Back-to-school season is upon us, though it's likely to be happening from home for most people. From the ultimate pencil case to work from home slippers, our Homecoming: Preparing for a Back-to-School at Home hub is a virtual class in new-age school essentials.
For the past decade or more, sneakers have been the MVP of the shoe game, pushing aside traditionally respected styles to take the number-one spot on most popular and most expensive tables everywhere. The collectability of sneakers may well be the driving force behind this Cultural Revolution, but have we hit critical mass? Recent shows like Prada, Lemaire, Dries Van Noten, and many more exhibited collections that firmly suggested a move from high fashion’s streetwear obsession. While you might expect it from names like that, Off-White’s focus on soft tailoring seemed a more trustworthy sign of the beginning of the end for sneakers and streetwear. We may well be entering a post-sneaker era.
If this is the case, it’s always better to be ahead of the curve, so start sizing yourself up for a pair of black leather shoes today. This might be unfamiliar territory for you but fear not because the Highsnobiety curators have been hard at work doing the legwork by rounding up the best black leather shoes which are ideal for back-to-school. We’re going to go ahead and assume that you’re more focused when you look down to see a pair of freshly polished Dr. Martens than your slippers.
Shop the best black shoes below
Maison Margiela Cleated Sole Shoes
Cleated Sole Shoes
Maison Margiela
This classic leather shoe is about as formal as they get, but when you add a cleated tread like Margiela has, you’re letting everyone know you mean business.
Noah Solovair Single Buckle Monk
Monk Shoe
NOAH
This Noah Monk Strap looks a lot more expensive than it actually is. For the price of a running shoe, your wedding season is sorted.
CamperLab 1978 Raw Edge
1978 Raw-Edge Leather Loafers
CAMPERLAB
CamperLab has made a name for itself by slightly remixing classic silhouettes or adding unexpected twists to otherwise subtle designs. This raw-edge Loafer is no different.
Clarks Originals Wallabee Derbys
Wallabee Derbys
Clarks Originals
Wallabees have the comfort of a sneaker but the somewhat elevated look of a brown shoe (without being too formal). If you’re still caught in between running shoes and oxfords, Wallabees are the shoe for you.
Churchs Polished Kingsley 2 Binder
Kingsley 2
Church's
We couldn’t make a list without going all-out formal, which is exactly what this Churchs loafer does. The binder detailing on the side is a nice little twist that adds something fresh without comprising the formality.
Rick Owens x Birkenstock Boston
Boston Leather Sandal
Rick Owens x Birkenstock
The Rick Owns Birkenstock Boston just had to be on this list. It can be dressed up, down, and worn literally anywhere without losing any of its sophistication.
Martine Rose Loafer Mules
Loafer Mules
Martine Rose
Martine Rose wins with this half-Loafer, half-Mule. The shoe is relatively divisive, while straddling the best of both worlds. A masterpiece.
Marni Padded Moccasin
Padded Moccasin
Marni
Honestly, the only thing I can think of when I look at these Marni Moccasins is marshmallows. That’s a good thing right?
Sunni Lonel Heeled Square-Toe Mule
Square Toe Mule
Sunni
Need a little lift (read: height)? Then Sunni has got you covered. 5’9 boys rejoice!
Dr. Martens Adrian Tassel Loafer
Adrian Tassel Loafer
Dr. Martens
Dr. Martens' treats the classic tassel loafer to its unmistakably chunky style for the Adrian Tassel Loafer. We love this style because it allows you to express a bit more character than a traditional penny loafer.
Gucci Horsebit Leather Loafers
Horsebit Leather Loafers
Gucci
The Gucci Horsebit Loafer has been the loafer of choice for discerning gents since its release in 1953. If it ain't broke don't fix it.
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