12 Sneakers to Wear with Dresses for a Foolproof Spring and Summer Outfit (2024)

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Cariuma

Best Overall

1. Cariuma Salvas

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 EditorStephanie Merazhas given these sneakers a spin and loves how they make her feel nostalgicforher skater shoesdays. She writesin her reviewof the sustainable sneakers, "WhenI 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 apro skateboarder,but viva lashoe!" For an added eco-friendly bonus, thebrand uses sustainably sourced leather andplantstwo 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

Nordstrom

Best Cotton Sneakers

2. Veja Wata II Sneakers

Veja

The style of these sneakers combinesretro sensibilitiesand 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 fiveyears," saysRachel 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 mythen 1-year-old in which I’m wearing a floral dress and my Vejasneaks."Some reviewersnotethe 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

Nordstrom

Trendiest Sneakers

3. New Balance 574+ Platform Sneakers

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 sothese areadefinite yes forstyling with a dress. The platform isone inchand 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

Adidas

Most Classic Shoes

4. Adidas Grand Court Sneakers

Adidas

These classic sneakers are well-known for their three-stripe design and court sidesilhouette, and I wear them constantlythroughout the summer because they’re incredibly comfortable and go with all of my daydresses. 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

M.Gemi

Best Low-Ankle Pick

5. M.Gemi The Palestra Due

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 EditorAbby Hepworthwears 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

Revolve

Best Sporty Sneakers

6. Nike Air Force 1 '07 Sneakers

Nike

AF1s are a go-to for manypeople—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 walkingaround. In my experience, theseshoes are super versatile because of the fact that they're sominimalist,but can also elevate them from basic sneaker to sleek cool-girlshoes. Associate Commerce StrategistJael Ruckeradds, "Ilove Air Force 1s and replace them whenever they are no longer 'superwhite. Theyalso 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

Allbirds

Most Sustainable Option

7. Allbirds Couriers

Allbirds

A sustainably made shoe that’s also cute and comfy is a win-win in ourbooks. Assistant Commerce EditorNatalie LaBarberahas 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 veganmaterial,” 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

Nordstrom

Most Fun High-Tops

8. Comme Des Garçons Play x Converse Chuck Taylor Hidden Heart High Tops

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,” saysWellness DirectorSarah 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 becausethey'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

Revolve

Best Platform Sneakers

9. Superga 2790 Platform Sneaker

Superga

Canvas sneakers are a great option forsummertime.This brand has been seen onEmily Ratajkowski and Kate Middletonmany 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 withmidis," saysRachel Gulmi, operations director of branded content. "Ihave 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 abit)."The canvas upper sits pretty low on the ankle and the platform bottom adds about1.5 inchesof 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

Tory Burch

Best All-White Sneakers

10. Tory Burch Howell Court Sneaker

Tory Burch

Crisp white sneakers are afan favorite, andI 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

Boohoo

Best Chunky Option

11. Boohoo Chunky Panel Sneakers

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 whitestylewill definitely pop against your summer glow and pair nicely with pretty muchanythingin 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 thislist, butwe’re OK with that since they’re only$32.

Fast Facts

• Size Range: 5 to 10
• Promising Review: not available

QVC

Comfiest Footbed

12. Vionic Upside Sneakers

Vionic

Vionic is known for its highly supportive footwear, and since these sneakers have a podiatrist-designed orthotic footbed,I'mready to add multiple pairs tomy 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

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Commerce Editor

Olivia Dubyak is PureWow's Commerce Editor and textbook Capricorn. She studied journalism at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, but has gone from New York City to...