fashion-shoes-show

A study by the U.K. Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists has revealed that pregnant women may be risking their foot health by trying to imitate celebrity fashion trends in footwear.

In their study of 1,000 pregnant women, researchers found that half of the women felt they needed to keep up with fashion trends in footwear during their pregnancy. Over a third wore high heels during pregnancy and two-thirds wore flip-flop sandals.

Both types of shoes have been found to cause foot problems. High heels alter a woman’s posture, while flip-flops do not provide enough foot and arch support.

Lorraine Jones, a podiatrist from the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists, says, “If you’re pregnant choose well fitted, round toed and low heeled, comfortable shoes with straps to support the foot and ankle and help minimize discomfort and prevent the prospect of long term damage.”

She also adds, “Many of the pregnant celebrities you see wearing high heels in magazines are attending events, so [pregnant women should] try to keep [their] high heeled, high fashion shoes for a special occasion and stick to a more supportive shoe on a daily basis.”