9 Black Sneakers for Any Rotation
Black sneakers are back in heavy rotation. Even our Editor-in-Chief is lacing them up these days. But don't call it a comeback. They never really left.
As it turns out, black trainers are the low-maintenance MVPs of transitional weather. Rainy days? Muddy sidewalks? No problem. They shrug off puddles and still pull together a fit. Think of them as a stylish skeleton key: whether you're dressing down in monochrome sweats or dressing up with a tailored coat and wide-leg trousers, black sneakers just work.
The pairs we've curated here stay miles away from black Air Force Energy.
They'll keep your Spring fits dry and your style intact. Sure, we love a crisp white sneaker or a color-blocked shoe, but if you're looking for low-effort versatility (or black's the only color in your wardrobe), trust us, the dark side is having all the fun right now.
HOKA U Elevon X
"Chonky" in all the right ways, the nubuck upper is paired with microperfs and a full-grain leather mudguard. Yes, they're trail-capable. But honestly? These deserve a city moment under relaxed trousers and a weatherproof shell while you run errands in style.
PUMA x LaQuan Smith Speedcat Mid Leather
LaQuan Smith doesn't get nearly the flowers he deserves, but this collab is a knockout. A ringside remix of the classic Speedcat, these boxing-inspired mids turn retro motorsport DNA into full-blown glam. The silhouette stays sleek, but Smith injects just enough drama to remind you who's in the ring.
Nike W Air Superfly
Arguably one of the flyest Nike drops in recent memory. The Air Superfly pulls straight from Nike's Y2K vault, a welcome incentive for anyone still milking the final moments of the Y2K style wave. It's a sleek, running-inspired low-top that's ridiculously easy to style. The perforated upper adds breathability, and Nike Air cushioning handles the comfort. Minimal, versatile, and quietly loud.
adidas Heritage Road Cycling Shoes
Whether you're chasing a Tour de France fantasy or just cycling through rainy spring fits, these adidas road shoes are a slick piece of footwear. With a retro-futurist silhouette and low-key detailing, they're a smart way to sidestep the Samba swarm while staying in the three-stripe ecosystem.
Our Legacy Klove
Our Legacy doesn't get enough love for its sneakers, probably because its boots and quietly cool fashion pieces steal the spotlight. But the Klove? It's sleeper hit. This blacked-out sneaker mixes luxe leather with suede for just enough contrast and sits on a thick, grippy outsole that hints at boot DNA. It looks like someone flattened a combat boot, and that's exactly why it works. If you want a dressier black sneaker that still feels edgy, this one's for you.
Mizuno Wave Prophecy LS
At first glance, they might look like classic Mizunos, but the upgrades here run deeper than the all-black finish. A refined heel counter and beefed-up midfoot cage boost support, while the Infinity Wave Plate midsole (built with Pebax and U4icX tech) brings next-level comfort. Archival energy meets future-forward performance.
Salomon XT-Whisper
There's something about an all-black Salomon that just hits. Maybe it's the hyper-detailed design. Maybe it's the performance credibility. Probably both. The XT-Whisper carries all the brand's signature tech — Quicklace™, Sensifit™, the works — while looking sleek enough for city wear and tough enough for trails. Salomon's cult status doesn't hurt, either.
Rick Owens Vintage Sneakers
We can't talk black sneakers without invoking the dark lord himself, Rick Owens. Wrapped in full-grain calf leather with a matte finish and that signature creamy outsole, they're as luxurious as they are subversive. Whether you're deep in the Rick ecosystem or just want a statement sneaker that ages like fine wine, these are your endgame pair.
Kiko Kostadinov Black Riadis Sneakers
Kiko stays a step ahead of the timeline. The Riadis is one of his most streamlined silhouettes yet, part Blade Runner, part techwear samurai. Featuring a Vibram sole, asymmetrical front opening with Velcro straps, and a mix of padded neoprene and mesh, these look tailor-made for your next ACRONYM fit pic.
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