Sneakers are still incredibly popular. In this article, let’s discover how to wear sneakers and where to buy the best sneakers in store now.
Sneakers are sold in all kinds of heights, colors and patterns and many even had inbuilt heels to give you extra height.
It’s fashionable to wear sneakers with anything. Jeans, pants, skirts and dresses.
Can women over 40 wear sneakers?
Of course you can! Sneakers are great for women of all ages.
They are the ideal option for a nice walk in the park or a casual outfit for an activity. Also, sneakers are now so hip that you can either dress them up or down.
You will want to balance them with the right clothes though to achieve the right harmony between casual and chic.
How to wear sneakers
Before I show you some of the best sneakers in stores now, and take inspiration from stylish 40+ women wearing sneaker outfits, here are some general tips on how to wear sneakers with your everyday outfits.
Cuff your jeans
If you’re making a style statement with your sneakers, make sure they are seen.
The easiest way to do this is the choose jeans which stop at your ankle bone. Or, if your jeans are longer than that, just roll that up slightly. That way, you will show off not only your sneakers, but what is likely to be the slimmest part of your leg.
Estrel (above) wears a pair of Steve Madden sneakers in her outfit which mixes the formality of a blazer with a casual pair of jeans and sneakers.
Recreate her look with this similar tee, blazer, jeans and necklace.
Keep your gym or exercise sneakers separate
Of course you can wear sneakers out of the gym, but I would keep the sneakers you wear for exercising and those for day-to-day dressing separate.
That way, your favorite sneakers won’t have that fresh-from-the-gym smell, and they will stay cleaner and wearable for longer.
Wear with skirts and dresses
You don’t have to keep your sneakers to pair with your jeans and t-shirts. Wearing your sneakers with a dress or skirt is a good way to make a dress outfit more casual for everyday wear.
Melinda (above) wears a pair of ‘Old Skool’ sneakers from Vans.
Check out this printed ruffle skirt that you can wear this similar tee, handbag, scarf and earrings.
The best sneakers for 2020
Sneakers are currently having a fashion moment and I do think it’s fantastic that sneakers are so on trend.
I’m not one who believes in the old “beauty is pain” adage. I won’t make myself uncomfortable in the name of style or fashion, so I rarely wear high heels.
You can see below that many of the big-name designers chose to feature sneakers on their catwalks for Spring and Summer 2020.
For more inspiration check out this piece on the best shoe trends for SS 2020.
Below are some of the best sneakers I found online and that you can buy right now. Use as inspiration on how to wear sneakers or enjoy your shopping!
Top 10 absolute classic sneakers
Below you will find 10 timeless classics. Choose a pair of these, and you can be sure they will be on trend for many years to come.
Keep reading for my favorite sneakers just released for this spring and summer.
1. Converse low tops
Converse low tops first came out in the 1950s, so you can be sure they won’t be going anywhere anytime soon.
Abi (above) is wearing a pair of Converse sneakers with her jeans and logo top.
Check out this similar sweater, jogger pants and handbag to steal her look.
2. Superga
Superga is well over 100 years old, and these pumps look great no matter what your age. Kate Middleton is a big fan of the Superga Cotu style with their canvas uppers and gum soles.
3. Vans
Starting life in the 1960s as the Van Doren Rubber Company, selling direct to the public from a corner shop in California, Vans soon gained a huge following among the skateboarding crowd.
Its slip-ons gained popularity when they were worn by Sean Penn who played a surfer dude in Fast Times Ridgemont High. Vans have also been worn by everyone from Julia Roberts to Ringo Star.
But you don’t have to be a movie star or a skater to wear them. These iconic Vans slip-ons look great with pretty much everything.
4. Nike’s Air Force 1
Clearly, there are plenty of styles you could choose from Nike’s range. But the Air Force 1, named after the presidential aircraft is arguably the most iconic of them all. A good choice if you like a retro-style sneaker.
Air Force 1 Sage Low Platform Sneaker
Kim (above) wears her Air Force 1 sneakers from Nike with a midi dress.
Get her look with this similar dress, belt bag and earrings.
5. Keds
If you aren’t a Superga kind of gal, then maybe you prefer Keds. Everyone from Marilyn Monroe to Audrey Hepburn has been spotted in a pair of Keds, so you’re definitely in good company if these are your sneakers of choice.
6. Adidas – Superstar
Originally a basketball shoe, Adidas’ Superstars have been re-imagined time and time again. Wear with everything from jeans to dresses and skirts.
7. Adidas – Stan Smith
Another classic from Adidas, Stan Smiths began life not on the basketball court, but on the tennis court. Now, you’re more likely to see them worn out and about everyday.
Karen (above) wears the Stan Smith sneakers in a white colorway.
Check out this similar tee, jogger pants, cardigan and sunglasses.
8. Puma suede classic
Nike is known for its tick, while Puma is instantly recognizable for the swoosh along the side of its sneakers. The Puma suede classic has now been around for more than half a century, and is available in some beautiful new colors for spring and summer.
9. New Balance Evergreen
If you prefer your sneakers to look more athletic, then the New Balance Evergreen 574 is enduring, classic and comfortable.
10. Veja
While Kate Middleton loves her Supergas, Megan Markle is a big fan of Veja. The brand is definitely the new kid on the block when it comes to sneakers, having been launched in 2005, but they have fast become an instant classic.
Meghan wears them with both jeans and dresses. Just be aware that most reviewers say these need breaking in so wear for a little in the house for a few days first.
Abi (above) wears the Esplar sneakers from Veja.
Complete her look with this similar button-down shirt, jeans, crossbody bag and earrings.
The best sneakers for Spring and Summer
Of course, you don’t have to stick to the classics. Here are my 10 picks of new styles for this season.
I’ll also give you some more ideas below on how to wear sneakers as part of your everyday outfits to make sure you combine comfort with style.
1. Low top sneakers
Low tops sneakers can be more comfortable when the weather starts to get a little warmer. Choosing a pair in a pale or a pastel shade can inject an instant feeling of spring into your outfit.
2. Slip-on sneakers
A slip-on sneaker is an easy style to wear with everything from jeans to dresses. The chunky soles on these Eileen Fisher sneakers give them an on-trend vibe.
For more comfortable shoe options take a look at this piece on the best shoes with arch support to walk in all day.
3. White sneakers
A white sneaker is a complete classic which will never date, so you can afford to think of these as an investment piece for your closet.
They will look just as good worn with midi dresses as with your jeans.
STEVEN New York Bass Platform Sneaker
4. Sporty sneakers
If you are looking for a pair of sneakers to improve your fitness on your daily walks, how about a pair of FitFlops?
The rocking design of the soles mean they can help tone your legs as you walk. They’re also often recommended if you suffer from Plantar Fasciitis as the motion of the shoe means you don’t put as much pressure on your heels.
FitFlop F-Sporty Uberknit™ Sneaker
5. Platform espadrille
Platform sneakers are particularly on trend right now and can be another good way to add a bit of fun to your outfit while also adding height.
Plus, the espadrille detailing definitely adds a summer feel to your sneakers.
Psyche wears her espadrille sneakers with a classic outfit of striped top and shorts. She even manages to match her dog to her outfit.
Steal her look with this similar platform espadrilles, tee, vest, bermuda shorts, sunglasses, earrings and hat.
Kenneth Cole New York Kamspadrille Platform Sneaker
6. Floral
For a touch of romance, you could always add a floral detail to your sneakers. You’re sure to gt compliments on these Ted Baker London sneakers.
Ted Baker London Circee Sneaker
7. Gold sneakers
Metallics can be considered a neutral in the same way as black, white or tan, as they go with everything.
While silver has been on trend for a number of seasons, gold was more prevalent on the spring/summer catwalks for this year.
8. Suede
While you may be loath to wear suede if the weather is very rainy, it can be a lovely material to wear when the weather starts to improve.
9. Textured sneakers
If you don’t want to opt for a suede pair, these Naturalizer sneakers offer an alternative way to add some texture to your outfit. I think they would look particularly stylish with a pair of white pants.
Naturalizer Marianne Slip-On Sneaker
10. Snake print
Animal prints are always on trend. I like the chunky sole of these Paul Green low tops, as well as the slight sheen.
Paul Green Ally Low Top Sneaker
What to wear with sneakers
Now that you’ve chosen your favorite pair of sneakers, what should you wear with them?
While it used to be the case that sneakers were strictly for exercise, or for very casual wear, the lines are definitely blurred now between casual and more formal attire.
Sneakers are a really useful piece of footwear to have in your closet to dress down an outfit.
So, you can wear your sneakers with pretty much everything from jeans to dresses.
Sneakers with jeans/pants
Jennifer (above) looks fabulous in her sneakers and skinny jeans.
Check out these similar sneakers, tee, jeans and necklace.
Oxana (above) opts for an all burgundy look and pairs with black sneakers.
Steal her look with these similar sneakers, coat, pants, handbag and sunglasses.
Sneakers with a dress
One of the trickiest looks to get right can be pairing sneakers with a dress or a skirt.
I’d go for more delicate styles of sneaker with a dress, rather than big, clunky sneakers.
Having said that, Petra (above) looks absolutely stunning in her chunky sneakers and dress, which show off her slim ankles.
Check out these printed dress options from Eliza J and Boden that you can wear with these similar platform sneakers, cardigan, crossbody bag and sunglasses.
Treat your sneakers like any other shoe when it comes to finding a pair to flatter. So, if a high-top will end at the widest part of your ankle, go for a pair of sneakers with a lower height, for example.
Lynne (above) chooses a pair of silver sneakers with her blue polka dot dress.
Check out this dress that you can wear with this similar pair of silver sneakers.
Sneakers worn with skirts
If you want to wear a fit-and-flare skirt, for example, but you think it would look too dressy for every day, you could always pair with sneakers and a sweater.
Sara (above) teams her maxi skirt with sneakers and a denim shirt for a look which perfectly mixes formal with casual.
Recreate her look with these similar sneakers, denim top, skirt and crossbody bag.
Tanasha (above) opts for a pair of red low tops and matches them to her top.
Check out this similar long sleeve top, skirt and sneakers.
With leggings
Sneakers always look great with leggings, and make for an incredibly comfortable pairing.
Krista (above) opts for a classic plaid shirt with shiny leggings and slip-on sneakers.
Get her look with these similar slip-on sneakers, shirt and leggings.
Also take a look at how to wear leggings for women over 40.
Kimba (above) chooses sporty sneakers with her printed leggings.
Check out these similar sneakers, tunic top, leggings, sunglasses and necklace.
With loungewear
Gabbi (above) wears a pair of Kurt Geiger London sneakers with her loungewear.
Check out this similar tank top, jogger pants and sunglasses to complete her look.
Jenny (above) wears a playsuit with her leopard print sneakers.
Check out this similar romper and sneakers.
There’s more inspiration in this article on the best loungewear for women over 40.
With a suit
Sally (above) gives her suit a youthful look by teaming it with sneakers.
Get her look with this similar blazer and trousers from SUISTUDIO and pair with these similar sneakers and earrings.
Alexandra (above) shows another way to wear a suit with sneakers.
Check out this similar suit set and sneakers.
How will you wear your sneakers this summer?
Continue reading:
- 20 Top Summer Shoes For Women Over 40 For 2020
- Best Shoes With Arch Support – Comfortable Walking Shoes To Walk In All Day!
- The Best Plantar Fasciitis Shoes For Women Over 40
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Feature image by Petra
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Great post Sylvia. I am new to sneakers due to Achilles issues. Am loving them, but not sure how to wear them with a maxi dress or skirt? I have a fine pair of cankles so need a maxi! I would love to see some more examples of how to wear this look without feeling frumpy.
The trick is to have sneakers that are not too high towards the ankle and not too sporty. Will try and post an article on how to wear midi dresses with sneakers as that’s right on trend now!
Great post but what about no show socks to go with the sneakers – ones that actually stay up? I have yet to find a pair that doesn’t slide down underneath my foot. Anyone?
Thanks for the great posts Sylvia!
Bombas! They are the only no-show sock that stays put! And the amazing thing about the company is, they donate socks when you purchase socks. Excellent company!
I love wearing my Allbirds sneakers. I have both the “Wool Runner” as well as the “Tree Runner” styles and wear them with shorts, skorts, cuffed jeans, skirts and casual dresses. They come in all kinds of fun colors and can even be thrown into the washer! Dr Scholl’s makes a similar sneaker that is also very comfortable and really cute!
I need good support for my feet as I have high arches and pronate. Two terrific sneakers for me for daily wear or travel are Ecco 7 sneakers and Taos Star sneakers. My feet are happy in them and I can literally walk for miles in either pair. A tad more money for either shoe but worth it! Excellent article, Sylvia! Thanks for posting it and providing examples how to wear sneakers with dresses and nicer outfits.
Thanks for the great feedback Judy!
Hi from the other side of the planet.
I will be 40 in a few years and I’m a worrier. I would love to look age appropriate, but I love sneakers too much because I have bad ankles. I googled and I find this post and I find it uplifting. Converse,Vans, Airwalk, and Adidas are my faves, but lately since I am into hiphop dance (at this age!), I am start eyeing on Supra. After reading this post of yours Sylvia, I end up buying one.
I love this post and the comments as well.
Hi Intan, You may also enjoy this article https://40plusstyle.com/a-bit-of-vintage-and-a-bit-of-street-a-style-interview-with-sarah-jane/ She wears sneakers almost daily. Enjoy your new purchase!
Sorry for not dating the posts. The thing is that many readers find this blog through old articles and many are still worth reading. However, if I date the articles women will think they are too old and discredit them from the start. I may change this policy in the future but will leave it as is for now. For most trends articles, you can always see for which season they are if you look at the ‘breadcrumbs’ just underneath the top navigation, as that will mention the relevant category. For trends the category would be something like spring 2015 trends. As this article was more on how to wear sneakers after 40, I put it in that category though.
Can older women wear slip on sneakers.
Yes, I feel they are similar to regular sneakers.
Just for a differing opinion (male physician, 62), I happened on this blog on a related Google search. I love a gal in a nice dress and shoes or heels as as much as the next guy (though I always wonder how much distress the lady is in with heels), but I’ve always been a huge fan of women wearing sneakers, long before the current trend. I started in my teens and 20’s only admiring pure white sneakers like Keds, and then later Converse Chucks, and as time went on began to appreciate bright colors as they started appearing in nylon/mesh running shoes in the 70’s and 80’s. These days all sorts are so common I’m hardly surprised at whatever combinations I see, though I still prefer gals wearing sneakers with jeans or shorts. I’ll be dating again soon, and I won’t be surprised to run into a date in a dress or skirt with sneakers, which, though I haven’t had that experience yet, should be fun. I just find sneakers to look rather fun, athletic, sexy and laid back and showing someone who can relax and not always take life too seriously. I hope the “trend” goes on for a long time!
Thanks for your feedback Dick. Great to hear a man’s perspective!
I have. I recently purchased my first pair of low top converse in purple, my favorite color. I wear them like the third option you showed above straight leg cuffed jeans. Nice on vacation when my husband and I tend to walk around a lot.
I think I’ll pass on this trend and stick to ballet flats for casual wear. I’ve never liked hi-tops and despite their huge popularity, Converse low-top sneakers just scream teenager to me.
I still have in my closet a pair of Allstars I bought ages ago. I love them because remember me when I was jounger but I haven’ t got the slightest idea to wear them now.
Hi Sylvia – it’s good to see sneakers being talked about. I don’t own any (only the serious walking-type) because they look so uncomfortable! If I were to buy a pair (which I do often think about), they would be the old-fashioned white or beige type that we used to wear for tennis! And I think one needs the whole “outfit” look whatever that may be. 🙂
I personally can’t find 11N sneakers and when I do put a sneaker on my foot I look as if I am getting ready to water-ski! So I’m opting out on this one!
Now I’m on the fence!
I’m not a sneakers gal. But I might do a trip to Paris next September and I have to have some flats to do all the walking we’re planning. I had put the sneakers out, because I think they are the tourist most used kind of shoe and I want to be a fashionable one, so I was thinking more of some loafers, navy shoes or oxfords.
Now I’m confused….. 🙁
Any advices????
Paris…wow! First off, have a great time. What a dream trip!! If you are doing a lot of walking, wear what’s comfortable and won’t give you blisters, first and foremost. When you get there, check out what others are wearing for walking and duck into a store and get a pair. What a wonderful momento of your trip…shoes you bought in Paris. 🙂
Thank you Rita!!!
Yes, if we will be able to do it, it will be a dream trip. Something I have ever wanted to do and also my sister, she is crazy for Paris. So we decided that it would be a nice birthday gift for her to spend her birthday in Paris.
So we are planing on this 🙂
I vote for loafers!
As a fanatic Paris visitor (again coming May) I would say: any kind of flats which are comfortable and do not give you blisters: sneakers and ballerinas will do fine.
I guess you’re the best person to give some advices, dear.
Thank you Greetje 🙂
Thank you Lorraine. I think I’m on the loafers side too 🙂
I’m all in. I have a pair of black Converse-like sneakers that are my go-to for anytime I need to do a lot walking. I’ve replaced the flat liner with an insole for my high arches and they are just as comfortable as a cushion-y running shoe. I know that makes me sound orthopedic, but if my body is happy, I’m happy.
Smart solution, BBZ! And are these custom-made insoles?
Sylvia, I’m on the fence on this too! I love sneakers and LOVE the wedge idea to dress them up. But i have yet to see someone our age look good in this look! If i can see it translate in REAL LIFE, i’m going for it!
OK guys…. here is a 59 year old one talking… Like Sylvia I am not a sneaker fan. My problem is flat feet and sneakers usually make me look silly.
And, as Anja pointed out, high heeled sneakers don’t do my poor feet any good, so I might as well wear high heeled shoes than.
Having said that, I do own 1 pair of sneakers. I took the inner sole out and put my supporting soles in and they are heaven. Not your average nice, blending-in kind of sneakers, but I don’t mind that a lot.
Great example of sneakers worn in a casual chic and modern way Greetje!
By the way they are by the same brand as Saskia’s sneakers: Kennel & Schmenger (I can never remember this difficult name).
Tip: these sneakers have a zip so you don’t have to lace them up all the time. Very handy. AND… it gave me the opportunity to have the cobbler sew the flap to the sneaker on one side (just a few stitches). Thus allowing me to enter the shoe without any problems while keeping that darned flap in its place. Because it always used to slide to the side.
Nice outfits! With my small-boned ankles the low model sneaker make me look plump. The high heel sneakers make me feel uncomfortable because of associations I’m aware of but can’t ignore yet. After all, I’m happy to wear sneakers and it brings variety in styling my outfits from classical into more casual. Curious to Vans and Keds mentioned by Rita.
yes I think you can totally rock those high sneakers Saskia. Of course I want to see pictures! (hint, hint, you can upload some to the forum….)
yeh, I will that’s a promise
I don’t own any and can’t really see myself wearing them – certainly not high tops (although the ‘on-trend’ Rita might convince me with some cute floral ones LOL!).
If I am running around I like loafers but then that’s my preppy side coming through! Ha ha!
At least they are just as comfortable 🙂
It’s funny but I was struggling to get any loafers last year and now I keep seeing them! Fashion has caught up with me. Ha ha! I like the snaffle (bit of glitz!) or tassel ones (fun!) rather then the plain penny loafers.
I love tassels! It is funny how things come around. I had a pair of penny loafers years ago that I wore with slacks to work. I haven’t seen them in years and all of a sudden, they are popping up again with skirts, slacks, dresses, and guys are wearing them with…wait for it…CAPRIS! WHAT??? J Crew was filled with skinny guys wearing skinny capris and penny loafers. My husband just said, “I’m not sure I’ll find anything I want here.” LOL!!
Ha ha! I bet the guys don’t agonise about the length of their capris, sister!
Haha! That’s right. They just go with the flow. I saw a guy in a restaurant yesterday with the leg-flapping variety, too. :-O
I love my new little keds! But other than a casual, classic, sneaker I don’t think I’ll be doing the trend. I really don’t like the high heel ones, and I’ve seen some really ugly versions of those. For me sneakers should be simple, but I do like the little printed keds. They’re cute.
Yes, that’s what I’ll probably go for…
I had a pair of Sketchers a few years ago that were very simple with white eyelet material over the canvas…so cute!
I have lots of sneakers and I love them. Lower ones, higher ones, in all colors of the rainbow. What I would never do is go for the ones with built in heel, like some of the ones shown above. I mean, the only thing I like about heels is the look…it makes you look more feminine and beautiful. But in general I find them very uncomfortable and painful to walk in (due to my feet). So why on earth would I choose for this uncomfortness while NOT having that sexy look that heels give? I don’t see the advantage of that. Do other women? I’m anxious to hear;-).
I get your point and am not keen on those myself. Yes would love to hear (and see pictures) from others rocking that look!
I agree. If I wear heels I want them to be pretty, nice shoes to make up for them being not so comfortable. I just don’t care fo the look of high-heeled sneakers and my guess is that it is atrend that will fade quickly. I guess comfort-wise they’d be more like a wedge, which I do find to be a comfortable way to wear heels. Still, not ones I will go for.
Oh yes…at least one new pair every summer. I like to have a white/neutral pair (last year I bought gray and white slip-on Vans) and maybe another fun pair, like my floral Top-Sider sneakers that I just started wearing. I’ve always liked Vans or Keds the best as I like the slightly narrower toe. I saw some “Taylor Swift” Keds the other day in some very cute patterns…kind of nautical and patriotic colors. I’m more than twice her age, but I’d wear them. They were really cute!
I should add that I’m not into high tops (too masculine) or wedge sneakers (not practical), though.
I foolishly forgot to mention your fabulous sneakers Rita. Keep rocking those sneakers and if you ever have the courage, show us a full outfit!
Awe…thanks, Sylvia! I had no idea when I bought them that they were actually an upcoming trend. An example of how I get lucky now and then. 🙂
What are Vans and Keds or are you speaking Klingon?
neither are available in my country – such a shame. sneakers tend to be skate style (way too young – I made that mistake last year!) or crazy expensive designer stuff.
wondering how i could import Keds…
Well, more like “Wookie”. 🙂 I always liked that Chewbacca! I don’t own any Keds right now but I’ll post a pic on the forum next time I see them. They used to be just little white canvas sneakers back in the day but now come in all sorts of colors. Vans are the “surfer” sneaker of California. The 4th picture down, in the center above are Vans. Oh, and I forgot TOMS. Not really sneakers, but canvas casual slip-ons. They are great for bopping around the house. I have a couple pairs of those. 🙂 The company gives a pair to a child in need for every pair sold, which I love.
Susan, can you order them on line from Nordstrom, Zappos, or another company that ships internationally? I saw a pair of Prada sneakers recently and just laughed and laughed…but I guess serious Prada fans will love them. 🙂
Vans are simple, slip-on, rubber-soled, shoes. They come in solid colors and wild prints and are usually worn by skaters.
Keds are the first “sneaker” ever made. They are a simple, lace-up, canvas sneaker. They come in solid colors and prints. They’re my favorite casual sneaker!
Converse also makes a simple, lace-up sneaker, but they have a rubber toe. They’re often sold as high-tops. My daughter has several pairs.
Thanks for this clarification Heather!
Thanks Heather and Rita! You are opening up a whole new (sneaker) world for me!
Sylvia, I am 42 and I am not planning to give up wearing sneakers, as a matter of fact…as I am getting older I am finding sneakers more appealing and comfy for everyday wear.
This is a great post and I love your suggestions. I am a huge fan of Converse Chuck Taylors and I am always looking for new styles and colors. Right now I am enjoying my silver Jack Purcell for Converse, they are very practical and versatile as most metallic shoes.
mysmallwardrobe.com
It’s funny because when I started writing this article, I thought this trend was really not for me. But the more I thought about it and played with it, the more I started liking it. A pair of fun low sneakers are now on my wish list!
I have a pair of converse chucks, and they’re tied with a rather wide satin ribbon; adds a bit of class to the chucks!