According to the Telegraph, a new study out of London found that pregnant women routinely wear the wrong shoes, including flip-flops, ballet flats, UGGs and high heels. High heels are probably the least surprising bad shoe choice in the study–doctors have long said heels aren’t ideal when you’re not pregnant, so the added pressure they put on your back and knees in addition to all the extra weight you’re carrying makes for a really bad combination.
But ballet flats? UGGs? Flip-flops? How could shoes so comfortable be so bad? Turns out they simply don’t offer enough support. According to the study, truly ideal footwear for pregnant women has straps, arch support, a firm, 1-inch heel and shock absorption. Sounds comfortable, but not very cute.
I’ll be the first to admit, I did not follow the doctor’s orders on what to put on my feet until I had no other choice. During the course of my pregnancy, I started in heels, then went to wedges, then went to flat sandals and when my feet where too swollen for anything else, I was forced into sneakers. For me, it was total vanity. Heels make my legs look skinnier. So when everything else was swelling and growing, the only thing I felt I could do to make myself feel skinnier was strap on my highest heels and make it work.
What about you? Did you give up your high heels when you were pregnant? If you’re pregnant now, have you given up your high heels? Will you give up ballet flats now that you know they’re not that great, either?
I’m guessing shoes like the ones above are probably what my doctor (and the doctors in the study) are suggesting pregnant women should wear:
But really, are those what you want to wear? I’m definitely more into these super cute wedges.
For more of the best maternity picks, check out the best maternity jeans, the best maternity dresses and the best baby shower dresses.
If Your Kid Hates Wearing Shoes, Try Merrell’s New Barefoot Shoes
Best Baby Bottles
Sarah - The Fashionable Housewife
June 17, 2010
I’m wearing mostly flip flops and Crocs Madeira wedge sandals. Nothing else fits my feet. I prefer to barefoot…
I wore heels with my last pregnancy and the pain wasn’t worth what it did for figure. So this time around, I’m wearing maxi dresses to hide my swollen legs and ankles and rocking flip flops as best as I can.
I would be so uncomfortable in strapped shoes with an instep… Ugh! Too hot for that…
elle
June 17, 2010
well that didn’t help … lol … i thought this was going to give some suggestions for comfy, supportive AND cute shoes …. i’m preggo w/#4 and i’m just 12 wks but my havianas/flip flops aren’t working for me … they’re comfy to wear but there’s no cushion for my heels and my feet end up tired after a day …. i’ve been on the hunt for something that’ll provide more support but not look granny-ish or orthopedic … sure i love a good wedge and a nice heel especially w/my petite 5’2″ frame, but chasing after my 6, 4 and 2 year olds all summer long isn’t going to work in them … not to mention my poor back and feet ….. i would love some good suggestions of shoes that ARE stylish and good for pregnancy ….