Hi Basket Sneaker - Natural, Gum

We first caught wind of the Hi Basket four or five years ago, and it’s been on our radar ever since. After all that waiting, Moonstar has finally delivered - and it was worth it. Think of this as their answer to the question, “Why isn’t there a Moonstar high-top like the 01-JP from Shoes Like Pottery?” In the past, this style appeared only in Japan, built from lightweight flannel. This time, it arrives in a heavy-duty canvas that feels even sturdier than the rest of their lineup. The Hi Basket carries a rugged, outdoor edge compared to the 01-JP, with clean monochrome detailing and a super bumpy, slip-resistant sole. The high cut keeps your foot locked in, making this, in our view, the best shoe Moonstar makes. For us, it’s a genuine game changer - and it might be for your rotation too.

Moonstar’s story is one of quiet mastery. Based in Kurume, Kyushu, Japan, their factory has been perfecting the craft of ka-ryu (vulcanization) since 1873. Every pair is a study in precision: canvas uppers stitched with deliberate care, rubber strips and soles laid by hand, and then the signature heating process - 120° for 70 minutes - transforming the rubber into a soft, gummy tread built for comfort. The result is a sneaker with the soul of a handmade boot and the refinement of over a century’s worth of know-how.

• Sturdy Textured Canvas Upper
• High Rubber Foxing
• Rubber Toe Gaurd
• Canvas Piping
• Inner Seam Piping
• Rubber Toe Cap
• Ka-Ryu Vulcanization
• Textured Alweather Grip 
• Hand Painted Rubber Adhesive for Longevity
• Sturdy, No-Nonsense, Cotton Laces

Fit Notes:  So here's the skinny. People get very confused about sizing, and the best way we know to remedy that is by comparing them to other shoes. These shoes are known to run pretty true with just a bit more room in the toe box than Shoes Like Pottery. You might be able to get away with sizing down without feeling a pinch from the rubber toe cap on this one. Take your typical Converse Chuck 70, Vans, or Nike size and stick with that.

Shop owner Tommy is wearing a size 9 in the pictures. He is typically an 8.5-9 in Converse. He wears a size 9 in all Vans and Nike variations. Without an additional insole or super-thick socks, he can wear a size 8 from SLP and Moonstar, but it is tight, so he never chooses to purchase that size. It is ultimately a 9 across the board. So we would always recommend sizing up if you're between sizes.