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We all know that a pair of crisp, white sneakers are definitely a staple piece for a stylish men’s wardrobe. But what about black sneakers for men? Are they up to par? The answer is yes, and in some aspects, black shoes could even be considered to have more value than their white counterparts. Darker color shoes, whether fabric, suede, or leather, are less prone to show dirt (or at least more forgiving to any spots & imperfections), as well being extremely versatile.
You can whip out the seasonless black footwear from summer to winter, wear them from day to night, and style them up or down, they will (almost) go well with anything. No matter how many you already own, a solid pair of black shoes should be next up on your wishlist.
With the plethora of brands on the market and new sneaker styles released each season, it could easily become overwhelming to doomscroll endlessly. It doesn’t help if you have bombarding unanswered questions rolling through your head either. “Is this brand worth the price?” “Are these comfortable?” “Can I pull this off?”
Whether you are a student on a budget, a street-style sneaker snob, or another dude that just wants to look put together, we’ve got you covered. Luckily, we’ve done the scrolling for you and picked out the best black sneakers for men.
Best Black Sneakers For Any Man
Black sneakers are an all-time classic shoe you can wear all day and all night long. These are the best men’s black sneakers to buy this season.
If you don’t know where to start when looking for the perfect pair of all black sneakers, it’s always best to opt for something clean and trendless. The Common Projects ‘Original Achilles’ sneakers are a cult-favorite among minimalists and this black pair is one of the brand’s most popular colorways, crowning it to be a staple for men’s wardrobes.
The simple style with no unnecessary details and the exceptional construction make this the perfect go-to piece for those who want to invest in a solid pair of black sneakers that will last them for years. Take pride in the brand’s signature serial number golden stamp on the heels, making your pair uniquely yours.
The best black shoes option for mid-top lovers is Loci’s Ten in Black/Black/Gum. Loci have rightfully earned a loyal following with their premium vegan leather sneakers that are stylish and eco-friendly. You’ll be surprised at the unexpected materials that make up the sneakers – bamboo lining, natural cork sole, recycled ocean plastic & recycled foam.
Loci’s innovative sneakers are available in numerous attractive color combinations, but we especially love this matte black one with the contrasting rubber in their signature ‘Gum’ shade. The natural color of the sole not only gives a very sustainable feel but also brightens up the mood of the black sneakers for a more fun, casual look – perfect for every day styling.
With Y2K fashion trends peaking higher than ever now, the all-time classic Converse Chuck 70 sneaker is gaining momentum. Timothée Chalamet styled the white pair with a suit at the 2021 Met Gala – your high school kicks are finally cool again.
The timeless sneakers in black have been remastered with upgraded materials and craftsmanship, featuring more cushioning for enhanced comfort. You know you can’t go wrong with an iconic style with a heritage like these black Converse Chuck 70s. These black Converse sneakers can be paired with any of your favorite jeans or black pants. They will instantly add a hint of retro vibes to your outfit.
If you are looking for a pair of black sneakers that will last years without paying the insane retail markup, Oliver Cabell’s Low 1 in Jet Black is a great fair-priced option. Without compromising quality, the reasonably priced Oliver Cabell footwear is still handmade with impeccable, old-school craftsmanship in Italy.
Each shoe is made of modern, premium materials, good for your wallet and the planet. We especially love how minimal and sleek these jet all-black sneakers are with the seamless blending of the soft, full-grain calfskin leather and the lightweight rubber outsoles.
Being one of the most versatile black sneakers on this list, Oliver Cabell’s Low 1 in jet black can be styled up or down. Wear them with wool trousers & a crisp, white shirt for a polished business casual look, or style them with your favorite denim and T-shirt for an easy, casual outfit.
When we are talking about sneakers, we cannot forget the sneakers & sportswear giant, Nike. The Air Max 97 has been included in all sorts of sneaker roundups for several years now, and this year is no exception. Originally designed for performance running, the soft, comfortable cushioning underfoot guarantees a soft fit like no other.
If you’re in the market for a stylish and cushy option, this is your best pick. Pair these black Air Max 97 sneakers with Nike’s iconic swoosh ankle socks and you will for sure be scoring some confidence-boosting compliments on the streets.
Another ‘no-regrets’ choice for men is Maison Margiela’s Replica Low Top sneakers in black. The brand’s iconic Replica sneakers are made in Italy and are inspired by men’s sports shoes from the Austrian province in the ’70s. The numerical logo on the tongue and the minimal white stitch detail in the back make these sneakers the ultimate low-key.
Maison Margiela prides itself on creating ‘if you know you know’ brand items and sneakerheads or fashion enthusiasts across the globe want to know. If you are looking for a pair of black sneakers that you can wear from day to night, these Maison Margiela Replica Low Tops are for you. They will pair well with your business casual outfit to the office as well as with sexy, date night looks.
New Balance surely had their moment in recent years with their 550 model being one of the most popular silhouettes, resulting in sold-out products everywhere. We are expecting to see continued hype with the brand in the coming years as well.
Right now, we’re especially loving the black version of the NB Numeric Tom Knox 440, which is like 550’s little brother. The sophisticated suede & mesh detail, modern technology, and soft cushioning make this a great go-to sneaker for the skater and the sneaker snob alike.
If you want a sustainable, eco-friendly option for your black sneakers, look no further than Veja. Veja is a leading, sustainable sneaker brand, the label has a focus on transparency, fair trade, social and environmental responsibility. You can take comfort in supporting all the right causes with your wallet.
Veja’s best-selling V-10 model comes in this sleek black option. This 54% bio-based material is made of 100% organic cotton canvas coated with a resin from P.U., cornstarch, and Ricinus oil – yes, you heard me right, these sexy black sneakers are actually not made of real leather and are completely vegan.
Myrqvist’s Oaxen sneakers in double black is another brand with a loyal, cult following. The brand elegantly combines their minimal, Swedish designs with quality Italian suede and created by skilled craftspeople in Portugal.
The Oaxen sneakers are the ultimate choice when it comes to minimal aesthetics – unbeatable, clean lines and minimum appearance of logo. We love how these black sneakers are not too flashy, allowing them to be the go-to pair for the office or casual dates.
Balenciaga’s track sneakers in black would be the best pick for luxury (designer?) lovers. Balenciaga might be the most known for their super-popular Speed (sock) sneakers, but these track sneakers are quickly gaining their rightly earned spot in the sneakers hall of fame as well.
These are made of primarily nylon and mesh making them 100% non-leather sneakers. The intricate layered effect combined with printed & embossed logos make them one-of-a-kind. Track sneakers can’t get any sexier than these.
Los Angeles brand CLAE offers the best high-top option for minimal black sneakers. Their best-selling Bradley style from ‘The Essentials Line’ is a great piece for everyday outfits. Sophisticated details like flat waxed cotton laces, premium leather lining and leather heel accent are seamlessly juxtaposed to make these black sneakers both elegant and timeless.
Style CLAE’s black high-top sneakers with straight-leg denim and a white linen shirt for an effortless, casual look for dates or to the beach.
You might be surprised to see the boots legend, Dr. Martens on this sneakers list but we couldn’t leave these Dante Brando Leather sneakers out. These black sneakers are perfect for city streets and concerts, giving off the badass signature Docs are known for.
This is yet another great minimal piece along with many others on this roster, but a slightly chunkier version for a more fun, punky vibe. And don’t worry – you won’t have to painfully break these in like the classic Doc boots.
The Genesis Sneaker is one of Axel Arigato’s most renowned styles and the retro-inspired minimalistic silhouette makes the sneaker a strong statement piece. It comes in a wide range of attractive colorways that are all so tempting.
Our pick is the Genesis Vintage Runner in black & white. The sneaker is set on a lightweight modern streamlined sole and is responsibly produced using recycled PET bottles for the upper and inner linings.
For those that find completely blacked-out sneakers a bit intimidating, this is a gentle alternative, the splashes of white color blocks make the black sneakers feel lighter and give you more styling flexibility. The Genesis Sneaker is the perfect casual sneaker to be styled with jeans or shorts paired with fun socks.
One of the most affordable black sneaker options is the Vans Skate Old Skool in Black/Black. These American classics are truly an icon when it comes to timeless sneakers. The brand has impressively upped their technology game for maximum progression for skateboarders’ and everyday needs.
The new and upgraded molded heel counter, internal tongue straps, & ‘POPCUSH’ cushioning all work together to bring out the best performance, as well as provide ultimate comfort for the casual wearer. If you work at an office with a relaxed dress code, these Old Skool Vans are perfect for you – they are durable enough for your everyday commute and will go well with most casual items in your closet.
The Row’s Dean sneakers in black, supple calfskin Nappa leather would be best for those who strive for utopian simplicity and zen. Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen’s designer label, The Row is the ultimate minimalist luxury brand for both men and women. These sleek slip-on sneakers are a perfect representation of the brand’s identity.
The buttery, soft black leather paired with a flexible rubber sole makes this a comfortable piece without compromising any style. If you are into the minimalist look, these black slip-on sneakers will surely make a statement. Style these with jeans for a relaxed look or pair them with tailored trousers for a sharp, sophisticated look.
Ideal for those on your feet a lot, Salomon XT-WINGS 2 are the perfect pair of black sneakers for men who are moving around all day. Using heel-to-toe advanced technologies, Salomon ensures maximum stability and grip. If you are a smart shopper looking for a pair of black sneakers that you can wear to the gym, to outdoor activities, and just about anywhere, this one is for you.
Salomon offers a wide range of attractive colorways, hence gathering a niche following of loyal collectors. This brand has quickly broken through for both streetwear enthusiasts and practical wearers. But if you’re just starting out your Salomon collection, this modern, blacked-out version will get you off to a great start.
The Rick Owens Cargo sneaker is a great pick if you are open to exploring and splurging. Loved by fashion enthusiasts across the globe, Rick Owens is a designer that ranks high in the luxury realm, making these sneakers a frequent contestant on influencers’ wish lists.
These black sneakers are meant to come right above your ankles and the zipper on the inside ankle is a nice, thoughtful touch making it easy to slip on these high-tops. Since you’d want to show off the amazing details on these high-tops, we suggest you style these with skinny jeans rolled or with cropped trousers (bonus points if you style them with other Rick Owens items). If you are down to splurge (even more) the Cargo sneakers are also available in 100% calf leather.
A luxury favorite and a statement piece that cannot be missed is the “Oversized Sneaker” by Alexander McQueen. This must-have style among sneakerheads and fashion lovers has been popular since 2016 and is available in multiple variations. However, these sleek black sneakers are even more lustrous with the transparent oversized sole.
The exaggerated sole is definitely the star of the show, but other unexpected details like the perforated sides and the patterned stamp design on the bottom sole are what make these black sneakers so special. If you are looking to add an additional 1.5 inches to your height, these platform sneakers will definitely provide you with that extra (sneaky) confidence boost.
Finding the Best Black Sneakers for Men
From athletic sport-style sneakers to the more luxurious, “going out” sneakers, there are numerous options of black sneakers for men. It is not an exaggeration to say that almost all brands are coming up with versions of black sneakers, especially in their best-selling lines – clearly evidence for its popularity.
A pair of low-maintenance, black sneakers will without a doubt become your go-to pair to completing your outfit year-round.
Black Sneakers FAQs
How to wear black sneakers / How to style black sneakers
What makes black sneakers so great is their versatility. They can be worn during all seasons and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.
They would be best if worn with neutral-toned colors like black, gray, beige, or navy for a more monochromatic look. Black sneakers are already bold on their own, so keep your outfit clean and minimal. If you feel lost or want to play it safe, go for an all-black outfit with your black sneakers for a totally effortless vibe – you can’t go wrong with all black.
How to clean black sneakers
Black sneakers are much more low maintenance than their lighter counterparts, but they still require some love and care if you want them to last longer. Any spots, stains or dirt is typically less visible but occasionally do a spot clean them with a dry or damp soft cloth depending on the material. If your black sneakers are looking a little rough, try spot cleaning with a soft toothbrush and mild dish soap to remove heavy dirt.
For an easy all-in-one solution, get yourself a cleaning kit (like this one from Sneaker Lab) it comes with a premium brush and the 100% biodegradable, non-toxic products are safe to use on all fabrics including leather, canvas, and suede. Investing in a cleaning kit like this will keep your kicks looking fresh and extend your sneakers’ lifetime.
What color socks to wear with black sneakers for men?
It’s best to wear black socks (preferably ankle socks) with black sneakers for men. Having the same color extend up to your ankle and connect with darker colored trousers will really elongate your legs, making you appear taller.
Black is the safest option, but don’t get too tied down, and feel free to explore other colored or dress socks as well, depending on your overall look – we also recommend softer, neutral shades of gray or beige to avoid sharp contrast against the black sneakers.
Grace Sy is a freelance fashion writer and online shopping expert. As a former fashion buyer, she’s keen to spot the latest trends and loves classic, minimal style. Her hobbies include trying on menswear, dining at new restaurants in NYC, and golfing.
