18 Black Sneakers You Need in Your 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 essential – 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.
Reebok Zig Kenitca Concept_Type1
Zig Kinetica Concept_Type1
Reebok
Reebok has been on a tear lately with fresh colorways of the sleek Zig Kinetica — a new lifestyle silhouette that champion UFC fighter Conor McGregor helped launch in February. This version of the Zig Kinetica is dubbed the Concept_Type1 and features blacked-out uppers characterized by a medley of shapes, lines, and panels pulled from a mix of archival Reebok shoes. Hits of gum rubber along the outsoles and heel break up the otherwise all-black kicks, making them the perfect sneaker to dress up or down.
Kiko Kostadniov x ASICS GEL-Kiril
Gel Kiril Sneakers
Kiko Kostadinov
Thankfully for everyone who’s into good sneakers, the Kiko Kostadinov and ASICS love story continues. First seen at the Bulgarian designer’s FW20 runway show, the GEL-Kiril is another fine example of the partnership’s melding of high-end luxury with retro sportswear.
New Balance 990v5
A timeless silhouette, in a colorway that’ll make it that little bit more so, thanks to black’s dirt- and wear- hiding capabilities.
Nike Air Tailwind 79
Air Tailwind 79 SE
Nike
Did you know the Nike Air Tailwind made its debut at the Honolulu Marathon back in 1978? Well, you’re probably a far cry from Honolulu, but that shouldn’t stop you investing in a piece of running sneaker history. Boasting a blacked-out Swoosh here, too.
COMME des GARÇONS Homme Plus x Nike Air Max 95
Air Max 95
COMME des GARÇONS Homme Plus x Nike
CDG and the Swoosh teamed up to unveil another new spin on the iconic Air Max 95 last month. Excess fabric and foam give the shoe a ready-deconstructed look, meaning you’ll feel less guilty when you do wear them in a little too much.
Y-3 Ren
Ren Sneakers
Y-3
From all-time classic silhouettes to one that’s other-worldly. The Y-3 Ren makes use of multiple mesh layers for its lightweight upper, resulting in breathability and comfort. A streamlined sports shoe ready for the year 2067.
Nike Air Force 1
Air Force 1 '07
Nike
What’s more classic and understated than a triple black Nike Air Force 1? We’ll wait.
Nike P-6000
P-6000
Nike
Nike’s P-6000 was originally released just for women but, thanks to overwhelmingly positive reception from male sneakerheads, the retro-inspired silhouette is now available for men too. While it was previously released in a number of eye-catching colorways, this triple black version keeps things simple.
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.
Reebok DMX Trail Shadow
DMX Trail Shadow
Reebok
Not only are Reebok’s collaborations severely underrated, but the brand’s in-line models are also worth a closer look too. The DMX Trail Shadow has tinges of the Balenciaga Track thanks to its busy upper and trail-inspired sole unit. The black upper is complemented by hits of silver, that bring the multi-layered upper to attention.
Converse Chuck 70 Hi
Chuck 70 Suede Hi
Converse
The Chuck 70 Hi is about as classic and no-frills as one can get. Add a suede upper instead of the traditional canvas and we’re sold, so you should be too.
adidas Originals Supercourt
Supercourt
adidas Originals
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The adidas Supercourt is one of the brand’s latest, classic designs. A multi-layered leather upper is rendered in all back, as is the midsole. For those looking for an understated, tennis shoe aesthetic, look no further.
adidas Originals Stan Smith
Stan Smith
adidas Originals
When adidas brought back the Stan Smith in 2015, no one could have predicted just how huge the popular silhouette’s return would be. Now, almost five years on, the classic tennis model is still going strong thanks to its sleek, no-frills design.
OAMC x adidas Originals Type 02
Type O-2L
OAMC x adidas Originals
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OAMC and adidas teamed up on a number of different silhouettes, this triple black, leather Type 0-2 being the standout. It mixes high fashion with sportswear-inspired detailing and is a great anti sneaker for anyone that wants something little less casual.
Maison Margiela Fusion
Margiela’s Fusion sneaker is a monstrosity but it owns it and that’s what makes it badass. Previously available in a number of bright, eye-catching colorways, this triple black version is as toned down as a glue-covered sneaker can be.
Opening Ceremony x HOKA One One Bondi
Bondi Running Sneakers
Opening Ceremony x HOKA One One
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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.
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.
JW Anderson x Converse Run Star Hike
Run Star Hike
JW Anderson x Converse
JW Anderson took perhaps the simplest design, the Chuck 70, and turned into a hiking-approved, chunky beast in the Run Star Hike.
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- Curated by: Rhianna Matthews
