Koio High-Top Suede Sneakers Review & Styling

What can we say about high-top sneakers?

They were once the preferred silhouette of professional NBA players. Not to mention, the ever popular high-top Converse Chuck Taylors have been around for over a century.

It seems that through the years certain sneaker trends, including high-tops have fallen out of favor among today’s sartorial crowd where sleek, low-top silhouettes reign supreme. Think the Adidas Ultraboost running sneaker or Common Projects Achilles Low minimalist trainer. 

This article is all about the Koio Primo Roccia high top sneakers (style & aesthetic, quality & construction and inspiration on how to style them.) They aren’t just any high-top sneakers, they’re also fully suede which make them different from the rest.

If you’d rather watch, I have the unboxing and first look of the Koio Primo Roccia high-top sneakers in the sponsored video below.

KOIO PRIMO ROCCIA REVIEW

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Before we dive in, I wanted to say that this isn’t my first go-round with Koio. In fact, I own a pair of their low-tops, specifically the Koio Capri Arena in sand suede. They’ve gotten plenty of mileage in the past year and have been holding up really well.

ABOUT KOIO (INTRO)

A little bit about the brand — Brooklyn based Koio was founded in 2014. All of Koio’s sneakers are handcrafted in the Marche region of Italy, constructed with high-quality Italian leather and suede.

Just like Koio Capri’s neutral sand colorway, the Primo Roccia pair that I got features a versatile dark grey tone that’s going to be perfect come the fall and winter seasons.

I opted for the high-tops because they’re a completely different aesthetic from the ever popular low-top trainers. Plus, I like the challenge of all the different ways to go about styling them.

STYLE & AESTHETIC

In terms of style and aesthetic, the Koio Primo Roccia sneakers are pretty minimalist for high tops. The sneaker upper features a similar silhouette as Koio low-top sneakers with the addition of the slim and narrow high top.

It’s definitely not bulky or chunky at all which makes them great for casual and more refined smart casual fits. The Margom rubber outsole contrasts against the dark grey suede upper and I like that it’s not all white, instead it’s an off-white shade which pairs really nicely with the slate grey colorway in my opinion.

Additionally, it’s got 5 standard eyelets as you would find on their low tops and then 3 additional eyelets running up the ankles. And notice metal ring eyelet details that aren’t on the Koio Capri’s.

All in all, the Koio Primo Roccia’s feature a sleek, minimalist style that can be worn dressed up or dressed down.

QUALITY & CONSTRUCTION

The entire shoe upper is crafted with a dark grey suede. It’s soft and super smooth with a premium feel to it unlike suede material that you’d find on cheaper suede or nubuck sneakers.

Just like other Koio sneakers, the Primo Roccia’s are equipped with a durable, Margom rubber outsole, an industry standard for many luxury sneakers. The sole feels a bit heavy, yet substantial like it will last for the long haul.

On the inside, there’s a buttery soft and smooth calf leather lining throughout the entire shoe, and there’s a removable insole for added cushion and comfort which is always nice to have. Also, the Koio logo is subtly embossed on the shoe tongue.

In addition to comfort, the removable insole can also aid in providing a better fit. Another small, but appreciated detail is the hand painted edge finish.

And finally, just like my Capri Arena’s, the Primo Roccia’s come with durable waxed laces that are in the same shade of slate grey as the suede.

DETAILS

• Made by hand in the Marche region of Italy
• Constructed with the highest-quality Italian suede
• Lined with buttery-soft calf leather
• Outfitted with durable, lightweight rubber outsoles by our friends at Margom
• Finished with hand-painted edges
• Ultra-comfortable, bouncy, removable insole

HOW TO STYLE KOIO SNEAKERS (ON FEET)

These sneakers can be worn with everything from jeans, chinos and even joggers.

Koio Primo Roccia with Jeans

As I mentioned before, they’re minimalist, neutral and narrow which makes them exceptionally versatile. You can keep it relaxed and casual in jeans with a basic white tee.

Koio Primo Roccia with Chinos

Or you can rock them with chinos and a button down shirt for a simple smart casual fit. Feel free to cuff your trousers for no break to let the high-tops get the spotlight.

Koio Primo Roccia with Joggers

And finally you can even dress them down with ultra-casual joggers. Ensure that the joggers are tapered toward the ankle and aren’t flooding over the sneakers to avoid a sloppy look.

SIZING & FIT

First things first, these high tops fit comfortably right out of the box.

The shoes fit slightly snug at first, especially when you size down. I didn’t account for wear and stretch over time with my Koio Capris.

I originally got size 8 with the low-tops, but my actual size is 7 since the shoes do run a bit large. If you have regular or narrow feet, you’ll surely want to size down. And if you have wide feet then you’ll be safe ordering your normal size.

If you’re unsure, Koio has a “find my size” guide on their website that does a good job of determining which is your ideal size.

IN CLOSING

Koio is all about high quality shoes, crafted by skilled artisans in renowned Italian factories. Their shoe collections feature timeless styles like the Koio Capri and Roccia, and also has trendier sneakers like the Avalanche chunky soled kicks. And so there’s something here for everyone.

ON TO YOU, WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS THE KOIO PRIMO ROCCIA SNEAKERS?

Let’s continue the discussion over in the Gentlemen Within Private Facebook Community.

Looking forward to seeing you in there.