I wear dresses almost daily when summer rolls around. And when it comes to pairing my dresses with shoes, whether I'm sightseeing in a new city or just want to wear something casual for running errands around town, a pair of sneakers is a comfy and cute alternative to sandals or heels. Below, the 12 best sneakers to wear with dresses, plus expert advice for styling this chic and easy combination.
12 Sneakers to Wear with Dresses for a Foolproof Spring and Summer Outfit
Dresses and sneakers are the perfect combo
•
Published Apr 12, 2024
PureWow editors select every item that appears on this page, and the company may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story. All prices are accurate upon date of publish. You can learn more about the affiliate process here.
Paula Boudes for PureWow
The Best Sneakers to wear With Dresses at a Glance
1
Best Overall
Cariuma Salvas
read more
2
Best Cotton Sneakers
Veja Wata II Sneakers
read more
3
Trendiest Sneakers
New Balance 574+ Platform Sneakers
read more
4
Most Classic Shoes
Adidas Grand Court Sneakers
read more
5
Best Low-Ankle Pick
MGemi The Palestra Due
read more
Meet the Expert
Claire Asher is a the fashion product director at Boohoo, a fashion website known for affordable, trendy styles including clothing, accessories, shoes and more.
How I Chose the Best Sneakers to Wear with a Dress
To narrow down the best sneakers to wear with dresses, I tapped PureWow editors to get their top shoe picks. I also referred to brands PureWow readers know and love to round out the list.
Best Overall
What We Like
- low profile
- many colorways
- half sizes available
What We Don't Like
- no arch support
Cariuma
A low profile white sneaker is a staple for wearing with dresses to make your look more casual. This set is available in leather or mixed materials as well as a variety of colors. Assistant Commerce Fashion Editor Stephanie Meraz has given these sneakers a spin and loves how they make her feel nostalgic for her skater shoes days. She writes in her review of the sustainable sneakers, "When I first laid eyes on the smooth Salvas, I thought to myself, now here’s a shoe with some nostalgia behind it. It brought me back to my childhood, people. Gone may be the days of becoming a pro skateboarder, but viva la shoe!" For an added eco-friendly bonus, the brand uses sustainably sourced leather and plants two trees for each pair sold.
Fast Facts
- Size Range: 5 to 13
- Promising Review: "I needed a good walking shoe that was also cute without looking like an athletic shoe. I only wore these once before heading off to Italy. They were so comfortable and [are] very cute. Not one issue at all." — a Cariuma customer
Best Cotton Sneakers
What We Like
- retro look
- color options
What We Don't Like
- may feel stiff at first
Veja
The style of these sneakers combines retro sensibilities and minimalism for a versatile shoe that can be worn for basically any occasion. "I’ve worn them with everything from jeans to dresses for the past five years," says Rachel Bowie, senior director of special projects and royals, in her review. "Also, around the world. One of my favorite pics ever is a blurry one snapped of me on a Madrid playground with my then 1-year-old in which I’m wearing a floral dress and my Veja sneaks." Some reviewers note the rubber sole makes these low profile sneakers a tad heavy, but the cotton upper is very lightweight and breathable.
Fast Facts
- Size Range: 35 to 42
- Promising Review: "Such a cute retro sneaker, a lot of style, though not a lot of support or cushioning. Totally fine for every day casual wear, but I wouldn't wear them as a walking sneaker." — a Nordstrom customer
Trendiest Sneakers
3. New Balance 574+ Platform Sneakers
What We Like
- perform like activewear sneaker
- platform sole
What We Don't Like
- suede pieces are hard to clean
New Balance
New Balance sneakers are a favorite of mine because they have a signature sporty look that is unmistakable. I don't have these sneakers exactly, but the ones I do own from New Balance are incredibly comfortable and supportive for my narrow, bunioned feet. I'm a sucker for a good platform sneaker so these are a definite yes for styling with a dress. The platform is one inch and the insole is removable.
Fast Facts
- Size Range: 7.5 to 10
- Promising Review: "My daughter bought me these shoes for Christmas and I absolutely love them! It's giving granny-core, all of the mall walkers will be jealous! Pair them with some neutral sweats, grab the fanny pack and go! Definitely one of my most comfortable pair of sneakers." — a Journeys customer
Most Classic Shoes
4. Adidas Grand Court Sneakers
What We Like
- Cloudfoam cushion support
- classic style
What We Don't Like
- not great for high arches
- laces fray easily
Adidas
These classic sneakers are well-known for their three-stripe design and court side silhouette, and I wear them constantly throughout the summer because they’re incredibly comfortable and go with all of my day dresses. The shoes have the brand’s Cloudfoam cushioning for added support and comfort, so they’re a solid pick if you’re going to be walking all day long. Plus, if the black and white colorway isn’t your favorite, you can choose from the eight other colors and patterns that are available including a taupe-metallic duo.
Fast Facts
- Size Range: 5 to 11
- Promising Review: "I bought these as a replacement to my well-worn Superstars right before a trip to Portugal and they absolutely feel like an upgrade! Super comfortable, weathering many many hours of walking in rainy weather without any discomfort and really easy to clean off the mud and dirt compared to the Superstars, particularly at the toe." — a DSW customer
Best Low-Ankle Pick
What We Like
- no-squeak rubber soles
- low-rise
What We Don't Like
- may run big
M.Gemi
The leather on these shoes is made for flexibility and comfort and doesn’t crease as badly as a lot of other leather sneakers. Fashion Editor Abby Hepworth wears these constantly through the streets of Manhattan. “I love how they look with dresses because they sit fairly low on my ankles, so they don’t obscure the shape or length of my legs, but the sole is also substantial enough that I don’t feel like I’m wearing slippers,” she says. Hepworth also mentions that the clean look is also a great option to keep on hand if you like to wear prints and colors.
Fast Facts
- Size Range: 35 to 42
- Promising Review: "These are not only stylish but super comfortable right out of the box. There is no breaking in period. This sneaker is so versatile you can dress it up or down. They are also beautifully made." — an M.Gemi customer
Best Sporty Sneakers
6. Nike Air Force 1 '07 Sneakers
What We Like
- platform bottoms
- padded tongue
What We Don't Like
- laces can get stained
- may feel heavy
Nike
AF1s are a go-to for many people—myself included. The sole has a thick, almost platform-like height, and while that can feel a bit heavy for some, it isn’t bothersome for walking around. In my experience, these shoes are super versatile because of the fact that they're so minimalist, but can also elevate them from basic sneaker to sleek cool-girl shoes. Associate Commerce Strategist Jael Rucker adds, "I love Air Force 1s and replace them whenever they are no longer 'super white. They also have a padded midsole (the Zoom midsole I believe), and I was able to wear them to a day-long convention without my feet hurting."
Fast Facts
- Size Range: 6 to 14
- Promising Review: "I broke these shoes in on a vacation that entailed a lot of walking. They were stiff at first, but broke in quickly and were comfortable throughout the week-long trip, with the perfect amount of cushioning in the insole and around the ankle." — a Nike customer
Most Sustainable Option
What We Like
- can be worn with or without socks
- SweetFoam midsole
What We Don't Like
- don't come in half sizes
Allbirds
A sustainably made shoe that’s also cute and comfy is a win-win in our books. Assistant Commerce Editor Natalie LaBarbera has been loving these since the weather’s warmed up. “They're super comfortable and I like that the color is off-white but goes with absolutely everything—plus they're made with a plastic-free vegan material,” she says. The sole is cushioned without feeling too heavy or bulky, so they’re light on your feet, too. “I just wish they came in half sizes because a tiny bit of extra space would be nice,” LaBarbera adds.
Fast Facts
- Size Range: 5 to 11
- Promising Review: "These are cute like a fashion sneaker but perform like a good walking shoe! [These are] my third pair of Allbirds in different styles and I love them all." —an Allbirds customer
Most Fun High-Tops
8. Comme Des Garçons Play x Converse Chuck Taylor Hidden Heart High Tops
What We Like
- vintage style
- high-top silhouette
What We Don't Like
- not great for high arches
Converse
Looking for a vintage set of sneakers that will never go out of style? Converse is the way to go. Instead of getting one of their standard designs, opt for this Comme Des Garçons Play collaboration instead for something more unique. “I was hesitant at first about pairing high-tops with dresses, from a leg-flattering standpoint, but I just love the casual-cool vibe these add to minis, midis and everything in between,” says Wellness Director Sarah Stiefvater. Note: If you’re someone who has a high instep or you have bunions, you might not want to wear Converse sneakers for too long because they're quite flat and narrow.
Fast Facts
- Size Range: 5 to 10
- Promising Review: "You can literally wear these with anything! I think I’m going to get the brown ones with red hearts nexts. Heads up they run big. I usually wear a 8.5-9 in women’s but I wear a 8 in these." — a Nordstrom customer
Best Platform Sneakers
9. Superga 2790 Platform Sneaker
What We Like
- simple silhouette
- high platform
What We Don't Like
- canvas is hard to clean
- run big
Superga
Canvas sneakers are a great option for summertime. This brand has been seen on Emily Ratajkowski and Kate Middleton many times, and we can attest that they are a must-have. "They don’t require any break-in time and match virtually any style dress but I tend to wear them most with midis," says Rachel Gulmi, operations director of branded content. "I have both the platform style and the classic but I’m partial to the OG because the platforms run bigger and don’t fit me as well (my ankle pops up a bit)." The canvas upper sits pretty low on the ankle and the platform bottom adds about 1.5 inches of height.
Fast Facts
- Size Range: 6 to 9.5
- Promising Review: "I love the simple, clean look of Superga's sneakers (i.e. no flashy, overpowering logo). They pair well with everything—jeans, casual dresses, shorts, skirts, yoga pants, etc. I'm usually a 40 in EU sizing, but needed to size up to 41 for this brand (I also have a pair of 2750 Cotu Classics). Not much arch support, but I have flat feet so not really a concern for me." — an Amazon customer
Best All-White Sneakers
10. Tory Burch Howell Court Sneaker
What We Like
- '70s vibes
- cushioned midsole
What We Don't Like
- can get dirty easily
Tory Burch
Crisp white sneakers are a fan favorite, and I must say, I have my fair share of them in my closet (though they don’t look so white anymore). If there’s ever a pair of white shoes to refresh your collection, it’s these bad boys. Not only are they made for comfort and support, the white leather cleans easily, especially if they’re protected. Our favorite part of these shoes? They have the iconic Tory Burch logo in a gold metal medallion on the heel for a sleek touch.
Fast Facts
- Size Range: 4 to 13
- Promising Review: "I got these for my daughter for Christmas. She loves them so much. Great ‘little white sneaker’ for when you need one! Comfy and clean. Fit perfectly true to size. Easy to keep nice as dirt wipes right off!" —a Tory Burch customer
Best Chunky Option
11. Boohoo Chunky Panel Sneakers
What We Like
- lightweight
- dad style
What We Don't Like
- not made of super durable materials
Boohoo
Chunky sneakers are a fabulous choice to wear with mini dresses to elongate your legs and give you a little extra height, too. This crisp, monochromatic white style will definitely pop against your summer glow and pair nicely with pretty much anything in your closet. Because these sneakers are made with synthetic materials, they likely won’t hold up as well as a lot of the others on this list, but we’re OK with that since they’re only $32.
Fast Facts
- Size Range: 5 to 10
- Promising Review: not available
Comfiest Footbed
What We Like
- EVA footbed
- three-zone arch support
What We Don't Like
- may require some breaking in before the first wear
Vionic
Vionic is known for its highly supportive footwear, and since these sneakers have a podiatrist-designed orthotic footbed, I'm ready to add multiple pairs to my cart. The arch support is great if your feet need a little extra TLC and the rubber toe cap is going to extend the longevity of your shoes so you can wear them for years to come.
Fast Facts
- Size Range: 5 to 8.5
- Promising Review: "I'm a huge fan of Vionics. These sneakers are cute and oh-so comfortable. The insoles totally align you and I'm noticing they take away the minor knee pain I had been experiencing. Very pleased with purchase." —a Nordstrom customer
How to Style Sneakers with Dresses
If you haven’t worn sneakers with dresses before or you just don’t know how to style the duo, I've got you. This popular pairing is a great option for summer—especially if you're aiming to give off more of a casual cool girl style. I love a simple T-shirt dress or a mini dress for a super comfy pick, and Asher agrees, telling me, “[T-shirt dresses] go well with low and high-top sneakers and offer a comfortable and breezy option for those hot sunny days. Alternatively, she says sneakers are also a great option to dress down a midi or maxi dress. “Pairing these dressier designs with sneakers is the easiest way to work your longer dresses or skirts into your everyday wardrobe,” she continues.
Another thing to consider is the fabric of your dresses, especially as the temps warm up. “Breathable fabrics such as cotton, linen and silk are the best materials for summer dresses as they keep you cool on hot days and they’re easy to layer over in the evenings,” says Asher.
Why You Should Trust Us
PureWow's editors and writers have spent more than a decade shopping online, digging through sales and putting our home goods, beauty finds, wellness picks and more through the wringer—all to help you determine which are actually worth your hard-earned cash. From our PureWow100 series (where we rank items on a 100-point scale) to our painstakingly curated lists of fashion, beauty, cooking, home and family picks, you can trust that our recommendations have been thoroughly vetted for function, aesthetics and innovation. Whether you're looking for travel-size hair dryers you can take on-the-go or women’s walking shoes that won’t hurt your feet, we’ve got you covered.