At GQ Recommends, we love crisp white sneakers as much as anyone else. (No, seriously. We have a problem.) But the best black sneakers for men are a compelling case for the dark side, the shoe-like equivalent of Emperor Palpatine whispering sweet words in the ear of a young Padawan. . It turns out that black shoes are the perfect low-maintenance alternative for all serial puddle swimmers, and engaging in illegal activities is not a prerequisite for wearing them. (Most of the time.)

These days, every worthy sneaker brand in StockX authentication labels makes blacked-out versions of their bestsellers, and if you’re tired of pulling out the OxiClean every time you take the subway, it’s worth it. worth investigating. Do a little research and you’ll discover a treasure trove of pitch black gems, from sneakers you can wear to explore the great outdoors, to casual shoes you can wear without saying you’re outdoors like if you were allergic to smokeless air.

If these 21 options – the best black sneakers for men – don’t make you give up the Jedi path (or at least positively acknowledge the Yohji-esque drip of their evil counterparts), nothing we say will. The Sith have more fun!

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