The Legendary High-Top that’s been Changing the Game Since 1978. The Sk8-Hi was a game changer as the first high-top skate shoe to break onto the scene. With a padded collar for ankle support and reinforced toe caps, it remains a style like no other. The Sk8-Hi was Vans second model to showcase the Vans Sidestripe, and its bold design has remained iconic ever since. The innovation of a high-top skate shoe was, and still is, an emblem of Off The Wall culture.