Author
Katherine Englishman
When all else in your closet fails, an all-black outfit will always work. Black is effortlessly stylish, sleek, and yeah, I’ll say it, practical (fewer stains, less visible dirt marks, no worries). When it comes down to it, all-black apparel is a genius combination of style and function that can instantly make you look far more put together than you might actually be. (Ed note: If you're going out into nature, prob best to wear some a pop of color too, for safety reasons.)
For those among us working with an thletic aesthetic both in town and on the trail, the black running shoe is key. Few pieces of active apparel or outdoor gear can be as feature-rich as these and still be an excellent sartorial choice—although, we can make an exception for you, puffy jackets. Be it a nitrogen-infused midsole, seamless construction, and the ability to customize your fit with the turn of a dial, running sneakers can come fully-loaded with the latest tech, but an entirely black look elevates this hardwearing product to a level of timeless, understated cool.
The tricky part is finding the best black running shoes for your look and lifestyle. So, to save you the research, we rounded up a comprehensive list of black running shoes that have exceptional design, high-performance features, and long-lasting active comfort to take you from town, trail, and beyond.
The 15 Best Black Running Shoes for Men & Women
Hoka Bondi 7
Light as air yet supportive enough to cradle your foot for comfort with every strike, the Bondi is a go-to for longer mileage runs and everyday wear. It has a breathable mesh construction with a high collar plus a beveled heel designed to conform to your anatomy that’s been approved by The American Podiatric Medical Association to promote foot health. With a sleek, all-black active style and the high-quality performance tech to match, you’ll want to lace up for more than just running.
Women’s version: Yes
Price: $160
Arc’Teryx Norvan LD 3 GTX
Whether you’re on or off trail, these responsive athletic shoes are designed to give you the active comfort and grip necessary to tackle those big objectives in rugged environments when weather conditions don’t always cooperate. The Gore-Tex membrane keeps out wind and water without trapping moisture to help regulate your temperature. A low-profile metallic gold logo on the heel is an understatedly cool design detail on these all black running shoes.
Women’s version: Yes
Price: $200
Craft CTM Carbon Race Rebel
Created in collaboration with ultra-distance runner, Tommy Rivs, the Carbon Race Rebel is a lightweight, responsive running shoe made to blend everyday style with high-performance that is as comfortable in urban settings as it is in rugged terrain. Short for Craft Tailored Motion, the CTM is constructed with a cushy fresh foam midsole that, when paired with the ultralight platform, effortlessly drives you forward as you run.
Women’s option: Yes
Price: $250
Mammut Ducan BOA Low GTX
Mammut’s innovative BOA lacing system has a discreet dial mechanism on the outer edge of the trail running shoe that allows the wearer to instantly tweak the fit so you can move swiftly through trails and town. A Vibram sole provides enough stability and comfort that it wears as easily as a slip-on shoe but with plenty of traction for surefootedness on loose or uneven surfaces. Rest assured that with a waterproof Gore-Tex membrane, your feet will stay dry in all conditions.
Men’s option: No
Price: $195
Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit 3
Design a custom pair of unisex performance running sneakers by choosing the colors and style details you like with Nike’s unique 3D builder program. Go for a sleek, all-black style or add a pop of color to the upper, tongue, heel, and sole to personalize your kicks (not to mention, two different ways to lace up). Aesthetics aside, the React technology features a lightweight construction with a rocker-shaped foam that propels you forward, plus a wide base for stability as you run. Check out the Nike Revolution 6 Next Nature, for a similar road running shoe for half the price.
Unisex
Price: $190
Norda 001
Dubbed the world’s lightest, toughest running shoe with a sustainable bent, these men’s running shoes are crafted from Bio-Dyneema, a blend of bio-based Dyneema and recycled Cordura nylon. Another notable innovation is the seamless construction that’s made to eliminate rubbing and enhance comfort. All that means that this high price delivers a high-quality running sneaker with a low carbon footprint.
Women’s version: Yes
Price: $285
Salomon XT-6
This best-selling unisex black running shoe is a much-loved option for long distance runners who run in varied terrain, but also crave a stylish running sneaker that you can wear as your daily driver. A blend of lightweight yet durable mesh material won’t weigh you down and also stands up to wear and tear. An EVA cushioning provides total comfort and a streamlined one lace, lace up system means minimal fussing when you need to readjust the fit mid-run.
Unisex
Price: $190
Adidas Terrex Two Ultra Trail Running Shoe
Whether you’re using them as trail runners or walking shoes, all wearers can enjoy Adidas’ exclusive BOOST technology (consider this iteration as the ultraboost) for a supremely bouncy and responsive pair of black running shoes. Other high-end details include a soft knit upper that is breathable and designed to hug your foot for comfort and support every step of the way. Made with Parley’s ocean plastic materials, it’s also an environmentally-friendly option.
Women’s version: No
Price: $180
Brooks Glycerin GTS 20
Whether you’re running to catch the subway or logging miles on the trail, the Brooks Glycerin GTS is designed for comfort and performance nearly anywhere. In addition to a cushy foam layer, the midsole is injected with nitrogen for a supremely soft shoe that hugs your foot and promotes better alignment throughout the ankle, knee, and hip joints. All this gives you a good-looking black running shoe in a classic style with top-notch comfort.
Women’s option: Yes
Price: $160
Reebok Zig Kinetica 2.5 Edge
With a cushioned midsole as soft and cloudlike as this one, it might be hard to believe that these unisex running sneakers are actually an ultra-durable and tough pair of kicks. On top of having a sleek, black look they are also designed to keep your feet warm in cold conditions thanks to the Thinsulate Thermal Lining, so you can be comfy, warm and ready for anything.
Unisex
Price: $140
Nnormal Tormir Waterproof
For total protection in the wettest conditions, look no further than the unisex Tormir Waterproof running sneaker from Nnormal, a new trail running brand launched by World-renowned mountaineer and trail runner Kilian Jornet in partnership with Spanish footwear brand Camper. Better than water resistant, these performance-focused shoes have a robust wind and waterproof membrane that is lightweight and breathable with a durable ripstop upper to resist wear and tear. An ultra-grippy sole provides great traction so you can take these out on your most rugged, rainy adventures.
Unisex
Price: $175
La Sportiva Raptor
This burly black running sneaker is a unisex shoe designed with maximum grip and protection from the elements to take you to the summit and back. However, the aggressive lugged sole, and snug, supportive fit works great in any kind of terrain (hello, icy city sidewalks), so you don’t have to worry about transitioning from pavement to gravel when a post-work adventure calls.
Unisex
Price: $185
Asics Trail Scout
Great traction and a wide, stable base underfoot gives you the confidence to tackle any kind of terrain with a cushy footbed for added support. These no-nonsense and budget-friendly black running shoes perform well on the trail and road, all with a classic look that pairs just as well with running tights as they do streetwear.
Women’s version: Yes
Price: $60 $40
On Running Cloud X
For the multi-sport adventurer who prefers to keep their gear minimal, look no further than these versatile women’s running shoes. A lightweight pair that’s ideal for cross-training, long distance runs, or laps around the track, the Cloud X features molded cushioning in the heel, a mesh upper for breathability and a no-sew, one piece design for a comfortable fit that stays put even when you don’t.
Men’s option: Yes
Price: $140
Altra Escalante 3
Described as a “classic road runner”, the Altra Escalante 3 has a white sole and logo that’s here to please anyone who’s not totally sold on the all-black look. The zero drop running shoes feature a wide toe-box to allow for natural foot splay and moderate cushioning construction for a well-balanced pair of black running sneakers that are versatile enough for your every day and the occasional off-road adventure.
Women’s option: YES
Price: $140
Published 01-05-2023
