Royals wearing trainers might just be the perfect oxymoron. After all, Kate Middleton is known for her romantic looks [1], Meghan Markle [2] has a particular affinity for Aquazzura heels, no one is quite as glamorous as Princess Charlene of Monaco [3], and Queen Letizia of Spain has a habit of making the fashion world bow down. But despite the many style rules that come with a royal title [4], these chic ladies have proven that trainers do belong in everybody's wardrobes, royal or not. And they've done so more than once.
As it turns out, even queens, duchesses, and princesses like to swap their heels for something a little more comfortable every once in a while. Over the years, the Duchess of Cambridge has curated a sneaker collection [5] that would give anyone major shoe envy. Princess Diana, meanwhile, made athleisure outfits look cool way before it was even a thing, and Meghan has been a fan of casual trainers for years.
So what does it really take to be a royal-approved sneaker? Read on to get a closer look at all the different styles that have caught the eye of Europe's most stylish royals, and then shop a pair for yourself. After all, there's nothing quite as comfortable, and they look good with absolutely everything [6] — so why resist?
Meghan Markle
While in Australia, Meghan Markle [8] and Prince Harry went on a sailing expedition. For the occasion, the duchess wore a pair of sustainable Veja V-10 trainers.
Shop Meghan's Exact Trainers
Veja V-10 Trainers [9] (£115)
While in New Zealand, the Duchess of Sussex wrapped up in a raincoat, which she paired with black jeans, a scarf, and comfortable white trainers by Stella McCartney for Adidas.
Shop Meghan's Exact Trainers
Adidas x Stella McCartney Stan Smith Trainers [10] (£235)
After spending the weekend in New York for her baby shower back in February, Meghan left the Big Apple in a cosy and casual athleisure look [11], which she finished with a pair of black Adidas Ultra Boost trainers.
Shop Meghan's Exact Trainers
Adidas Ultra Boost Trainers [12] (£144)
Princess Charlene of Monaco
Princess Charlene of Monaco is not one to shy away from wearing leather, and she once again proved that she is a fashion force to be reckoned with when she attended the 24 Hours of Le Mans race. For the occasion, she wore black skinny jeans, a white top, a leather jacket, and leather trainers.
Shop a Similar Pair of Trainers
Coach New York C101 Low-Top Trainers [13] (£108, originally £155)
Kate Middleton
In May, the Duchess of Cambridge stepped out in a chic pair of wide-leg pants [14], which she paired with a white blouse and her go-to Superga Trainers.
Back in July 2017, Kate was already a fan of Superga. She wore a pair of the brand's trainers when she and William attended a rowing race during their official visit to Germany.
Shop Kate's Go-To Trainers
Superga Cotu Classic Laceup Trainers [15] (£52)
In March 2012, the Duchess of Cambridge wore a pair of running shoes while playing hockey with the GB teams in London.
Shop a Similar Pair of Trainers
Adidas Adizero Adios 4 [16] (£91, originally £130)
Kate wore a pair of bright red Adidas trainers when she attended the London 2012 Paralympic Games in August 2012.
Shop a Similar Pair of Trainers
Adidas U_Path Run Shoes [17] (£70)
For an afternoon with the Irish Football Association in February 2019, the duchess wore a simple pair of dark blue trainers.
Shop a Similar Pair of Trainers
New Balance Fresh Foam Cruz v2 Nubuck Trainers [18] (£40, originally £80)
Kate wore another pair of dark blue trainers, this time with bright turquoise laces, when she attended the America's Cup World Series in 2016.
Shop a Similar Pair of Trainers
Adidas Senseboost Go Shoes [19] (£100)
In October 2017, she wore some of the coolest trainers to date when she played tennis with children: the Nike VaporMax trainers.
Shop Kate's Trainers
Nike Air VaporMax 2019 [20] (£165)
The Duchess of Cambridge wore a pair of New Balance trainers when she visited the Aston Villa Football Club in November 2017.
Shop a Similar Pair of Trainers
New Balance 420 Trainers [21] (£46, originally £65)
Princess Sofia of Sweden
In 2018, Princess Sofia of Sweden stepped out with her family wearing a pair of platform Superga trainers, which she paired with white pants and a colourblock top.
Shop Princess Sofia's Trainers
Superga 2790 Platform Trainers [22] (£79)
Princess Diana
In 1995, Princess Diana was spotted leaving her gym in peach shorts and a sweatshirt, which she paired with chunky white and black trainers.
Shop a Similar Pair of Trainers
Fila Ray Tracer Trainer [23] (£68)
Princess Diana also wore the same peach cycling shorts with a blue sweatshirt and white trainers.
Shop a Similar Pair of Trainers
Puma RS-X Tracks Trainers [24] (£87)
Princess Diana wore a similar pair of chunky trainers with a long statement coat and a tote bag.
Shop a Similar Pair of Trainers
Adidas Ultraboost CLIMA x MISSONI Trainers [25] (£199)
Princess Eugenie
On her first day at Newcastle University, Princess Eugenie wore a simple dress with a long cardigan, tights, a purple fringed bag, and black low-top Converse trainers.
Shop a Similar Pair of Trainers
Converse Chuck Taylor All Star '70s [26] (£64)
During a trip to New York, Princess Eugenie stepped out in a casual outfit that she finished with another pair of low-top Converse trainers, this time in cream.
Shop Princess Eugenie's Exact Trainers
Converse All Star '70s Oxford Trainers [27] (£64)
Queen Letizia of Spain
While in Mallorca, Spain, in 2006, Queen Letizia wore a pair of cream leather trainers, perfectly matching with her husband.
Shop a Similar Pair of Trainers
Frye Gia Canvas Trainers [28] (£78)
Princess Beatrice
Just like her sister Eugenie, Princess Beatrice likes to wear Converse trainers. For a day on the beach back in 2010, she wore a pair of bright green high-tops.
Shop a Similar Pair of Trainers
Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Green High Top [29] (£55)