The Princess of Wales has demonstrated her practical approach to British weather by selecting reliable, high-performance footwear for outdoor excursions. During a recent mindfulness walk organised by the charity Mind Over Mountains, Catherine braved the challenging conditions of Storm Chandra while trekking through the Peak District National Park.
Royal Endorsement for Outdoor Gear
Whilst many associate the Princess with formal attire and royal engagements, she has consistently shown herself to be an enthusiastic advocate for outdoor activities and mental wellbeing through nature. Her recent appearance during inclement weather has highlighted her preference for functional, weather-appropriate clothing that doesn't compromise on comfort or style.
The Boots Behind the Royal Walk
Kate Middleton's footwear of choice for this outdoor adventure was the Berghaus Supalite II Gore-Tex Waterproof Hiking Boots, which she has worn on multiple occasions. The Princess previously showcased these same boots in a video commemorating her tenth wedding anniversary to Prince William, confirming them as a trusted element of her outdoor wardrobe.
These particular boots represent a significant investment in quality outdoor gear, typically retailing at £185 per pair. Their design prioritises both performance and comfort, making them suitable for various outdoor pursuits beyond casual walking.
Technical Specifications and Benefits
The Supalite II boots distinguish themselves through several key features that explain their royal endorsement:
- Lightweight Construction: Weighing less than one kilogram per pair, these boots reduce strain during extended walking sessions
- Weather Protection: Crafted from robust leather with a GORE-TEX inner lining, they offer complete waterproofing while maintaining breathability
- Enhanced Comfort: Memory foam cushioning in the heel and toe areas provides exceptional comfort, with reviewers describing the sensation as "walking on air"
- Versatile Design: Suitable for multiple outdoor activities beyond hiking, including country walks and general outdoor exploration
Availability Challenges and Alternatives
Following the Princess's latest public appearance in these boots, demand has significantly impacted availability. The women's model is currently sold out on the Berghaus website, with only limited sizes remaining at outdoor retailer Go Outdoors.
For those determined to acquire this specific style, the men's alternative presents a viable option with identical appearance and broader size availability. Both Go Outdoors and Amazon currently stock the men's version, with Amazon offering a substantial 21% discount at the time of writing.
Budget-Friendly Alternatives
For shoppers seeking similar functionality at more accessible price points, several alternatives merit consideration:
- Regatta Women's Regen Vibram Walking Boots: Reduced from £140 to £70, offering substantial savings
- Mountain Warehouse Latitude II Extreme Women's Waterproof Leather Walking Boots: Discounted from £149.99 to £89.99
- Berghaus Women's Expeditor Ridge 2.0 Walking Boots: Available for £150 as an alternative within the same brand
- Merrell Scarpa Women's Terra GTX Boots: Reduced from £210 to £188.95
The Mindfulness Mission
The Princess's outdoor excursion formed part of her ongoing commitment to promoting mental wellbeing through connection with nature. Despite the challenging weather conditions brought by Storm Chandra, Catherine emphasised that "nothing" would have prevented her from undertaking the hillside walk.
During the 45-minute trek around Baslow Edge in the Peak District, reaching approximately 300 metres in altitude, the walking group incorporated mindfulness practices. Participants were guided to focus on physical sensations, including feeling their feet grounded on the earth and noticing bodily awareness, even amidst mud and puddles.
The Princess reportedly checked with all participants about their comfort with proceeding in the difficult weather before commencing the walk, demonstrating consideration for others' wellbeing alongside her personal commitment to outdoor activity.
This combination of practical outdoor gear and mindful engagement with nature reflects the Princess's holistic approach to wellbeing, where appropriate equipment enables deeper connection with the natural environment regardless of meteorological challenges.
