We all know that a pair of crisp, white sneakers is a must-have item in any stylish man’s wardrobe. But what about men’s black sneakers? Are they up to the task? The answer is yes, and in some ways, black sneakers may be considered more valuable than white sneakers. Black sneakers are less likely to get dirty (or are more forgiving of any blemishes or imperfections) and are extremely versatile. From summer to winter, you can wear the seasonless black sneaker from day to night, dress them up or down, and they will (almost) go with anything.

Regardless of how many sneakers you already own, a good pair of black sneakers should be next on your list. With so many brands on the market and new sneaker styles released every season, it’s easy to become overwhelmed if you doomscroll indefinitely. It also doesn’t help if you have a slew of unanswered questions racing through your mind. “Does this brand warrant the price?” “Do these feel comfortable?” “Am I capable of pulling this off?”

We’ve got you covered, whether you’re a student on a budget, a street-style sneaker snob, or another dude who just wants to look put together. Fortunately, we’ve done the legwork for you and selected the best black sneakers for men. Black sneakers are a timeless classic that can be worn all day and all night. The best black sneakers for men to buy this season are listed below.

COMMON PROJECTS ‘ORIGINAL ACHILLES’

If you’re at a loss for where to begin when looking for the perfect pair of black sneakers, it’s always best to go for something simple and timeless. 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, making it a wardrobe essential for men. The simple design with no unnecessary details, combined with the exceptional construction, make this the ideal go-to piece for those looking to invest in a solid pair of black sneakers that will last for years. Take pride in the brand’s signature serial number gold stamp on the heels, which makes your pair one-of-a-kind.

CONVERSE ‘CHUCK 70’

With Y2K fashion trends at an all-time high, the all-time classic Converse Chuck 70 sneaker is gaining traction. Timothée Chalamet wore the white pair with a suit to the 2021 Met Gala – your high school sneakers are back in style. The classic black sneakers have been remastered with upgraded materials and craftsmanship, as well as more cushioning for added comfort. You know you can’t go wrong with a classic style like these black Converse Chuck 70s. These black Converse sneakers look great with any pair of jeans or black pants. They will instantly give your outfit a retro vibe.

OLIVER CABELL ‘LOW 1, JET BLACK’

If you’re looking for a pair of black sneakers that will last for years without breaking the bank, Oliver Cabell‘s Low 1 in Jet Black is a great value. Without sacrificing quality, Oliver Cabell footwear is still handcrafted in Italy with impeccable, old-school craftsmanship. Each shoe is made of modern, high-quality materials that are good for both your wallet and the environment. The seamless blending of the soft, full-grain calfskin leather and the lightweight rubber outsoles makes these jet black sneakers especially minimal and sleek. Oliver Cabell’s Low 1 in jet black is one of the most versatile black sneakers on this list, and it can be dressed up or down. Wear them with wool trousers and a crisp, white shirt for a polished business casual look, or with your favorite denim and tee for an easy, casual look.

NIKE ‘AIR MAX 97’

When it comes to sneakers, we can’t forget about the sneakers and sportswear behemoth, Nike. For several years, the Air Max 97 has been included in various sneaker roundups, and this year is no exception. The soft, comfortable cushioning underfoot, which was originally designed for performance running, ensures a soft fit like no other. If you’re looking for a stylish and comfortable option, this is your best bet. Pair these black Air Max 97 sneakers with Nike’s iconic swoosh ankle socks and you’re sure to get some compliments on the streets.

MAISON MARGIELA ‘REPLICA LOW TOP’

Maison Margiela‘s Replica Low Top sneakers in black are another ‘no-regrets’ option for men. The iconic Replica sneakers from the brand are made in Italy and are inspired by men’s sports shoes from the Austrian province in the 1970s. The numerical logo on the tongue and the minimal white stitch detail in the back make these sneakers the epitome of understatement. Maison Margiela takes pride in creating ‘if you know you know’ brand items that sneakerheads and fashion enthusiasts all over the world want to know about. These Maison Margiela Replica Low Tops are ideal if you want a pair of black sneakers that you can wear from day to night. They will look great with both your business casual office outfit and your sexy date night outfit.

NEW BALANCE ‘NB NUMERIC TOM KNOX 440’

New Balance had their moment in recent years, with their 550 model being one of the most popular silhouettes, resulting in sold-out products all over the world. We anticipate that the brand will continue to be popular in the coming years. Right now, we’re particularly fond of the black version of the NB Numeric Tom Knox 440, which is essentially the 550’s little brother. The sophisticated suede and mesh detailing, modern technology, and soft cushioning make this a great go-to sneaker for both skaters and sneaker snobs.

VEJA ‘V-10 BLACK BLACK-SOLE’

Look no further than Veja for a sustainable, eco-friendly option for your black sneakers. Veja is a leading, sustainable sneaker brand that prioritizes transparency, fair trade, social and environmental responsibility. You can rest easy knowing that your money is going to the right places. This sleek black version of Veja’s best-selling V-10 model is available. This 54% bio-based material is made of 100% organic cotton canvas coated with a P.U. resin, cornstarch, and Ricinus oil – yes, you read that correctly, these sexy black sneakers are not made of real leather and are completely vegan.

UNIFORM STANDARD ‘SERIES 1 DOUBLE BLACK LEATHER’ 

Uniform Standard‘s Series 1 sneakers in double black leather are another cult favorite. To handcraft these perfectly finished sneakers, the brand elegantly combines their minimal, British designs with quality Italian leathers and premium recycled components such as their 100 percent recycled molded footbed and cellulose insole board. With their subtly embossed logo detail in the back, the black Series 1 sneakers are the ultimate choice when it comes to minimal aesthetics – unbeatable, clean lines and minimal appearance of logo. We like how these black sneakers aren’t too flashy, making them ideal for the office or casual dates.

BALENCIAGA ‘MEN’S TRACK SNEAKER IN BLACK’

For luxury (designer?) fans, Balenciaga’s track sneakers in black are the best option. Balenciaga may be best known for their super-popular Speed (sock) sneakers, but these track sneakers are quickly gaining their rightful place in the sneakers hall of fame. These sneakers are made entirely of nylon and mesh, making them completely non-leather. The intricate layered effect, combined with printed and embossed logos, distinguishes them. Track sneakers don’t get much more sexier than these.

CLAE ‘BRADLEY MID’

CLAE, a Los Angeles-based brand, has the best high-top option for minimal black sneakers. Their best-selling Bradley style from ‘The Essentials Line’ is ideal for everyday wear. Sophisticated details such as flat waxed cotton laces, premium leather lining, and a leather heel accent combine to make these black sneakers both elegant and timeless. Wear CLAE’s black high-top sneakers with straight-leg denim and a white linen shirt for an easy, laid-back look perfect for a date or a trip to the beach.

DR. MARTENS ‘DANTE BRANDO LEATHER CASUAL SHOES’

You might be surprised to see Dr. Martens on this list of sneakers, but we couldn’t leave these Dante Brando Leather sneakers out. These black sneakers are ideal for city streets and concerts, and they exude the badass vibe that Docs are known for. Along with many other great minimal pieces on this roster, this is a slightly chunkier version for a more fun, punky vibe. And, unlike the classic Docs, you won’t have to break these in painfully.

AXEL ARIGATO ‘GENESIS VINTAGE RUNNER’

The Genesis Sneaker is one of Axel Arigato‘s most well-known designs, and its retro-inspired minimalistic silhouette makes it a strong statement piece. It is available in a variety of appealing colorways that are all very appealing. The Genesis Vintage Runner in black and white is our pick. The sneaker is built with recycled PET bottles for the upper and inner linings and sits on a lightweight modern streamlined sole. For those who find completely blacked-out sneakers intimidating, this is a gentle alternative; the splashes of white color blocks make the black sneakers feel lighter and provide you with more styling options. The Genesis Sneaker is the ideal casual shoe for wearing with jeans or shorts and fun socks.

VANS ‘SKATE OLD SKOOL’

The Vans Skate Old Skool in Black/Black is one of the most affordable black sneaker options. When it comes to timeless sneakers, these American classics are unrivaled. The brand has impressively increased their technological game in order to maximize progression for skateboarders’ and everyday needs. The new and improved molded heel counter, internal tongue straps, and ‘POPCUSH’ cushioning all work together to maximize performance while also providing ultimate comfort for the casual wearer. If you work in an office with a casual dress code, these Old Skool Vans are ideal – they are durable enough for your daily commute and will go well with the majority of casual items in your closet.

THE ROW ‘DEAN’

Dean sneakers by The Row in black, supple calfskin Nappa leather are ideal for those seeking utopian simplicity and zen. The Row, the designer label of Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, is the ultimate minimalist luxury brand for both men and women. These stylish slip-on sneakers perfectly represent the brand’s identity. The buttery, soft black leather combined with the flexible rubber sole makes this a comfortable piece that doesn’t sacrifice style. If you like the minimalist look, these black slip-on sneakers will definitely stand out. Pair these with jeans for a laid-back look, or with tailored trousers for a sharp, sophisticated look.

SALOMON ‘XT-WINGS 2’

Salomon XT-WINGS 2 are the ideal pair of black sneakers for men who are on their feet a lot throughout the day. Salomon ensures maximum stability and grip by utilizing heel-to-toe advanced technologies. This one is for you if you are a wise shopper looking for a pair of black sneakers that you can wear to the gym, outdoor activities, and pretty much anywhere. Salomon provides a wide range of appealing colorways, resulting in a cult following of devoted collectors. This brand has quickly gained popularity among both streetwear fans and practical wearers. However, if you’re just getting started with Salomon, this modern, blacked-out version will get you off to a great start.

RICK OWENS DRKSHDW ‘FOGACHINE’ 

If you’re willing to experiment and splurge, the Rick Owens Fogachine sneaker is a great choice. Rick Owens is a designer adored by fashion enthusiasts all over the world, making these sneakers a frequent contender on influencers’ wish lists. These black sneakers are designed to sit just above your ankles, and the zipper on the inside ankle is a thoughtful touch that makes it easy to slip these high-tops on. Because you’ll want to show off the amazing details on these high-tops, we recommend wearing them with skinny jeans rolled up or cropped trousers (bonus points if you style them with other Rick Owens items). If you’re willing to splurge (even more), the Fogachine sneakers are also available in 100% calf leather.

ALEXANDER MCQUEEN ‘OVERSIZED SNEAKER’

The “Oversized Sneaker” by Alexander McQueen prominence is a luxury favorite and a must-have statement piece. This must-have style among sneakerheads and fashionistas has been popular since 2016 and comes in a variety of variations. The transparent oversized sole on these sleek black sneakers, on the other hand, makes them even more lustrous. The exaggerated sole is undeniably the star of the show, but it’s the unexpected details like the perforated sides and the patterned stamp design on the bottom sole that elevate these black sneakers. If you want to add 1.5 inches to your height, these platform sneakers will definitely give you that extra (sneaky) confidence boost.