When we think of the classic Meghan Markle style, we think boat-neck silhouettes, pantsuits, and unbelievably high heels, right? Well, believe it or not, sometimes the Duchess of Sussex leaves her stilettos at home and steps out in a pair of flats or sneakers. Meghan has more than proved that she can do just about anything in a pair of heels, but honestly, we just like to see that the duchess is comfortable. We would have thought that she would stop wearing heels while pregnant, but just like her duchess sister-in-law Kate Middleton, nothing is going to stop Meghan from popping on those stilettos. Fortunately, though, she does take a break every now and then.
And these breaks usually include super chic loafers or flats, stylish sneakers, and sometimes, she'll sneak in a pair of boots too. Let's all remember that Meghan Markle is a busy duchess, on the go constantly, so she undoubtedly needs every type of shoe at the ready — no matter what the engagement may be.
She's naturally cut back on the number of flat shoes she wears nowadays since the royal ladies are somewhat expected to pop on some heels. In her pre-royal days, Meghan would wear exercise shoes and snow boots like the rest of us. And of course, she always managed to look stylish. Are we surprised? Not in the least, but we are glad to know that the duchess hasn't completely given up on flat shoes.
These moments may be rare, but here are 20 times Meghan left the heels in the closet and rocked a pair of flats.
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Bringing Up the Basics
Meghan doesn't wear flats often, but when she does, she keeps it simple. Classic black is sometimes the best way to go … especially when you're pregnant. Give the heels a rest from time to time, Meghan!
Sandals?
Yeah, we doubt we'll see Meghan in something like this nowadays, but we will continue to reminisce. Strappy sandals are definitely a thing of the past for this duchess, and we're even in awe of the fact that she wore them to the airport in the first place.
The Switcheroo
When Meghan and Harry made their first public appearance in Australia, the duchess was sporting a pair of super high heels. But being pregnant and all, she quickly decided that stilettos weren't the way to go and swapped them for this pair of basic black flats. Smart move, Meg.
Boots Count Too
Meghan normally opts for a pair of heeled boots if she isn't going to wear just normal heels, but when it's rainy and muddy, sometimes that just isn't an option. Even duchesses need a reliable pair of rain boots in their fashion repertoires.
The More Pointed, the Better
Pre-royal Meghan was far more adventurous with her flats. Meghan looks adorable in her traveling outfit, and we can't help but admire her plain gray pointed flats. They practically blend in with the ground, and let's just hope they were comfortable!
NYC Athleisure
Nowadays, all of the American cool girls are making athleisure outfits the new dressing up, and it looks like Meghan is no exception. Who says athletic sneakers can't be stylish? The duchess surely didn't want to be wearing heels while boarding her private jet back home.
Perfect for a Stroll
These loafer-style flats were the perfect choice for Meghan and Harry's walk through the woods. She had on a pair of adorable heels earlier this day, but we don't think that would have ended well. All it takes is for one ill-placed stick, and the duchess could have tripped.
Fit for the Beach
We suppose this is the more royal version of Meghan's strappy sandals before. It's probably safe to say that Meghan is only going to wear these when she and Harry are in more tropical destinations. No matter how hot it gets in London, we can't see these being approved by Queen Elizabeth.
Winter Wear
Before she had her digs in Kensington Palace, Meghan was braving the harsh winters of Canada, and she needed the proper gear for it. There was definitely no wearing heels in this type of weather, but she still managed to make winter boots look stylish.
Veja Sneakers
Fans were all kinds of excited when Meghan was photographed wearing these sustainable Veja sneakers on her and Harry's Sydney boat excursion. Stylish and good for the environment? Sounds exactly like something Meghan would stand behind.
Sneakers for Running Errands
Meghan is nine months pregnant — but still out running errands with Harry! Good thing for her, she has the perfect sneakers to do so. We're sure at this point in her pregnancy, all she wants is comfort. No more heels for a while, hopefully!
Fun in the Sun
When Meghan is a duchess off-duty (of sorts), she has no problem making things more casual with her footwear. This royal lady was off to support her husband in a polo match, and those gladiator flats make her look like the epitome of summertime.
The Pre-Engagement Flats
There's nothing we don't love about this laid-back outfit from the soon-to-be duchess, but we are especially drooling over her chic brown flats. She hasn't broken these out again since, but we have a good feeling we'll be seeing these shoes again sometime.
Yoga Gear
If anyone has been wondering what shoes Meghan wears while she's doing yoga, we have the answer right here! It doesn't take anything but a pair of reliable white running shoes to do the trick. That's probably not the only yoga secret this duchess is holding onto, though.
Dressed Up Flats
When Meghan wears her classic business-wear outfits, she usually reaches for a pair of equally as classic heels … but not with this ensemble. This pregnant duchess was probably far more comfortable in a pair of dressy flats, and we don't blame her!
Bright White
We certainly hope Meghan didn't get any grass stains on those perfectly white sneakers of hers. We're also glad that she opted out of wearing heels, because grass and stilettos aren't really the best of friends.
Chic Winter
Those Canadian winters must have been tough to live in, but Meghan found a way to make it through the cold winter stylishly. Every gal needs a good pair of winter boots, and who says they can't also be fashion-forward?
Perfect for Sand
And if we thought walking in grass would have been difficult while wearing heels, walking in sand would have been downright impossible. These plain black flats were definitely the best choice Meghan made that day.
Neon Sneaks
Nowadays, when Meghan wears sneakers, she sticks the basic colors like white or black. But, back in the day, the soon-to-be duchess had a lot more freedom to play around with color. There's no official royal rules against wearing neon sneakers, but we still think Queen E would have some thoughts.
And No Shoes At All
Barefoot is the ultimate pair of flats, right?? Meghan did have an adorable pair of wedges on earlier during their beach excursion, but she quickly decided to ditch them and just go without. Sand and wedges don't mix, Meg!
