These are officially the 22 best trainers to wear with dresses

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Make trainers your go-to spring shoes by embracing them with sunshine-ready dresses for an effortlessly put-together look.

Once upon a time trainers may have been solely reserved for sports and gyms, but thankfully, things have changed and now the comfort-first shoes are as much part of our wardrobes as jeans and tailoring.

I don’t know about you, but my love for trainers is down to two key factors. First, they have to be entirely versatile. Second, I have to feel comfortable in them all day long. So much so, in fact, that there isn’t an outfit I can’t finish off with the right pair of trainers, whether it’s a smart tailored look, casual loungewear or a dress. In fact, I can’t remember the last time I wore actual shoes because trainers have had my sartorial back for such a long time. 

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Trainers with jeans have become a natural default, so 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). 

Now, unlike jeans, this isn’t a one-trainer-fits-all scenario. There are certain nuances that 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. 

A high-top trainer works well with mini dresses as opposed to midi dresses while a chunky trainer looks great with a maxi dress. And if there’s a lot going on with your dress, then stick to a classic tennis shoe. Whoever said style was simple?

If you’re ready to take on this key summer style pairing, then we’ve rounded up the best trainers to wear with dresses this summer and… well, forever. 

• Chloé Nama trainers

  Finding a trainer that’s chic but also stylish enough to wear with a flowing maxi dress is no easy feat, but this rainbow-hued pair of Chloé treads is perfect for the job.

  Shop Chloé Nama trainers at Matches Fashion, £595

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• Keds by Elizabeth Olwen canvas trainers

  Florals for summer are absolutely groundbreaking, but in case you find them too outré for your everyday ensembles, weave them into your outfits via a pair of crisp white trainers.

  Shop Keds by Elizabeth Olwen canvas trainers, £69

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• Stylist x LØCI trainers

  Crafted with 100% recyclable materials, these vegan trainers, which are the result of Stylist’s own collaboration with conscious sneaker label LØCI, are a no-brainer for adding to your summer wardrobe. Even better, apply code STYLIST15 at the checkout and get 15% off your very own Stylist sneakers.

  Shop Stylist x LØCI trainers, £140

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• Reebok Classic Leather SP trainers

  No trainer is better than a chunky, comfortable iteration, such as this classic pair of Reeboks. Take it back to the early 00s by wearing them with frilled ankle socks and a statement dress.

  Shop Reebok Classic Leather SP trainers at Asos, £70

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• Veja Impala trainers

  Veja’s first-ever indoor training shoes not only look the part but they also feel like you’re walking on a cloud thanks to their super lightweight silhouette. What’s not to love?

  Shop Veja Impala trainers at Matches Fashion, £105

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• Vans Classic Old Skool trainers

  In case you missed the memo, Vans are back with a vengeance this summer. Wear the Old Skool silhouette to tone down the femininity of floaty dresses for an optimal spring ensemble.

  Shop Vans Classic Old Skool trainers at Asos, £65

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• Loewe flow runner trainers

  Loewe’s zesty-toned trainers were firmly stationed on the feet of the style set at the most recent fashion weeks. Perfect for lending a helping sartorial hand to ditsy floral dresses, these treads are a worthy forever investment.

  Shop Loewe flow runner trainers, £550

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• Merrell x Sweaty Betty GTX trainers

  Techwear is cooler now than ever before and these chunky, zesty treads, which are Sweaty Betty’s first foray into footwear, are the perfect place to start.

  Shop Merrell x Sweaty Betty GTX trainers, £125

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• Alexander McQueen Sprint Runner trainers

  One of the best things to emerge from Alexander McQueen’s spring/summer 2022 collection was its reimagined Runner trainers, which are now more streamlined and colourblocked than before. Expect to see them everywhere very soon.

  Shop Alexander McQueen Sprint Runner trainers, £490

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• Adidas Ozweego Pure trainers

  Adidas’ Ozweego was one of its most popular running shoes in the 90s. Now, the shoe has been re-envisioned for leisurewear but maintains the same comfort and cushioning round in the original. One part chunky, one part colourful, this pair is ideal for linen midi dresses.

  Shop Adidas Ozweego Pure trainers at Arket, £100

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• Adidas Stan Smith vegan trainers

  It doesn’t get more classic than Adidas’ Stan Smith trainers. Consider these trainers an investment buy as they will work with every single dress in your wardrobe time and time again. 

  Shop Adidas Stan Smith vegan trainers, £75

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• New Balance MS327 trainers

  Industry insiders can’t get enough of chunky New Balance trainers. So much so, they sell out almost as quickly as they’re restocked. Team yours with a floral midi dress for an instant hit of cool. 

  Shop New Balance MS327 trainers, £90

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• Salomon XT-Wings 2 trainers

  Comfort well and truly meets style with Salomon’s tech-wear trainers. We’ll be wearing ours with mini dresses for the day and maxi smock dresses in the evening. 

  Shop Salomon XT-Wings 2 trainers, £120

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• Converse All Star Hi trainers

  Fans of trainers with dresses will know that Converse is always a good idea. Mix up your look by teaming your simple white summer dress with a pair of floral All Stars instead. 

  Shop Converse All Star Hi trainers at Office, £64.99

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• Balenciaga Triple S white mesh and leather sneakers

  For statement trainers, Balenciaga’s chunky Triple-S continues to rule the footwear game. A firm favourite among industry insiders, the newest version of this trainer comes in an easier-to-wear neutral palette. We’ll be wearing ours with a ditsy floral maxi dress. 

  Shop Balenciaga Triple S leather trainers at Harvey Nichols, £695

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• Superga Linea Up flatform trainers

  Italian footwear brand Superga is known for its simple canvas shoe, but don’t be fooled: its fashion credentials are right up there thanks to collaborations with Alexa Chung, Mary Katrantzou and LoveShackFancy. Try Superga’s chunky trainers with a dainty embroidered dress.

  Shop Superga Linea Up flatform trainers, £60

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• Veja Campo trainers

  Meghan Markle, Emma Watson and Victoria Beckham are all fans of vegan footwear brand Veja. We love the minimalist appeal of this particular pair, which will work perfectly with a brightly coloured maxi dress. 

  Shop Veja Campo trainers at Arket, £120

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• Reebok Club C trainers

  A classic tennis shoe never goes out style, and better still, they work with every dress style. Team yours with your go-to black sundress with brightly coloured jewellery.

  Shop Reebok Club C trainers, £75

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• Nike Air Max 95 trainers

  The ice lolly shades on Nike’s Air Max 95 trainers are giving us a real summer feeling. For a retro look, wear yours with a 90s-style slip dress. 

  Shop Nike Air Max 95 trainers, £154.95

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• Gucci Ace trainers

  Gucci’s statement chic trainers pack a real fashion punch. Wear yours with a simple maxi dress and basket bag when summer hits. 

  Shop Gucci Ace trainers at Net-a-Porter, £530

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• Lululemon Blissfeel trainers

  Lululemon has branched into footwear for the first time, and they feel like cushions made specifically for feet, which makes them perfect for adding a utilitarian touch to floaty floral frocks. Run, don’t walk. 

  Shop Lululemon Blissfeel trainers, £138

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• Sandro Flame low-top leather trainers

  Don’t allow your trainers to take a backseat; instead, look to a punchy pair of treads that will add a dose of texture and colour to an otherwise pared-back ensemble.

  Shop Sandro Flame low-top leather trainers at Selfridges, £249

  BUY NOW

Images: Getty; courtesy of brands 

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