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A sleek pair of loafers or cute wedge sandals aren’t the only ways to anchor a dress. While they may look stylish, women’s sneakers are the comfy and cute alternatives to balance out your feminine frocks. That’s why we’re looking for the best white sneakers for women to wear with dresses this season.
Teaming white sneakers with dresses offers something we crave year-round — ease. Plus, the sheer versatility of crisp, white sneakers allows them to add a casual, relaxed touch to a maxi dress, linen dress, mini dress, slip dress, and shirt dress. They don’t only work for everyday wear, either. Team them with your fun cocktail dress when it’s time to kick off those heels.
With so many white sneakers on the market, you may be wondering where to begin. Before investing, ensure the shoe is something you’ll love for years. For example, Nike’s Air Force 1s and Cortez sneakers are great capsule items that street-goers can’t get enough of. However, Nike isn’t the only brand that has mastered the art of creating a versatile white sneaker that can be worn with a dress. Adidas has many iterations, like the highly coveted white Samba sneaker, which is a great shoe for spring that’ll style well with any black and white patterned frock.
There are many things to consider when shopping for the best white sneakers to wear with dresses, so we created this guide with expert tips and product picks to find the best one for anyone’s needs. From white wedding sneakers and white travel sneakers to white chunky sneakers and white trail sneakers that play into the ‘Gorpcore’ trend, we cover it all.
Material: Rubber sole, leather upper
Celebrity fans of the brand: Emma Roberts, Blake Lively, Sofia Richie, Khloe Kardashian, Madison Beer, Olivia Wilde, Jennifer Lawrence, and more
Retailer availability: Nike
What reviewers say: “I’ll admit that I bought these because they are a super popular style. What I didn’t expect was the comfort and the fit of these shoes. I wore them 2 to 3 times and I would say they were good to wear. I can wear these all day at work and come home and my feet aren’t in pain. I like the height boost they give me. The white pairs so well with my outfits and makes other pieces in my collection pop. I will buy more AF1s in the future.”
What reviewers say: “Beautiful, stylish, comfortable Vionic Zinah Sneakers. Vionic shoes have wonderful arch support and go with any outfit. The important thing is to know your size. Great value for a well-crafted leather slip-on fashion sneaker. Shoes arrived quickly and were packaged neatly.”
Materials: Leather upper, rubber sole
Celebrity fans of the brand: Kristen Stewart, Millie Bobby Brown, Rachel McAdams, Emily Ratajkowski, Taylor Swift, and more
Special features: SensiFit construction, Advanced Chassis cushioning, EndoFit support
Retailer availability: Nike
The simplistic and timeless design of the Nike Cortez has allowed it to endure. Just as it did decades ago, today, it features a leather and synthetic upper, a foam midsole for cushioning, and a rubber outsole for durability and traction. The shoe is lightweight and comfortable, making it perfect for everyday wear or light exercise. If you’re wondering how the white shoe pairs with dresses, look back to A.L.C.’s pre-fall ’16 collection. Whether shown with a long brown ribbed tank dress or with a white crochet frock, the white Nike Cortez, especially with pops of lilac, has proved to be the best Nike summer shoe for all warm-weather looks.
What reviewers say: “The Nike Cortez sneakers are the best shoe for moms-on-the-go! I have been searching for comfy sneakers that are cute with any outfit. These are them! They are sleek and can be dressed up or down. I have worn them with dresses and workout gear and get compliments every time! The fit is really nice, not too snug but still snug enough that they aren’t flying off my feet.”
What reviewers say: “Was having pain in my ankles related to plantar fasciitis. Thanks to amazon and this shoe, I was able to use compression wraps and upgrade my sneakers to hoka and now I’m running in comfort! Thank YOU!!!!”
Material: Leather upper, recycled mesh lining, natural rubber sole
Celebrity fans of the brand: Bella Ramsey, Naomi Watts, Whitney Port, and more
Special features: Leather is sourced from LWG-certified Gold Rated tanneries
Retailer availability: Cariuma
What reviewers say: “The design aesthetic is simple and clean… it is also a very comfy shoe. They compliment whatever I’m wearing while not competing for attention. I am partial to the look of Converse and Cariuma matches it, plus adds some much-welcome support. This is now my go-to shoe.”
Adidas
Material: Full grain leather upper with gritty suede and gold foil details, rubber sole
Celebrity fans of the brand: Jennifer Lawrence, Rihanna, Gal Gadot, Kaia Gerber, Hailey Bieber, Bella Hadid, Kendall Jenner, Olivia Wilde, Emma Roberts, and more
Retailer availability: Adidas, Zappos, Farfetch
What reviewers say: “Very comfortable shoes, easy to style with tons of outfits! If in between sizes, I recommend to size up.”
Converse
What reviewers say: “They fit very well. Cute and goes with everything. Super comfortable as well.”
Related: Best Converse Sneakers
Related: Best Shoes for Flat Feet
Related:
Best adidas Gazelle Shoes
Best adidas Walking Shoes
Best adidas White Sneakers
Material: Leather upper, rubber sole
Celebrity fans of the brand: Emily Ratajkowski, Gigi Hadid, Margot Robbie, Camila Morrone, Victoria Beckham, Jennifer Lopez, and more
Special features: Comfortable molded sockliner
Retailer availability: Reebok, Dick’s Sporting Goods
What reviewers say: “Nice fit, comfortable, and definitely head turners.”
Materials: Synthetic and mesh upper, rubber sole
Celebrity fans of the brand: Emily Ratajkowski, Kylie Jenner, Rihanna, Hailey Bieber, and more
Special features: SensiFit construction, Advanced Chassis cushioning, EndoFit support
Retailer availability: Salomon, Matchesfashion, Ssense
Testing notes: “I’m obsessed with my Salomon XT-6 sneakers. They look cool with everything from mini dresses and maxi dresses, and they keep my feet comfortable. The shoes are incredibly stable, boasting a downhill chassis that cradles my feet with each step. The traction is great, and I love how I can feel the ground beneath me in a responsive yet cushioned way. Plus, the Quicklace system allows me to pull them on in seconds.” — Nikki Chwatt, Style Commerce Editor
What reviewers say: “I had my doubt about how comfortable these would be because I thought everyone was just wearing them for the trend. But as soon as I put it on, I was surprised by how comfortable they felt on my feet. Been walking the dogs and going on small hikes in these shoes, felt great! very stylish too.”
Related: Best Salomon Shoes
Materials: Knit upper, textile lining,
Celebrity fans of the brand: Olivia Wilde, Rita Ora, Kristen Stewart, Kylie Jenner, Lindsay Lohan, Jennifer Lawrence, and more
Special features: Yarn in the upper contains at least 50% Parley Ocean Plastic and 50% recycled polyester, 10% less emissions per pair when compared to a previous version
Retailer availability: Adidas
What reviewers say: “It’s amazing wearing this pair, super comfortable with perfect cushioning inside.”
Related: Adidas Ultraboost Light Shoe Review
Materials: Polyester, nylon, and cotton with leather and topstitch trim, rubber outsole
Celebrity fans of the brand: Katie Holmes, Olivia Wilde, Camila Cabello, Meghan Markle, Lucy Boynton, and more
Special features: All webbing is 100% recycled nylon, 100% recycled polyester, and 100% recycled cotton
Retailer availability: Saks Fifth Avenue, 24S, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom
What reviewers say: “Love it. Good support, super comfortable.”
Materials: Amazonian rubber, rice waste, recycled polyester, and recycled rubber
Celebrity fans of the brand: Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle, Reese Witherspoon, Katie Holmes, and more
Special features: The suede is made from the underside of bovine leather previously brushed to make it softer and more flexible. It comes from farms in the south of Brazil (Rio Grande do Sul). It is tanned in Brazil, respecting the Reach norms. Special attention is paid to water usage during the tanning process. The suede is also coated with water-repellent oils without PFCs (chemical compounds) to protect the sneakers from light rain.
Retailer availability: Nordstrom, Shopbop, Neiman Marcus, Ssense
Testing notes: “Whenever I’m unsure of what shoe to wear with a dress in the summer, I fall back to Veja’s Esplar sneakers. They’re simple yet comfortable and lend a model-off-duty feel to my look. Plus, I love the fact that the sneakers are made of organic cotton, wild rubber from the Amazon, ecological leather, and recycled plastic bottles.” — Chwatt
What reviewers say: “I’ve been looking for the perfect white sneaker for a while and this Veja sneaker nails it. Great with jeans, great with a t-shirt dress. Several compliments with jean shorts and a T-shirt. Fit is true to size, and I’ve work with and without socks. Highly recommend!”
Materials: Reconstituted leather upper containing 50% recycled leather and 50% non-leather substances
Celebrity fans of the brand: Lily James, Olivia Wilde, Selena Gomez, Nicole Richie, Meghan Markle, Gigi Hadid, and more
Special features: ReLeather — an innovative, long-lasting material that’s comprised of recycled leather scraps and requires no new tanning or dyeing, with minimal water use and waste.
Retailer availability: Everlane
What reviewers say: “This is my second pair of court sneakers, and I love the second pair just as much as the first. Comfortable, casual, and easy to wear with almost anything. They fit TTS and are remarkably sturdy. 100% recommend!”
Materials: 95% recycled plastic and 5% microfibre, waxed cotton shoe laces
Celebrity fans of the brand: Mila Kunis, Lily James, and more
Special features: Handmade in Portugal, 100% vegan
Retailer availability: Loci
The Superga 2750 Cotu Classic Sneakers are made from breathable cotton to prevent your feet from overheating, and they have textured rubber outsoles to keep you from slipping. The best part is that the sneakers are completely machine washable, so when you inevitably get the white ones dirty, you can just throw them in the washing machine. While Ratajkowski and Bieber have often been spotted wearing these Supergas with jeans and casual tops, we imagine the low-profile, grippy style would pair just as well with breezy dresses and baseball caps.
What reviewers say: “They fit pretty good. Plenty of room since I’m a 10. They fit comfortably. The only thing I don’t like is they get dirty very easy but it’s comes off quickly with dish soap and a toothbrush.”
What reviewers say: “This is my 1st time trying ‘On Running’ shoes. I’m typically a 9 to 9.5 in Asics & Adidas women’s. There wasn’t enough room in the toe box – my big toe slightly touching the tip when I stepped forward. I tried the men’s On Running in size 8 and they were a perfect fit. Just enough wiggle room for my toes, the rest of my foot is fully supported. Comfort beyond belief! The 9.5 women’s fit my teen daughter (who’s never worn running shoes), she wears size 9 in Vans, Converse.”
Materials: Suede, canvas
Celebrity fans of the brand: Katie Holmes, Blake Lively, Kaia Gerber, Adele, Hailey Bieber, and more
Retailer availability: Footlocker
What reviewers say: “I was looking for a new pair of New Balance and these were the only woman style they had in the store. Fell in love with the colors, the height of the heel was perfect to balance out a ortho boot due to a sprained ankle. Helped even out my balance and now it’s just a great shoe to wear. I get many compliments on them because they are just fun!”
Materials: Recycled leather, recycled rubber
Special features: Aloe vera coated soft touch mesh liner, structural details made from coconut, sugarcane, and palm
Retailer availability: Thousand Fell, Zappos
The brand’s Lace-Up Sneakers are one of three styles offered. Apart from being sustainable, they have a simple but sleek design that’s waterproof and stain resistant, meaning the shoes always stay fresh and clean. Plus, they feature breathable anti-odor aloe vera liners that wick away heat to keep your feet comfortable and cool. These sneakers would be great for anyone who’s looking for everyday logo-less sneakers or those who are interested in shopping for leather alternatives that still have the look of leather. Lean into minimalism by styling these trainers with a white shirt dress and a tan trench coat.
What reviewers say: “I absolutely love my white lace ups! Bought them for a trip to Colombia, anticipated a lot of walking. They went with everything, I wore them without breaking in and felt no pain walking around all day. Now back in reality they are my go to, make me look pulled together!”
Materials: Leather upper, rubber sole
Celebrity fans of the brand: Katie Holmes, Blake Lively, Kaia Gerber, Adele, Hailey Bieber, and more
Retailer availability: Gucci, Mytheresa, Net-A-Porter
Materials: Eco-friendly leather upper, rubber sole
Special features: The KuruCloud midsole uses an advanced blend of EVA foams found in high-end running shoes
Retailer availability: Kuru
What reviewers say: “I had such a hard time finding shoes to help with the foot pain caused by my high arches. I spent a lot of money on so many shoes before I came across Kuru. The shoes are incredible and my foot pain is almost entirely gone after only wearing them for 2 months. There is a breaking in period that initially made my feet hurt more but once the shoes conformed to my feet, the pain disappeared. The reliable support has also helped with soreness in my other tendons and joints; even my lower back stopped hurting. They’re expensive but worth every penny. The shoes are very high quality, but when they do eventually wear out, I will definitely be buying them again!”
The Different Types of White Sneakers to Wear With Dresses
Low-Top Sneakers with Dresses
White low-top sneakers are versatile and luxurious styles everyone needs in their wardrobe. The freshness of these white low-top sneakers looks great against a statement dress, as they don’t take away from the main event or draw the eye immediately to the base of the outfit.
While white low-top sneakers traditionally come in leather and canvas versions, you can’t go wrong with either. White leather sneakers, which gained notability in the fashion space after Celine’s former creative director, Phoebe Philo, wore Adidas’ Stan Smith sneakers while closing out Celine’s spring 2011 show. The white leather sneaker has a slimline silhouette that works perfectly with sharp tailoring and casual looks and is ideal for those who prefer a more low-key look when it comes to footwear. On the other hand, white low-top canvas sneakers, like Keds, which were the first mass-marketed white canvas-top sneakers in 1916, are a minimalist pair with a textured flair. They’re a style you can’t go wrong with because they’re comfortable, lightweight, and affordable. Plus, they look just as good clean as worn-in.
White Chunky Sneakers With Dresses
White chunky sneakers, also known as dad sneakers or ‘ugly sneakers,’ have been a polarizing footwear trend that shows no sign of slowing down. They tend to offer a lot of arch support via their signature chunky soles and optimal breathability. Whether they’re from New Balance, Balenciaga, or Adidas, it’s no surprise that we still see these sneakers all over our Instagram pages; they are the epitome of laid-back, unapologetic style. When styling, pair your favorite long or short dress with these chunky white sneakers to create a playfully feminine contrast and make your look effortless and casual.
White Retro Sneakers With Dresses
Counteracting the ongoing white chunky sneaker trend is the classic white sneaker with a retro appeal. These silhouettes feature sleek and slim designs that work perfectly with sharp tailoring and casual looks and are ideal for those who prefer a more low-key look. Look to the New Balance 327s, Converse Chuck Taylor All-Stars, and Adidas Sambas, all of which transformed from athletic sneakers to staples in every fashion insider’s wardrobe. Whether they accessorize body-hugging dresses or voluminous pieces, these styles make a statement without feeling trendy.
White Workout Sneakers With Dresses
White athletic sneakers don’t need to be resigned to workout sessions only. In fact, these ergonomic, comfortable styles are perfect for everyday wear. Look to the tried and tested sportswear giants like Nike, On, Salomon, and Adidas, who are unparalleled in producing the ideal athletic white sneakers. For example, the On Cloud 5 Sneakers blend performance and comfort with streetwear savvy thanks to the stretchy upper and CloudTec outsole. Salomon white XT-6 sneakers, a trail shoe that has now become a fashion shoe, help shoppers nail the Gorpcore aesthetic, while true sneakerheads may prefer to add Adidas’ Ultraboost Light trainers to their footwear rotation for a more futuristic feel.
White High-Top Sneakers With Dresses
White high-top sneakers have a real retro appeal, but that doesn’t mean you’ll struggle to pair them with a dress. First, decide what you’re looking for in a high-top sneaker. For example, a high-top leather sneaker makes a great investment since the fabric holds up longer and increases in comfort with time. Plus, leather gives a sleek, polished look and is easy to clean. For a more casual look, you can’t go wrong with high-top canvas white sneakers, which are usually more affordable. Whether you choose white leather high tops from Veja or white canvas high tops from Converse, this high-top silhouette pairs best with mini dresses to play with contrast and dress down the look.
To learn how to clean white sneakers, read more here.
How We Selected the Best White Sneakers to Wear With Dresses
For more than 75 years, Footwear News has been the shoe authority. Our coverage spans top industry news, retail trends, head-to-toe fashion, athletic and outdoor analysis and more. Footwear News’ global network of editors has carefully curated all product selections featured using our expansive brand knowledge and thorough research to find quality, long-lasting items. The top 21 white sneakers for dresses in this roundup were decided on after our own product test and after hours of researching our favorite designers and online stores. We also considered the thousands of online reviews–good and bad–to find out more about how these styles work with different dress silhouettes, occasions, and foot types from white sneakers for flat feet, to supportive white sneakers with high arches, or those that help to ease conditions such as plantar fasciitis. Learn more about us here.
Meet the Author
Nikki Chwatt is the Style Commerce Editor for Fairchild Media Group, where she writes and edits shopping stories for Footwear News and WWD. Prior to her current role, she wrote countless buyer’s guides, trend stories, and reviews on fashion and beauty products, including shoe-focused stories for women. You can find her in comfortable sneakers, especially her white sneakers, whether she’s heading to a workout class in an activewear dress or to brunch in a slip dress.
