Simple, no-frills black sneakers are a classic addition to any look. Unlike white sneakers, black kicks are low key and you won’t have to worry about keeping them squeaky clean.
For women, however, finding the perfect pair of black sneakers can be a challenge. Many sportswear brands still persist in offering women bright sneakers in overly feminine colorways, failing to acknowledge that women can appreciate all kinds of kicks. In addition, many hyped sneakers still come in men’s sizing, making the quest for new kicks even more frustrating when you're a woman.
To make things a bit easier, Highsnobiety curator Rhianna Matthews has selected some of her favorite black sneakers for women available right now. Rhianna's selection includes popular silhouettes such as Nike's Mountain Fly Lows and classic styles like Salomon's XA-Pro, and New Balance's 992s.
Dive below and let Rhianna give you the rundown on the best black sneakers for women.
New Balance 992 "Black Trend"
992 "Black Trend"
New Balance
The normcore star is back in black, fully equipped with all the design features fans have grown to love about the New Balance 992. A premium leather and mesh upper sit very comfortably on New Balance's ASB ABZORB heel cushion and chubby midsole. It is the ultimate "dad shoe" (or mom shoe?), fit for both burgeoning tech CEOs and the style-conscious.
Balenciaga Track Clear Sole
Track Clear Sole
Balenciaga
Balenciaga's track-inspired shoe is a comfortable rotation topper that has the power to give you a little push on the go...literally. The soles of the black shoe have been designed to propel the feet forward. We are not saying that you'll turn into a track star when you put these on, however, the Balenciaga Track Clear's layered mix of materials, distinct round toe, and overall chunky body might give your fit the edge it needs.
Li-Ning Furious Rider Ace 2
Furious Rider Ace 2
Li-Ning
Li-Ning has been quietly dropping some of the best-designed sneakers in recent years. Their Furious Rider Ace 2 falls into that category. The model is a maximalist masterpiece thanks to its material upper, gel bubbles, and standout paneling.
On Waterproof Cloudflyer Sneakers
Waterproof Cloudflyer Sneakers
On
On's next-gen Cloudflyer will keep you dry through those unexpected pavement puddles and on your off-road adventures. The sneaker is 100 percent water and windproof. Regardless of your lifestyle, it is an excellent pick for a rainy day — no one likes wets socks.
Acne Studios Black Suede & Mesh Sneakers
Black Suede & Mesh Sneakers
Acne Studios
Acne's sandal sneaker hybrid is one of the best shoes you can pick up this summer, especially if you are the type of person who prefers to wear black year-round. The faux-suede, perforated detailing, and mesh lining give the shoe a quietly luxe aesthetic. If you are bold enough, you can pull these off with just about anything.
Raf Simons Cylon-21
Cylon-21
Raf Simons
Could these be the next Ozweegos? Raf's new bulky runner is streamlined and futuristic. Though all the Cylon-21 colorways are worth a look, this black suede, and gel blue iteration is one of our favorites. This shoe has everything it needs to establish itself as a must-have for the next few seasons. Get in on it early.
Eytys Rei Sneakers
Rei Sneakers
Eytys
These look like something out of a Blade Runner film, and that’s not a bad thing. Almost sculptural, the black shoe's mixed leather and rubber give it a striking look that we can't help but salute.
Maison Margiela x Reebok Trompe L'œil Club C
Trompe L'œil Club C
Maison Margiela x Reebok
The legendary fashion house has reinterpreted the iconic Club C using Margiela's trompe l'oeil technique (literally meaning "trick of the eye"). It gives the impression of raised stitches curves, and shadows across the surface, turning the shoe into an "illusion". The collaborative shoe is a very real option if you want to add more timeless and classic sneakers to your growing collection.
Salomon XA-Pro Fusion Advanced
XA-Pro Fusion Advanced
Salomon
Salomon has emerged as the undisputed king of trail-inspired sneakers. The XA-Pro is a hell of a hiking shoe thanks to its grippy Contragrip sole, secure lacing system, and lightweight materials. The black-on-black colorway simply looks great on the feet, hence why gorpcore enthusiasts can't seem to get enough of this shoe.
Nike ACG Mountain Fly Low
ACG Mountain Fly Low
Nike
Speaking of glamping, if you are in the market for a black sneaker that will help you brave the elements while in the great outdoors, look no further than the Nike ACG Mountain Fly Low. The lightweight black sneaker features both Nike React foam and Nike Vaporfly technologies to ensure maximum comfort. True to good hiking-inspired shoes, the ACG Mountain Fly Low has reflective detailing, a sticky rubber outsole, and a secure lace system to lock down your feet. You'll have one of the best-looking shoes on the hiking trails this fall. Want to keep browsing? Head to the Highsnobiety Shop for more products that we love. Highsnobiety has affiliate marketing partnerships, which means we may receive a commission from your purchase.