Long ago, the cork wedge was a major player in Princess Kate’s royal shoe story. The brunette beauty wore her chunky corks for Olympic engagements, tours to Singapore and New Zealand as well as utilizing them as a finishing touch on casual ensembles for the Commonwealth Games.
For warmer months, the comfortable and feminine wedge is the perfect way to achieve breezy boho. Dressy but not flashy, Kate’s beach-ready cork platforms elevate her down-to-earth daywear from plain to polished.
Here are 8 of Kate Middleton’s Favorite Summer Wedges:
1. Monsoon Fleur Taupe Suede Espadrille Wedges
On a warm spring morning in April 2016 while touring India, Kate highlighted her sporty side and proved that playing cricket in corks is not only possible but practical. The then duchess did her fair share of jumping, running and batting in a pair of Monsoon espadrille wedges.
The private British retailer was Kate’s brand of choice for her fashionable footwear to Mumbai and later for six more royal outings including a visit to Cornwall county, a Canadian garden party and the Back to Nature festival in 2019.
2. L.K. Bennett Black Patent Greta Wedges
Pre-William’s wife status, Kate was fond of these raffia platform wedges for their timeless shiny luster and sturdy stacked footbed.
Worn while still a partying bachelorette, the closed toe wedge heels became a part of romantic royal lore when Kate sported them on the eve of her wedding outside the Goring Hotel and later before departing on her honeymoon in April 2011 on the grounds of Buckingham Palace.
3. Stuart Weitzman Minx Wedges
Natural braided wedges with a 4-inch cork platform, these classic summer shoes feature a dainty gold buckle fastening. The towering tan $395 designer wedges are crafted from premium leather with raffia crossover straps and a a cork trim.
Kate was first spotted off-duty wearing the wedges at an Audi Polo Challenge in Coworth Park in May 2012 paired with a shirtdress by Libélula. The wedges have been worn by the princess on six more outings since their debut including for trips to the Solomon Islands, Sydney, Australia and most recently in Belize in a smocked Tory Burch dress in March 2022.
4. Pied a Tierre Imperia Wedges Natural
A classic canvas wedge with a rounded toe, these playful wedges are chic and charming.
Designed with a buckle slingback and espadrille heel, the stylish wedges were such a favorite of the princess that she also purchased them in black. The princess first stepped out in the chunky summer shoes at the Tidworth Polo club in July 2006. She would later be spotted in the wedges on four more occasions including for a Greenhouse charity event, a summer shopping outing and the arrival of baby Prince George in July 2013.
5. Russell & Bromley Coco-Nut Nude Ankle Strap Espadrille Wedges
A fresh take on the iconic espadrille, these soft suede wedges feature an adjustable and supportive tan leather ankle strap and beachy woven fabric heel.
Crafted with an elevated rope wedge sole and gold toe cap, the chic summer shoes are a must for outdoor picnics, beach adventures or summer garden parties. Kate has been spotted twice in the low heeled wedges for a charity polo match in June 2018 and for a visit to Fakenham Garden Centre in June 2020.
6. Stuart Weitzman Corkswoon Wedges in Navy
At nearly $400, these pricey platforms were a wise investment for the princess who wore the 4.5 inch wedge heels on repeat from 2012-2014.
Kate was seen in the sky-high cork wedges on a dozen occasions often paired with navy skinny jeans, dark blue blazers and nautical dresses.
7. Pied a Tierre Imperia Black Wedges
Designed with a comfortable canvas material, these classic and contemporary wedges have been in Kate’s closet for many years.
The comely royal first stepped out in the black platforms while playing polo princess at a match in June 2009. She would subsequently wear the sleek slingback wedges on nine more occasions including for a royal tour of Canada and India.
8. Castaner Carina 80 Camel Brown Suede Wedges
A recent addition to her summer shoe closet, Kate wore these lace-up light brown wedges for her Back to Nature garden exhibit at the Chelsea Flower Show in May 2019.
Since then, the princess has worn them frequently with colorful and charming day dresses on eight more occasions. Kate even broke the ‘royal rulebook’ and wore the platform wedges in the presence of the Queen for her garden exhibit.
