Meghan Markle breaks with protocol to don fashion girl favourite Veja trainers

Meghan Markle stepped out wearing a pair of trainers for the first time ever on an official royal appearance on Sunday, and the brand she chose to wear is not only eco-friendly but already well loved by fashion insiders.

Where Kate Middleton’s love of a plimsoll from Italian brand Superga is well known, Meghan swapped her beloved stilettos for a pair of white trainers from sustainable French brand Veja to watch an Invictus sailing race with Prince Harry in Sydney harbour.

The 37-year old, who is four months pregnant, paired the white sneakers with black jeans and an official Invictus Foundation windbreaker designed by Superdry.

The ‘Esplar’ style she opted for comes in a crisp white with the signature Veja ‘V’ in black on the side and retails for an affordable £95.

In opting for Vejas, not only has Meghan chosen a brand that’s super sustainable, but also one that’s been gaining traction with the fashion set since last year.

Everyone from Lucy Williams to Camille Charriere has been seen sporting the shoes, which are made in Brazil with fair trade businesses and small cooperatives.

And really what’s not to love? Not only does the 13-year-old brand create minimal, luxe trainers which chic designs rank them comfortably alongside designer kicks from the likes of Gucci and Louis Vuitton, but Veja trainers are also vegan and sustainable.

The company's production and distribution is entirely transparent and engineered to ensure jobs and support for local communities in Brazil.

And with prices starting at a very wallet-friendly £69, it’s not surprising the unisex shoes are becoming a major success story.

No doubt Meghan's royal seal of approval will mean we're about to see a pair of Vejas on every street corner.

Here are some of our favourite styles:

Veja trainers are stocked in Dover Street Market, Liberty and Selfridges and on Veja-store.com, Matches.com and Net-a-Porter.com