Black sneakers are essential to a sneaker lineup, offering maximum versatility (black goes with everything) and opportunities both to stand out or let other statement pieces in your fit shine. Due to their vast styling potential, sportswear and fashion brands alike continue to drop new incarnations of monochrome kicks for men, all year round.
What's more, black sneakers come with far less maintenance than their brighter, white counterparts – so there's less pressure to keep them box-fresh, making them ultra-wearable.
But with so many options out there, man's quest for the perfect pair of black sneakers is no easy task. Fortunately, the experts here at Highsnobiety HQ have been keeping tabs on the footwear essentials – from the classics to new releases – and have curated a selection of the best black sneakers for men right now (we've rounded up the best women's kicks here).
Scroll on for a look at the best black sneakers for men right now.
adidas Originals x Prada Superstar 450 Leather Sneakers
Superstar 450 Leather Sneakers
adidas Originals x Prada
With Raf Simons now a collaborative head of Prada, an adidas Originals collaboration doesn't seem so unusual anymore. This time it's the iconic Superstar that gets the update. Transformed with premium leather uppers, but sticking to a minimal, monochromatic palette, this pair will be a central character in our seasonal rotation.
Salomon XT-Wings 2 Advanced Mesh Trainers
XT-Wings 2 Advanced Mesh Trainers
Salomon
Salomon's flagship trail runner, the XT-Wings 2 has left a lasting mark on the fashion world. We still can't get enough of this utilitarian sneaker, and this black and gum iteration is a guaranteed win.
Vivienne Westwood x ASICS Gel-Kayano 26
Gel-kayano 26
Vivienne Westwood x ASICS
Vivienne Westwood is still one of the most-loved characters in fashion and it's not solely down to her larger-than-life persona. Designs like this netted update of the ASICS Gel-Kayano prove that Viv is effortlessly moving with the times.
Nike Air Jordan 4 Retro Black Cat 2020
Air Jordan 4 Retro “Black Cat 2020”
Nike
The Air Jordan 4 Retro ‘Black Cat’ is a highly sought-after shoe, and for good reason. A murdered-out design shifts all the focus onto the model’s iconic silhouette, cementing it as one of the most loved Jordan models ever.
Reebok x Très Rasché Club C 85
Club C 85
Reebok x Très Rasché
Reebok's Club C 85 is a timeless silhouette thanks to its sleek lifestyle construction that can be styled with pretty much anything you want, from suits to sports shorts. Teaming up with Très Rasché, Reebok gives the classic style a cracked matte-black upper which has strong, grungy vibes.
Nike Air VaporMax Plus
With a neoprene upper that takes on the style of the Nike TN, the Nike Air VaporMax Plus offers supreme comfort. This futuristic runner is a visual punch, too.
Nike x Undercover React Presto Shoe
This Presto is made for more. A paneled, multi-material upper and zig-zagging lacing system are super durable for the onslaught of bad weather over the coming months. Not only is this silhouette built for a beating, but a speckled midsole and heel tab also upgrade it aesthetically.
Nike Air Jordan 1 Low
Some designs don't age. If the Jordan 1 as a silhouette wasn't timeless enough as it is, an all-black outfit surely positions this style as a surefire evergreen design.
HOKA One One Bondi 7 Sneakers
Bondi 7 Sneakers
HOKA One One
HOKE One One's Bondi 7 Sneaker is a chunky style to begin with, and when it's murdered-out, it looks even bolder. This pair suits for long-distance running or city slicking.
Nike Air Max 270 React
Nike never sleeps. Each year seems to bring a host of exciting new silhouettes from the sneaker giant. 2018 was a great year, seeing the release of the 270 which got the React treatment, affording it a futuristic, layered upper.
Nike Air Force One
In the arena of all-time classic sneaker silhouettes, the Nike Air Force One is the final boss. A chunky sole forms the foundation for an unforgettable, paneled upper. In an all-black colorway, this is an understated essential for every footwear rotation.
Nike Special Project ACG Moc 3.0 Sneakers
Nike combines a soft wrap-around upper with a substantial sneaker sole unit to make the ACG Moc 3.0 one of the most versatile black sneakers around. From off-duty homebound fits to public-eye style, don't be shy — rock the Moc.
adidas Originals NMD R1
NMD R1
adidas Originals
Releasing in late 2015, the Adidas NMD has grown to become a beloved corner of the permanent adidas roster in just over 4 years. That’s probably down to a lightweight Ultra Boost sole unit, streamlined silhouette, and insanely comfortable uppers.
New Balance Made in US 990v5
Made In US 990v5
New Balance
The 990v5 has become New Balance's flagship silhouette, and for good reason. The perfect blend of comfort and style, the much-loved sneaker also comes in this slick blacked-out colorway.
Nike x COMME des GARÇONS Air Jordan 1 Retro High
Air Jordan 1 Retro High
Nike x COMME des GARÇONS
The Air Jordan 1 has always been a popular silhouette but recent months have seen an explosion in popularity for the style thanks to high-profile collaborations. This COMME des GARÇONS collaboration released back in 2019 and its oversized tongue and buckles are sure to garner attention, even amidst the Dior frenzy.
Maison Margiela Replica Paint-Splatter Sneakers
Replica Paint-Splatter Sneakers
Maison Margiela
Free Shipping On All Orders Within The USA Over $250
Free Shipping On All Orders Within The USA Over $250
Maison Margiela's Replica sneaker is a brand-defining design and a design that has been reproduced by countless labels. The fact that the storied silhouette is so heavily associated with Maison Margiela is testament to the fact that Margiela did it best.
ASICS GT-2000 9 Sneakers
GT-2000 9
ASICS
Free 2 Day Shipping On Orders Over $50
Free 2 Day Shipping On Orders Over $50
Japanese footwear giant ASICS is another name that has confidently blurred the line between performance and lifestyle, in part thanks to a string of successful collaborations. That said, this pair doesn't need any other name on the tongue tab to make its point — just a good, old-fashioned monochrome palette.
On Cloudflow
Cloudflow
On
Performance-footwear brand On bridges the gap between exercise gear and everyday lifestyle footwear with the Cloudflow. Mesh uppers afford lightweight breathability while the fully cushioned sole unit provides comfort and support.
adidas Yeezy Boost 700 MNVN
Yeezy Boost 700 MNVN
adidas
When Kanye’s design know-how made the move from Nike to adidas, something switched. Since then, the Yeezy brand has grown exponentially with seemingly no end to the hysteria. Bag this sleek Yeezy Boost 700 for the love of sneaker history.
Oliver Cabell Low 1
Low 1
Oliver Cabell
Oliver Cabell keeps things classic with the all-black Low 1. Using high-quality nappa leather and a minimal silhouette, Oliver Cabell positions this model within the realm of timeless premium footwear.
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