The Best Black Sneakers for Every Rotation
Black sneakers are essential to every rotation, 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 Superstar
Superstar
adidas Originals
The adidas Superstar celebrates its 50th birthday this year. Beginning life as a low top basketball sneaker, the Superstar has been adopted by various areas of culture and it continues to get new, modern spins.
Nike Air Force One
Air Force 1 '07
Nike
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.
Vans Old Skool
Old Skool
Vans
A classic. Vans’ signature shoe has been a part of rotations for more than 40 years, designed for skating but loved and used in a multitude of other worlds now.
Nike Air Tailwind 79 SE
Air Tailwind 79 SE
Nike
This retro Nike silhouette was originally released in 1979 and marked the beginning of Nike Air technology. The first model to carry Nike’s patented air bubble, the Tailwind broke ground for a new generation of sneaker design and still looks as fresh in 2020 as it did in ’79.
On Running Cloudflow
Cloudflow
On
Performance-footwear brand On Running 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.
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.
adidas Originals Ozweego
Ozweego
adidas Originals
Inspired by the sneakers of the ’90s and ’00s, the adidas Originals Ozweego is the perfect blend of classic and modern. With an eye-catching mesh and suede upper, the Ozweego boasts elements of running sneakers from the past. This new colorway features a matte black upper and grey outsole.
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.
Fear of God x Converse Chuck Taylor 70s
Chuck Taylor 70s
Fear of God x Converse
The Chuck 70 Hi is about as classic and no-frills as one can get. Combine the classic silhouette with Jerry Lorenzo’s washed-out, L.A.-inspired color palettes — this time a cream and black combo — and we’re onto 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.
ASICS GEL-Kayano 5 360
GEL-Kayano 5 360
ASICS
ASICS has continuously shown that it can bring the past and future together to create hybrid sneakers like no other. The GEL-Kayano 5 360 is a testament to that, featuring an ultra-comfy 360 GEL sole and a retro-inspired upper.
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.
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.
Off-White™ Low Vulcanized Sneakers
Low Vulcanized Sneakers
Off-White™
Free Express Shipping On Orders Over $300
Free Express Shipping On Orders Over $300
Off-White head honcho Virgil Abloh has always been vocal about how much sneakers inspired his journey into design. With a handful of fan-favorite Nike collaborations under his belt, a closer focus on the footwear design at Off-White has led to some great results.
Sacai x Nike LD Waffle
LDWaffle
Sacai x Nike
Earlier this year, Sacai offered a decidedly futuristic, conceptual take on one of Nike’s retro silhouettes. The Nike LD Waffle Sacai imitates the fusion of two separate shoes while somehow retaining a minimal overall feel.
Bally Grody Sneakers
Dipping into the annals of retro sports sneaker design for inspiration, Bally’s Grody fills out an athletic silhouette with luxurious full-grain calf leather. Topped off with a silicon inner sock, wear as a slip-on, zipped, or laced.
Prada Cloudbust Thunder Sneakers
Cloudbust Thunder Sneakers
Prada
FREE SHIPPING ON ORDERS OVER $300
FREE SHIPPING ON ORDERS OVER $300
Fast-forward your sneaker rotation some 50 years with this spaceship-worthy sneaker from Italian powerhouse Prada. A streamlined, athletic upper sits atop a contrasting chunky sole unit that adds punch to this all-black design.
Opening Ceremony x HOKA One One Bondi
Bondi Running Sneakers
Opening Ceremony x HOKA One One
Free Express Shipping On Orders Over $500
Free Express Shipping On Orders Over $500
HOKA One One burst onto the fashion scene almost as quickly as it dominated the running game. Thanks to ultra-cushioned models like the Bondi above, HOKA sneakers have become favorites among the performance crowd. Collaborations with the likes of Opening Ceremony has led to the brand being one of the hottest up and comers.
Maison Margiela Replica
Replica Sneakers
Maison Margiela
The Maison Margiela Replica is the fashion house’s take on the German Army Trainer (GTA), one of the most popular and lowkey silhouettes. Crafted with premium materials, you’re getting a sneaker that feels as good as it looks.
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- Curated by: Yulia Pankova
