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Stylist Loves
30 stylish pairs of trainers to wear with all your favourite dresses this summer
By Naomi May &Lauren Cunningham
10 months 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
Make trainers your go-to summer shoes by embracing floaty and form-fitting dresses for an effortlessly put-together look.
Once upon a time, trainers were largely reserved for sports and gyms, but things have changed and the 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 of trainers can’t work wonders – suits, 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, wide-legged trousers, slip skirts and denim shorts. But there is something particularly stylish about trainers with dresses. (Thank you, Lily Allen.)
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 or is it a simple slip dress?) 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. Who said style was simple?
If you’re ready to take on this key fashion pairing, we’ve rounded up the best trainers to wear with dresses this summer.
Best trainers to wear with dresses
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.
On Cloudvista
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.
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 lines and laces pare back the striking shade.
Jigsaw Riva leather platform trainers
Add a little height to your footwear game with Jigsaw’s subtly platformed trainers, which look slick and stylish.
Lululemon Strongfeel women's training shoe
Home to shoes fit for running, skipping, walking and more, Lululemon is the place to shop if comfort comes first to mind. This pale yellow pair will work with dresses or gym leggings, especially with pale white and pastel colours.
Axel Arigato Marathon trainers
Axel Arigato is the street style set’s trainer of choice, thanks to its fashion credentials and unwavering comfort. It’s called the marathon runner for good reason, after all.
Løci classic trainers
Crafted with 100% recyclable materials, these vegan trainers are a no-brainer for adding to your summer wardrobe. The minimalist colourway makes them incredibly easy to style.
New Balance 860v2
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 splash of green, this style immediately caught our eye.
Hoka Challenger 7
Steadily rising up the fashion ranks, Hoka is the trainer brand to turn to when comfort is key. Although this yellow and orange style will score many style points, the large rubber sole and sturdy shape will see you stomp around in comfort all day long.
Reebok Club C85 trainers
Not much beats a chunky, comfortable pair of Reeboks. Take it back to the early 00s by wearing them with frilled ankle socks and a statement dress.
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.
Salomon XT-Wings 2 trainers
Comfort meets style with Salomon’s techwear trainers. We’ll be wearing ours with mini dresses for the day and maxi smock dresses in the evening.
Air & Grace Jolie leopard print trainers
Leopard print is having a moment this year, with jeans, shoes and gilets in the animal pattern proving popular. After spotting these trainers, we had to include them.
AllSaints Thelma suede low-top trainers
If you’re after a clean white trainer that has a pop of personality, take a look at this AllSaints option. Crafted from leather with a suede toe, it’s sleek and sophisticated.
Adidas Spezial handball shoes
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 1979, the Spezials have long been a statement style, clashing colours for an eye-catching design.
Hoff City Montreal trainers
Clashing red, green, yellow and black 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.
H&M chunky trainers
H&M is forever offering us affordable alternatives to trend-led items, and these grey chunky trainers certainly fit the bill.
Russell & Bromley Nordic gumsole retro sneaker
Proving the pull of silver trainers once more is this Russell & Bromley pair. Made with a crinkle-effect leather fabric, they make a statement while the rubber sole offers comfort.
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.
Flower Mountain Yamano 3 suede trainers
For a more fashion-forward trainer, take a look at Flower Mountain’s dainty designs. Clashing colours and floral patterns add a splash of personality to the chunky shoe that’s incredibly pretty.
Shop Flower Mountain Yamano 3 suede trainers at Anthropologie, £185
Tory Burch ‘Good Luck’ crochet trainer
Crochet is a popular choice during the warmer weather, so these cream and black trainers will go down a treat. They feature the Tory Burch logo loudly on the side, making them even more enticing for those who like their logos.
New Look colourblock lace up trainers
Despite the affordable price tag, New Look’s shoes look much more expensive than they are, as evidenced by this chic shoe. The colourful green stripe adds a nice touch of interest and they’re made from vegan leather, meaning everyone can enjoy.
Veja Rio Branco Alveomesh Emeraude
Veja is home to a host of chic trainer styles but this gorgeous green pair immediately caught our eye and will liven up any look. The brand has a strong focus on operating sustainably, making it even more tempting.
Allbirds Tree Piper
Allbirds is famous for its core focus on sustainability. These easy-to-wear pumps have been crafted from eucalyptus fibre and a sugarcane sole to make them planet-friendly and comfy at the same time.
Asics Metaspeed Sky
Asics is a go-to brand for runners, so if it’s comfort you’re after then look no further. The XXL sole will absorb plenty of impact, meaning you should be able to stroll all day without so much as a knee twinge.
M&S leather lace-up trainers
Combining a sleek white trainer and attention-grabbing colourblocking, this M&S pair will become a go-to in many summer wardrobes.
Merrell Moab Speed 2
Combining pretty pastel shades with a sturdy athletic style, 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 lilac and yellow.
Puma Road Rider suede sneakers
This punchy pair of Puma trainers 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.
Salomon Speedcross 6
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.
Kurt Geiger Floral Couture Southbank tag sneaker
Kurt Geiger released its Floral Couture collection just in time for summer with bags, sandals and trainers covered in the pretty patterns.
Images: Getty; courtesy of brands
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