The 30 best trainers to wear with dresses in 2023
FINDING the best trainers to wear with dresses can be difficult, but once you’re in the swing of it, you’ll never go back.
Rocking a dress with trainers was a major faux-pas for a long time, with this now go-to combination being thought of as clumsy and unfashionable. But, over the last 20 years, this unlikely duo has become a modern staple. From royals like Kate Middleton the Princess of Wales to celebrities like Zendaya, Rihanna, and the Kardashians — pretty much everyone’s wearing trainers with dresses these days. So, if you haven’t already, it’s time to jump on the bandwagon.
What’s so good about wearing trainers with a dress, you ask? Well, trainers are a comfy alternative to heels or boots and wearing them with a dress results in an outfit that is the definition of smart casual. This look can work for almost any occasion, including work, parties, holidays, errand running, and more.
The only thing is, unlike jeans and trainers, not every pair of trainers goes with every dress. You’ve got to make sure the length, style, fabric and colour of the dress compliments the trainers and vice versa. However, there are a few types of trainer that will go with just about anything. So, without further ado, here are the best trainers to wear with dresses.
Best trainers to wear with dresses at a glance:
- Best white trainers to wear with dresses: Superga Cotu Classic Trainers
- Most comfy trainers to wear with dresses: New Balance
- Best trainers to wear with midi dresses: Veja Venturi Trainers
- Best trainers to wear with mini dresses: Black High-Top Converse
- Best black trainers to wear with dresses: AllSaints Leather Trainers
- Best colourful trainers to wear with dresses: Victoria Berlin Trainers
- Best smart trainers to wear with dresses: A Day’s March White Trainers
Superga Classic Low-Top Trainers
- Superga’s Classic Low-Top Trainers, £36.63 – £47.00 from Amazon – buy here
If the Princess of Wales is your style icon, go for a pair of Superga tennis shoes. Kate wears hers with everything from jeans and trousers to shorts, and of course, dresses. The simple canvas shoe goes well with smart maxi shirt dresses for work, and floral wrap dresses for day-to-day life.
These trainers are particularly useful when styling dramatic dresses complete with ruffles, slits, puff sleeves, patterns, and any other busy features. And with their history and heritage in tennis, Superga trainers look great with mini tennis dresses and polo dresses.
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Levi Tijuana Sneaker
- Levi’s Tijuana Sneaker, £23 from Amazon – buy here
Levi doesn’t just produce the best jeans — the brand makes great trainers too. This white canvas pair will be a valuable part of any capsule wardrobe and work alongside even the boldest of dresses.
Platform trainers add on an extra inch and elongate your legs, so they look best with dresses that are knee-length and shorter. This can include skater dresses, pinafores, shirt dresses, t-shirt dresses and pretty much every variety of mini dress. If you choose to wear a longer dress, go for something with a slit.
Veja Campo Trainers
- Veja Campo Leather Sneakers, £130 from & Other Stories – buy here
It wouldn’t be a trainer roundup without including Veja’s Campo trainers. The trendy french footwear brand is the king of smart trainers, and this style is the easiest to style with a pretty dress — no matter the length.
You’ll be able to adapt them to suit pretty much any occasion, whether you rock them with a chic maxi dress to work or a floral mini dress to a summer BBQ. Available in a handful of colours, it will be easy to find a pair that matches your wardrobe.
Veja Venturi Trainers
- Veja Venturi Leather Sneakers, £150 from The White Company – buy here
Another stylish pair from Veja, the Venturi Trainers have more of a sporty feel than the Campo. This style has a little more flexibility and is probably the safer choice for any occasion that involves walking.
The chunky ‘90s silhouette is very in right now, so this style is very popular at the moment. Style yours with a fitted midi dress (like the viral Skims dress) for work or play.
Converse Black High-Top Platform Trainers
- Black High-Top Platform Converse, £80 from JD Sports – buy here
Converse are the ultimate wardrobe staple, and although you can wear them with just about any dress, we think they’re best styled with mini dresses.
Most people own a pair, but if you don’t, now is the time to jump on the bandwagon. The high-top platforms are the most popular style right now, and they’re great for adding extra height without wearing heels.
You’ll undoubtedly get the most wear out of a black or white pair, but these shoes come in a wide variety of colours, so take your pick.
Adidas Originals Gazelle Trainers
- Adidas Originals Gazelle, £80 from ASOS – buy here
You might recognise Adidas Originals Gazelles as football trainers from the late ‘60s, but they’ve had a makeover and are now the trendiest trainer of 2023. We love this cool mint tone, but you’ll find the shoe in a rainbow of colours.
The sleek low-top silhouette will really sing when paired with rolled-down tube socks and a clashing mini or midi dress.
Superga 2843 Sport Club S Trainers
- Superga 2843 Sport Club S Trainers, £85 from Marks & Spencer – buy here
White tennis trainers look great with any casual dress, but this pair from Superga has a little twist. The animal print heel tab makes this classic sporty shoe feel a little more chic.
Victoria Pink Chicle Berlin Trainers
- Victoria Pink Chicle Berlin Trainers, £98 from Oliver Bonas – buy here
These vibrant trainers by Victoria will see you through summer and beyond. The mint laces, pink heel and purple V logo will brighten up even the most neutral of dresses and would look even better when coupled with animal print.
Gola x Oliver Bonas Mamba Dotty Animal Trainers
- Gola x Oliver Bonas Mamba Dotty Animal Trainers, £85 from Oliver Bonas – buy here
If you typically like to keep your outfits fairly neutral and want to spice things up in the footwear department, you’ll be a huge fan of these dotty trainers from Gola and Oliver Bonas.
Featuring pink, metallic gold, khaki, beige, white, and black dots, they’re certainly busy. But, because every shade is muted and the shoe’s silhouette is pretty streamlined, they manage to still be quite low-key. They’ll look amazing with a denim mini dress or a midi or maxi dress in a colour from the shoe’s varying palette.
Superdry Vegan Court Tennis Trainers
- Superdry Vegan Court Tennis Trainers, £38.49 – buy here
For that retro, sporty silhouette, try Superdry’s Vegan Court Tennis trainers. The skinny laces and sleek shape means they wouldn’t look out of place on the court, but also gives these trainers a clean and classic look that is a breeze to dress up or down. These would go particularly well with a ribbed racerback midi dress.
Reformation Harlow Leather Sneaker
- Reformation Harlow Leather Sneaker, £168 – buy here
Reformation’s Harlow Sneakers are on the more expensive end of the scale, but they’re worth the hype.
Made from 100% recyclable — but still supple — leather, these trainers are durable but don’t need to be broken in (bye-bye blisters). And thanks to their contrasting piping, they have a vintage look and would work nicely with a button-up maxi dress and a sweater vest.
New Balance 373v2 Sneaker
- New Balance 373v2 Sneaker, £33.51 – £80.00 from Amazon – buy here
New Balance might be known for its chunky ‘90s-style dad trainers, but we love their flat trainers too. Where some flat trainers lack flexibility, these ones boast lightweight foam cushioning in the midsole and heel and a mesh section around the toe. Translation? They’re ideal for the commute, city breaks, running errands, or any occasion that requires a fair bit of walking.
Pair them with a contrasting black dress (you choose the length), an oversized bomber jacket, and sunglasses for a ‘model off-duty’ look.
River Island White Lace-Up Trainers
- River Island White Lace Up Trainers, £45 – buy here
Looking for your standard, clean-looking pair of white trainers? Look no further. River Island’s offering will go with literally any dress in your wardrobe, from mini to maxi.
AllSaints Shana Leather Trainers
- AllSaints Shana Leather Trainers, £129 – buy here
AllSaints does grunge really well, and these trainers are a practical alternative to a pair of really edgy biker boots. Wear them with a simple slip dress layered over a t-shirt and finish off the look with an oversized leather jacket.
Scotch & Soda Celest Suede Sneakers
- Scotch & Soda Celest Suede Sneakers, £129.95 – buy here
If you’re looking for new ways to add colour to your wardrobe, these trainers from Scotch and Soda might tickle your fancy. They’re chunky and comfy, and would compliment a black or neutral midi dress nicely.
Quiz Silver Diamante Trainers
- Quiz Silver Diamante Trainers, £26.99 – buy here
To all those who like their footwear sparkly: check out these trainers from Quiz. The diamante sole will add a touch of glamour to any outfit, but we think these will look best with a fitted midi dress and dainty silver jewellery.
Bobbies Bonnie Trainers
- Bobbies Bonnie Trainers, £160 – buy here
If you want a pair of trainers that will never go out of style, choose this pair from Parisian shoe and leather goods brand Bobbies. We can’t get enough of the off-white and metallic silver version, but they come with metallic pink and green pull tabs too.
Clarks CraftRun Tor Trainers
- Clarks CraftRun Tor Trainers, £100 – buy here
Good old Clarks is known for making shoes that are good for the feet — and this pair is no exception. The CraftRun Tor trainers are designed to keep your feet cool and comfortable when you’re on the go, and they’re also very stylish.
Wear them with a cosy knitted maxi dress while the weather is nippy, and then team them with a breathable cotton dress when summer comes.
Nike Air Force 1 ’07
- Nike Air Force 1 ’07, £110 from JD Sports – buy here
Nike Air Force 1’s and fitted midi dresses are a dream pairing — especially in spring with an oversized denim or leather jacket.
Adidas Originals Gazelle Bold
- Adidas Originals Gazelle Bold, £95 – buy here
The Gazelle Bold has a high platform, making these a good choice if you want to add height when wearing a maxi dress. These will really shine when styled with a luxurious neon or brightly coloured satin cowl-necked dress.
Bershka Contrast Platform Trainers
- Bershka Contrast Platform Trainers, £25.99 – buy here
Bershka’s platform trainers are as affordable as they are chic (hint: they’re very chic, and very affordable). Try wearing yours with slip and crochet dresses this summer.
Air Jordan 1 Low Trainers
- Air Jordan 1 Low Trainers, £109.95 from ASOS – buy here
You might not think to put Jordans with a dress, but this pair are the perfect companion to a basic midi racerback dress or a mini tennis-style dress. You could even wear them with a basketball jersey over a plain white t-shirt, if you like.
Nasty Gal Leather & Suede Runner Trainers
- Nasty Gal Leather & Suede Runner Trainers, £33 – buy here
If you want the Veja Rio Branco look on a budget, grab these trainers from Nasty Gal. They’ll look great in summer with rolled-down tube socks and a bright maxi dress.
Bershka Contrast platform trainers
- Bershka Contrast platform trainers, £29.99 – buy here
The flash of denim on this pair of trainers is the standout feature, that’s for sure. For a Y2K-esque double denim moment, style these with a denim dress. Or, just rock them with a simple coloured slip dress.
Aldo Reia Trainers
- Aldo Reia Trainers, £75 – buy here
Did someone say Alexander McQueen dupe? These Aldo trainers are almost identical to the popular designer trainers, but cost almost £400 less. They’ll look great with a body-con midi dress, too.
Champion Platform Rebound Low Trainers
- Champion Platform Rebound Low Trainers, £45 – buy here
Champion’s pink platform trainers are the perfect balance of sporty and girly. They’re equal parts practical and pretty and would compliment a loose midi T-Shirt dress excellently.
Ugg Retrainer Trainers
- Ugg Retrainer Trainers, £105 – buy here
Did you know Ugg makes trainers too? They might not be lined with sheepskin like the brand’s famous boots, but — made with flexible and breathable materials — they’re still very comfortable. Rock these midis and maxis.
Bimba y Lola White Jogger Chimo Sneaker
- Bimba y Lola White Jogger Chimo Sneaker, £155 – buy here
If you ever visit a Spanish city, you’re bound see Bimba y Lola trainers on the feet of all the cool locals. This popular trainer style is made of durable leather and flexible technical fibres, which is exactly what you want if you’re constantly on the move. This colourful version will be a stunning match with a breezy cotton mini in the summer, or a black knitted midi in the winter.
A Day’s March Marching Sneaker
- A Day’s March Marching Sneaker, £145 – buy here
Scandinavian fashion is all about simplicity, and you can’t get simpler than these white leather trainers from Swedish brand A Day’s March. Pick any dress in your wardrobe, and we guarantee that it’ll go with these trainers.
H&M Platform Trainers
- H&M Platform Trainers, £17.99 – buy here
Zara Denim Running Trainers
- Zara Denim Running Trainers, £35.99 – buy here
These Zara running trainers are unique and the frayed denim gives them an edgy laid-back feel. Wear them with a contrasting black fitted maxi dress (ideally with some kind of slit) to draw attention to your feet.
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