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.
Nike ACG Mountain Fly Low
ACG Mountain Fly Low Anthracite
Nike
I know this is about black sneakers but color comes second on this one. What comes first, is the combination of a sticky rubber outsole for traction and the plush React foam for comfort. Wild.
Salomon XA-PRO Fusion Advanced
XA-PRO Fusion Advanced
Salomon
So many good Salomon colorways, so little time. Monochrome is a good place to start, and they don't come much sleeker than this blacked-out version of the XA-PRO.
Valentino Crochet Sneakers
Crochet Sneakers
Valentino
Valentino Garavani made a splash recently with a drop of crocheted pieces. While we're accustomed to the odd crochet accessory, these pairs of masterfully crocheted retro runners stole the show.
Loewe Ballet Runner Sneakers
Ballet Runner Sneakers
Loewe
Loewe's Ballet Runner is one of the more original designs when it comes to luxury black sneakers. The super lightweight silhouette takes after plimsolls with a barely-there sole unit which is ideal as we move into summer.
New Balance 990v5
Made In US 990v5
New Balance
The dad sneaker trend is very much alive and kicking, thanks in no small part to the versatile greatness of the New Balance 990v5. This pared-back silhouette is easy to wear and super comfortable, too.
HOKA One One Bondi 7
Bondi 7
HOKA One One
HOKA One One specializes in running gear, but the inimitable thickness of the sole units has carved out a spot for the brand in the lifestyle sector too. The Bondi 7 is a great place to begin your love affair with some of the comfiest sneakers on the market.
Raf Simons Antei Low Top Sneakers
Antei Low Top Sneakers
Raf Simons
While luxury sneakers can sometimes veer into grotesque maximalism, opting for an all-black iteration of Raf Simons' new Antei silhouette is a great way to tone things back while still styling one of the most original designs in recent memory.
Nike x Stüssy Air Force 1 Low
Air Force 1 Low 'Stüssy'
Nike
The Nike Air Force One is an all-time classic, and a nice way to make the style your own is by looking for a collaboration. The most recent in a long line of Air Force One rehashes comes from none other than Stüssy and this all-black canvas version is a winner.
Nike Air Max 270 React
Air Max 270 React
Nike
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.
adidas Originals SAHALEX
Sahalex
adidas
adidas' hike line is so damn good and still pretty overlooked. The SAHALEX is a beefed-up walking shoe that's stuck in the '90s in all the right ways. Its tech, including the high-friction Stealth Rubber, is decidedly modern.
adidas x 032c Slip-On Trainers
Slip-On Trainers
adidas
EXTRA 20% OFF SELECTED ITEMS EXTRA20
EXTRA 20% OFF SELECTED ITEMS EXTRA20
adidas recently linked up with Berlin-based publication turned label 032c and the outcome was bold, to say the least. Catch us any time over the next few months and there's a 90 percent chance we'll be wearing these; a beautiful bridge between the utilitarian sneaker trend and our undying love of mules.
and Wander x Salomon Crosshike Trainers
Crosshike Trainers
and Wander x Salomon
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EXTRA 20% OFF SELECTED ITEMS EXTRA20
Some collaborations just grab you from the moment they're announced to well beyond their release date. When we found out that and Wander was connecting with Salomon, we cleared a space in our rotation. We weren't wrong.
Marni Velcro-Strap Cotton-Blend Neoprene Trainers
Velcro-Strap Cotton-Blend Neoprene Trainers
Marni
EXTRA 20% OFF SELECTED ITEMS EXTRA20
EXTRA 20% OFF SELECTED ITEMS EXTRA20
A cotton-blend neoprene upper makes this pair of trainers from Marni an extremely comfy option. With a velcro-strap closure and open vamp, this one’s ideal for summer but can also be rocked in winter with chunky socks on show.
adidas x Craig Green Kontuur 2
Kontuur 2
adidas x Craig Green
adidas and Craig Green returned towards the end of 2020 with a host of new silhouettes added to their collab arsenal. The Kontuur 2 was a highlight, particularly for those who like their monochrome.
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