Recently, I’ve been hunting for a new pair of plain white trainers. Despite being a long-time Converse enthusiast, I hesitated to part with the £60 plus they now seem to command all year round.
So when sales of Catherine, Princess of Wales’s favourite Superga Cotu pumps skyrocketed, I thought they might be a suitable substitute for my beloved Chuck Taylors. Don’t get me wrong — I’m not a Royal fashion devotee — but I do have a soft spot for trainers, and there was a glaring gap in my extensive collection for a pristine white pair of canvas pumps.
Kate, who has recently been seen at Wimbledon and sending messages to Team GB while recovering from cancer, has been photographed wearing the Superga trainers in both white and khaki. It’s clear she has a fondness for a classic trainer, and these are available in a variety of sizes and colours.
As much as I love trainers, I also love a good deal, so these Supergas seemed perfect. The ordering process was straightforward. I purchased them from Amazon and, due to variations in footwear brands and styles, I ordered a size five and a 5.5 just in case they ran small, reports Wales Online.
They did, and I ended up keeping the 5.5 size. The Cotus look great but are heavier than I anticipated for a cotton and canvas blend shoe, likely due to the rubber sole. The flat style of the shoe, combined with the hefty rubber sole, somewhat contradicted my desire for a lightweight, airy, versatile white trainer.
The Superga Cotu trainers are the epitome of versatile style; they pair flawlessly with anything from shorts and jeans, be they cropped, skinny, or flared, to diverse dress styles, including tea, mini, and more. They genuinely match with any outfit effortlessly.
However, despite their style credentials, I don’t suggest wearing these shoes for extensive shopping sprees, lengthy walks, or any activity that puts stress on your feet. Their flat design doesn’t provide much support, which could lead to discomfort in both the foot and knees; a clear sign I’m no longer a spring chicken.
Plus, they’re not particularly breathable; my feet felt like they were overheating regardless of the sock thickness I paired with them.
They’re a great fit for light activities like gardening or relaxing in the park, as Kate has been photographed doing. And with such an affordable price tag, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better deal for casual footwear for social outings to the pub or lunch. Get a pair of white Superga Cotu here, for just £25.
For those searching for an everyday walking shoe, Skecher’s Arch Fit comes highly recommended. Satisfied customers have even hailed them as “life-changing” for their support.
If you admire the Princess of Wales’s chic footwear selections, she’s also been seen in Veja Esplar sneakers from the eco-friendly brand, typically retailing at about £120. However, if Veja’s style appeals but their price does not, check out Office for an alternative design by the same label, available for £85, right here.