When it comes to choosing the perfect pair of black shoes, the options can seem endless. Various brands have established themselves as leaders, providing the perfect blend of style, comfort, and durability. Whether you're looking for sleek dress shoes for a formal occasion or comfortable sneakers for everyday wear, certain brands stand out above the rest. Discover our curated list of the best brands for black shoes below.
Illustration of black shoes
Best brands of black shoes in 2025
Allen Edmonds
Allen Edmonds, founded in 1922 by Elbert W. Allen, was once a pinnacle of American shoe craftsmanship, particularly renowned for its high-quality black shoes. The company, which produced over a million pairs annually, was a preferred choice for U.S. presidents from Ronald Reagan to George W. Bush. However, since its acquisition by various investment firms starting in 2006, the brand has shifted some of its production overseas, with only about 8 of its 206 styles currently made in the USA. Despite this, Allen Edmonds still offers iconic styles like the Park Avenue, which has sold over a million pairs since its introduction in 1982. The company's commitment to quality, though somewhat diminished, is still evident in its recrafting services, which have refurbished over a million pairs of shoes. You can learn more about their products by visiting their website: Allen Edmonds Official Website.
Clarks
Clarks, a renowned British footwear manufacturer and retailer founded in 1825, is esteemed for its high-quality and comfortable shoes, including its extensive range of black shoes. The brand has a strong heritage and a significant market presence, with its market share in the UK increasing from 1.1% in 1945 to 9% by 1970. Clarks operates over 320 stores in the UK and Ireland and has hundreds of franchises globally. The company is known for its iconic Desert Boot and Wallabee shoes, as well as its collection of school shoes. Despite challenges, Clarks has adapted by relocating production to offshore factories, predominantly in Asia, and modernizing its retail infrastructure.
Cole Haan
Cole Haan is a renowned brand for producing high-quality black shoes, founded in 1928 by Trafton Cole and Eddie Haan in Chicago, Illinois. Known for its luxurious and innovative footwear, Cole Haan has expanded its product line to include men's and women's dress and casual shoes, as well as accessories like belts, handbags, and sunglasses. The brand has seen significant growth, with a 14% increase in revenue to $687 million in 2019 and over 500 stores worldwide, including locations in major metropolitan areas like New York, London, and Tokyo. Cole Haan is particularly celebrated for its hybrid outsole technology, combining the sophistication of leather with the practicality of rubber, as seen in its ZeroGrand and Grand.360 shoe lines. The brand has also committed to sustainability, discontinuing the use of real animal fur in its products since 2008.
Dr. Martens
Dr. Martens is renowned as one of the best producers of black shoes, with a rich history dating back to 1901 when the Griggs family began making boots in Northamptonshire. The brand has evolved from a PS2 work-wear boot to a subcultural essential, endorsed by early skinheads and Pete Townshend of The Who. In recent years, Dr. Martens has achieved significant milestones, including reaching PS1 billion in revenue in fiscal year 2023, with direct-to-consumer sales increasing by 16% to PS520.7 million. Despite challenges in the Americas region, the brand saw strong performance in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, with DTC pairs for shoes and sandals growing over 20% year-on-year. Dr. Martens continues to focus on sustainability, aiming for 100% of products to be made from sustainable materials by 2040. For more insights into their heritage and growth, explore their brand history.
Johnston & Murphy
Johnston & Murphy is a renowned American brand, celebrated for its high-quality footwear, particularly its elegant and durable black shoes. Founded in 1850, the company has a rich heritage of crafting premium shoes, with notable historical figures like Abraham Lincoln among its clientele. Over its 174-year history, Johnston & Murphy has expanded its product lines to include casual athletic and apparel, while maintaining its classic and versatile styles. The brand operates 160 company-owned stores and sells its products in over 2,100 premier department and specialty stores globally. Johnston & Murphy's commitment to innovation is evident in its latest 'Not Your Dad's Shoe Company' campaign, highlighting modern interpretations of classic styles.
Kenneth Cole
Kenneth Cole Productions is renowned for its high-quality and stylish footwear, particularly its black shoes, which have contributed significantly to the company's success. In the third quarter of 2010, the company reported a 21% increase in wholesale sales, driven partly by strong growth in men's and women's footwear. The brand's e-commerce platform has also seen a 23% revenue growth over the past three months, indicating strong customer engagement. With an estimated annual revenue of $1.1 billion and a global presence, Kenneth Cole continues to be a leading designer and marketer of fashion footwear, apparel, and accessories. The company's commitment to quality and style has made it a favorite among consumers seeking versatile and functional clothing and shoes.
Rockport
Rockport, a renowned footwear brand, is celebrated for its high-quality black shoes, having introduced the innovative rubber-soled casual shoe design in the 1970s. Despite facing financial challenges, including a second Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in 2023, Rockport generated over $203 million in revenue in 2022 and operates in more than 60 countries. The brand is known for its comfort and innovation, with a significant global presence and over 4.8 million pairs of shoes manufactured in 2022. Rockport's history spans over 50 years, founded by Saul and Bruce Katz in 1971, and it has been part of several major companies including Reebok and Adidas. With its recent acquisition by Authentic Brands Group, Rockport is poised for further expansion and growth.
Salvatore Ferragamo
Salvatore Ferragamo is renowned as one of the premier luxury fashion brands, particularly excelling in the production of high-quality black shoes. Founded in 1927 by Salvatore Ferragamo, the company has a rich history of innovation, including the creation of iconic designs such as the wedge heel and metal heels. Footwear and leather goods account for over 86% of its revenue, with footwear alone generating 45.7% of the company's revenue in 2023. Known for its meticulous craftsmanship and use of premium materials, Ferragamo's black shoes are a staple in many luxury wardrobes. The brand operates 447 mono-brand stores worldwide, ensuring global accessibility to its exquisite products.
Skechers
Skechers, a leading producer of high-quality black shoes, achieved a record $8 billion in sales for the 2023 fiscal year, marking a 7.5% year-over-year increase. The company's international sales experienced a notable 13.3% rise, although domestic sales saw a slight decrease of 0.8%. In 2022, Skechers shipped nearly 267 million pairs worldwide, with the Americas region contributing 52% of the company's revenue. The direct-to-consumer retail segment expanded to 38% of Skechers' revenue in 2022, compared to 29% in 2021. Despite facing challenges in the wholesale segment, Skechers remains optimistic about future growth, projecting sales between $8.6 billion and $8.8 billion for 2024. For more detailed statistical insights, you can visit their Skechers shoes statistics.
Timberland
Timberland, a renowned brand in the footwear industry, is celebrated for its high-quality and durable black shoes, with its iconic 6-inch boot representing 28 percent of the brand's total sales. As part of its growth strategy, Timberland is expanding its apparel category and targeting female consumers, aiming for mid single-digit growth over the next three to five years. The brand has reduced its overall styles by 32 percent since 2019 to focus on more precise products aligned with its heritage. Through a global marketing campaign and innovative collaborations, Timberland is revitalizing its brand identity to appeal to a diverse customer base. Despite facing challenges, Timberland's sales rose 20 percent from pandemic lows to $1.8 billion in the year ending March 2022.
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