Let's be real. You could have all the heat in the world when it comes to grailed kicks, but without a solid pair of black sneakers you're selling yourself short.
Black sneakers are essential to a footwear 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 all year round.
What's more, all-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, the quest for the best black sneakers is no easy task. Fortunately, the experts here at Highsnobiety HQ have been keeping tabs on the footwear essentials and have curated a selection of the best all-black shoes with various pairs on this list coming in a wide array of sizes. From Norda's technical sneakers to monochrome staples from Reebok and Converse, these all-black sneakers are here to hold you down.
Scroll on for a look at the best black sneakers for men right now.
Nike Air Force 1 '07
Air Force 1 '07
Nike
Where better to start our foray into the best black sneakers than with the Nike Air Force 1 in the iconic Triple Black colorway? Few kicks come as easy to style as this silhouette and, in particular, this colorway.
ASICS GEL-TRABUCO TERRA SPS
GEL-TRABUCO TERRA SPS
ASICS
ASICS' roster of trail-ready runners is filled with low-key silhouettes like the GEL-TRABUCO™ TERRA. The upper is crafted from a multi-directional stretch foam that adapts to your feet while the treaded outsole provides superior grip on various surfaces.
Balenciaga Track.3 Sneakers
Track.3 Sneakers
Balenciaga
Balenciaga is definitely no stranger to a bold colorway, but we've always felt tht the label's dystopian sneaker designs look best in Triple Black versions. Don't you agree?
norda 001 M
001 M
norda
The materials Norda uses in its shoes are pretty much light years ahead of other brands. Few sneakers can boast of being extremely lightweight while also providing over-the-top durability and comfort.
Gucci Run Sneakers
Run Sneakers
Gucci
A major departure from Michele's retro style during his tenure at Gucci was this pair of sneakers. While all else looked to '70s styling, the Gucci Run silhouette opted for a much more up-to-date performance angle. In all-black, the design looks as sleek as intended.
Salomon XA Alpine 2 Advanced
XA Alpine 2 Advanced
Salomon
Though the XA Alpine 2 is geared toward trail-running athletes, the protective gaiter and minimal finish make it easy to tie into any wardrobe.
ASICS Gel-Quantum 360v2
Gel-Quantum 360v2
ASICS
ASICS runners have seriously taken over the sneaker landscape and for good reason. Silhouettes like the Gel-Quantum 360v2 show that few have mastered this kind of technical sneaker design like ASICS.
Moncler Trailgrip GTX Sneakers
Trailgrip GTX Sneakers
Moncler
Moncler has doubled down on the practical details with this sneaker, including a waterproof GORE-TEX upper, Vibram’s Megagrip treaded sole, and tough ripstop nylon to create a sneaker ready for all conditions.
Li-Ning Furious Rider Ace 1.5 Sneakers
Furious Rider Ace 1.5 Sneakers
Li-Ning
Chinese label Li-Ning is a relative newcomer to the world of sneakers but it hasn't wasted any time in making a dent in the luxury sneaker market. Highly technical, almost robotic-looking designs like the Furious Rider 1.5 encpsulate the brand's aesthetic.
Converse x A-Cold-Wall* Chuck 70 Hi
Chuck 70 Hi
Converse x A-Cold-Wall*
The only thing better than a classic sneaker is an updated version. The latest collab from Converse and A-Cold-Wall* makes use of reflective printing and a translucent sole for a futuristic take on the Chuck 70.
UNDEFEATED x Nike Dunk Low SP
Nike Dunk Low '5 On It'
Undefeated x Nike
UNDEFEATED’s collaborations with Nike have flown somewhat under the radar recently, which is criminal considering the retailer’s legendary status as a Swoosh partner. Black Nike sneakers are a classic, and these ballistic nylon Dunk Low from the Dunk vs AF1 pack is too good to pass up.
Trussardi Neo Sock Sneaker
Neo Sock Sneaker
Trussardi
With a name like Neo, it's fair to assume that Trussardi's footwear is based on futuristic designs. The suede accents and sock-like upper come with a comfy Vibram sole, so you can wear these daily.
Nike x Comme des Garçons Air Max Sunder SP
Air Max Sunder SP
Nike x Comme des Garçons
If there's one thing we can be certain of, it's that there will always be a few new all-black pairs of Nike Air Max's every season. Comme des Garçons brings back this retro runner with a sleek, monochrome finish.
Reebok Zig Kinetica 2.5
Zig Kinetica 2.5
Reebok
Transferring technology from trail running shoes and using it for this futuristic everyday sneaker, Reebok's Zig Kinetica 2.5 is right at home in the great outdoors and city streets.
ROA Khatarina Sneaker
Khatarina Sneaker
ROA
When considering minimal, high-performance silhouettes, ROA should definitely be on your list. Its sneakers take inspiration from the great outdoors which means they can handle just about anything.
Raf Simons Antei Sneakers
Antei Sneakers
Raf Simons
Raf recently announced that he will be shuttering his eponymous clothing brand, so we'd recommend getting your hands on this classic silhouette while you still can. This model is updated with new materials and a removable lace covering.
Merrell Moab Retro Slide 1TRL
Moab Retro Slide 1TRL
Merrell
Even though these are technically winter slides, they allow you to carry out your daily tasks as the upper is made from durable suede and the outsole is equipped with custom Vibram technology.
Maison Margiela Leather Replica Sneakers
Leather Replica Sneakers
Maison Margiela
Maison Margiela's famous interpretation of adidas' German army trainer (or GAT as they are colloquially known), might just be the ultimate all-black, minimal sneaker.
Mizuno Wave Prophecy 11
Wave Prophecy 11
Mizuno
This could be the most eye-catching sneaker sole unit of all time but, in typical Mizuno fashion, it was created for superior cushioning and comfort as opposed to style.
Salomon Techsonic Leather Advanced
Techsonic Leather Advanced
Salomon
Not only is this a great all-black sneaker, but if you fold the heel in it turns into a highly-practical pair of all-black mules.
On Cloudrock 2 Waterproof
Cloudrock 2 Waterproof
On
Engineered in Switzerland for optimum comfort using On's signature Cloud technology, the Cloudrock is the label's rugged trail-running boot. Made for uneven terrains and sharp declines, you can rest assured that these boots have you covered for adventures regardless of the weather.
ASICS Gel-Quantum 180 VII
Gel-Quantum 180 VII
ASICS
This sneaker takes the technology from Asics' performance-specific Gel-Quantum 360 line and puts it into a more minimal, casual sneaker for everyday wear.
Reebok Classic Leather Sneakers
Classic Leather Sneakers
Reebok
You can never go wrong with a pair of classic sneakers, and these are about as classic as they come.
Soulland x Li Ning Furious Rider 6
Furious Rider 6
Soulland x Li Ning
If you want some seriously comfy sneakers, the best thing to do is get a pair made for running. This is Li-Ning’s most premium running shoe and it comes with all the cutting-edge technology you could need to keep your feet happy along with a Soulland-designed stealthy colorway.
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