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.
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.
adidas Samba Classic
Samba Classic
adidas
After a string of collaborations in quick succession — Jonah Hill and Wales Bonner stand out — the adidas Samba is back within our crosshairs and looks set for a big 2021.
adidas Superstar
Superstar
adidas
When you’re in the market for black sneakers, you’re probably also in the market for something classic and they don’t come much more classic than the adidas Superstar.
New Balance 327
327
New Balance
The new Balance 327 staked a strong claim for the shoe of 2020 after numerous collaborations. Even in its foundational form, in a simple black & white colorway, it’s a treat for the eyes with retro appeal.
adidas x Pharrell Williams UltraBoost DNA
UltraBoost DNA
adidas x Pharrell Williams
The adidas Ultraboost is undoubtedly a contemporary classic thanks to unrivaled comfort and a versatile style. Increase the versatility with this all-black colorway courtesy of Pharrell and the Three Stripes.
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.
New Balance 990v5
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.
Nike x Stüssy Air Force 1 Low
Air Force 1 Low
Stüssy x 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.
Reebok Premier Road Modern Black
Premier Road Modern Black
Reebok
Reebok’s Premier Road is another silhouette that, having received the collaboration treatment with Packer, was brought firmly into the limelight lately. Copping this triple black version is a great way to keep up without following suit.
Salomon XT-Wings 2 ADV Sneakers
XT-Wings 2 ADV Sneakers
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.
Converse x GOLF le FLEUR* Gianno Suede
Gianno Suede
Converse x GOLF le FLEUR*
Tyler, The Creator’s GOLF le FLEUR* label has worked alongside Converse several times now, but one of the duo’s most memorable silhouettes is the Gianno. Chunky in good measure with a black premium suede upper to round things out.
New balance x Aries MS327
MS327
New balance x Aries
The New Balance 327 took 2020 by storm. The retro-inspired runner features a streamlined, lightweight construction that slotted seamlessly into the vintage trends that dominated the year. This collaboration with Aries sees the sneaker updated with premium black leather uppers and 3M trims.
Marni Velcro-Strap Cotton-Blend Neoprene Trainers
Velcro-Strap Cotton-Blend Neoprene Trainers
Marni
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 Originals YEEZY Boost 700 V3 "Alvah"
YEEZY Boost 700 V3 "Alvah"
adidas Originals
With so many adidas YEEZY silhouettes to pick from, sometimes the best policy is to eschew making a statement and just keeping things pared-back. The all-black YEEZY 700 V3 “Alvah” released earlier this year and still stands out from the pack thanks to its simplicity.
PUMA Suede Classic+ LFS
Suede Classic+ LFS
PUMA
If you’re on the search for a pair of black sneakers, you’re probably doing so for versatility and timelessness. If that’s correct, you can’t do much better than the PUMA Suede Classic. Unchanged since the ‘70s, this minimal silhouette is one for the ages.
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 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 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.
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.
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