Tennis shoes are called sneakers because they don't make noise when you walk, and so you can “sneak up” on someone and not be heard.
Sneakers were only worn by athletes until Hollywood picked up on the fashion in the 1950s.
Since then, people around the world have been wearing them for all purposes: hiking, going to the gym, or even to walk to the office.
However, a chic dress, black stockings, and white sneakers just don’t work together as an outfit.