Kate Middleton’s running shorts have gone viral: Here’s where to buy them, and 3 other styles I rate this summer
Trust me, I’m a fitness editor
New photos have emerged of Princess Kate completing the National Three Peaks Challenge here in the U.K. to raise funds and awareness for the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity. The Three Peaks Challenge involves climbing the three highest mountains in the U.K. in 24 hours — that’s Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike, and Snowdon.
While this is an impressive achievement in itself, when the photos dropped, the fitness editor in me was wondering what gym gear a Royal chose to wear to such an adventure. The answer was a pair of North Face shorts, which have since gone viral, and what looks to be an Apple Watch Series 11 to track her challenge.
I test running gear for a living, and while I haven’t worn Princess Kate’s exact shorts, I have hand-picked three other tried and tested pairs I swear by for my summer miles.
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Where can you buy Kate Middleton’s shorts?
The shorts themselves are the Women’s Summit Series Pacesetter 3-inch Shorts by The North Face in the color iron clay. Middleton paired these with a navy blue t-shirt and a Fjallraven baseball cap.
These shorts are available in two different colors: iron clay and black. They’re designed to be fast-drying and water-repellent, to prevent you from feeling too soggy after a long run or if you’re caught in a shower. There’s a zipped pocket on the back for all your essentials, and reflective details for running in low light.
3 other pairs of women’s running shorts I swear-by
I spend a lot of time testing running gear on the run and know exactly what I’m looking for in running shorts. I want them to be lightweight and airy, with enough pockets to store all my essentials. Here are three other pairs I rate.
If you are heading out on a hike like Princess Kate, you can also check out the best hiking boots to grab too.
I’ve run a marathon in these shorts, and my only complaint is that they could do with a pocket or two, but I’ll forgive their lack of storage, as they are some of the most comfortable and flattering running shorts I’ve ever worn. The wide waistband is fantastic, and they come in just about every color under the sun to suit every style.
These lululemon shorts are a similar design to Kate Middleton’s, with a relaxed, flowy leg for a flattering fit. Again, a wide waistband leaves you feeling comfortable and supported as you clock up the miles, and this one has a drawcord which lets you pull the shorts tight against your stomach so they don’t budge.
These New Balance running shorts come in two leg lengths — three inches and five inches. The classic side-split design allows you to move freely; there are four drop-in pockets for your gels and a large zipped pocket on the back for your keys and smartphone. They’re a winner.
Where to buy if you're in the UK:
Unsurprisingly, the iron clay colorway is sold out on the UK website, but you can still grab the shorts in black.
In the UK, you can buy the Carpe Diem shorts from FPmovement or retailers like M&S. They even have some colorways on sale for just £19 right now!
The shorts are available in 11 different colorways in the 2.5-inch leg to suit every style.
The good news for New Balance fans in the UK - the shorts are 40% off right now, meaning you can grab most colors for £24.
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Jane McGuire is Tom's Guide's Fitness Managing Editor, which means she looks after everything fitness-related - from running gear to yoga mats. An avid runner, Jane has tested and reviewed fitness products for the past ten years, so knows what to look for when finding a good running watch or a pair of shorts with pockets big enough for your smartphone.
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