Honestly, it’s kinda refreshing. In an era where every celebrity seems to be stomping around in those massive, "ugly" chunky sneakers that look like they belong on a construction site, Kate Middleton keeps it simple. She basically sticks to what works.
If you've ever scrolled through photos of her at a charity polo match or visiting a community garden, you’ve seen the shoes. They aren't flashy. They aren't $1,000 hypebeast drops. They’re just classic white tennis shoes. Specifically, the Superga 2750 Cotu Classic.
She's been wearing them for years. It’s her "uniform" sneaker. But while the Supergas get all the press, there’s actually a whole rotation of kate middleton tennis shoes that she swaps out depending on whether she’s actually playing sports or just trying to look approachable while standing in a field.
The Superga Obsession (And The One Issue Nobody Mentions)
The Princess of Wales first stepped out in her white Supergas around 2016. Since then, she's worn them at least a dozen times. They’re $65—sometimes $30 if you catch a sale—which is wild for a royal.
Most people love them because they have that slim, low-profile silhouette. They don’t overwhelm a pair of skinny jeans or culottes. They look "polite." However, if you’re planning to walk ten miles in them, be warned. They are canvas. They have a flat rubber sole. There is almost zero arch support.
📖 Related: Leonardo DiCaprio Met Gala: What Really Happened with His Secret Debut
Kate usually wears them for shorter, "meet and greet" style outdoor events. For example, she wore them to the Chelsea Flower Show and during the 2022 Caribbean tour. They’re great for looking crisp, but they aren’t "performance" shoes. If you have flat feet, you’ll feel every pebble.
When She Actually Gets Sporty: The Veja and Lululemon Pivot
When the Princess isn't just standing around and actually has to, you know, move, she switches brands.
The Veja Esplar
You’ve probably seen these on your Instagram feed. Veja is the French brand with the "V" on the side. Kate’s go-to is the Esplar in white with rose gold or metallic detailing.
- Price: Around $150.
- Vibe: Slightly more "fashion" than the Supergas.
- Sustainability: This is why she likely wears them. They use Amazonian rubber and organic cotton. It fits the royal "eco-conscious" branding perfectly.
Most recently, she was spotted in these for a more personal video update regarding her health journey in 2024. They’re leather, so they’re a bit more durable than canvas and easier to wipe clean if she gets a bit of mud on them.
👉 See also: Mia Khalifa New Sex Research: Why Everyone Is Still Obsessed With Her 2014 Career
The Lululemon Chargefeel
This was a bit of a curveball in 2023. During a rugby engagement, she ditched the lifestyle sneakers for the Lululemon Chargefeel Low. These are actual workout shoes. They’re bouncy. They’re designed for running and training. It was a clear signal that when it’s time to work, she stops worrying about the "classic" look and goes for support.
That One Time She Wore Marks & Spencer
One of her most famous sneaker moments wasn't a big brand at all. It was a pair of $50 trainers from Marks & Spencer. They had little green and orange "ribbon" stripes on the side.
The internet lost its mind. They sold out in minutes.
It proved a point: people don't want Kate to wear Dior sneakers. They want her to wear the stuff they can buy at the mall on a Saturday morning. Those M&S shoes featured "Insolia Flex" technology, which is basically a fancy way of saying they’re designed to be comfortable for walking. She wore them to a SportsAid event in 2020 and even did a couple of sprints in them.
✨ Don't miss: Is Randy Parton Still Alive? What Really Happened to Dolly’s Brother
Why She Never Wears "Dad Shoes"
You won't find Kate in New Balance 990s or Balenciaga Triple Ss. Why? Because the royal aesthetic is built on timelessness.
Trends fade. A slim white tennis shoe from 1920 looks the same today as it did then. If she wore the latest "it-shoe," the photos would look dated in three years. By sticking to silhouettes like the Superga 2750 or the Veja Esplar, she ensures that her "casual" photos remain evergreen.
Also, let's be real—she's often standing next to world leaders or local dignitaries. A giant, neon, chunky sneaker would be a massive distraction.
Picking the Right Pair for Yourself
If you’re trying to replicate the look, don't just buy the first pair of white shoes you see.
- For the "Cottagecore" Look: Go with the Superga 2750. They look best with linen pants or sundresses.
- For Everyday Durability: The Veja Esplar is the winner. Leather is just easier to live with than canvas.
- For Actual Tennis/Gym: Follow her lead and look at New Balance (she’s worn the Fresh Foam Cruz) or Lululemon.
Whatever you pick, the key to the kate middleton tennis shoes look is keeping them pristine. A scuffed-up white sneaker is just a dirty shoe. A bleached-white, crisp sneaker is "royal casual."
Your next move: If you're going for the Supergas, size down by a half-size. They tend to run a bit large and can slip at the heel if they aren't snug. If you're opting for the Vejas, be prepared for a "break-in" period—the leather tongue on the Esplars is notoriously stiff for the first five or six wears.