Black Shoes for Back-To-School

With the final weeks of summer beginning to dwindle away into the distance for another year, bright colourways and lightweight materials make way for darker palettes and more robust get-ups that are better equipped to deal with the temperamental weather conditions that autumn brings. 

The shifting seasons also mean it’s back to school for many, and while late nights and lazy mornings might be shelved for classrooms and lecture halls, it does throw out as good an excuse as any for a footwear refresh. 

With that in mind, I’ve picked out some of the best black shoes available on StockX right now that are the perfect addition to any back-to-school wardrobe. From tried and tested silhouettes to drops that push the boat out a little further, there’s something for any and all tastes…

Best Black School Shoes

Nike Air Force 1 Low ‘07

It doesn’t get much more classic than the AF1, especially when it comes in a stealthy, blackout colourway. While we’re obviously massive fans of innovation, there are occasions where we’re also firm believers in the old ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ cliche — this is certainly one of those times. 

Adidas Yeezy Boost 350 V2

Arguably the most recognised colourway from Ye’s now lengthy back-catalogue of work with adidas, the 350 Bred hasn’t once threatened to waver in popularity since originally dropping back in 2017, and then again in 2020. That unmistakable ribbed boost midsole ensures premium comfort complements the game-changing aesthetics the Yeezy line has brought to the world of fashion. 

Jordan 1 Low Triple Black

One of the most understated, no-nonsense picks from the illustrious Jordan archives, the AJ1 Triple Black painlessly pairs with just about any outfit even the wildest imagination could possibly muster up. A staple if ever there was one. 

New Balance 550 Triple Black

The 550 has proved a hit time and time again for New Balance thanks to its versatility and classic court aesthetic. It comes as absolutely no surprise, then, that dipping that same timeless design in a sleek, monotone colourway has it looking like one of the best black shoes on the market right now. 

Salomon S/Lab XT-6 Adv Triple Black

While it was the brand’s reputation as a go-to among elite athletes and long-distance runners that put Salomon on the map, in more recent times the French sportswear label has been adopted by a streetwear world where runners have become an increasingly common aesthetic for everyday casual wear. The ideal choice for those prioritising comfort above all else. 

Alexander McQueen Oversized Triple Black

For anyone after a little extra luxe from their back-to-school ensemble, Alexander McQueen’s oversized take on the traditional tennis shoe is a more than safe bet. Oozing with all the premium features we’ve come to expect from the British fashion behemoth, anyone wanting a statement silhouette should look this way. 

Dr. Martens 1460 Smooth Leather Lace Up Boot Black

Not many pieces of footwear single-handedly pack in as much of a legacy as a Dr. Martens boot, particularly in the case of the seminal 1460 model. Originally created by Klaus Märtens, a German war doctor who wanted a comfier alternative to standard army boots after injuring his ankle in 1945 — the 1460 was the first shoe to hit the UK market in 1960, after Märtens sold the patent to British manufacturer R. Griggs. Here it is today, as popular as ever.

notwoways Lacuna

Still a relatively fresh face on the footwear scene, notwoways is the East London brainchild of director Callum McGinley and eco-conscious designer Rockwell Princely. Their most recent effort, the Lacuna, features a signature chunky sole that’s undergone an array of technical tweaks to optimise comfort, while up top premium suede panels meet an eco-friendly waterproof layer, making it just about the perfect autumn shoe.

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