Here's Why Meghan Markle Always Wears Shoes That Are Too Big for Her
A fashion expert explains why Meghan Markle is frequently photographed in shoes that appear to be a size or two too big for her. Apparently, it's to guard against blisters from wearing heels so much.


Meghan Markle has impeccable style (opens in new tab). She's been a style icon (opens in new tab) since before she joined the royal family, but ever since her engagement to Prince Harry (opens in new tab), she's taken things to the next level. Everything about every look is on-point—that's why some fans have been surprised to notice one fashion quirk of Meghan's: Her shoes are almost always a size or two too big.
It's true. Look closely at Meghan's shoes and you'll almost always notice a gap at the heel. Fans especially took note of this with her Royal Ascot outfit (opens in new tab). The stunning Givenchy look was paired with black pumps that were noticeably loose.
According to fashion expert Harriet Davey, there's a good reason for Meghan's ill-fitting footwear.
"Celebs often go a size up, or even two, in the shoe department when they're at an event or on the red carpet and it's for one reason we can all relate to—to avoid blisters," Davey told The Sun (opens in new tab). "There's nothing worse than uncomfortable shoes (we've all been there on a night out) and when celebs like Meghan are wearing heels for a long period of time their feet can often swell up."
This makes sense—especially for someone who spends as much time on her feet (and in heels) as Meghan.
"The swelling can cause blisters and in the long run bunions—like long-time heel fan Victoria Beckham has been rumored to suffer with," Davey added.
Meghan has been working this fashion trick for a while now—even the shoes she wore at her November 2017 engagement photo call (opens in new tab) with Harry looked too big.
So how does Meghan (and other celebrities who use the same trick) keep her shoes from slipping off when she goes up a size or two?
"A trick of the trade is to stuff the toe with padding like tissue or cotton wool, and this can be taken out once they feel like they need a bit more room in their shoes," Davey explained (opens in new tab).
The more you know.
Kayleigh Roberts is a freelance writer and editor with more than 10 years of professional experience. Her byline has appeared in Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar, The Atlantic, Allure, Entertainment Weekly, MTV, Bustle, Refinery29, Girls’ Life Magazine, Just Jared, and Tiger Beat, among other publications. She's a graduate of the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University.
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