With all the hype around sneakers these days folk tend to forget the basics, that is having a solid all-white or black sneaker in their rotation. When all else fails, you can always turn some solid black kicks to get you through the day regardless of the season.
What makes black sneakers great is that they often need less maintenance than their lighter counterparts and usually blend into outfits with ease. It’s arguably one of the most important investments to make for one's collection.
In reality, there’s no reason why sneakers should be even gendered in the first place as people tend to gravitate towards what they like. Brands have been steadily releasing its signature models in a variety of sizes that sometimes accommodates everyone, including kids too, but the majority of limited-released sneakers tend to be limited to men. Still, though, there are few options out there geared towards people with smaller feet so we’ve rounded up the best black sneakers for women to get you through fall and beyond featuring kicks from affordable brands like HOKA to luxury offerings from Balenciaga.
Check out the best black sneakers for women below
New Balance 1906R
1906R
New Balance
The "Protection Pack" was so well received that New Balance had to bring it back with the 1906R. Even though the year just began, these are a solid contender for sneaker of the year.
Reebok x Needles Beatnik Moc
Beatnik Moc
Reebok x Needles
Needles and Reebok struck gold with their previous collaboration, and the latest is even better. From the sawtooth sole to the small embroidered butterfly, this might be the comfiest, low-key shoe you buy all year.
ASICS GEL-QUANTUM 360 VII KISO
GEL-QUANTUM 360 VII KISO
ASICS
ASICS has always been well known for its comfy lifestyle silhouettes, so adding this silhouette into your rotation is an easy choice. The thin blue stripe on the outsole breaks up the monochrome colorway perfectly.
Maison Margiela Tabi Sneakers
Tabi Sneakers
Maison Margiela
Sure you might already have a pair of Tabi heels, but owing the sneakers is arguably a bigger flex. Unless you’re considering a pair from last year’s Reebok collab, these are your best bet.
Mizuno Wave Prophecy 11
Wave Prophecy 11
Mizuno
If you haven’t had a chance to own any sneakers from Mizuno’s Wave line, 2023 might be the perfect time to start. It’s rare to find a sneaker with eye-catching aesthetics that surpasses others by far in terms of comfort.
Nike Zoom Vomero 5 SP
Zoom Vomero 5 SP
Nike
The Zoom Vomero has already left the station if you haven’t noticed, so we suggest copping a pair now. The anthracite colorway will easily set you apart.
ASICS x KASSL Editions Gel-Nimbus 9
Gel-Nimbus 9
ASICS x KASSL Editions
Easily one of the best sneakers drops last year was the super limited KASSL Editions collab with ASICS. Chances are these flew under your radar, but there’s plenty of time to grab 'em for resale.
Trussardi Neo Sock Sneaker
Neo Sock Sneaker
Trussardi
Any sneaker with a Vibram sole is sure to keep your feet at ease, especially an all-black one. Trussardi's futuristic sock sneaker easily works for formal and casual settings.
Rick Owens Strobe Sneakers
Strobe Sneakers
Rick Owens
The line between sneakers and other footwear grows stranger every day, so if you’re down to embrace it let Rick guide you there in style.
Jil Sander Lace-Up Sneakers
Lace-Up Sneakers
Jil Sander
While some like to focus on a super detailed or padded upper, Jil Sander opts for the latter. This chunky outsole ensures you can step anywhere with ease.
Salomon x Comme des Garçons Pulsar Sneakers
Pulsar Sneakers
Salomon x Comme des Garçons
If you’re interested in adding a bit of luxury mixed with outdoor aesthetics, then this collab is the only black sneaker you’ll need. The extra chunky sole easily adds a few notches to your confidence.
adidas Adimatic
Adimatic
adidas
Aside from tapping into your formative skater girl years, the Adimatic is extra comfy and even looks better than some newer silhouettes from the brand’s recent output.
Saucony Progrid Triumph 4
Progrid Triumph 4
Saucony
Whether you’re one to wear the same sneaker daily or prefer to switch things up often, it’s always nice to know your kicks are durable. These Sacuony’s are built using CORDURA®, meaning they handle whatever you throw at them and even kept your feet dry too.
Nike Lahar Low
Lahar Low
Nike
Perhaps the cutest norm core sneaker for women ever, the all-black Lahar comes in a suede finish with its classic, glittery sole.
HOKA Bondi X
Bondi 8
HOKA
Above all, comfort really should be your first priority when hitting the sneaker market and the Bondi 8 is one of most trusted sneakers out. HOKA utilizes an early stage Meta-Rocker for smooth transitions while running or walking, but the Bondi is also stylish enough for casual wear.
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.