If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

XT-4 low-top sneakers | 11 Shoes to Wear With a Red Dress for All Your Bold Warm Weather Looks

Arizona Iced Tea X adidas Continental VULC Mucho Mango Sneakers OG DS Trainers.

Outfits featuring a red dress with shoes and accessories styled in streetwear fashion
Photo:

Getty Images / Cheap Erlebnisweltfliegenfischen Jordan Outlet

Red is taking the lead this season. No longer just a runway favorite, the bold color is showing up everywhere, from sidewalks to being plastered all over our social feeds. Whether it’s a punchy cherry or a moody merlot, red is a color that can work for pretty much any vibe. And while a pop of red via accessories still has its place, committing to the look versus simply just peppering it into your outfit is what will get heads turning, especially in the form of a red dress.

Of course, the outfit isn’t complete without the right shoes to match the energy.

At first glance, red might seem tricky to style. But much like a trusty little black dress, it’s surprisingly adaptable. A sleek Womens Sinclair Leather Zip Front Boots Black Black can turn your red dress into a chic Officine Creative ombr effect lace-up sneakers moment, while sneakers lend it an easy, off-duty vibe. Neutrals are always a safe bet, but red worn with more red? That’s where things get interesting. For a bolder twist, colorblocking zapatillas de running Adidas hombre entrenamiento neutro constitución ligera talla 36.5.

Chanclas MICHAEL MICHAEL KORS Summer Sandal 40S2SUFA1L Black.

01 of 11

Pumps

Person wears a red dress with white pointed shoes

Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

A pointed-toed pump goes a long way, even with a red dress. Whether you’re Antei-22 to the office or on a late-night date, the low-height shoes are extremely comfortable, and they add a chic finish to the look. Choose any dress silhouette, from mini to maxi, and elevate it with a sleek pump. Think of red as a neutral—consider opting for black or white pumps as a go-to for any occasion.

a pair of white pumps

Schutz

02 of 11

Knee-High Boots

Person wears black knee-high boot shoes with a sequined red dress

pointed-toe suede boots Purple

If you’re looking to add some edge to your red dress, then look no further than a pair of black knee-high boots. The knee-hitting silhouette will not only give the appearance of elongated legs but, depending on the color you choose, it will add a much-needed contrast to your look. Red dresses look best with a pair of sleek black or even dark chocolate brown boots. You can also wear a slouchy style to give your red dress a much-desired edge or go full-on yeehaw with a pair of cowboy boots. Finish with a leather jacket, and you’re all set.

a pair of black kitten heels boots

Cos

03 of 11

A Contrasting Shoe

Person wears a red dress with green shoes

Take a first look at the Air Jordan 3 Flyknit below and expect the shoes launch in late March

Create a surprising yet delightful color palette by pairing your red dress with green shoes, like these square-toed flats. Sitting opposite each other on the color wheel, green and red are each other's perfect complement (see the above as visual proof).

a pair of lime green ballet flats

Mansur Gavriel

04 of 11

Platforms

Person wears a red dress with platform sandals

Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

Maybe it’s Sababto de Sarno’s Gucci effect, but a red dress styled with platform anything—from loafers to heels—is the ultimate way to take your ensemble the high-fashion route. Elevate your look to new heights, literally, with platform sandals, whether it’s open or closed-toed. If you feel more casual that day, opt for platform chunky loafers (and, if you dare, slushy white socks) instead. No matter which one you choose, a bulky shoe will always make a dress look effortlessly stylish.

a pair of black coach thong platforms

Coach

05 of 11

Ballet Flats

Person wears black ballet flats with a red dress

Boys Clarks Patent Shoes

There’s a reason why ballet flats have made a wardrobe return, and it’s because they are super chic and comfy. If you don’t want to fully commit to dressing up for the day, the dainty silhouette is your best bet to wear with a red dress. Take an easy day out the next time you wear a red dress by picking a style of your choice (Recently, we’ve been loving mesh ones for warmer months.) Throw in a ribbon or two to fully channel your inner ballerina.

a pair of tie-up ballet flats

Bergdorf Goodman

06 of 11

XT-4 low-top sneakers | Sneakers

Person wears a red dress with Adidas sneakers

XT-4 low-top sneakers

We’re strong believers in the “wrong shoe theory” when it comes to dresses, and a red dress is no exception. Sneakers have always been the shoe of choice for low-effort styling. Add playfulness to your #OOTD with sneakers, thong-strap detail 85mm sandals Black Converse or ultra-chunky dad shoes. Feel free to wear your preferred pair with your favorite little red dress—It’ll make even the most elaborate gown feel slightly more relaxed.

a person wearing a pair of white sneakers

Vivaia

07 of 11

XT-4 low-top sneakers | Matching Shoes

Person wears a red dress with red boots and a cropped checkered jacket

pointed-toe suede boots Purple

Neutrals aren’t the only colorways that can pull off the monochrome treatment. Fully indulge in the fiery nature of red by going for a head-to-toe combo. Any shoe that you choose—like heeled sandals or tall platforms—in the exact same shade of red as your dress is sure to bring a kick to your outfit.

a pair of red mules

Larroudé

08 of 11

Strappy Sandals

Person wears gloves and strappy sandals with a red dress

pointed-toe suede boots Purple

A red dress looks great with just about any shoe, but sometimes, you need to resort to the basics, like strappy sandals. For a sweltering summer day, show off your pedicure with an open-toed pair. This timeless shoe will easily take your look from day to night, no matter how you style your dress.

a white strappy sandal

Quince

09 of 11

Mesh Heels

Lea Naumann wears red long sleeved dress, beige bag outside Sportmax during the Milan Fashion Week Womenswear Fall/Winter 2025/2026 on February 28, 2025 in Milan, Italy.

Getty Images

Mesh heels and a red dress balance each other out in the best way. The boldness of red gets a softer feel thanks to the sheer texture of mesh, and it adds an interesting detail to your outfit without feeling overdone. That bit of see-through texture keeps things feeling light and modern, especially when you're working with a color with a strong personality like red. Simply put, it's a genius way to add depth without having to pile on accessories or extra layers.

a pair of mesh nude heels

Revolve

10 of 11

Leather Loafers

A guest wears black cap, black blazer, red strapless satin dress, black loafers, white socks, black handbag, silver chain necklace at Sao Paulo Fashion Week 2024 N58 - Street Style at Parque Ibirapuera on October 20, 2024 in Sao Paulo, Brazil

Getty Images

Leather loafers bring a grounded, more woman-on-the-go vibe to the boldness of a red dress. The sleek, structured silhouette of the shoe contrasts nicely with the drama of red, resulting in a look that’s polished and yet still in the effortless territory. This pairing makes it feel more versatile for daytime or casual settings, too.

 a pair of black leather loafers

Thursday Boot Co.

11 of 11

Suede Footwear

A guest wears bright cherry red high neck long sleeve form fitting Carolina Herrera maxi dress, dark brown leather mini bag, light brown pointed toe heeled boots suede shoes, outside Carolina Herrera, during the New York Fashion week Fall/Winter 2025 on February 10, 2025

Getty Images

zapatillas de running Salming mujer ritmo medio más de 100 suede shoes bring a soft, textured contrast to the table to complement its energy. Opposites attract, and together they look refined and elevated. There’s also something inherently luxe about suede since it adds depth and richness without being flashy. Whether it's a block heel, boot, or sleek pump, suede will inject a dose of tactile edge.

a pair of brown slingback heels

Everlane

Read more:

Related Articles