For most royal appearances, the Princess of Wales wears impossibly high heels and sky-high stilettos but for casual outings, sporty engagements and visits to gardens or schools — she’s inclined to pass on the pumps and opt instead for retro trainers and sporty sneakers.
While the princess has long been devoted to her clean-cut canvas sneakers from Superga, the British beauty has worn a variety of other running and tennis shoes while on and off royal duty.
Here are 18 of Kate Middleton’s Favorite Athletic Sneakers:
An eyelet embossed sneakers in a mossy green shade, Kate has worn these Superga Cotu 2750 classic cotton and gum sole sneakers on a total of three royal outings; she’s donned them for a Chelsea Flower Show work session and a Fakenham Garden Centre visit as well as for a den building and pond scouring mission for BBC’s Blue Peter TV program.
2. On the Rodger Advantage Tennis Shoes
In September 2021, the princess was Queen of the Court when she played a fun match with a few elite champions at the National Tennis Centre in London. For the outing, she wore the Roger Advantage white and juniper green court-tech street sneakers.
3. Adidas Supernova Glide Sneakers in Vivid Red and Metallic Silver
In August 2012, the then-Duchess of Cambridge wore bold red sneakers for playing spectator at the London 2012 Paralympic Games. The princess wore the springy mesh sneakers to watch cycling events and gymnastic competitions.
4. New Balance Fresh Foam Cruz Sneakers
These knit running sneakers were seen on the princess once in Northern Ireland in February 2019. Perfect for a game of football on the field, Kate wore these cushioned women’s running shoes with a matching navy Longshore Quilted jacket.
5. Veja Esplar Metallic Trim Leather Sneakers
Court inspired sustainable shoes crafted from recycled materials, these Brazilian made trainers are designed in white leather and feature a metallic chrome logo. Veja prides itself on its product — but also works on causes supporting social projects, economic justice and environmental preservation. Princess Kate loves these low-top lace up sneakers and the signature rose gold V-logo detailing; she recently wore them with a powder blue blazer from Reiss. The mom of three has worn the sneakers a total of six times since 2021 and even donned the comfy shoes off-duty for a recent concertgoer ensemble at the Houghton Music Festival in mid-August 2023.
6. Nike Air Vapormax Flyknit Sneakers
With innovative details like a perforated sockliner and feather-light construction, these breathable and stretchable sneakers are perfect for royal functions. Kate has worn the toe-to-heel cushioned Nikes for a total of two tennis engagements — once in October 2017 and later for a junior tennis workshop in January 2018.
7. Lululemon Chargefeel Low Workout Shoe in White
A versatile daytime errand or workout shoe, these streamlined sneakers feature dual-foam cushioning with a comfortable and responsive design. Ideal for running and training, the princess has worn the white trainers once in early June 2023 for a sports engagement at Maidenhead Rugby Club.
8. Adidas Ignition 2 Sneakers
In March 2022, Princess Kate attended an event at Olympic Park to visit the British Hockey team wearing coral colored capri jeans from Zara and Adidas Ignition 2 Running Sneakers. The gray and white sneakers have a flash of pink coloring and offer an EVA insole for comfort as well as a durable outsole.
9. Superga Cotu 2750 White Canvas Sneakers
Princess Kate’s most reworn pair of simple white canvas sneakers — these versatile and classic cotton trainers can be worn with shorts, skinny jeans, culottes or even day dresses. The princess has worn the affordable cotton and rubber shoes on at least 15 occasions since October 2016.
10. New Balance x Sweaty Betty Vazee Sneakers
Worn three times since 2017, including for a race against Prince William and Prince Harry at Olympic Park — Kate loves these dark black garden print sneakers for their arch support, speed and firm feel (no spring cushioning or memory foam).
11. Asics Gel Oberon 8 Sneakers
The princess wore these pink and white sneakers for a walk with Prince George in a stroller in February 2014 in a London park. She also wore the tennis shoes for a trip to activewear and athletic apparel retailer Lululemon on King’s Road in London in February 2016.
12. Adidas Performance Pureboost X
Equipped with Adidas’ signature pureboost foam, Kate was ready to set sail in Portsmouth in these teal lace sneakers in July 2016. She later recycled the cushioned and responsive fitness shoes for another sailing outing in July 2022.
13. Mint Velvet Bibi Grey Suede Plimsolls (similar)
One of Princess Kate’s favorite off-duty sneakers — the Queen-in-waiting has worn these suede leather sneakers with grey-blue laces for various shopping outings and traveling adventures. The busy royal mom wore these tennis shoes frequently from 2013 to 2015 and nearly always paired the casual sneakers with dark skinny jeans.
14. M&S Collection Ribbon Detail Trainers (similar)
Colorful green ribbon sneakers with a dash of sparkle made these vegan walking sneakers a must-have for the fitness-loving princess. Featuring Insolia Flex technology, these lace-up trainers have appeared only once in Kate’s shoe style lookbook — she wore them in February 2020 for a SportsAid engagement.
15. Hampton Canvas White Plum Shoes (similar)
Retro minded and comfortable plimsoll sneakers, these eyelet detail shoes are handmade in Spain by a family-run company. The 100% organic cotton slip-on sneakers evoke feelings of seaside brunches and beach holidays. Kate has worn the strawberry scented (yes, strawberry) on one occasion on tour in October 2019 in Pakistan.
16. Babolat Jet Mach 3 Trainers in White
The princess stepped out in these lightweight sneakers specifically designed for grass tennis courts in late June 2023 for a meetup with tennis great Roger Federer. The shock-absorbing sneakers with a Michelin Premium technology sole were perfect for causing a racquet at the All England Lawn Tennis Club.
17. New Balance 611 Cross Trainers
Spin spot technology gives these breathable cushioned midsole sneakers plenty of athletic agility. Designed to help the wearer move through spins, turns and lateral movements with plush comfort — these grey sneakers were worn by the princess just once in August 2019 for a sailing adventure on the Isle of Wight.
18. Asics Gel Solution Speed 3 Sneakers
Princess Kate wore these gel cushioned tennis shoes designed for improved stability and control during her favorite form of recreation. The powder blue, navy and white sneakers were worn by the athletic royal just once at a tennis coaching clinic in February 2016.
