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The 11 Best Black Sneakers For Women

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by Scarlett James
Updated: 
Originally Published: 
Bustle / Amazon

It’s hard to imagine a more universal shoe: black sneakers go with everything in your closet and are made to hold up to the demands of daily wear. In canvas, mesh, faux snakeskin and real leather, the best black sneakers for women help you stay comfortable and look cute. They're the shoe for when you want to feel put-together casual.

For a classic workhorse you can wear with anything, consider a timeless sneaker that doesn’t lean too sporty. Kamala Harris regularly rocks Converse Chuck Taylors, proving that the grunge staple has serious versatility and staying power. Of course, there’s a lot to be said for a great gym shoe or unfussy slip-on that feels just sooo comfortable.

Fashion-inspired sneakers, on the other hand, exude the effortless style vibes you want for holidays at home, casual get-togethers, and low-key brunches. Subtle pairs might involve nothing more than a chunky platform (like the Superga's that Ariana Grande loves) or a slip-on style in imitation snakeskin. Bolder kicks will play with patent leather, oversized laces, decorative zippers, and even a wedge heel when you want to make more of an impact.

Whatever your day has in store, these are the go-everywhere black sneakers to keep in your starting lineup.

1Some Classic Black Sneakers With Major Athletic Heritage

You can get your adidas kicks in a classic black and white sneaker, plus black on black, but their bolder colorways on black aren’t to be missed either. The Grand Court sneaker is one of the brand's most iconic shoes, in a simple low top made from leather coated in polyurethane for a long-lasting water-repellent finish. Inside you'll find the brand's signature Cloudfoam insole and a padded ankle so you don't get blisters, while the waterproof rubber sole offers low-profile honeycomb traction. "I am an Adidas fan to begin with, so I know what to expect with regards to fit and style, but ohhhh...getting them fresh out the box is always a religious experience," one fan wrote. "The Grand Court Sneaker is perfect with leggings or jeans, and I have even worn them to work with dress pants and a casual top."

  • Available sizes: 4.5 — 11

2These Chic Platform Wedge Sneakers

These gorgeous wedge sneakers are athleisure luxe with a bit of metallic bling at the heel. They offer a walkable 3-inch platform that’s concealed within the heel for height that won’t slow you down in the slightest. Made with synthetic materials and a grippy rubber sole, they’re designed to go from day to night. “This is the most elegant, gorgeous, well fitting black sneaker on the planet!” one shopper praised. “I've tried on a lot of black sneakers, and nothing compares to this one. Absolutely perfect in both design and function.” You can also score them in white if you find yourself wanting the wedge in another color.

  • Available sizes: 5 — 11

3These *Really* Cute Patent Sneakers With Extra-Wide Laces

Between the shiny patent leather and oversized bow, these black Puma kicks are a sleek and sweet riff on the brand's classic athletic shoe. "I absolutely adore these, super comfortable and really dressy with the extra wide laces," one reviewer noted. “Really nice to wear with skirts and dresses for a cool casual vibe.” With their wide laces, this pair is guaranteed to draw the eye; plus, they come with an extra set of satin laces for even more shine against that synthetic patent leather upper. But while these kicks lead with style, the sturdy rubber sole is all business.

  • Available sizes: 5.5 — 11

4A Best-Selling Gym Shoe You Can Wear With Anything

More than 45,000 Amazon reviewers have weighed in on these black gym shoes from New Balance. They were made to go the distance and transition seamlessly from the weight room to the streets. The breathable mesh upper has a high-cut bootie style to hug and support your foot, while a specialty midsole provides bounce-back beneath a layer of contoured memory foam. Their thick rubber sole adds an extra layer of shock absorption between you and the ground. "I have wide feet, so I was really glad to be able to order in wide and they are SOOO comfortable. Super cute and on trend as well,” one shopper raved. “They are really light and breathable, so I wear both with and without socks.”

  • Available sizes: 5 — 12 (available in wide sizes)

5A Pair Of Iconic Chuck Taylors

A pair of Chucks epitomizes rebellious cool. The iconic Chuck Taylor high top sneaker, with its signature toe cap and canvas upper, has been worn by everyone from James Dean to Kamala Harris thanks to the shoe's timeless authenticity. This pair will easily become your go-to for looking classic, casual, and fresh. In addition to the durable canvas upper and waterproof rubber sole, a thin layer of proprietary cushioning provides a bit of extra comfort on the inside. "Some shoes are too much, man. This is the perfect amount of shoe," a shopper wrote. "The sole is flexible, and it doesn't turn your foot into an immovable brick like a lot of athletic shoes." The only downside to these kicks is that they don't come with a ton of shock absorption — if you need a more supportive shoe, be sure to grab a good pair of insoles with arch support.

  • Available sizes: 5.5 — 20

6A Chunky Platform Sneaker With Celebrity Cred

Superga is a shoe brand with some serious celebrity clientele: Ariana Grande and Kate Middleton are known to wear their kicks. They've also amassed something of a cult following on Amazon, with more than 3,000 glowing reviews backing these Superga 2790 platform sneakers. The casual style combines a cotton canvas upper with a chunky 1.5-inch rubber sole. However, some reviewers did note this style was prone to letting heels slip out, and some preferred adding heel pads. "The platform is so cute with so many clothes from shorts to dresses, skirts, jeans, etc. They are heavy so I will probably not be wearing them when I have to walk for any length of time, but they are definitely cute,” one shopper reported. “I wore them without a sock to go shopping and run errands and so far, no rubbing.”

For a similar style with a lower profile, consider grabbing these black canvas Keds.

  • Available sizes: 5 — 10

7These Ultra-Cushy Slip-Ons Available In Narrow & Wide Sizes

These might be some of the most comfortable shoes on the market if Amazon reviews are any indication. Nearly 40,000 people have weighed in on these slip-on sneakers, raving that they're super-comfortable, with reviewers comparing the proprietary cushioning to "walking on clouds" with dreamy support and excellent rebound. The lightweight synthetic sole offers good traction, while the unassuming air mesh upper is supremely breathable yet still looks fairly sleek for a walking shoe. "I love them i love them, it's pure love on my feet," one reviewer gushed. "[They] really feel like soft slippers and I already walked everywhere with them." Better yet, they come in the best range of sizes here, including narrow and wide fits, and they're entirely machine-washable.

  • Available sizes: 5 — 13 (narrow and wide sizes available)

8A Pair Of Cute Black Slip-On Sneakers In Faux Python

These stylish slip-on sneakers come in imitation snakeskin to add fashion-inspired texture to your go-to shoe. Dr. Scholl's has become a byword for comfort and the brand's Madison sneaker is no exception, with an insole designed to provide targeted cushioning and support across three distinct anatomical zones of your foot. The cuff at the heel is padded and softly lined while a thick rubber sole adds traction. Wear yours to make even leggings look anything but basic. "Sooooooo comfy! Nice support, while still stylish! Ordering another pair," a shopper remarked. This option also comes in regular and wide sizes and in a variety of colors and prints.

  • Available sizes: 5 — 11 (available in wide sizes)

9An Affordable Everyday Sneaker With A Cult Following

With its under-$35 price tag and 3,000+ Amazon reviews, it’s clear that this slip-on running shoe is worth an add-to-cart. The breathable, mesh upper is supremely lightweight and the EVA outsole keeps things grippy and springy. There’s a comfort liner that provides arch support, too. “These shoes really ROCK IT!” one fan enthused. “Just like walking on a cloud and provides alot of support and the price is right! Highly recommend if you have achy feet and want support and comfort in an easy slip on. Very stylish as well and goes with everything!”

  • Available sizes: 5.5 — 10.5

10The Minimalist Luxe Leather Kicks

These black leather sneakers are as chic as it gets. In supple leather with a plain low top and no logos or embellishment to speak of, they’re subtly luxurious yet wildly practical. The EVA foam and rubber sole is lightweight and cushy, with extra grip at the heel and toe. The comfortable padded footbed is lined with fabric for a breathable and absorbent interior. "Super lightweight and comfy to wear. LOVE the look and feel. Easy to dress up or down. 10/10 recommend!" one shopper noted. You may find yourself going back and buying them in a few more neutral colors.

  • Available sizes: 5 — 11

11A Throwback Leather High Top

For ultimate '80s and '90s vibes, Reebok's leather high top has the peak nostalgia points you need. The signature padded and stitched ankle features Velcro straps for an adjustable secure fit, while inside a layer of cushioned EVA foam provides a cushy step. A rubber sole with low-profile honeycomb traction gives you a solid grip. "You can't go wrong with this classic style," one shopper wrote. "I had these when they first were introduced (80s) and I know they get better with wear. I can't wait."

  • Available sizes: 5 — 12

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