If you’d told us back in the day that the best trainers to wear with dresses would be an actual thing we’d be searching for in 2025, we wouldn’t have believed it. But look at us now, rocking our floatiest frocks with our comfiest kicks, and no one bats an eyelid. Since Lily Allen hit the red carpet in 2006 wearing a ball gown and box-fresh trainers, the fashion world’s been obsessed. Fast-forward to now, and celebs like Emily Blunt, Dakota Johnson and Emily Ratajkowski are serving serious trainer and dress inspo on the regular.
So, why do we all love wearing trainers with dresses so much? Well, it’s the ultimate style meets comfort combo. Gone are the days of hobbling through brunch in heels or trying to make a pair of sandalswork in unpredictable British weather. Trainers instantly make any outfit more laid-back and wearable. Whether you’re running errands or heading out to lunch with the girls, trainers will give your outfit that cool, effortless edge. Plus, your feet won’t be aching after only a few hours. Win-win.
Closer's best trainers to wear with dresses, at a glance:
Not sure how to style them? Floaty midi dresses look great with sleek, low-profile trainers, or you can go bold with a more chunky pair and a mini dress. Don’t be afraid to play around with colour and textures too. Metallic, pastel, and even animal print trainers can take your fit to the next level. And don’t forget to add layers to finish the look. Think a leather or denim jacket or oversized blazer.
Here at Closer, we’ve done the hard work for you and rounded up the best trainers to wear with dresses. Whether you’re an adidas Samba fan, a New Balance enthusiast or looking for a budget-friendly dupe that will give you the look for less, these practical yet stylish options will never go a miss. From platform trainers, to chunky, sporty or even high tops, there is an array of styles to shop that you can pair with your favourite dresses. We’ve got all the inspo to level up your dress game in the comfiest way possible. Let the trainer era begin.
SHOP: The best trainers to wear with dresses
Best trainers to wear with dresses overall
adidaswww.office.co.uk
The adidas Samba OG Trainers have become a cult classic and a must-have for your shoe collection. They’ll bring just the right amount of edge to balance out a pretty dress as they have a sporty, low-profile that just looks effortlessly cool.
Best New Balance trainers to wear with dresses
New Balancewww.schuh.co.uk
Another trainer with a lot of fans is the New Balance 530. They give off “dad shoe” vibes but in the absolute best way. Their chunky silhouette adds a sport twist to soft, girly dresses. They’re super comfy, too, so you can dance, stroll or strut in them all day long.
Best VEJA dupes to wear with trainers
New Lookwww.newlook.com
A dupe of the VEJA Volley Trainers for £90 less(!) These New Look White Panelled Low Top Lace Up Trainers can easily be thrown on with a tiered sundress or a sporty mini for a cute, casual look. Their clean leans and subtle panel detailing give just enough interest without stealing the spotlight from the rest of your outfit.
Best white trainers to wear with dresses
Nextwww.next.co.uk
A chunky trainer paired with a midi dress is such a classic look for spring summer so you simply can’t go wrong with these Lipsy White Flat Chunky Lace Up Metal Clip Faux Leather Trainers from Next. Throw on a leather or denim jacket on those chillier days to complete the look.
Best neutral trainers to wear with dresses
River Island www.riverisland.com
With their retro runner shape and mix of mesh and suede, these River Island Cream Mesh Trainers will be the perfect pairing for everything from flowy maxis to puff-sleeve midis. They’ll be your go-to when you want your feet to be comfy, but your outfit still needs to look cute for your morning coffee runs.
Best mixed material trainers to wear with dresses
M&Swww.marksandspencer.com
We love the creamy neutral tones of these M&S Collection Leather Lace Up Trainers, but they’ve also got a subtle pop of leopard print on the side (which we’d argue is still a neutral) to keep things fun. Pair them with a midi and let the shoes do all the talking.
Best colourful trainers to wear with dresses
M&Swww.marksandspencer.com
Brave the bright and bold with these vibrant red and pink trainers from M&S that will definitely make you stand out from the crowd, but for all of the right reasons. They’ll add a playful pop to any outfit while the platform sole gives you a little extra height without sacrificing comfort.
Best high-top trainers to wear with dresses
Conversewww.converse.com
Who said you can’t wear your Converse with your dress? These leopard print high tops come with a chunky platform for a height boost but with cushioning inside so they’ll be super comfy from day to night.
Best metallic trainers to wear with dresses
Nextwww.next.co.uk
Thankfully metallics are still in and they’re perfect to pair with a range of styles. This leather style will also provide protection from the rain and come with a memory foam padding inside to provide maximum comfort.
Best trainers to wear with dresses: FAQs
Is it still fashionable to wear trainers with a dress?
Absolutely. Trainers with dresses give off that effortless ‘threw this on and still look amazing’ vibe. Comfort AND style? Yes, please.
Which shoe colour goes with every dress?
A white trainer is always a winner, it’s crisp, clean and goes with literally every dress in your wardrobe. Neutrals like brown, cream, black and grey are solid go-to, too. They’re the kind of colours that will blend with pretty much any dress you throw them on with.
Rosie Floyd is a Senior Commercial Content Writer for Closer. In this role, she specialises in home appliances, décor, and furnishings, as well as a touch of beauty and fashion. When she's not tapping away at her laptop, she can usually be found with a dog on her lap, watching the Mamma Mia films on repeat, singing along to 90s and 00s pop, or endlessly scrolling Instagram and TikTok.