unusually soft and pliant
Black: Full-grain leather with natural variation
Natural: Light-colored leather that develops rich patina with wear
Other seasonal colors: Various options available depending on production runs
All leathers used in the Premier High Top are full-grain, meaning the complete grain structure is preserved to maintain maximum strength and durability. The Italian leather options feature particularly soft nappa leather, while other colors utilize high-quality North American hides.
Construction Materials:
Buttery Soft Leather Lining: Interior lining ensures comfort against the foot
Natural Vachetta Leather Insoles: Shock-absorbent footbeds for all-day comfort
Cotton or Polyester Laces: Long-lasting laces designed for durability
Dual-Density Rubber Outsole: Custom outsole provides comfort and traction
Shock-Absorbent Footbed: High-impact performance technology
The combination of these premium materials ensures that each Premier High Top sneaker delivers comfort, style, and durability while developing its own unique character with wear.
The Premier High Top is designed to fit true to size for most wearers, following standard athletic shoe sizing conventions. The sneaker features a comfortable fit that accommodates normal foot width and provides adequate room for all-day wear without excessive bulk.
Sizing Guidelines:
General Rule: Order your normal athletic shoe size
Width: Standard D width fitting
Break-in Period: Minimal break-in required, comfortable from first wear
Fit Testing: Try on at Thursday retail locations or order online with return policy
The Premier High Top is designed with a modern sneaker last that provides contemporary comfort and fit. While the leather may feel slightly stiffer than typical athletic shoes initially, it softens quickly with wear without requiring an extended break-in period.
Fit Characteristics:
Heel Hold: Secure fit without slippage
Toe Box: Adequate room for toe movement
Instep: Medium volume accommodation
Arch Support: Built-in support through shock-absorbent footbed
Due to the leather construction, the Premier High Top will gradually mold to the shape of your foot, providing a personalized fit over time. The leather is stiffer than typical athletic sneakers but more comfortable than traditional dress shoes.
The Premier High Top is offered in a curated selection of versatile colorways designed to complement both casual and smart-casual wardrobes. Each color features high-quality full-grain leather selected for its appearance and aging characteristics.
Core Colors:
White: Italian nappa leather with soft, luxurious feel
Black: Classic full-grain leather with subtle texture
Natural: Light-colored leather that develops rich patina with wear
Each leather color ages uniquely based on its tanning process and finishing. The white Italian nappa leather maintains its clean appearance while developing subtle character, while the natural leather darkens and develops more pronounced patina over time.
Color availability may vary by season and production runs, as Thursday periodically introduces seasonal variations and limited editions. Additional colorways are sometimes offered through direct-to-consumer sales, featuring unique leather combinations not available in the core collection.
Proper care and maintenance will ensure that the Premier High Top develops beautiful patina while maintaining its appearance and comfort for years of wear. While sneakers cannot be resoled like boots, proper leather care will significantly extend their lifespan.
Regular Maintenance:
Cleaning: Remove dirt and debris with soft brush or damp cloth
Conditioning: Apply leather conditioner every 6-12 months for leather types
Drying: Allow sneakers to air dry naturally, never use direct heat
Cedar Shoe Trees: Use cedar trees to maintain shape and absorb moisture
Rotation: Allow 24-48 hours between wears for leather to fully dry
Recommended Care:
Leather Conditioner: Quality leather conditioner for full-grain leather
Leather Protector: Weather protection spray for harsh conditions
Soft Brush: For regular cleaning and maintenance
Microfiber Cloth: For gentle cleaning and polishing
Cedar Shoe Trees: To maintain shape and absorb moisture
Sustainability and Longevity:
Thursday partners with tanneries certified by the Leather Working Group to ensure sustainable leather production. While the Premier High Top cannot be resoled due to cemented construction, proper care will maintain the leather's appearance and extend the sneaker's usable life significantly.
The investment in quality full-grain leather construction means that with proper care, the Premier High Top will develop character and patina while maintaining structural integrity for years of regular wear.