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Stylist Loves
30 stylish pairs of trainers to wear with all your favourite dresses
By Soraya Gaied Chortane &Naomi May
11 days ago
All products on this page have been selected by the editorial team, however Stylist may make commission on some products purchased through affiliate links in this article
7 min read
From Asics to Adidas, make trainers your go-to footwear throughout spring and summer by pairing them with breezy, form-fitting dresses for an easy, polished look.
Once upon a time, trainers were largely reserved for sports and gyms, but things have changed, and comfort-first shoes are now as much a part of our wardrobes as jeans and tailoring. Our love for trainers is down to two key factors. First, they have to be versatile: we’re yet to find an outfit where the right pair can’t work wonders – tops, jeans and dresses included.
Second, we have to feel comfortable in them all day long. After all, there’s little point in pulling on a pair of trusty runners if they leave you with blisters. So, finding the right size, sole thickness and foot shape is key.
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Trainers with jeans have become a natural default, as have trainers with leggings and silk skirts. But there is something particularly stylish about trainers with dresses.
Unlike jeans, this isn’t a one-trainer-fits-all scenario. Certain nuances have to be factored in when deciding which trainers to pair with your dress. You have to consider the length of the dress, the fabric, whether it’s printed or plain and how much detail there is already on the dress (is it covered in ruffles with a bubble hem or is it a simple slip?) before working out exactly what kind of trainer will work best.
Credit: Getty Images
A simple trainer works well with a print-heavy dress while a chunky trainer looks great with a maxi or midi dress. And if you’ve got a plain white frock, make trainers the focal point by pulling out a bold pattern or colour.
If you’re ready to take on this key fashion pairing, we’ve rounded up the best trainers (including the trending Asics street style favourite) to wear with dresses.
Best trainers to wear with dresses
Cecile Bahnsen x Asics Gel-Terrain
No surprise, the Asics x Cecilie Bahnsen collab is everywhere right now, it’s one that’s hard to miss. These are seriously sweet, with the cutest flower details and a bold, shiny red colour that just pops.
Adidas SL 72 trainers
Adidas’s Sambas and Gazelles have been in the limelight for quite some time now so it’s unsurprising to see a new style become the star of the show. First released in 1972, the SL 72 trainers have long been a statement style, in a delicious chocolate brown shade for an eye-catching design.
Nike Cortez Textile
If you’re into 00s and 90s style, the Nike Cortez should be high on your wishlist. Available in a wide range of shades, the rounded-toe trainers are a great pick for anyone after a colourful cop.
Adidas SL 72 OG shoes
Proving the pull of the SL 72 trainers once more with the metallic version. Made from leather, they are comfy and chic thanks to the triple navy stripe detailing and streamlined rubber sole.
H&M trainers
H&M is forever offering us affordable alternatives to trend-led items, and these light blue suede trainers certainly fit the bill.
Cos minimal leather trainers
Cut in a streamlined shape, these Cos trainers are crafted from brushed crimson suede and are trimmed with leather accents on either side. Style them with white or tonal laces depending on your look.
New Balance 530
Dad shoe turned fashion favourite, New Balance has become increasingly popular in recent years, and with comfy trainers that scream effortless cool, it’s easy to see why. With a subtle animal print spot, this style immediately caught our eye.
Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 TGRS
Onitsuka Tiger is the street style set’s trainer of choice, thanks to its fashion credentials and unwavering comfort. The Mexico 66 TGRS is the brand’s latest offering and take on the ‘trainerina’ trend.
Kurt Geiger Islington sneaker
Suede trainers are having such a moment right now, and Kurt Geiger has taken them up a notch with a dusty pink and leopard print combo. They’re also available in five more wonderful shades to wear all day, everyday.
Gola Torpedo
Silver shoes are having a moment, and these Gola trainers are a standout choice. Made from leather, they’ll last a long time. The white detailing and laces pare back the striking shade.
Puma Mostro OG panelled low-top woven trainers
For a more fashion-forward trainer, take a look at Puma’s fun Mostro designs. Their chunky, wavy sole adds a splash of personality to any outfit, no matter how casual.
Zara metallic trainers
Despite the affordable price tag, Zara’s shoes look much more expensive than they are, as evidenced by this chic shoe. The glittering gold hue adds touch of interest coupled with contrast laces and sole.
Veja Volley Bastille sneaker
Veja is home to a host of chic trainer styles, but this gorgeous pair immediately caught our eye and will work with any look, thanks to their neutral colourwave. The brand has a strong focus on operating sustainably, making it even more tempting.
Reebok Club C Grounds UK
Not much beats a comfortable pair of Reebok trainers. Take them back to the early 00s by wearing them with frilled ankle socks and a spaghetti-strap mini dress.
Converse white All Star Move Chuck Ox platform trainers
Add a little height to your footwear game with these subtly platformed trainers from Converse, which look slick and stylish.
Shop Converse white All Star Move Chuck Ox platform trainers, £75
Fenty x Puma Avanti LS stitched sneakers
This punchy pair of trainers from the Fenty x Puma collaboration will add a bright pop of colour to anyone’s wardrobe. Style with any shade of dress and they’ll be the star of the show.
Dries Van Noten paneled snake-effect leather sneakers
Keep your styling simple when wearing these Dries Van Noten trainers to really give the snake-skin effect have the spotlight.
Shop Dries Van Noten paneled snake-effect leather sneakers at Net-a-Porter, £420
Asics UB9-S Gel-DS trainer
Asics is a go-to brand for runners, so if it’s comfort you’re after, then look no further. The lightweight design is paired with a support unit that will absorb plenty of impact, meaning you should be able to stroll all day without so much as a knee twinge.
Mango suede-blend trainers with laces
Comfort meets style with Mango’s suede trainers. We’ll be wearing ours with matching brown mini dresses for the day and maxi smock dresses in the evening.
On Cloudtilt
On’s trainers are some of the comfiest around: lightweight enough to see you through any activity, this style is specifically designed for trail running, meaning they can handle uneven ground and you’ll have great foot support whether walking, running or sitting down while sipping an iced latte.
Hoff City Santa Marta
Clashing pink, yellow and green shades of suede, Hoff’s trainers offer a striking style and a 90s feel. The ridged thick sole makes them super comfy and they should pair perfectly with a whole host of outfit colours to make things nice and easy.
Adidas Stan Smith trainers
It doesn’t get more classic than Adidas’s Stan Smith trainers. Consider these an investment buy: they’ll work with every single dress in your wardrobe time and time again.
Hoka Skyflow 150
Steadily rising up the fashion ranks, Hoka is the trainer brand to turn to when comfort is key. Although this yellow and pink style will score many style points, the cushy, foam sole and sturdy shape will see you stomp around in comfort all day long.
Saye M89 Icon
If you’ve not seen Saye trainers before, allow us to introduce you to the sustainability-focused brand. Each shoe is made with vegan corn leather, soft bamboo and recycled plastic waste. Plus, the brand shares how much water, carbon and electricity goes into making each one.
Lululemon Beyondfeel running shoe
Home to shoes fit for running, skipping, walking and more, Lululemon is the place to shop if comfort comes first to mind. This pair will work with dresses or gym leggings, especially with white, pale pink and pastel colours.
John Lewis Fae leopard print lace-up cupsole trainers
Leopard print is having a moment this year, with jeans, shoes and dresses in the animal pattern proving popular. After spotting these trainers from John Lewis, we had to include them.
Shop John Lewis Fae leopard print lace up cupsole trainers, £95
Allbirds Canvas Pipers
Allbirds is famous for its core focus on sustainability. These easy-to-wear pumps have been crafted from 100% organic cotton to make them planet-friendly and comfy at the same time.
Merrell Agility Peak 5
Combining pretty pastels with a sturdy athletic design, these trainers will go down a treat with both fashion and fitness fans. To make them really pop, we’d pair them with similar shades of pink and green.
Salomon X Ultra 360
All the cool kids wear Salomon. In fact, the trainers are so chic that they don’t even have laces. With a rugged, sports-first style, they’re the perfect pick for those looking to add a tougher edge to any dress.
Gola Elan suede trainers
Style these retro red and white Gola trainers with cuffed jeans or tracksuit trousers for a laid-back yet trendy look.
Images: Getty; courtesy of brands
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