When Kate Middleton joined Prince William for a friendly curling competition in Stirling, Scotland last week, all eyes were on their royal skills. (Hey, curling is tough.) Still, we couldn’t help but notice a stand-out sartorial detail: Princess Catherine’s ultra-practical pull-tab boots from Tod’s (similar here, $1,095).
Kate Middleton’s Pull-Tab Boots Are the Wardrobe Workhorse Everyone Needs
They’re versatile *and* comfy
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Published Jan 26, 2026
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Russell Cheyne/WPA Pool/Shutterstock
Russell Cheyne/WPA Pool/Shutterstock
She actually swapped her heeled black boots—pictured here as she ran to greet royal fans later in the trip—for this Chelsea style, which she then wore right out onto the ice. Paired with a midi skirt, turtleneck sweater and knitted wool vest, her flat boots still added plenty of polish. But it’s how easy they are to wear that makes this particular choice of footwear worth calling out.
After all, a pull-tab detail means exactly that: It’s a tab attached to the back of the boot (usually near the top above the heel) and is designed for the wearer to simply slip their finger through in order to gain a bit of leverage with pulling their boot on and off. In the case of Catherine, her style also features a flat heel—and one that likely offered a bit of traction for a competitive engagement such as this that brought her out onto the ice.
I own a similar style myself (the Fiona from M. Gemi, $488; $295) and I wear them constantly. Yes, they’re versatile and—like Princess Catherine’s—a bit of a wardrobe workhorse, but my favorite detail is how quickly I can get them on and off. (Also like the Princess of Wales, who is mom to Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, I’m usually pulling them on while simultaneously chasing my kids out the door to school—in other words, time is of the essence.)
More about Catherine’s trip to Scotland: Alongside William, their visit to the National Curling Acadamy offered a familiar royal sight—the pair facing off while showing off their mutual athleticism. Since they first met, the Prince and Princess of Wales have been known to enjoy engagements where they can unleash their competitive side.
For her part, Kate seemed sturdy and secure, ready to take William on. Yes, she’s a natural competitor—but I’m giving at least some credit to the boots.
M.Gemi
M.Gemi Fiona Pull-Tab Boots
