Meghan Markle's beloved Adidas white sneakers go with everything in your closet

As a shopping expert, I've spent a decent amount of time mulling over the 'Megan effect,' a.k.a. the phenomenon by which anything the Duchess of Sussex wears goes viral and sells out in short order. It's not only about her high-profile status, but also about the way her style artfully combines the aspirational with the attainable. She herself has admitted to mixing high-end and mid-priced pieces to achieve her 'sophisticated minimalist' vibe. And, of course, she's the first royal to incorporate Los Angeles street style into her look. A perfect example are the Adidas Stan Smith shoes, the white sneakers she keeps in heavy rotation for her off-duty outings.

The Duchess has been spotted in Stan Smiths at charity events, the airport and even on a trip to New Zealand with Prince Harry back in 2018: that's how long she's been sporting these classics. The sneakers were first introduced in 1965, but it wasn't until American tennis player Stan Smith endorsed them in 1971 that they became a mainstream hit — and were renamed to honor the athlete, of course. The white sneakers became a staple, first in Europe and then in the U.S. By the 2000s, the all-white Stan Smiths were so well-regarded, they became the sneaker of choice for major fashion designers like Stella McCartney and Phoebe Philo, who famously wore them on the runway as then-creative director at Céline.

It's been quite a journey for the ubiquitous Stan Smiths, an affordable sneaker that refuses to go out of style. Over the years, it's become increasingly popular with a pop of color on the heel tab. Green or navy blue are the colors you're most likely to see, and they're Meghan's preference, too. She's paired her green-tabbed Adidas kicks with tapered jeans, joggers, shorts and leggings. Stan Smiths even complement dresses perfectly. In fact, they're well-known for their ability to go with anything thanks to their clean-lined appeal. And speaking of clean, a regular wipe-down with a damp cloth keeps these leather tennis shoes looking just like new.

I could tell you all about how Julianne Moore beautifully paired hers with a pantsuit in New York or Victoria Beckham broke her own no-flats rule to work Stan Smiths into her quiet luxury wardrobe. But you probably want to know a little more about how non-celebs and non-royals have made these shoes their own. It turns out Adidas shoppers have a lot to say about this top-rated pair — and yes, many of the best reviews have a lot to do with comfort, too.

"They’re not only stylish, but also super comfortable — I can walk or dance for hours without any discomfort," raved a pleased purchaser. "These are my go-to shoes for walking around the city while still looking sharp. Comfortable and professional!" is how another customer put it.

Of course, the timelessness and old-school appeal of Stan Smiths make them a standout in the footwear category. "These are the GOAT of trainers. They go with anything and look amazing," a shopper wrote. Another die-hard, one among a legion of lifelong fans, said, "I’ve been wearing Stans as my go-to clean white trainers for as long as I can remember. Quality vs. price vs. timeless fashion statement: there is no better. I will be buried in them."

As for durability, you can count on Stan Smiths to go the distance. One shopper who wore them everyday for seven months said, "I literally tortured these shoes and they haven’t broken yet." Another lifer wrote, "I have owned at least one pair of Stan Smiths for the last 25 years. My favorite go-to trainers. Smart (especially for the office), comfortable and they last."

The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.