While I’m not exactly a sneakerhead, I do have an extensive sneaker collection. And while I love shopping for the trendiest sneakers of 2024, I also have a penchant for shopping for the best, wear-everywhere sneakers that don’t fall under any single trend—which is why I always keep a pair of black sneakers in my wardrobe. They’re the little black dresses of my footwear collection.
I wear white sneakers on a near-constant basis. I also have my fill of the best chunky sneakers—a surprisingly popular trend for the year—and the best slip-on sneakers, one my go-to’s when I’m looking for an easy pair to throw on when I’m running out the door. But, despite my best efforts to expand beyond my all-black outfits, I keep turning to black sneakers as a failsafe option when I’m running out the door. They’re a great work sneakers option and work just as well on the weekends.
And I’m not alone. Black sneakers have also dominated the street-style scene in 2024. Celebrities like Kaia Gerber and Gigi Hadid have been spotted in different silhouettes. Hadid’s preferred pick is a pair of Wales Bonner x Adidas Samba sneakers—her favorite sneaker brand for a few years now—while Gerber prefers to wear a pair of Nike It sneakers. Even Jennifer Lawrence has tapped into the trend, opting for a black pair of Vans sneakers, further proving that the retro brand is having a moment this year.
Keep scrolling to see the best black sneakers on the market. Our picks run the gamut, from cool high-tops to slender styles made from luxe materials like suede and leather. A few Marie Claire staffers even tested their favorite popular brands like New Balance, Adidas, Cariuma, and On.
A Short List of Marie Claire’s Favorite Black Sneakers
The Best Black Sneakers Tested by Marie Claire Editors
I prefer the Cariuma All Black Canvas Sneakers because they’re so versatile—they basically blend in with everything!
(Image credit: Julia Marzovilla)
Cariuma All Black Canvas 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. If canvas sneakers are too casual for your style, you can shop them in more luxe fabrications like suede or leather.
What We Love: Fits true to size; comes in 10+ colors; comes in a wide size range; is sustainably made.
What We Don’t: Some customers say there is a slight break-in period.
Size Range: US Sizes 5 through 13, including half-sizes.
My Review: “I have a lot of sneakers in my collection so new pairs need to check a few boxes. They have to be comfortable, yes, but also versatile enough to make me want to include them in my rotation. These Cariuma sneakers were given our “best overall” title because they’re pretty close to perfect. I have them in a women’s size five—and they fit true to size. I have naturally narrow feet, but these give me plenty of breathing space without being too roomy. Plus, the canvas material is casual enough for the office or for weekends spent out with friends, and the insole is a dream to walk in. I have happily spent hours in these.”
Samantha Holender, Marie Claire’s Beauty Editor, surprisingly loves the New Balance 574 sneakers for their versatility.
(Image credit: Samantha Holender)
New Balance 574 Core Sneakers
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 makes them great work sneakers if you’re commuting into the office 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.
What We Love: Comes in several colors; comfortable; editor-approved; comes in half-sizes.
What We Don’t: Some reviewers say they run a bit small.
Size Range: US Sizes 5 through 12, including half-sizes
Samantha’s Review: “I never ever thought in a million years that I would be a black sneaker girl. I’ve worn white sneakers for two decades, but I leave it to a New Balance pair of black sneakers to change my mind. These 574 sneakers from the line are incredibly comfortable and go perfectly with my exclusively black workout wardrobe. You can also never tell that they’re dirty, unlike white sneakers that NYC will ruin in one wear. At just $89, they’re also pretty affordable. I can wear them on my errands, out running, or with a pair of black trousers for the office on more casual days.” — Samantha Holender, Beauty Editor
Fashion Editor Lauren Tappan loves the Adidas Gazelles because they’re comfortable and chic.
(Image credit: Lauren Tappan)
These black shoes are coming in hot as one of Fall 2024’s trendiest silhouettes. While the Samba from Adidas remains popular (and a personal fave), this suede pair went viral after Harry Styles wore a customized pair to the Grammys this year. Since then, they’ve been spotted on fellow A-listers like Gigi Hadid and Kendall Jenner.
What We Love: Durable; top-rated; comes in half-sizes.
What We Don’t: Some reviewers say they run a half-size small.
Size Range: US Size 5 through 15, including most half-sizes.
Lauren’s Review: “I’ve been hunting for a pair of black sneakers to anchor my footwear collection, and I just found my match. I recently got my hands on the cult-favorite Adidas Gazelle sneakers, and they’ve quickly gained a prime spot in my wardrobe. Although these shoes look relatively flat, they have a cushioned sole that provides ample support. They’re also designed with a supple leather lining that feels nice and smooth. Aside from the fit, I love the polished appeal of these shoes (the chic suede exterior, timeless black-and-white design, and retro-inspired gum rubber outsoles are hard to resist). The only caveat that I’ll mention is that these sneakers run a bit large. I ordered a size 9 (my regular size), and I’ve had to wear thicker socks to ensure they fit properly. I’m going to swap these for a size 8.5 instead!” — Lauren Tappan, Fashion Editor
Associate Commerce Editor Brooke Knappenberger tests the ON Cloudnova Sneaker, her pick for her summer Hot Girl Walks.
(Image credit: Brooke Knappenberger)
If you’re looking for a pair of running sneakers that don’t look like running sneakers and are low-profile enough to wear all day long, these are the ones for you. Top-rated for comfort, they combine the support of a traditional running shoe with the sleek, fashionable silhouette of a trendy sneaker. Reviewers love them because they’re lightweight and super supportive, thanks to the built-in arch support. However, some reviewers noted a break-in period with these shoes.
What We Love: Comfortable; lightweight, top-rated; comes in half-sizes; tits true-to-size.
What We Don’t: Some reviewers found the tongue longer than most, causing it to rub.
Size Range: US Sizes 5 through 11, including half-sizes.
Brooke’s Review: “I’m a big fan of the “Hot Girl Walk” and try to get one in as often as I can. I’ve had to learn the hard way, though, that not every pair of sneakers is walking-friendly. This ON pair is undoubtedly the most comfortable pair of walking shoes I own. I had no pain or discomfort when I took them out for a 20,000-step test walk. It’s all thanks to their thick, wide, ultra-cushioned footbed, which makes for a bouncier, more stable step. I could walk all day in these, which I have and will gladly do again.” — Brooke Knappenberger, Associate Commerce Editor
Other Black Sneakers We Love
Superga 2750 Cotu Sneakers
Italian shoe Superga brand has long been a go-to for It Girls, like Alexa Chung and Suki Waterhouse, for comfortable, easy-to-style kicks. For reference, I wore a pair of white ones to my wedding this summer. This pair from the line is one of their best-selling iterations, with its classic black color and bright white sole. The canvas material is easy to clean and comfortable to wear with or without socks. The rubber sole also provides no-slip comfort. However, they tend to run a little large (roughly a half-size), so factor that in when you shop.
What We Love: Easy to clean; affordably priced; comes in tons of other colors; lightweight; editor-approved; comes in half-sizes.
What We Don’t: Runs large.
Size Range: US Sizes 5 through 11, including half-sizes.
Chloé Nama Mixed Media Platform Sneakers
This chunky yet lightweight pair of black sneakers by Chloé is beloved across the internet for their woven look and subtle branding. The thicker rubber sole adds contrast while keeping them wearable in just about any circumstance, from the office to a night out. Plus, 40 percent of this shoe is made from 100 percent recycled debris. Moreover, the mesh panels are handstitched and are made from recycled polyester yarns. Marie Claire’s Style Director, Sara Holzman, even wrote an entire review about how these Chloé sneakers are worth the investment.
What We Love: Sustainably made, editor-approved, comfortable.
What We Don’t: Runs a little large; Doesn’t come in half-sizes.
Size Range: US Sizes 5 through 12
Adidas Vegan Samba Sneaker
This is one of the pairs of sneakers that fashion cannot stop wearing. Olivia Rodrigo wore them in New York City back in April, and Kaia Gerber styled them with a trench coat late last year, proving that they can be a little dressed up. Despite being popular for more than a year, it’s still rare to find them fully in stock. They’re versatile, comfortable from the first wear, lightweight, and come in half-sizes, but, like many of Adidas’ lifestyles, they run roughly a half-size big—which you might want to take that into consideration before you buy.
What We Love: No break-in time; lightweight; comes in sizes 5 through 15.
What We Don’t: Runs big.
Size Range: US Sizes 4 through 13, including half-sizes
You probably wore these Vans Old Skool low-top sneakers back in high school and repurchased them when they made a fashionable resurgence online in 2019. This sturdy shoe (once meant only for skateboarding) is made to be lived in, so don’t be afraid to actually wear them. Shop them in women’s shoe sizes 5 through 11 and in three colors.
What We Love: Great for wide feet; comfortable; run-true-to-size.
What We Don’t: Some reviewers say there’s a break-in period.
Size Range: US Sizes 5 through 11, including most half-sizes.
APL Athletic Propulsion Labs Techloom Pro Sneakers
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 sturdy; pick them if you want a worthwhile investment.
What We Love: Runs true-to-size; lightweight.
What We Don’t: Costs over $100; some reviewers say they have a break-in period.
Size Range: US Sizes 3 through 11, including most half-sizes.
Maison Margiela Black Leather Tabi Low-Top Sneakers
Maison Margiela’s Tabi range of shoes is some of the most divisive on the market, but I love this pair of sneakers. They’re the shoes that your fashionable friend will wear all winter long. 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.
What We Love: Lightweight; made from genuine leather.
What We Don’t: Can feel heavy.
Size Range: EU Sizes 35 through 41, including half-sizes.
Vince Suede Warren Sneaker
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.
What We Love: Made from 100 percent Suede; runs true-to-size;
What We Don’t: Not suited for wearing in the rain.
Size Range: US Sizes 5 through 11, including half-sizes.
Chuck Taylor® All Star® High Top Sneaker
This pair of black canvas high-top sneakers from Converse’s ongoing best-selling collection with Comme des Garçons Play is adorned with signature heart motifs. While they’re cute for Valentine’s Day, I would wear them all year round. You can shop them in women’s sizes five through 12, which are true to size. They don’t come in half sizes, but they do come in a buttercream colorway.
What We Love: It comes in an extensive size range, runs true to size, and is available in two colors.
What We Don’t: Some reviewers said they were too narrow.
Size Range: US Sizes 5 through 15, including half-sizes.
Kaia Gerber’s favorite pair of Nike Sneakers result from a buzzy (and sold-out) collaboration with New York City-based brand Bode. These kicks, also from Nike, are the closest I’ve found to her exact pair. They have a similar look with a bold black-and-white colorway and a retro sporty silhouette. I’ve personally owned several pairs of Cortez sneakers over the years, and I’ve found that they run true to size but are narrow in width when compared to other styles.
What We Love: Editor-approved; run true-to-size; versatile to wear.
What We Don’t: Runs narrower than other Nike styles.
Size Range: US Sizes 5 through 16.5, including half-sizes.
Rothy’s The Lace Up Sneaker Black
Let it be known that team Marie Claire loves shoes from Rothy’s. We’ve reviewed the brand’s ballet flats, Mary Janes, and black lug-sole boots, and we also love their sneakers. They come in a few other colors, including gray, tan, white, and pink. Just like the rest of the range, these black sneakers are machine-washable, and they’re made with roughly 18 plastic bottles per pair. Oh—and they retail for less than $200 and received top reviews for their durability and the fact that they last a long time.
What We Love: Come in multiple colors; Comes in half-sizes; durable; top-rated.
What We Don’t: Some reviewers called them uncomfortable.
Size Range: US Sizes 5 through 13, including half-sizes
Golden Goose Ball Star Nappa Upper Glitter Star Suede Heel Sneakers
A diamond’s gotta shine—and these are no exception. This pair of black sneakers from Golden Goose is adorned with a touch of glitter, making them what I would call a “formal sneaker”—perfect for wearing to the office or on a night out instead of a heeled bootie. Like the rest of Golden Gooses’ splurge-worthy shoe range, these sneakers have a sturdy rubber sole and a removable insole. They also feature a terry lining on the inside for added comfort. These are for you if you’re looking for a sneaker that can swing formal but still looks low-key.
What We Love: Has a rubber sole; has a removable insole; made from leather.
What We Don’t: No half-sizes.
Size Range: US Sizes 5 through 12.
Sam Edelman Poppy Lace-Up Sneakers
These black leather sneakers are available in half sizes and come in under $100. Reviewers love them because they run true to size and are comfortable enough to wear from day to night. Shoppers also love wearing them for work because they’ll look polished and clean no matter how often you wear them. This pair “goes with everything,” says one reviewer, calling them “incredibly comfortable.”
What We Love: Come in half-sizes; comfortable for all-day wear; top-rated.
What We Don’t: Some reviewers said there is a break-in period.
Size Range: US Sizes 5 through 13, including half-sizes.
Isabel Marant Beth Sneakers
If you love slip-on sneakers but still want a secure fit, these are for you. Isabel Marant’s Beth Sneakers have been a cult favorite for a while, so you know they won’t go out of style any time. They’re made from a luxe suede material and feature the iconic Isabel Marant logo on the side. They come in full sizes 35 through 41, and the brand does note that they run true to size—but do not have a half-size option. If you prefer a leather sneaker version, they also come in that fabrication, too.
What We Love: Runs true-to-size; comes in either suede or leather.
What We Don’t: No half-sizes.
Size Range: US Sizes 5 through 9.
How to Style Black Sneakers
If our favorite A-listers are any indication, black sneakers are the most versatile shoes in your collection—they even pair with navy, as Kaia Gerber proved when she expertly styled navy blue and black in New York City earlier this summer. Gigi Hadid swapped her Sambas for a pair of high-top Converse sneakers (like the ones on this list!) and teamed them with an all-black monochromatic outfit, perfect for a chic look for busy travel days. On the other hand, Emily Ratajowski took a (slightly) more colorful route when she mixed a pair of black sneakers with pinstriped trousers with a brown fuzzy jacket that still embraces an effortlessly cool vibe.
Gerber, Hadid, and Ratajkowski expertly styled their casual black sneakers in New York City, proving how easy they are to wear.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Instead of relying on black sneakers for their everyday ensembles, some of the coolest members of the street-style set took a different approach, pairing them with formal, going-out outfits. By styling chunky black sneakers with trendier pieces, such as micro-mini skirts or office-approved maxi options (and the odd cropped-top-low-rise-jean combination), they show that black sneakers can easily work for a variety of occasions.
The coolest street stylers prove that black sneakers can easily be dressed up for fall.
(Image credit: Launchmetrics Spotlight)
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