Everybody wants a pair of the black flats Meghan Markle wore in Sydney

MEGHAN Markle trotted around Sydney in a pair of black flats. But there are more to these shoes than meets the eye. And now everyone wants them.

MEGHAN MARKLE is rarely seen in anything but high heels.

But the mum-to-be broke fashion protocol yesterday and slipped into a seemingly simple pair of black flats for the schlep up to the Opera House on day one of the royal tour of Australia.

But it turns out there’s more to these shoes than meets the eye, and now everybody wants a pair.

Long live flats. Picture: Toby Zerna

They are made by US brand Rothy’s and they’re already a bit of a cult favourite with the fashion set on Instagram (they come in a variety of photogenic colours and styles).

They are made from recycled water bottles so you can feel like a smug eco warrior when you’re wearing them.

They are totally machine washable, are super flattering on the foot and are light and compact enough to stash in your handbag.

The pointed toe style is flattering and goes with almost any outfit. Picture: Rothy’s

Refreshingly, unlike everything else Meghan has worn so far on this tour, these shoes are actually vaguely affordable. They retail for $US145 (which is about $200).

Naturally as soon as the Twittersphere got wind of the shoes, searches for the brand name spiked on Google and sizes started selling out online.

It show that the “Meghan effect” is alive and well. Yesterday when she debuted her teeny tiny baby bump in a white Karen Gee dress, the brand’s website immediately crashed as people around the globe clamoured to purchase the item.

The dress Meghan wore for her first official duty in Australia became hot property.

Stunningly, Google searches for “purple folder” also peaked on Monday when the Duchess stepped off her Qantas flight clutching two such items.

Meghan Markle made purple binders cool somehow.

Originally published as Everybody wants a pair of the black flats Meghan Markle wore in Sydney