Top 10 All Black Running Shoes in 2023
Running shoes often come in bright, funky colors, which is part of their appeal to many people. But what if you’re one of those who prefer a solid color shoe without the fancy shades?
There’s good news. The best all-black running shoes we’ve compiled in this article have all the support and cushioning you need to perform well when you run while giving you the plain color palette you like.
There’s something for every kind of runner on this list. Find the all-black shoe that suits your foot, and enjoy running in shoes that look good and feel good.
Top 3 Best and Favorites
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Best Stability Shoe
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Best Stability Shoe
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Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23
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CHECK MEN’S PRICECHECK WOMEN’S PRICE |
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Most Cushioned
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Most Cushioned
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Hoka Bondi 8
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CHECK MEN’S PRICECHECK WOMEN’S PRICE |
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Most Comfortable
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Most Comfortable
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ASICS Gel-Nimbus 25
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CHECK MEN’S PRICECHECK WOMEN’S PRICE |
Best Stability Shoe
1. Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23
If you’re a mild overpronator, the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 is one of the best and least intrusive stability shoes you can find.
What We Like
Brooks shoes often come in a variety of color schemes, but you can also find an all-black design that looks sleek and smart.
It’s designed as a daily trainer, so there’s an emphasis on comfort. The upper is light and airy, but there’s plush padding inside the shoe. Long laces and Brooks’ 3D Fit Print overlays add more structure to the upper.
Underfoot, you’ll have soft yet supportive DNA LOFT foam, which provides a smooth, easy ride but still has enough energy return for you to pick up the pace if you want to.
In terms of support, the shoe features Brooks’ GuideRails system. This uses two firm, stiff pieces of foam running alongside the lateral and medial sides of the heel, which prevents your foot from rolling.
It only takes effect on occasions when needed, which means it stays out of the way if your gait is correct. So even neutral runners can wear these shoes without feeling uncomfortable.
The GuideRails work with the firm, secure heel cup to ensure no lateral movement in the rearfoot that could compromise your foot’s stability.
Under the forefoot, a shock-absorbing Segmented Crash Pad protects the foot and adds the rebound on the toe-off.
Why We Like It
We love that this shoe can work for both mild overpronators and runners with neutral arches. It’s extremely versatile and can also accommodate you for easy runs and slightly more speedy runs.
What to Consider
Severe overpronators might find that the GuideRails don’t offer enough support to stop them from rolling their feet. If this is you, you may consider the ASICS GT-2000 10 instead.
What’s New
Both the upper and the midsole have been upgraded since the last version of the shoe. While the 22 had a mixed DNA LOFT and DNA BioMoGo midsole, the new version features only DNA LOFT. The 3D Fit Print process has been refined to structure the upper more flexibly.
PROS:
- Versatile daily trainer for easy and recovery runs but can still pick up the pace for some faster sessions
- Soft, supportive DNA LOFT foam absorbs shock and cushions landings
- GuideRail technology provides firm stability through the midfoot, so every stride feels sure-footed and planted
- Firm heel cup prevents lateral movement and provides a secure, locked-in feel
CONS:
- The support in this shoe may not be enough for severe overpronators
Most Cushioned
2. Hoka Bondi 8
If plush comfort is what you’re after, along with your all-black style, we highly recommend the Hoke Bondi 8. It’s the most popular of Hoka’s shoes, so you can’t go wrong with this one if you’re looking for cushioning.
What We Like
The Bondi 8 has 33 mm of foam in the heel and 29 mm in the forefoot, making it one of the most cushioned shoes you can find. Despite the thick midsole, it weighs just 10.8 oz for an average-sized men’s shoe and 8.9 oz for women’s.
Although this shoe has a lot of EVA foam, it’s not overly soft underfoot. It’s surprisingly firm yet remains completely comfortable throughout a run.
There’s also a meta-rocker, which helps to make the heel-to-toe transition smoother. The wide platform helps keep the shoe’s stability, despite the height underneath your foot. An extended heel helps you land comfortably and fully use the rocker design.
Although there’s no full-length outsole, the strategically-located rubber is surprisingly durable over hundreds of miles.
On top, a plush, cushy upper wraps your feet in comfort so your feet will be happy from top to toe. The upper is also vegan.
Why We Like It
The Hoka Bondi 8 is plushly cushioned on the upper and underneath the feet. It’s made for comfort, so you’ll love this shoe if that’s what you’re looking for.
What to Consider
The Bondi 8 isn’t suitable for speedwork. Its thick midsole works best for easy or long runs. Some people may also find the stack height to be uncomfortable or unstable.
What’s New
The new Bondi has 6 mm more foam in the midsole and a more spacious and better-shaped toe box. Surprisingly, the newer version is lighter than the previous one.
You’ll find that the midsole is a little more responsive than before, and the upper is now vegan and more eco-friendly.
PROS:
- Sleek, breathable upper hugs your foot and delivers a secure lockdown
- Thick layer of lightweight and slightly firmer EVA foam provides an efficient and comfortable ride
- Meta-rocker platform is balanced and helps provide smooth transitions
- Wide base with a decent amount of sole flare enhances stability
CONS:
- The stack height and design may not be comfortable for everyone
- It’s not suitable for speedwork
Top All-Purpose Shoe
3. New Balance Fresh Foam X 880v13
If you’re looking for a shoe you can take a run in but also go to the store or run errands in, the New Balance Fresh Foam X 880v13 is the ideal all-purpose trainer for you.
What We Like
One of the best things about this shoe is it’s extremely comfortable. Not only does it have a soft midsole, but it also features a double-mesh upper and padded tongue and ankle collar for a cozy step-in feeling.
Under your feet, you’ll find Fresh Foam X, which is soft and shock-absorbing. There’s a small FuelCell foam underneath the Fresh Foam X in the forefoot, designed to help your toe-off pop a little.
Comfort is the name of the game with the upper. As well as looking smart enough to wear with jeans, it’ll also feel great on your feet for hours at a time, thanks to the roomy fit and overlay-free double jacquard mesh upper that hugs your feet.
Thick rubber covers the outsole, with flex grooves that help you to move more smoothly and flexibly.
Why We Like It
The New Balance Fresh Foam X 880v13 is an excellent all-purpose shoe that’s great for a peppy run as well as for an outing to the store. It has a slightly wider fit that should be comfortable on most feet.
What to Consider
People with narrow feet might find the fit to be a little too roomy for comfort. While you can cinch down to get a secure lockdown, it might still be uncomfortable inside.
What’s New
The midsole has been revamped, and it’s now dual-layered and more cushioned than before, giving it a softer feeling.
PROS:
- Reliable workhorse shoe that’s just as comfortable running errands as it is running the streets
- Soft double-mesh upper, padded tongue, and plush collar create a cozy step-in feel
- Fresh Foam X is responsive and provides a softer landing with a snappier toe-off thanks to FuelCell foam
- Thick rubber outsole provides excellent traction and durability
CONS:
- These shoes may not suit people with narrow feet
Most Comfortable
4. ASICS Gel-Nimbus 25
ASICS Gel cushioning offers extreme comfort, especially when paired with Flytefoam Blast cushioning. Everything on this shoe is about feeling good on your feet!
What We Like
The Nimbus collection is considered to be ASICS’ max-cushioned offerings. This means it’s extremely comfortable, but not only underfoot.
In terms of cushioning, the shoe features FF Blast+ foam in the midsole, which is lightweight and soft. You can run for long distances in these shoes before your muscles fatigue, as the cushioning offers excellent shock absorption.
Of course, there’s also the typical layer of ASICS Gel in both the rearfoot and the forefoot, which adds to the shock absorption and comfort of the shoe while also giving a touch of support, so the heel doesn’t feel too soft.
These shoes are also gender-specific, each designed to better suit the gender’s foot. For example, the women’s shoe has a higher heel-to-toe drop—13mm—than the men’s, which is 10 mm.
3D Space Construction in the forefoot is also dialed in to suit the gender wearing it. This unique technology helps maximize the compression and rebound of the foam to better support the protection of the foot and the spring on your toe-off.
The upper is also designed to be soft and comfortable and features 20 percent recycled materials, so it’s more eco-friendly than others.
An ASICS LITE rubber sole and AHARPLUS heel plug effectively protect against abrasion and increase the shoe’s durability.
Why We Like It
This shoe offers exceptional comfort thanks to a combination of multiple shock-absorbing forms of padding, gender-specific compression technology, and a soft upper that hugs the foot.
What to Consider
Some runners may find the tongue of the Gel-Nimbus 25 to be a little too thin for their liking. This could have a negative effect on their comfort.
What’s New
The midsole is softer than before, thanks to the addition of FF Blast+ foam. It also adds a bit more responsiveness, and the shoe is lighter than it was before. Both the upper and the outsole have been redesigned to increase comfort and durability.
PROS:
- Comfortable out of the box with lighter, softer, and bouncier FF Blast+ foam
- Mesh upper is made with some recycled materials that supports the foot
- Gel cushioning in the rearfoot and forefoot provides softer landings without feeling mushy
- Deep flex grooves allow for a decent amount of flexibility in the forefoot
CONS:
- The thinner tongue may feel uncomfortable or not padded enough for some
Best ASICS Stability Shoe
5. ASICS GT-2000 11
Overpronators will find everything they need for a safe and plush run in the ASICS GT-2000 11. It’s also surprisingly lightweight for a stability shoe, which is a pro.
What We Like
This shoe is an excellent choice for mild to moderate overpronators who need support and comfort in a running shoe.
First off, the upper is plush and comfortable no matter how many hours you wear these shoes. Padded ankle collars and thick tongue help to lock your foot in while keeping you well-cushioned.
An internal heel counter keeps your foot in position. The toe box is wide enough for your toes to splay comfortably, which is unusual for an ASICS shoe.
Adding FlyteFoam Propel in the midsole offers more spring than you would expect. Also, in the midsole you’ll find the LiteTruss, which replaces the previous Trusstic system and DuoMax post. This provides good medial support to stop pronators from rolling their feet.
The durable rubber lining of the outsole keeps you safe on your feet and lasts for many hundreds of miles.
Why We Like It
If ASICS is your brand and you’re looking for impressive stability without the discomfort that often comes with stability shoes, then this one does the job. Plus, we love that it has Gel in the midsole and foam.
What to Consider
The GT-2000 11 falls more into the minimalist shoe category than others, with just 13 to 14 mm of foam under the forefoot and 21 to 22 mm in the heel. For some, this may be too little cushioning underfoot, and you may feel too close to the ground.
What’s New
The upper has been updated to an engineered mesh, and the midsole uses a new foam to add responsiveness. Instead of the previous Trusstic system, this shoe has a LiteTruss system. The drop is also 2 mm lower than the previous shoe.
PROS:
- LiteTruss technology helps reduce excessive overpronation
- A firm heel counter prevents lateral movement and is padded for more comfort
- Gel cushioning in the rearfoot adds shock absorption and softness
- Durable rubber outsole can easily handle the long miles
CONS:
- This shoe is not very cushioned, which may feel uncomfortable for some
Top Cushioned Support Shoe
6. Asics Gel-Kayano 30
If you need a stability shoe that also offers great cushioning, the Gel-Kayano 30 is an excellent choice. It offers everything runners love about ASICS cushion, with the support an overpronator needs to run safely.
What We Like
The Gel-Kayano 30 offers everything you need in a stability shoe. LiteTruss technology built into the heel stops your feet from falling over without being as intrusive as a medial post would be.
In the midsole, FF Blast+ foam offers a good combination of firm comfort and rebound. This is complemented by the Gel padding in the forefoot and heel, which provides superb shock absorption to protect the feet.
If your feet swell during the day, you’ll appreciate the slight stretch in the upper. An external heel counter keeps your foot in place without restricting movement.
Why We Like It
The ASICS Gel-Kayano 30 offers the best combination of cushioning and support. This is it if you’re looking for an extremely comfortable support shoe.
What to Consider
Those who want completely all-black shoes might be disappointed that this shoe features a white sole! However, this is purely aesthetic and has no bearing on the shoe’s performance.
What’s New
FF Blast+ foam has been added to this version of the shoe. The heel collar has been redesigned for a better fit. Where the women’s shoe previously had a 13 mm drop, it’s now been lowered to 10 mm.
PROS:
- Sleek, breathable upper that has a bit of stretch to accommodate swollen feet
- Thick layer of springy FF Blast+ foam provides a firm, energetic ride
- LiteTruss technology cradles your foot, increases stability, and helps to gently correct your stride
- External heel counter has been redesigned and offers additional stability
CONS:
- If you’re after completely black shoes, you may be disappointed with the white sole of these shoes
Best Motion Control Shoe
7. Brooks Addiction GTS 15
Serious overpronators might prefer a motion-control shoe to a stability shoe. The Brooks Addiction GTS 15 is a perfect choice.
What We Like
BioMoGo DNA foam in the midsole of this shoe provides a good mix of excellent shock absorption and a slight bit of energy return. To keep your feet safe as you run, GuideRails in the rearfoot gently hold your heel in position and prevent rolling.
As a bonus, if you like this shoe and aren’t an overpronator, you can still wear it. The GuideRails only kick in when needed—otherwise, they stay out of your way and don’t intrude in your motion.
It has an orthotic-friendly design, so if you do need more arch support to supplement the GuideRails’ support, you can easily add an orthotic that works for you.
The single-piece outsole adds some rigidity to the ride, and full-coverage rubber increases the durability of this shoe. A Caterpillar Crash Pad increases shock absorption as well.
Why We Like It
This shoe offers light but sturdy stability features that effectively stop your feet from falling over when you run. Their variety of comfort and stability features make them a comfortable and effective motion-control shoe.
What to Consider
This shoe is a little heavy, at around 12 ounces. Some may feel like these shoes weigh them down, especially if you’re working on pace.
You should also note that the women’s shoe is actually black and pink. Although the pink is subtle, it may be disappointing for those who want a fully black shoe.
What’s New
The midsole is softer, and the new version is more shock-absorbing thanks to the Caterpillar Crash Pad.
PROS:
- Orthotic-friendly design means you can customize your arch support
- BioMoGo DNA foam absorbs shock, cushions your landings, and propels you forward
- GuideRails support system encourages your natural running style and helps keep your feet aligned
- Caterpillar Crash Pad and the wide platform provides a feeling of enhanced stability
CONS:
- This shoe is heavy, at around 12 ounces
- The women’s shoe isn’t completely all black
Best Made in the USA Shoe
8. New Balance Made in US 990v5
Falling under the umbrella of New Balance’s “running-inspired lifestyle shoes”, these are made right at home in the USA, using imported materials.
What We Like
These lifestyle shoes have a retro style, a throwback to years past. While stylish and suitable for multiple occasions, they also have some classic New Balance features that add to the comfort.
A suede and mesh upper provide a great combination of style, breathability, and supportiveness. It has a lightweight foam and polyurethane midsole adds a little bounce to each step and keeps your feet comfortable.
It also has a roomy but not sloppy fit, which is appreciated considering these shoes are more geared towards casual wear than sporting wear.
Why We Like It
The New Balance Made in the US 990v5 are vintage-style shoes that look right at home in casual situations, running errands, or even in the office. Celebrities have even worn them!
What to Consider
While these shoes are stylish and made in the USA, they’re designed for leisure wear, not running.
What’s New
The 5th version has a slightly wider fit than the 4 in the toe box. There’s also some extra cushioning in the heel. This shoe also has power straps on the ankle for better lateral support.
PROS:
- Stylish vintage style shoe with a suede and mesh upper that is suitable for casual wear or spending the day at the office
- ENCAP EVA midsole will keep your feet comfortable for hours
- Excellent option for heavier runners who want a supportive, firm, stable ride
- Made in the USA using imported materials
CONS:
- This shoe is great for style, but it might not be suitable to run in
Best Saucony Shoe
9. Saucony Kinvara 14
Saucony shoes are excellent for those who need something with a bit of a wider fit, especially in the toe box. The Kinvara 14 comes in an all-black design and offers a variety of features that will help boost your performance.
What We Like
The Kinvara 14 provides all you need to run comfortably, with an all-black option that looks stylish no matter what you’re wearing.
With a low heel-to-toe drop—4 mm —the shoe is built for comfort and sleek speed. Although it’s less responsive than the previous version, it’s still springy enough to be suitable for easy runs, tempo runs, and even intervals.
The engineered mesh upper allows plenty of space for your toes to splay, and it’s breathable enough to allow good airflow in warm weather. It’s also made of recycled materials and vegan.
There’s also an internal heel counter that’s stiff enough to stabilize the rearfoot but soft enough not to irritate the Achilles.
Underfoot, 28.5 mm of PWRRUN foam in the heel and 24.5 mm in the forefoot provides a slight firmness, although it’s softer than the last version’s midsole. With a little bounce, it offers a good experience for various types of runs.
Most of the outsole is exposed foam, meaning it’s a little less durable than other shoes in its class.
Why We Like It
The Kinvara 14 offers everything Saucony fans love about the brand—a spacious toe box, great midsole comfort and responsiveness, and a speedy 4 mm heel drop.
What to Consider
If you’ve never run in a low-drop shoe before, it may take time for your foot and calf muscles to get used to the 4 mm drop of this shoe. The minimalist outsole also reduces the durability of this shoe.
What’s New
The 14 has a softer feel than the previous version but is slightly less responsive. It also has a slightly more roomy fit, especially in the forefoot. The upper has also been updated.
PROS:
- Lightweight nylon upper is breathable and provides an excellent lockdown while the wide toe box lets your toes spread
- Responsive midsole cushioning with good ground feel that offers a smooth ride
- Versatile shoe that excels at faster speeds but can be used on long runs, intervals, tempo runs, and fartleks
- Stiff internal counter provides rearfoot stability without irritating your Achilles
CONS:
- The 4 mm drop may take some getting used to
- The outsole is less durable than others
Best Wet Weather Shoe
10. Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 39 Shield
This is a cold and wet-weather shoe. With all the features Nike users love, it’s a great choice if you often run in the rain.
What We Like
To keep your feet dry in wet weather, the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus Shield features a knit mesh upper with a water-repellent coating and smartly-placed “skins” to keep the water from getting into the shoe.
AeroLoft technology in the upper helps to retain heat without creating an environment that’s too warm. There’s also a fleecy layer inside to insulate your feet. Great for those cold mornings!
The midsole features Nike React foam and a Zoom Air unit in the forefoot for responsiveness. One of the best things about this shoe is the outsole, which features Storm-Tread. This tread is inspired by winter tires, featuring multi-directional lugs designed to give you stability on wet ground.
Why We Like It
This shoe is ready for cold, wet weather. It offers everything you need to keep your feet warm and dry while looking stylish in black simultaneously.
What to Consider
You most likely won’t be able to wear these in warm weather. If you set out in the cold and the weather warms up halfway through, there’s a legitimate chance that your feet may begin to overheat.
PROS:
- Aeroloft technology is a cozy fleece that helps insulate heat to keep your feet warm without overheating
- Knit upper with water-repellant finish and strategically-placed skins keep your feet dry
- React midsole foam and Zoom Air bag cushions every step and offers a ton of energy return
- Textured outsole is wet weather ready and offers lot of grip in rough weather
CONS:
- These shoes won’t be suitable for warm weather
Buyer’s Guide – Best All Black Running Shoes
Cushioning
Even if your primary goal is to get all-black running shoes for the style, you still need to ensure they have enough cushioning to absorb shock and protect your feet.
The exact amount of cushioning is your own personal preference. You can get a max-cushioned shoe, like the Hoka Bondi 8, or a less-cushioned shoe, which will give you a more ground feel underneath your feet.
Stability
If you’re an overpronator, you need a stability or motion control shoe. These shoes tend to be heavier than regular shoes, but they contain much-needed support features that will prevent your feet from rolling and causing injury.
Weight
The more cushioning and support in a shoe, the heavier it’s likely to be. However, most running shoes still weigh under 10 ounces per shoe, which is considered average.
Unless you want a lightweight running shoe specifically, all the shoes on this list are considered to be well within the normal weight for running shoes.
Heel-Toe Drop
Most running shoes feature an 8 to 12 mm heel-to-toe drop. While this is standard, some shoes have lower drops, like the Saucony Kinvara, which has a 4 mm drop.
Keep in mind that if you transition to a shoe with a lower drop than your current shoes have, you will need to transition slowly, and you may feel discomfort in your feet and calves as you get used to the lower drop and new foot position.
Outsole
The outsole of a shoe should offer good traction as well as durability. Some shoes, like Hokas, provide minimalist outsoles that only cover the most wear-prone areas.
Other shoes provide full-length rubber layers. These are more likely to last over many miles. Keep in mind that the surface you run on will also make a difference in how quickly a shoe’s outsole wears down.
Toebox
There should be enough room in the toe box for your toes to splay and wiggle without chafing against the shoe. However, it should not be too loose and sloppy.
You should also note that while you may need extra room in the toe box, the heel should still fit snugly to prevent excess foot movement in the shoe.
Heel Counter
Shoes that feature a heel counter—internal or external—help to lock your heel down and prevent lateral movement that could lead to injury. Not all shoes have one, but it helps improve stability.
FAQs
Should I Get Black Running Shoes?
You can get black running shoes if you like the style. They go with any outfit, running clothes or smart casual.
Are Black Running Shoes Hotter?
Black running shoes may feel hotter in summer weather as black material absorbs heat.
Can I Wear Running Shoes When I’m Not Running?
You can wear running shoes for several different things, including home wear, running errands, visiting friends, or even wearing to work.
Do You Need Running Shoes for Running?
Yes, you need running shoes if you’re planning to run. Shoes designed for fashion often don’t have the cushioning needed to absorb the shock that comes with landing when you run or the support systems to guide your foot into an effective gait.
While you can wear running shoes as lifestyle shoes, you can not wear lifestyle shoes as running shoes.
