
While I'm by no means a sneakerhead, I do have an extensive sneaker collection. And while I do love shopping for the best sneakers of 2023, I also have a penchant for shopping for essential sneakers that don't fall under any single trend. That's why I tend to keep a pair of black sneakers in my wardrobe at all times. They're the little black dresses in my sneaker collection.
Let's be clear: I'm shopping for black sneakers this winter because I've already found all my favorite white sneakers (opens in new tab), which I wear on a near-constant basis. I've also discussed at length the best slip-on sneakers (opens in new tab) and the best chunky sneakers (opens in new tab) that the fashion crowd can't get enough of this season. Despite my best efforts to expand beyond my monochromatic footwear comfort zone, I keep returning to black sneakers as a failsafe option when I'm running out the door.
And I'm not alone: Celebrities like Kendall Jenner and Bella Hadid have been spotted in matching pairs of black Adidas Samba sneakers (opens in new tab) over the last few weeks. The sleek silhouette, available in black and white, has been practically sold out ever since, proving that even fashion's most elite insiders are opting for something different for the new year.
Ahead, I've rounded up the best black sneakers for you to shop right now from classic brands like Nike, Vans, and New Balance, plus a few designer options from Maison Margiela, VINCE, and KOIO.
Shop Deals on Black Sneakers
PUMA x DUA LIPA Mayze Flutur Women's Sneakers, $110 $75 at PUMA (opens in new tab)
These platform sneakers from PUMA are the perfect way to dress up a slightly less formal outfit. Plus, if you're on the petite side, they add a boost of height.
- Best All-Around Black Sneakers: Cariuma All Black Canvas Sneaker (opens in new tab)
- Most Comfortable Black Sneakers: New Balance 574 Core Sneakers (opens in new tab)
- Best Editor-Approved Black Sneakers: Adidas Vegan Samba Sneaker (opens in new tab)
- Best High-Top Black Sneakers: Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Classic (opens in new tab)
The Best Black Sneakers
This pair of black low-top sneakers from Cariuma has nearly 5,000 five-star reviews. "Literally like I imagine walking on a cloud would feel, and they go with everything," said one glowing reviewer. While I love the black color, it comes in 17 other options and women's shoe sizes 5 through 13. The sole is made from raw, natural rubber, and the insole is made from vegan cork memory foam. Plus, if canvas sneakers are too casual for your style, you can shop them in more luxe fabrications like suede or leather.
Pros: Fits true to size; Comes in 10+ colors; comes in a wide size range; Sustainably made.
Cons: Some customers say there is a slight break-in period.
Customer Review: "Love the fit and the comfort and the look. The perfect shoe for wearing with dresses or shorts, or linen pants. Highly recommended!" — Cariuma
Whether you've never owned a pair of black high-tops from Converse or are just looking to buy a new replacement pair, this unisex canvas sneaker never goes out of style. They're available in lightweight canvas material, easy to break in, and come in tons of colors other than this classic black option—10, to be exact. They also come in two widths (standard and wide) for maximum comfort and in women's shoe sizes 5 through 20.
Pros: Comes in two widths; Comes in an extensive size range; comes in 10+ colors.
Cons: Some reviewers say they run a little large.
Customer Review: "These are my favorite shoes of all time. Whether I go to the gym or to work, I can always count on these to be comfortable and stylish." — Converse.
"Behold, the pair of shoes that Hollywood can't stop wearing. Along with Kendall and Bella, models like Kaia Gerber and Kate Moss have been spotted in this $100 shoe. I own these in this black colorway and have found them to be one of, if not the most comfortable pair of sneakers I own. They're low profile, casual enough to wear with baggy jeans, and easy enough to dress up with a maxi or mini skirt. I could not recommend them more. My only con? They run big, so my size 5 foot has to wear a child's size four-and-a-half." — Julia Marzovilla, E-Commerce Editor
Pros: No break-in time; Lightweight; Come in sizes 5 through 15.
Cons: Runs big.
Customer Reviews: "Clean and timeless Can be narrow for wider feet like myself would recommend a size up or half a size up but overall worth it" — Adidas
New Balance sneakers have earned a reputation for being supremely comfortable, so prepare never to want to take this pair off. The squishy-yet-supportive sole is great if you're commuting into the office again or will be on your feet for hours at a time. Plus, they're effortlessly stylish. Shop them in women's sizes 5 through 12 (they run true-to-size) and in four other neutral colors. The upper is also made from 50 percent recycled materials, a major bonus.
Pros: Comes in several colors; Comes in an inclusive size range.
Cons: Some reviewers say they run a bit small.
Customer Review: "These are the best every day sneakers. They go with everything, they're comfy, and elevate every outfit." — New Balance
Dua Lipa and PUMA have collaborated on the coolest pair of black sneakers. While the chunky platform on this pair makes them feel a bit heavy, they earn major stying points thanks to the glossy finish.
You probably wore these Vans Old Skool low-top sneakers back in high school. You probably repurchased them when they made a fashionable resurgence all over the internet in 2019. This sturdy shoe (once meant only for skateboarding) is made to be lived in, so don't be afraid to wear them down. Shop them in women's shoe sizes 5 through 11 and in three colors.
Pros: Great for wide feet; Comfortable; Run-true-to-size.
Cons: Some reviewers say there's a break-in period.
Customer Review: "Classic, cute, and comfortable. They fit true to size and are accommodating for wide feet. These shoes last a long time and clean pretty well, too." — Nordstrom
"Italian shoe brand Superga has been one of my longtime favorites for its no-fuss, comfortable silhouettes. I'm exchanging my dirty white pair for a fresh new pair of black ones this winter. They're comfortable, run true to size so that my smaller foot fits perfectly, and come in a ton of colors. Plus, at $65, they're so affordable." — J.M
These sleek athletic sneakers from APL Athletic Propulsion Labs are made with mesh and neoprene for the ideal balance between support and comfort. The rubber sole keeps the shoe lightweight. They're great for high-intensity workouts because they're so sturdy; pick these if you're looking for a worthwhile investment.
Pros: Runs true-to-size; Lightweight.
Cons: Costs over $100; Some reviewers say they have a break-in period.
Customer Review: "Love the aesthetic of this shoe. It rubbed my heels a little bit in the beginning, but it's getting better, and the shoe is forming to my feet more. They are lightweight and easy to slip on and off. I have been running in them and also doing strength training. Can't recommend them enough!" — APL
Maison Margiela's Tabi range of shoes is some of the most divisive on the market, but I love this pair of sneakers. The separated toe design is instantly recognizable and supremely comfortable, despite how it might look! They're made in Italy and are available in sizes 35 through 41. They're the shoe that your fashionable friend will wear all winter long.
Pros: Lightweight; Made from genuine leather.
Cons: Costs over $100.
Customer Review: Customer review not available.
Long live the Vans Slip-On Sneaker. This pair is a staple in the closets of cool kids everywhere, thanks to its no-fuss design and cushioned sole for added support. Designed for skating, they're affordable and sturdy, which means they're great for wearing all day long. They're available to shop in women's sizes 5 through 12.
Consider this suede pair from VINCE if you're looking for a slip-on sneaker that feels more elevated than one made from canvas. The slightly-platformed sole gives this otherwise simple pair of sneakers a little lift. They are also available in a rich caramel shade if you want to double up on the comfort. Shop them in women's shoe sizes 5 through 11.
Pros: 100% Suede; Runs true-to-size.
Cons: Costs over $100.
Customer Review: Not available.
As you might expect, a pair of shoes dubbed the "Forever Sneaker" is timeless. This pair from Everlane is also fully recyclable, and the upper is made from a combination of 50 percent recycled cotton canvas and 50 percent cotton canvas with a rubber sole. Shop them in sizes 5 through 12. It's a simple black sneaker is great for every day.
Pros: Machine-washable; Made with recyclable materials; Comes in white.
Cons: Some reviewers say they run a half-size small.
Customer Review: "These shoes are so comfortable right out of the box. I love the corduroy detail and will definitely wear these year-round. They are perfect if you want a lighter-colored shoe without committing completely to full-on light color. I am typically between a 7.5 and an 8, and I ordered an 8 for this shoe. I haven't had issues with the back of the shoe rubbing on my Achilles, but I can see that if you wear no-show socks, this can be an issue." — Everlane
Leather sneakers are great if you want to wear something in a slightly more formal environment that still feels cool. This pair from Koio comes in a ton of colors and is handmade in Tuscany, Italy. They're available in sizes 5 through 11 and come in many color options if you need to invest in another pair after falling in love with this one.
Pros: Made from recyclable materials;
Cons: Some reviewers say they run large.
Customer Review: "This is my 2nd pair (also got Triple White), and I just love them. Leather is spectacular, and they are so comfortable. I want to keep them forever, resole them if I can." — Koio
If you've been watching Stranger Things and want to try a bit of a retro feel with your footwear, consider this pair from Nike. They were initially launched in 1979, and are officially back in 2023. The lived-in design only looks better the more you wear them. Here are the details: They run true-to-size (a major win) and are available to shop in women's shoe sizes 5 through 12.
Pros: Runs true-to-size; Comes in inclusive sizing; Comes in other colors; Good for wide feet.
Cons: Some reviewers say they're hard to clean.
Customer Review: "Love these! Colors as pictured. True to size. Wore them all day on the first wear with zero discomforts. I have wide feet, and these are comfortable and slimming. Shipped fast." — Nike
So, you're someone who likes a little drama. This pair of chunky black sneakers from Reebok's and Maison Margiela's ongoing collaboration are the ones for you. My only (very fashionable) con? The cutouts on the side show off your sock collection, so pick your favorite pair wisely before you wear them. Shop them in sizes 6 through 12.5 (yes, they come in half sizes!)
Pros: Comes in half-sizes; Comes in white and black;
Cons: Some reviewers said they run a half-size big.
Customer Review: Not available.
Julia Marzovilla is the E-Commerce Editor at Marie Claire, where she covers everything from the latest beauty and fashion launches and sales to celebrity outfits and news. She also creates shopping guides that span every vertical on the site. Prior to joining the Marie Claire team, she contributed similar shopping stories to sites such as Bustle, InStyle, The Zoe Report, Who What Wear, and STYLECASTER. In her spare time, Julia can be found creating shopping guides for all of her friends, spending too much money on yet another pair of black boots, and cooking in her far-too-small kitchen.
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