Where people once hated on the all-black Nike Air Force 1s, black sneakers now seem to be a true fashion statement. Sneakers from brands like New Balance, Nike, and Adidas are releasing one after another these days, but it's often the all-black versions that sell out.
Why are black sneakers so popular nowadays?
Black Air Force 1 Activity
Black sneakers have always existed, but haven't always been this popular. For years, white sneakers were the preferred choice, while triple black sneakers often had a dubious reputation – to put it mildly. The Nike Air Force 1, in particular, quickly became infamous due to its association with a negative image.
In 2019, American rapper Teejayx6 released a mixtape titled Black Air Force Activity 1. Although the album wasn’t about sneakers but about criminal activities, it reinforced the association with black Air Force 1s.
The name of the mixtape became a concept within hip-hop culture. The rebellious image of the rapper perfectly aligned with the concept of the ‘Triple Black’ Air Force 1 and stood in stark contrast to the white colorway of the same model.
The negative reputation of the sneaker extended beyond just the Air Force 1. Black sneakers in general quickly became associated with questionable connotations.
Jordans 'Black Cat'
The first sneakers to break through this shadowy image were the 'Black Cat' releases from Jordan Brand. Michael Jordan, then an NBA player for the Chicago Bulls, collaborated with Nike to launch his own line, Jordan.
After the classic 'Chicago' colorways, the 'Black Cat' colorway made its debut on the Air Jordan 4 in 2006.
The Air Jordan 4 'Black Cat' was completely black from top to bottom—a bold choice, especially considering that in 1985, the Air Jordan 1 'Bred' was banned for not including any white, which at the time was considered a sacred rule in the NBA.
Although it was later revealed that the ban actually applied to a different model, the precedent was clear: basketball shoes were not supposed to contain too much black.
The Black Cat, on the other hand, proved that a black sneaker could be both stylish and functional. The sneaker's name referred to Michael Jordan's nickname, which reflected his feline agility on the court. Later, the all-black colorway also appeared on other models such as the Air Jordan 3, 13, and 4 RM.
Black sneakers in 2025
Whether the Black Cat releases completely changed the reputation of black sneakers is hard to say. However, triple-black sneakers now seem more accepted and loved than ever.
From all-black New Balances to jet-black adidas Superstars - it's all in style these days. Even the once-controversial Air Force 1s have made a fashionable comeback.
As a fan of black sneakers myself, I totally get it. While writing this, I’m actually wearing the Air Max SNDR 'Black'!.
Moreover, certain silhouettes just look better in a black colorway. The Nike Shox TL 'Black' is one example, as is the New Balance 1906W 'Black,' seen below.
Other New Balance models, including the 9060 and the 1000, which made their comeback in 2024, are also very popular these days.
The great thing about black sneakers is that they can be paired with almost anything and don’t get dirty as quickly. A black pair of pants, a sweater, and a jacket on top, and you have the perfect monochrome outfit.
Timeless
In the wise words of designer Rick Owens, who is known for his black designs: "There are so many things about black that are great. It's crisp, it has nobility. It's modest. Everybody loves nuns, and they wear black."
And I completely agree with him. Black is a color that never goes out of style and always exudes class. A monochrome black outfit is always a success, while an all-white outfit often feels a bit uncomfortable. The same goes for bright colors like red or green—they lack the elegance that black possesses.
Black is timeless, both in clothing and sneakers. So, if you're looking for your next triple black sneaker, take a look at the Sneakerjagers search engine. You can also find white or coloured sneakers there, in case you’re not fully convinced yet.
