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Meghan Markle Swears by the ‘Shoe Plus 2’ Rule—Here’s What That Means

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Meghan Markle.
Kevin Mazur/Getty Images

Call it the “Markle sparkle,” the “Meghan Markle effect” or the “duchess denouement” (OK, we made that last one up…): Whatever Markle dons, from Jenni Kayne to floral Oscar de la Renta, we are so here for it. But, did you know that she wears shoes that are way too big for her feet?

Nope, this isn’t some “glass slipper doesn’t fit so she’s not Cinderella” situation. This is a “Markle purposefully wears way too big shoes” situation. But, why? Well, put simply—to avoid blisters.

Meghan Markle.
Ben Stansall/WPA Pool/Getty Images

So, Wait—What Exactly Does Meghan Do?

According to The Sun, the answer is actually pretty genius. “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,” fashion expert Harriet Davey told the paper. 

When the shoes are a bit too big, it means even if Markle’s feet swell up from standing for long periods of time (at award shows and ceremonies, for instance), her skin won’t rub against the shoe, which would cause blisters. Sounds like a good fix to us.

Meghan Markle shoes.
Neil Mockford/Getty Images

How to Follow the “Shoe Plus 2” Rule

The next time you're adding a pair of shoes to your cart, consider going up a size (or 2) if you're worried about getting blisters, especially if you'll be wearing them for an extended period of time, like at a wedding or a work event. (You'll likely have better luck finding them in a bigger size anyways.)

If you're worried about the shoes moving around too much, consider pads that help keep your feet in place ($10) or even sheer or no-show socks ($4) that will be hidden within the heels.

markle hero3
Karwai Tang/Getty Images

Over the years, we've learned that the Duchess of Sussex has loads of fashion tricks up her sleeve. For instance, did you know about wearing monochromatic outfits to appear taller? Or how about the fact that tailoring could be the secret to perfecting any 'fit?

Of course, when Markle's wearing these oversized shoes, she's always doing so in style. We've kept our eyes on the duchess's closet for years, and she loves everything from jet-black Manolo Blahniks to classic Adidas Stan Smiths.

Welp, there you have it, folks. If the shoe (doesn’t) fit…she’s probably a royal.

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Director, Branded Content + Cohost, Royally Obsessed Podcast

As Director of Branded Content at Gallery Media Group, Roberta helps oversee the ideation and execution of sponsored content and experiential campaigns across PureWow and ONE37pm, including PureWow’s 24 in ’24. She began her career in editorial nine years ago, and has written and edited countless articles on news, trends, fashion, beauty and the royal family. She’s also cohost of the Royally Obsessed podcast, named one of the best royals podcasts by The New York Times and Town & Country. She cowrote the book Royal Trivia: Your Guide to the Modern British Royal Family.

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Associate Editor, News and Entertainment

Joel is the former Associate Editor for News & Entertainment and has been reporting on all things pop culture for over 5 years. Before working at PureWow, he served as a Features Editor at ROCKET Magazine. When he's not dissecting the latest trends in entertainment (or guiding you on what to watch), he covers all the hottest red carpet looks and fashion movements. When he steps away from the keyboard, you can likely find him at an NYC concert, thrift store or LGBTQ+ bookstore happily perusing the shelves.