Footwear During Pregnancy
A woman's body goes through many changes during pregnancy and the same is true of their feet during this time.
So we always recommend that ladies choose footwear which can accommodate changes in the dimensions of the foot during the day. So stay away from slip ons and go for lace or Velcro close options so you can adjust the fit later in the day if your shoes feel tight.
Removable insoles are also a good idea as these can be removed later in the pregnancy when the feet are generally larger than normal.
When looking for footwear during pregnancy we recommend shoes with a low heel (no more than 1inch) to help spread the additional weight over the weight-bearing part of the foot. There are several reports which show that wearing high heels during pregnancy can cause long term damage to the back so only wear if absolutely essential - save for extra special events and have your comfortable shoes ready to slip back on as soon it feasible.
In addition the Society of Chiropodistst and Podiatrists also recommend that you choose shoes with good arch support (to help prevent fallen arches) and a firm heel. During pregnancy a hormone called relaxin is released that stetches and softens your muscles and ligaments. This includes the feet and ankles, so unstable footwear makes you more prone to ligament strains and accidental tripping.
We know that flip flop and sandals are popular with some pregnant women but we would always steer our customers away from this type of footwear for the above reasons.
So there are quite a few points to remember when buying footwear while pregnant. Here is a quick summary for you!
1. Avoid flip flops, sandals, high heels and open backed shoes.
2. Choose models with laces or Velcro straps so you can adjust the fit if your feet swell.
3. Removable insoles are a good bonus as you can remove these later in the pregnancy if your feet really swell.
4. Look for models with inbuilt arch support and high quality insoles to cushion and protect your foot.
This doesn't mean you have to wear horrible footwear. We have many beautiful styles for women who are pregnant and want shoes that are supportive yet lovely to look at!