23 All-Black Sneakers To Take Your Fits to the Dark Side (2024)

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GQ Recommends

Bet on black, baby.

By Avidan Grossman, Jake Woolf, and Michella Oré

23 All-Black Sneakers To Take Your Fits to the Dark Side (4)

    Here at GQ Recommends, we dig a crisp white sneaker as much as the next guy. (No, seriously. We've got a problem.) But the best black sneakers for men make a convincing argument for the dark side, the footwear equivalent of Emperor Palpatine whispering sweet nothings in a young Padawan's ear. Turns out, black shoes are the perfect low-maintenance alternative for any serial puddle-swervers, and engaging in illegal activity isn't a prerequisite to wearing 'em. (Most of the time.)

    The Best Black Sneakers Shopping Guide

    These days, every sneaker brand worth its weight in StockX authentication tags makes blacked-out versions of its best sellers, and if you're sick of breaking out the OxiClean every time you take the subway they're worth investigating. Do a little research and you'll unearth a treasure trove of pitch-black gems, from athletic shoes you can wear exploring the great outdoors to casual shoes you can wear avoiding said outdoors like you're allergic to smogless air.

    If these 23 options—the very best black sneakers for men—don't make you renounce the Jedi path (or at least acknowledge the positively Yohji-esque drip of their evil counterparts), nothing we say will.

    All products featured on GQ are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

    • 23 All-Black Sneakers To Take Your Fits to the Dark Side (5)

      1/23

      Oakley "Chop Saw" Sneakers

      Stop mulling over whether you need yet another pair of mules—you do.

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      2/23

      Nike Air "VaporMax Plus" Sneaker

      Still hits.

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      3/23

      Onitsuka Tiger "Mexico 66" Sneaker

      Like it or not, the Mexico 66 is probably the next It sneaker. Ride the wive now before it really crests.

    • 23 All-Black Sneakers To Take Your Fits to the Dark Side (8)

      4/23

      JW Anderson "Bumper Hike" Low Top Sneakers

      The greater the distance between your feet and the pavement, the closer to style god.

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      Our Legacy "Klove" sneakers

      Gorp-core meets office-core meets your new go-to-shoe-core.

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      Adidas x Gucci "Gazelle" sneakers

      One way to soothe your Samba anxiety—plus 16 more!

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      9/23

      Keen "Uneek SNK" sneaker

      Your favorite ur-crunchy sandal: now with an enclosed heel that'll keep stray rocks from ruining your stride.

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      10/23

      Vans "Old Skool" sneaker

      After all these years, still too cool for school ("school", to be clear, is now your 9 to 5).

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      13/23

      New Balance "990" sneakers

      Still setting trends 40 years later.

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      14/23

      Hoka "Anacapa" low Gore-Tex sneakers

      A honking pair of trail-ready sneakers that'll look sick with gorped-out cargos, whether you're hiking up a mountain or uptown.

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      15/23

      Nike Blazer low '77 vintage sneaker

      Retro basketball shoes: so hot right now!

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      16/23

      Stepney Workers Club "Dellow" leather sneaker

      Sub-$100 sneakers made out of the same buttery leather as your pebble-grain brogues? Stop pinching yourself pal: you ain't dreaming.

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      17/23

      Nike Air Jordan 4 "Black Cat" sneakers

      We're not saying they could pass as formalwear, but there's something slightly more swanky about a pair of blacked-out 4s.

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      18/23

      Converse Chuck 70 classic canvas sneaker

      The same Chucks you've always loved, only '70s-ier.

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      19/23

      Maison Margiela replica low top sneaker

      Maison Margiela's take on the legendary German Army Trainer is sleek, sexy, and way more comfortable than your brogues—exactly the kind of shoe you should be wearing right now.

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      20/23

      Adidas Originals "Samba" classic sneaker

      Nearly a year (!) after we first called it, the Samba's moment ain't over yet. If we were betting men, we'd say now's the time to go all in.

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      Salomon XT-6 ADV sneaker

      The sleeker version of our very favorite trail running shoes is also one of our very favorite shoes, period.

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      22/23

      Reebok Club C 85 sneaker

      In white, these quality kicks helped one GQ writer bow out from the sneaker game for good. In black, they might be even more powerful.

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      Prada America's Cup sneaker

      The OG colorway is one of this year's best, but the blacked-out version is a close second.

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    23 All-Black Sneakers To Take Your Fits to the Dark Side (2024)

    FAQs

    Are all black sneakers in style? ›

    The answer is a resounding yes. Black sneakers effortlessly match every color and pattern in your wardrobe. Similar to how to style white shoes, the neutral hue of a black shoe makes it the perfect foundation for any outfit, from bold prints to subtle pastels.

    What sneaker color goes with everything? ›

    Moreover, black shoes are the go-to for creating a sleek, polished look. They blend effortlessly with almost any color palette, making them a foolproof choice for those "I don't know what shoes to wear" days.

    Should men have black sneakers? ›

    Black Sneakers have become a versatile shoe choice, and they are the go-to shoes for various men around the world. You can pair the black sneakers with almost everything without impacting the overall appearance. Therefore, invest in good quality black sneakers and wear them with fashion.

    What shoes to wear with an all black fit? ›

    With a black dress, you can wear shoes of any colour, from neutrals like black, white shoes, and beige shoes to more bold-coloured options like hot pink shoes, red shoes, and even burgundy shoes.

    Why wear black sneakers? ›

    At their best, black sneakers are the sturdy foundation of an outfit, offering versatility and understated confidence in equal measure. Looking back on a life of footwear, it's often the pairs that are worn every day that stand out as favorites, even above the luxury sneakers and shoes.

    What are three shoe colors everyone must have? ›

    This style guide will help you pick the best color shoes to go with any outfit. Black, beige, and gray shoes go with anything. Since they are all neutrals, you can wear these colors to offset a more vibrant outfit. Of course, with these neutrals, you can either mix and match or keep them in a similar tonal family.

    What to pair with all black sneakers? ›

    Black sneakers make a great staple for casual street style. They go well with blue jeans or black pants, giving you that chill and relaxed look. Try wearing them with a loose white shirt on top of skinny jeans. It's the best way to get that refreshing, city feel.

    Which is better white or black sneakers? ›

    As a general rule, white soles are more casual, and athleisure, street-style trainers—like our VANCE sneakers—should be worn with jogger chinos or sweats. Not suit pants. If you want to dress your suit down with black sneakers, try a more formal style that has a black upper and matching black sole.

    What is the rule for black shoes? ›

    My rule of thumb is black shoes should be worn with black, navy or gray pants. But if you're a colorful person, black shoes can go with red, blue and burgundy pants if you want to go that route. Black shoes do not work well with blue denim, at least in my experience. Brown should never be worn with black.

    What jeans go with black sneakers? ›

    Light blue jeans or trousers can complement the black sneakers nicely. This combination is particularly suitable for casual and relaxed looks. Dark Blue: Dark blue, such as navy blue, can create a more sophisticated and classic look when paired.

    What pants do black sneakers go with? ›

    How to Wear Black Sneakers
    • Denim is a favorite go-to for everyone. ...
    • Men's black sneakers go perfectly with a pair of beige chinos. ...
    • Jogger pants are a great way to rock a casual look. ...
    • Black trousers can always be paired with a black casual shoe for men, or women's leather sneakers.
    Jun 27, 2022

    What color socks should men wear with black sneakers? ›

    Black shoes go well with almost all solid-colored socks; this even includes light colored socks! If you're going for clean and crisp, try pairing light colored socks with light-colored pants or trousers.

    What are the advantages of black shoes? ›

    Unlike other fads, the black shoe is universal in its versatility and can complement almost any outfit, its neutral tone blending in seamlessly with virtually any colour palette. Different from the more vibrant options, black shoes act as grounding elements, letting other colours in the outfit take centre stage.

    Are black sneakers hot? ›

    After 30 minutes of exposure, the mean increase in temperature was between 7.8 degrees F and 13.6 degrees F greater in the black shoe than in the white shoe. This information can help prevent thermal injury to the insensate foot when shoes are worn in the sun for a prolonged period.

    Are black shoes in style? ›

    Everyone needs at least one pair of black shoes in their wardrobe - they are a reliable staple that can complement most outfits and occasions. Their versatility often makes it hard to decide what to wear them with - so make sure you pair them with the right colours and clothing to get the best out of them.

    Are black shoes in fashion? ›

    Black shoes transcend seasons, working equally well with summer, fall, and winter trends. Be it a peep-toe in sunny weather, pumps or loafers in the autumn or boots in the colder months, sable toned shoes are timelessly elegant options that both men and women can reach for, without hesitation or much deliberation.

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