You're not giving the best black trainers the time of day. Because, while all-whites are solid, classic and bound to go with everything, they've hogged the limelight of late. Of forever, really. Because black trainers do all of that just as well. We just haven't given them the space or time or oxygen to prove that, yes, they too can be solid, classic and a go-with-everything anchor.
Black trainers, take the stage. First off: they're black. Black truly does go with everything, and, arguably, are a better finish for the high-low trainer-suit match-up. There's something a little smarter at play here (granted, that depends on the style you go for).
Second: they're a point of difference. While white trainers are popular, homogeny can be a little, well, dull? By opting for the darker cousin of the pure-as-snow sneaker, you're being different, but not too much so.
But the best bit? They'll last longer, and they won't look like they've suffered a serious assault upon their first outing down the pub. Black trainers don't bruise like a peach. Thus, there's more value for money as they swerve the rough-and-tumble of regular cleaning.
So you're convinced. Great! Now comes the tough part: deciding upon the right brand to wear. Because although you have your favourite white pair (Stan Smiths, Converse, Common Projects, et al), the lack of stage time for black trainers has resulted in a really quite alarming gap of knowledge. What brand should fill the slot? What brand even does a good black trainer?
Nike does, which isn’t much of a surprise. That doesn’t make the Air Max 90 a bad choice though. On the contrary, it’s the sneaker gift that keeps on giving; a graily silhouette that hasn’t seen its popularity dip once since it was first released back in 1990 (clue’s in the name). The Reebok Classic also has the same retro sportswear appeal, but it’s a bit more British, more vintage, more swapping-Pokemon-cards-on-a-playground-at-the-turn-of-the-millennium, which is a huge move in itself. New Balance are also highly wearable (and sellable, if under the banner of one of their many collabs). Vans are now timeless, as are Converse, and the blacked out Stan Smiths (yes, they do exist). Or, if you want to go a little more current, consider Stepney Workers Club, the ascendant footwear label straight out of the capital.
See. Plenty of options. And while it may be a little longer until the white sneaker hegemony is finally toppled, adding one of the best black trainers for men will only do good things for your wardrobe (and mankind).
