If you glance at my shoe rack, there's a clear winner when it comes to colour. Black is far more present than any other, and for good reason. Who wouldn't want the best black shoes on hand? It's hard to think of a more versatile shade for your choice of footwear. Black fits neatly into the cooler, crisper months of autumn and winter, but brings a sleek edge to spring and summer attire too. I'll die on this hill too: Black shoes go with everything—yes, even navy.
As far as styles go, we're spoilt for choice these days. There's your classic black boots, both ankle and knee-high styles, that are absolute musts for autumnal dressing. These pair well with skirts, jeans and dresses. Black loafers and mesh flats also have limitless styling potential. These elevate outifts in the same way heels can with a little more comfort. Even black trainers are rising in popularity, giving looks a cool, grounded energy that white sneakers don't always possess.
If you're due for replacing one (or all) of these styles on your own shoe rack, I've sifted through the thousands of options out there and gathered up the best black shoes for all tastes, styles and budgets.
Shop the Best Black Shoes for Women:
1. Best Black Ballet Flats for Women
Style Notes: Ballet flats—whether you prefer trendy mesh flats or classic Mary-Janes—are a timeless staple for your shoe rack. With the right toe shape, a black pair can look just as elegant as a pair of heels. They're effortless and style with nearly any type of jeans, trousers or skirt. In fact, black flats are easily one of the most versatile shoes out there.
Shop Black Ballet Flats:
Sleek authentic leather with an almond toe shape is hard to beat.
Stunning.
A great year-round shoe.
The square toe and bow give these true ballerina vibes.
So chic!
2. Best Black Loafers for Women
Style Notes: How do you add sophistication to any outfit? Slip into a pair of black loafers. Whether you work in an office or need a fail-proof pair of shoes for any occasion, loafers are it, particularly when rendered in black, a colour that's so easily styled. There's a look for every taste, from classic silhouettes to buckled pairs to thick-soled platform loafers.
Shop Black Loafers:
Velvet is one of the most iconic cold-weather materials, and a loafer made of it is such a classic. The rubber sole is also super functional.
No round-up of the best black loafers would be complete without Gucci's iconic horse-bit pair.
A gorgeous high-street pick for those who love a thicker sole.
These are high on my wish list.
The gathered cinching on this loafer makes them look designer.
3. Best Black Trainers for Women
Style Notes: Whilst the eternal white trainer may often steal the spotlight, it's hard not to admire the sleekness of black trainers. They're just as versatile, but I'd say heaps more interesting. As autumn and winter draw nearer, it's fitting to have a pair of dark-toned sneakers at your fingertips to work into all of your outfits.
Shop Black Trainers:
If you loved the Nike Cortez trainers or New Balance's 327s, these are a genius blend of the two.
These play perfectly into the thin-soled trend, but I love that they have interesting laces.
The blend of black and chocolate brown is so eye-catching. It mixes two timeless shades into an unexpected combination that works surprisingly well.
Suede trainers are ideal for cooler seasons like autumn and winter.
If you haven't noticed, Converse trainers are having a moment. The high-top style is a fashion set favourite, and there are so many ways to style them.
4. Best Black Ankle Boots for Women
Style Notes: If you're one who welcomes in boot season with open arms, you know just how much heavy lifting a great pair of black ankle boots does in your wardrobe. They're the LBDs of your shoe rack, melding into denim ensembles, skirt-and-jumper combos and paired with sleek party dresses.
Shop Black Ankle Boots:
You can never go wrong with a pointed toe. They look fab peeking out from under wide-leg jeans and work with all your midi and maxi skirts.
These are on my wish list. The short heel and shiny rounded toe are my ideal everyday boot.
The subtle bend in the heel make these ankle boots stand out in just the right way.
For the Chelsea boot fans, these pair is impeccable with stretch panels and block heels.
The square toe and pyramid heel shape win these serious style points. I also like that they're a great balance between an ankle boot and calf boot.
5. Best Black Knee-High Boots for Women
Style Notes: Ankle and knee-high boot heights are the two absolute must-have options for your autumn capsule wardrobe. They complement one another nicely (knee-high boots work where ankle boots don't and vice versa) and have overlap, too. Taller boots are a natural fit with all autumn and winter staples, such as jumper dresses, skirts, jeans and leggings.
Shop Black Knee-High Boots:
It's hard to believe this pair isn't designer. The short heel is comfortable for long wear times, but the sleek pointed toe keeps everything chic.
If it's a truly timeless pair you're after, a block heel is it.
An investment that'll last you for years. The leather is the perfect happy medium between matte and patent.
Another eternally classic silhouette? The iconic riding boot.
Reformation's Remy boots are just sensational.
