Pregnancy tennis shoes: Best maternity footwear for women, according to podiatrists

Best maternity footwear for women, according to podiatrists

Moms-to-be have a lot on their plate. Aside from meeting new challenges that come with their pregnancy, women have to also deal with physical changes — especially their feet. According to the American Orthopaedic Foot Ankle & Society, weight gain and hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause foot growth, joint instability and other muscular pain related to calf swelling and cramping.

While many women want to look trendy and cute during their pregnancy months, podiatrists recommend prioritizing comfort over style. Many of the changes that pregnant women can see on their feet can be exacerbated by the use of high heels and unsupportive shoes. However, there are plenty of ways to look feminine without wearing oversized footwear.

From slip-resistant sandals to running shoes with ankle support, Shop TODAY touched base with podiatrists on the best shoes in the market for those substantial months. They also discussed the major developments your body will experience during pregnancy.

What happens to women’s feet during pregnancy?

Expecting a child is a beautiful experience, but it also comes with many trials. Aside from updating your closet to include maternity clothing, your current shoe collection goes on a temporary hiatus. «The further women go into their pregnancy, the need for arch support increases,» said functional podiatrist Dr. Emily Splichal.

Though the common notion is that foot width and length increase during this time, pregnant people also have decreased arch height, spider and varicose veins, increase in bunions and hammertoes and accumulation of weight and fluid in the lower extremities. «Pregnancy places a tremendous amount of stress on the foot, which can clearly lead to aches, pain and fatigue,» mentioned New York City-based podiatrist Dr. Miguel Cunha.

With foot strain and stress on the rise, it is primordial women consider a change of shoes. The weight of a baby can cause the feet to pronate for abnormally long periods of time. In addition, wearing the wrong footwear can only worsen the pain and can «result in permanent structural changes of the feet, including arch collapse,» added Dr. Cunha.

Foot care tips during pregnancy

Like your regular skin care routine, feet also need a beauty regimen. The amount of weight your body will carry during pregnancy should be accompanied by functional, supportive shoes.

Wear compression

During pregnancy, women are more prone to develop blood clots also known as deep venous thrombosis (DVT), which is when blood accumulates in the veins of the lower extremities as they work against gravity. «Wearing compression stockings is important throughout pregnancy to minimize the accumulation of fluid retention in the lower extremities, which can lead to painful achy feet and the formation of varicosities,» commented Dr. Cunha.

Wear orthotics

Regardless of your feet and life stage, orthotics can help to redistribute weight evenly across your feet. Dr. Cunha recommends «wearing custom-fitted orthotics as they are personalized support that will alleviate any symptoms of pain and discomfort while maintaining proper alignment of the body.»

Exercise

Walking is the safest exercise and an important activity to maintain health during pregnancy. While Dr. Cunha isn’t keen on running as an exercise during this time, he counseled to not remain inactive. «Avoid standing or sitting with your legs in a downward position for prolonged periods of time. Doing so will increase swelling in your lower extremities,» he noted.

Moisturize

Women will experience dry and cracked heels due to hormonal changes, so it’s key to regularly exfoliate and moisturize the skin and legs to avoid loss of elasticity. Also, Dr. Cunha suggested watching out for other changes in appearance and texture. «In some cases, women with thickened, dry, scaly feet assume that [they] need moisturizing with an everyday cream, when in fact what they need is an anti-fungal cream. ..because they have a fungal infection that is causing the scaliness.»

Avoid walking barefoot

While walking barefoot can lead to overexposure to bacteria, it can also cause feet to naturally pronate during the gait cycle. Walking barefoot can cause imbalance, which can alter the biomechanics and distribution of pressure and weight across the foot.

Wear comfortable shoes

Finally, choose a pair of shoes that will support you through daily activities like running errands and exercising.

«Have your feet measured with a Brannock device,» recommended Dr. Cunha. «One trick to determine whether the forefront of your shoe is wide enough is to trace your foot onto a piece of paper at the end of the day when your feet are most swollen. Then, place the shoe over the tracing of the foot. If the tracing of the foot is external to the periphery of the shoe, then you know that your shoes are too narrow.»

Shoes to avoid during pregnancy

Backless shoes

Though shoe styles like backless loafers and clogs might be a more comfortable option, in reality, this design can accelerate the formation of hammertoes. «Your feet are supporting the slipper, which you can tell with every step,» said Dr. Cunha. «You’re crunching down to hold onto the slipper [and] gripping them with your feet. While slippers are totally fine for short-term use, I suggest a sturdier shoe that supports your arch and your foot for extended [wear].»

High heels

Most women ditch high heels during the first trimester, but for those still holding on to their pumps, it is time to store them in a box. «[Women’s] increasing belly size can throw off balance, making it harder to walk in high heels,» counseled Dr. Splichal.

Dr. Cunha suggests to «avoid wearing anything above a 0.75- to 1-inch heel height. Across the board, I typically recommend looking for a shoe that has slightly less than a 1-inch heel or wedge height rather than one that is completely flat, as it places less tension on the Achilles tendon and will feel more comfortable.»

Flip-flops

Surprisingly, this casual sandal can actually be worse than walking barefoot around your home. «When you wear flip-flops, your toes have to constantly grip the flip-flop as you walk with every step, which could cause or exacerbate hammertoes,» said Dr. Cunha.

Flat sandals or shoes

«Women’s sandals should have somewhat of a slight heel — less than 3/4 inch — in relation to the front,» said Dr. Cunha. «It’s actually better for you than [shoes] that are flat because it takes the stress off the Achilles, which can help with the alignment of your posture, ankles, knees and spine. You should also ensure that the sandal is wide enough in the forefoot, but also that the straps are not too loose to avoid injury. Make sure the shoe is also not flimsy in the middle. If it bends easily, you are not getting adequate support in the arch, which will result in foot pain such as arch [and] heel pain.»

What type of footwear can women wear during pregnancy?

Dr. Splichal advised avoiding restrictive shoes such as boots to avoid unnecessary stress and pressure on the feet and legs. «Some recommended shoes that offer proper arch support for pregnant women include Oofos sandals, Cole Haan oxfords and Allbirds,» Dr. Splichal added.

Also, be aware that some shoes can also cause swelling on the ankles. For example, some women may want to try a kitten heel for a boost in their style, but this type of heel can make them lose balance. «I recommend that pregnant women should wear comfortable supportive walking shoes while out and a supportive sandal while at home,» said Dr. Cunha.

If you’re still unsure of how to proceed with buying shoes during pregnancy, a safe bet is to purchase sandals or shoes that have the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) seal of approval. These shoes have been found to be beneficial to overall foot health and will have a generous amount of arch support.

Best supportive footwear for pregnant women

Allbirds Women’s Wool Runner-up Mizzles

The wet-weather design and high-top silhouette add the perfect support and comfort to swollen feet. These high-rated sneakers are ideal for women in their last months of pregnancy looking for extra support. One reviewer wrote, «My small feet without much padding can be problematic, but Allbirds are my go-to shoe brand. The cushioning, width of the forefoot and overall construction just works.»

Cole Haan Oxford Sneakers

If you’re not going on maternity leave yet, add a classy pair of Oxford sneakers to your office wardrobe. These sneakers are made with Grand OS Technology for optimal comfort, plus the gold hue provides an elegant feel.

Ascent Groove Sandal

While podiatrists don’t recommend wearing backless shoes, this sandal provides superior arch support to prevent overpronation and relieve pain particularly in people suffering from plantar fasciitis. These sandals have a uniquely designed plantar fascial groove and built-in orthotic arch support, which naturally molds to the shape of the foot.

Dr. Cunha also personally loves this style. «During the quarantine, I had the opportunity to fully evaluate the Groove flip-flop. I love these…and I have been wearing them every day after work and on the weekends since the pandemic started back in March.»

Vionic Bella Toe Post Sandal

These sandals are adorned with a feminine bow and are a great option if you want to up the ante on your maternity wardrobe. «These flip-flops are lightweight and have a flexible ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA) footbed which absorbs shock, reducing stress on feet, ankles and knees,» added Dr. Cunha.

Birkenstock Gizeh Sandals

The Birkenstock flip-flops are modeled on the cork sandal and their footbed will offer the same comfort and arch support you would expect from the brand. They’re also ultra-lightweight, highly flexible, shock-absorbent, waterproof and skin-friendly.

Oofos Sandals

Slide into these sandals after rigorous activities. The Oofos sandals are slip-resistant and are ideal if you need a pair to relax your feet in after wearing closed-toe shoes.

Strive Footwear Java Stylish Orthotic Sandal

If you’re looking for comfort without compromising style with your maternity outfit, these sandals will serve their purpose. These sandals feature Biomechanical Footbed Technology, which redesigns a classic flat footbed to the natural three-dimensional contours of your feet.

Strive Footwear Madison Sneakers

A luxurious design that can be worn after your pregnancy, these sneakers offer the ultimate chic design for your athleisure style while adding supportive footbed technology.

Best walking shoes during pregnancy

New Balance Fresh Foam

This walking shoe is considered one of the lightest walking shoes available in the market. In addition to being lightweight, the shoe is padded with an extra cushion and is made with synthetic material, making it durable for long-term wear.

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 21

Brooks’ sneakers make a great investment if you are a woman on-the-go with a busy schedule. «These shoes are not as lightweight as the New Balance Fresh Foam 1165. However, I highly recommend them for neutral-arched or low-arched people as they provide great stability and have extra passing for shock control,» commented Dr. Cunha.

ASICS Women’s Gel-Contend Walker

Though this style is heavier than the ones mentioned above, they are very durable and can be worn for longer periods of time. «The advantage of these shoes is that they are designed for all arch types and include Rear Foot GEL Technology and a cushioned midsole, making these shoes one of the most comfortable shoes currently available on the market,» added Dr. Cunha.

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The Best Shoes For Swollen, Pregnant Feet

Swollen feet are a not-so-fun side effect of pregnancy, and unless you plan on kicking your feet up and never leaving your couch (actually sounds pretty incredible, doesn’t it?), you’re going to need some comfortable shoes. Scary Mommy reached out to foot expert Dr. Andrew Wilson, DPM to learn what to look for when shopping for the best shoes for swollen, pregnant feet.

The second trimester is usually when feet start to swell due to your body carrying around more weight, changing hormones, and an increase in blood volume. There’s really no way to completely prevent swollen feet and ankles in pregnancy, but the right pair of shoes can alleviate the pain and make a world of difference on your day-to-day comfort.

The Expert

Dr. Andrew Wilson, DPM is a podiatrist at Mercy Personal Physicians at Lutherville in Baltimore, Maryland, who treats a wide range of foot and ankle issues. He received his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree from Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine and completed a three-year surgical residency at the Veterans Affairs Maryland Health Care System and Sinai Hospital: Rubin Institute for Advanced Orthopedics.

What To Look For When Shopping For The Best Shoes For Swollen, Pregnant Feet

First things first: Dr. Wilson tells Scary Mommy that you should limit the amount of time you spend on your feet, elevate your feet as often as possible, and go on walks. When you can’t rest as much as you’d like — especially if you already have a little one — it’s important to support your soon-to-be-mama feet with a comfortable pair of shoes (or two or three).

As for what type of shoe you should buy, Wilson says “look for shoes that will give you a little extra room. You might need to consider getting a half to a whole size larger. Don’t choose shoes that are constructed with rigid materials or have straps that are not adjustable to prevent cutting off circulation if your feet swell.”

Wilson suggests slip-on tennis shoes to prevent having to bend over to tie them as your belly grows; Crocs, because they’re comfortable and easy to slip on; boots like Uggs to keep your feet warm and cozy with room for swelling; and a pair of sandals with adjustable straps like Birkenstocks. He recommends staying away from heels and other uncomfortable dress shoes, but if the occasion requires it, choose a pair that “keeps the foot in a good biomechanics position. ”

With this in mind, we rounded up the best shoes for pregnancy and beyond, whether your second and third trimesters fall during warmer or colder months. Just keep scrolling, and you’ll soon be strolling comfortably no matter the season. And you’ll be glad to know these picks are road-tested for comfort and support by fellow mamas-to-be who have reviewed these pairs by the thousands.

The Best Sneakers For Pregnancy

Editor’s Choice: Lightweight Sneakers For Errands & Walks

Amazon

Adidas Cloudfoam Pure Running Shoe

$49

The Adidas Cloudfoam Pure Running Shoe will be your go-to walking, running, and even casual everyday shoe throughout your pregnancy and after. The stretchy, breathable mesh material ensures that your feet will have plenty of room to grow, and a memory foam liner provides the comfort your feet need. They can easily be slipped on to prevent trying to bend over your big ol’ belly. See that heel tab on the back? It helps you slip your feet right in. It’s no surprise these are both an editor favorite and a fan favorite with over 58,000 five-star ratings on Amazon.

Editor Praise: “These shoes really live up to their Cloudfoam name. Walking helped me feel so much better during my pregnancies, and I loved this slip-on pair for being lightweight and roomy. My swollen feet were always comfy and supported on walks, and the shoes matched all the maternity leggings I lived in. I still wear them after my pregnancies, too.” — Ileana Morales Valentine, Scary Mommy Associate Editor

Available Sizes: 4.5—12 | Available Colors: 28

Some Stylish Everyday Sneakers For Your Athleisure Look

Amazon

New Balance FuelCore Nergize V1 Sneaker

$50

You’ll be walking around in style (and very comfortably) in these New Balance FuelCore Sneakers. The slip-on mesh shoes have lightweight cushioning for comfortable all day wear — or at least until you’re ready to trade them in for slippers. Plus, these popular sneakers with over 52,000 rating son Amazon have wide sizing available for added room.

Helpful Review: “At 8 months pregnant, my feet were finally swelling enough to need roomy, easy to slip on shoes. After loosening the laces, the shoe stretched comfortably to accommodate my poor swollen feet without discomfort. They’re lightweight and stretchy, they hug the foot without rubbing and have decent support. I recommend going a half size larger — my feet have not gotten longer, but I found the half size up fit like my normal size.”

Available Sizes: 5 — 12 (regular and wide) | Available Colors: 12

The Comfy Dadcore Sneakers That Moms Love

Amazon

Skechers D’Lites Memory Foam Lace-up Sneaker

$57

Styles from the ‘90s are back, and so are these Skechers D’Lites that help you hop on the Dad shoe trend. Made of leather with a flexible sole, these shoes have a 1-inch platform for some added height while not compromising comfort. The cushioned memory foam sole is designed for all-day comfort, and the tongue and collar of the shoes are padded, too.

Helpful Review: “Got the double wide in size 5 and they fit like a dream! My feet are small and I have lots of foot problems (bunions and high arch) but these don’t aggravate any of them, whereas more expensive shoes actually have. Perfect for my active lifestyle being pregnant with three kids under 4 at home!”

Available Sizes: 5—12 (regular and wide) | Available Colors: 9

The Best Maternity Sandals

The Most Comfortable & Lightweight Birks

Amazon

Birkenstock Unisex Arizona Essentials EVA Sandal

$50

Made of EVA, a rubber-like material that’s super lightweight, these Birkenstocks are incredibly supportive and more lightweight and affordable than traditional versions with a cork footbed. The straps are adjustable, so you can loosen or tighten them depending on the needs of your feet that day. They’re also waterproof and washable, so while there are 36 color options to choose from, if you decide to go with white, you don’t have to worry about them getting dirty.

Helpful Review: “Great lightweight sandal that I don’t have to worry about ruining by getting them wet. Perfect sandal for my pregnant feet this summer!”

Available Sizes: 5—13.5 (regular and narrow) | Available Colors: 37

A Stylish Croc For When You Need A Flip-Flop With Some Support

Amazon

Crocs Flip Flop Sandals

$20

Everyone needs a go-to black flip flop for those warmer days, and whether you’re a fan of Crocs or not, you’ll love these Crocs Flip Flop Sandals. They’re made with Crocs’ proprietary Croslite foam, so they’re lightweight and offer the comfort you need for your swollen tootsies. The soles of the sandals have grips so you won’t slip when walking poolside. The company recommends ordering a size up, especially if your feet are currently larger than usual.

Helpful Review: “Fit as expected. Only pair of shoes I’m wearing regularly this summer since I’m pregnant and none of my shoes are comfortable anymore.”

Available Sizes: 4 —11 | Available Colors: 11

A Pair Of Cute, Strappy Sandals For A Dressier Occasion

Amazon

Rekayla Flat Elastic Sandals

$24

We love these Rekayla Flat Elastic Sandals because their elastic straps provide plenty of comfort and stretch, but they look more polished than some other sandals. The nonslip sole allows you to take steady steps, wherever this cute pair takes you.

Helpful Review: “Got these for a vacation. I am 7 months pregnant, so support and a comfortable fit is a must, and for the price, these were fantastic!”

Available Sizes: 5 —11 | Available Colors: 12

The Seen-On-Instagram Slides With Incredibly Cushy Support

Amazon

Bronax Cloud Slides

$25

You’ve probably seen these fun sandals in an Instagram ad (if you haven’t, you will now). Not only are these Bronax Cloud Slides all the rage right now due to their extreme comfort for walking around town, they also make great house shoes. The EVA material is supportive and can help alleviate foot pain; plus, the extra-thick footbed gives it a plush, well, cloud-like feel.

Helpful Review: “These shoes literally saved my pregnant and swollen feet. They take all the weight and pressure off your feet, legs, and back and actually allow me to stand to make dinner/ walk around the house. Highly recommend even if not pregnant. Can’t recommend these enough.”

Available Sizes: 4 —14.5 | Available Colors: 22

The Best Pregnancy Shoes For Work

These Supportive Slip-Ons With A Sleek Faux Leather Finish

Amazon

Dr. Scholl’s Shoes Luna Sneaker

$35

Dr. Scholl’s is a company known for its supportive and comfortable inserts, insoles, and orthotics, so it’s not surprising that the brand also makes extremely comfortable shoes. These Dr. Scholl’s Luna Sneakers are made of faux leather and microfiber made from recycled plastics. So, not only will you be providing relief to your feet, you’ll be providing a tiny bit of relief to our planet.

Helpful Review: “I bought a similar Dr. Scholl’s shoe when I first found out I was pregnant and they soon became the only shoe I could fit in and easily put on. Once I hit the third trimester, they no longer fit because of my expanding feet, so I bought this similar style and have loved them so far. […]”

Available Sizes: 5—11 | Available Colors: 8

A Pair Of Chic, Comfy Ballet Flats That Resemble Rothy’s

Amazon

Shupua Ballet Flats

$26

Cute? Check. Comfy? Check. The Shapua Ballet Flats are soft and flexible thanks to a mesh upper and insole with a PVC outsole, and many reviewers say they feel more like a slipper than a work shoe. And they’re super easy to slip out of at the end of the day. Choose from cute prints or reliable go-with-everything solids, either way you’ll enjoy this affordable Rothy’s alternative at a fraction of the price.

Helpful Review: “I am not a flats person at all! That being said, I needed to find some comfortable work shoes for the office since I’m a million months pregnant and the usual work heels weren’t cutting it. My feet usually don’t do well in most narrow flats because I have bone spurs. These are stretchy and so comfortable! They form to my feet perfectly. […]”

Available Sizes: 5 —11 | Available Colors: 22

Not Your Grandma’s Loafer

Amazon

VenusCelia Flat Loafer

$29

When you think of a loafer, you might not think of chic, but the VenusCelia’s Flat Loafer will prove you wrong. Made of 100% leather, the loafers are lightweight shoes you can slip on with a rubber, massage-type sole that’ll keep your feet comfortable and steady for long periods of time.

Helpful Review: “These are very comfortable as I am 8 months pregnant. They are easy to get on and off without assistance. I normally wear a 7, but because of swelling ordered a half size larger. So cute and comfy!”

Available Sizes: 5—12 | Available Colors: 44

These Dreamy Flats With Memory Foam

Amazon

Skechers Cleo Honeycomb Flat

$50

It isn’t easy finding shoes that are comfortable and dressy enough to wear to work in a more traditional office, but you’ll get both of those things with these Skechers Cleo Honeycomb Flats. The shoes are made of soft, stretchable woven knit fabric with a honeycomb design. The insole is made from air-cooled memory foam for maximum cushioned comfort and breathability.

Helpful Review: “Love these shoes! I was looking for a flat that looks professional and is comfortable, and these are perfect. I’m a wedding planner and spend roughly 10-12 nonstop hours running around at events. I have been wearing them at work for the last three months and my feet have been comfortable and blister-free. Plus, they look cute with slacks, a dress, or skinny jeans on my days off! […]”.

Available Sizes: 5 —11 (regular and wide) | Available Colors: 5

The Best Winter Shoes & Maternity Boots

Some Mini Uggs With Big Comfort

Amazon

Ugg Classic Mini II Winter Boot

$150

When you enter your third trimester, it can be challenging to bend down to put your shoes on. These Mini II Winter Uggs are short enough to be slipped on without bending over, and they have all the warmth and coziness you expect from Uggs. You’ll be glad you invested in these if you’ll be pregnant during winter months, and they’ll be a comfy pair you reach for after baby arrives, too.

Helpful Review: “I bought these boots for my sore achy pregnant feet for the cold months, and they are perfect! It’s like walking on pillows all day and they keep my feet warm. Great quality and they look really nice on.”

Available Sizes: 5—12 | Available Colors: 16

A Sneaker-Boot Hybrid We’re Here For

Amazon

Tom’s Paxton Sneaker

$39

Is it a sneaker? Is it a boot? It’s both. Made of 100% suede, Tom’s Paxton Sneaker is lined with faux fur and has a removable OrthoLite insole for lightweight cushioning that’s made from recycled materials. The suede is water-resistant, and the shoes have a pull tab for easy on and off.

Helpful Review: “Ordered these as something stylish and easy to slip on. I am extremely pregnant and often have to rely on my husband to help me get my shoes on and off and laces tied if I’m wearing sneakers. I sized up a bit from an 8.5 to a 9. I realized at the end of my first day wearing them, that I didn’t have the foot pain I usually do. […]”

Available Sizes: 5—12 | Available Colors: 13

The Easy Ankle Boots You Need For Snowy Days

Harence Fur-Lined Winter Ankle Boot

$40

Slip your feet right into the warm, fuzzy lining of these Harence Fur-Lined Winter Ankle Boots for a supportive, warm shoe sturdy enough for cold days. They’re waterproof and ready to wear in the snow or rain, and they’re comfortable enough to rock all day.

Helpful Review: “These are so nice. Excellent quality!! Definitely warm even without socks and absolutely waterproof!! Just got them today to use as slippers for the winter season. […]”

Available Sizes: 4.5 —14 | Available Colors: 12

The Ultimate Rain Boots

Amazon

Hunter Rain Boot

$100

The shorter the boots, the easier they are to slip on when you’re pregnant. These Hunter Rain Boots are made of waterproof rubber with a cushioned sponge insole for comfort. The top of the boots have nylon pull tabs to make them even easier to put on. You can’t go wrong with Hunter boots — they’re classic, sturdy, and wide enough to support swollen, pregnant feet.

Helpful Review: “I wear a size 8 and my feet are a bit wide. I was pleasantly surprised as I was able to wear thick socks with them with no discomfort. They come with a removable insole so if the arch support isn’t enough there is room to insert your own. The small wedge really makes these really cute and comfortable enough to wear all day. […]”

Available Sizes: 5—11 | Available Colors: 8

About The Expert

Dr. Andrew Wilson, DPM is a podiatrist at Mercy Personal Physicians at Lutherville in Baltimore, Maryland, who treats a wide range of foot and ankle issues. He received his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree from Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine and completed a three-year surgical residency at the Veterans Affairs Maryland Health Care System and Sinai Hospital: Rubin Institute for Advanced Orthopedics.

Pro tennis shoes. I will re-read. I really like it)))) — 7 answers

That evening Douglas was returning home from the cinema with his parents and brother Tom and saw them in a brightly lit shop window — tennis shoes. Douglas hastily averted his eyes, but his legs already felt the touch of the canvas and glided through the air — faster, faster! The earth spun, the canvas awnings over the shop windows slammed — such a wind he raised, so he rushed . .. Parents and Tom walked slowly, and between them, backwards, walked Douglas and did not take his eyes off the tennis shoes there, behind, in the midnight window.

— It was a good picture, my mother said.

«Yeah,» Douglas muttered.

It was June, long past the time when one buys shoes for the summer, light and quiet, like warm rain that rustles on the sidewalks. It is already June, and the earth is full of primordial strength, and everything around is moving and growing. The grass to this day overflows here from the meadows, washes the sidewalks, approaches the houses. It seems that the city is about to draw on board and dutifully go to the bottom, and in the green sea of ​​​​grass there will be no splash or ripple. Douglas suddenly froze, as if rooted into the dead asphalt and red brick of the street, unable to move.

«Dad,» he blurted out. — Over there, in the window, tennis shoes…

Father didn’t even turn around.

— Why do you need new shoes, please tell me? Can you explain to me?

— Well…

Because in them you feel as if you took off your shoes for the first time this summer and ran barefoot on the grass. As if on a winter night, you put your feet out from under the warm blanket and exposed the wind that breathes cold through the open window, and they get cold, cold, and then you pull them back under the covers, and they are just like icicles … In tennis shoes you feel as if for the first time this summer, you walk barefoot along a lazy stream and in clear water you see how your feet step along the bottom — as if they broke and move a little ahead of you, because everything is seen differently in the water …

— Dad, Douglas said, it’s very hard to explain.

People who make tennis shoes somehow know what boys want and need. They put miracle grass in the soles, which makes breathing easy, and tight springs under the heel, and the top is woven from herbs bleached and burned by the sun in the expanses of the steppes. And somewhere deep in the soft belly of the shoes are hidden, thin, hard muscles of a deer. The people who make these shoes must have seen many winds blowing through the leaves of the trees, and hundreds of rivers rushing into the lakes. And all this was in shoes, and all this was summer.

Douglas tried to explain everything to his father.

— Let’s say, — said the father. — But what’s wrong with your last year’s shoes? Rummage in the closet, you will certainly find them there.

Douglas suddenly felt sorry for the boys who live in California and wear tennis shoes all year round; they don’t even know what a miracle it is to throw winter off their feet, throw off heavy leather shoes full of snow and rain, and run from morning to night, run barefoot, and then lace up their first brand new tennis shoes this summer, in which running is even better than barefoot. But the shoes must certainly be new — that’s the whole point. By the first of September, the magic will probably be gone, but now, at the end of June, it is still in full swing, and such shoes still have the power to fly you over trees, over rivers and houses. And if you want, they will carry you over fences, sidewalks and fallen trees.

— How can you not understand? Douglas said to his father. “Last year’s ones don’t work at all.

After all, last year’s shoes are already dead inside. They are only good for one summer, only when you put them on for the first time. But by the end of summer it always turns out that in fact it is no longer possible to jump over rivers, trees or houses in them — they are already dead. But now a new summer has come again, and, of course, in new shoes he will again be able to do whatever he wants.

***

Old Mr. Sanderson moved through his shoe store, as if he were walking through some kennel, where dogs and cats of all breeds from all over the world were collected in kennels; and as he walked, he affectionately stroked his pets. Mr. Sanderson stroked every pair of boots and shoes displayed in the window, and some seemed to him dogs, others cats; he touched them with a caring hand — where he would straighten the laces, where he would stretch out the tongue. Then he stopped in the very middle of the carpet that covered the floor of the shop, looked around and nodded with satisfaction.

Thunder rumbled in the distance.

A moment — and Douglas Spelling appeared at the door. He looked down in embarrassment at his leather shoes, as if they were so heavy that they could not be torn off the asphalt. He stopped at the door, and the thunder ceased at once. And so, painfully slowly, holding all his savings in the palm of his hand and not daring to raise his eyes, Douglas stepped out of the bright midday light into the shop. He carefully arranged coppers, dimes, and twenty-fives in columns on the counter, like a chess player waiting anxiously to see if his next move would lift him to the heights of triumph or plunge him into an abyss of despair.

— It’s clear without words, Mr. Sanderson said.

Douglas froze.

«First, I know what you want to buy,» continued Mr. Sanderson. — Secondly, I see you every day at my shop window. Do you think I don’t notice anything? You’re wrong. Third, you need, by their full name, «light as fluff, soft as butter, cool as mint» tennis shoes. Fourthly, you do not have enough money and you need a loan.

— No! cried Douglas, breathing heavily, as if he had been running in his sleep all night without rest. — I do not need a loan, I came up with something better — he breathed at last. — Now I’ll explain, but first, please tell me one thing, sir, Mr. Sanderson. Do you remember the last time you yourself wore such shoes?

The old man became gloomy.

— Well, ten years ago, or twenty, maybe even thirty… Why are you interested in this?

— You know what, Mr. Sanderson, to be honest, you should at least try on your tennis shoes yourself. Are you selling them to people? So try on at least for a minute, you will see for yourself what they are on the leg. If you don’t try something for a long time, you will inevitably forget how it happens. After all, the owner of a tobacco shop smokes, right? And the confectioner always, of course, tries his product. So I think…

— You must have noticed that I don’t go barefoot either, the old man said.

— But not tennis shoes, sir! How do you sell them if you can’t even praise them properly? And how can you praise them if you really don’t know them?

Douglas spoke with such vehemence that Sanderson even stepped back and scratched his chin in thought.

— W-yes, perhaps…

— Mr. Sanderson, Douglas said. — You sell me one thing, and I will also sell you something very useful.

— But does this deal require me to wear a pair of tennis shoes, my friend?

— That would be very nice, sir!

The old man sighed. A minute later he was already sitting on a chair and, breathing heavily, laced up tennis shoes on his narrow long legs. The shoes looked foreign and out of place next to the dark cuffs of his jacket. Finally he got up.

— Well, how do you feel in them? the boy asked.

— How do I feel? Excellent, — and he wanted to sit down on the chair again.

— No, no! Douglas held out his hand pleadingly. — Now, please, sway a little from your heels to your toes, jump, jump, or something, and I will tell you everything. So, like this: I give you the money, you give me the shoes. I owe you another dollar. But once I put these shoes on, Mr. Sanderson, once I put them on, you know what happens?

— So what?

— Bang! I deliver purchases to your customers at home, carry all sorts of packages for you, bring you coffee, take out the garbage, run to the post office, telegraph, to the library! I will fly back and forth, back and forth, ten times a minute! Now you yourself feel what these shoes are, sir, you yourself feel how quickly they will wear me! After all, they are on springs — you feel? They are running! They will cover the leg and don’t give any rest, they don’t like to stand in one place at all. So I will do for you everything that you do not want to do yourself, but you know how quickly! You are sitting quietly in your shop, in the cold, and I will rush for you all over the city. But if truth be told, it won’t be me, it’s all the shoes! They will take it and rush through the streets like crazy, one-two — around the corner, one-two — back! That’s how!

Sanderson was deafened by this eloquence. The flood of words took him and carried him; he put his feet deeper into his shoes, wiggled his toes, twisted his foot, extended his leg in the instep. A pail blew through the open door, and Mr. Sanderson swayed gently, putting his feet under its fresh breath. The shoes sank inaudibly in the soft carpet, as if in the velvet grass of the jungle, in the plowed black soil or in the wet clay. The old man stood up on his toes with a serious look, pushed off with his heels — as if from a lush dough, from pliable soft earth. All his sensations were reflected on his face, as if multi-colored lights were quickly switching. His mouth opened. He swayed a little more on his toes — more slowly, more slowly — and finally froze; the boy’s voice also fell silent, and in deep, meaningful silence they stood and looked into each other’s eyes.

Rare passers-by were walking along the sidewalk under the hot sun.

And the old man and the boy were all standing opposite each other, and the boy’s face was beaming, and the old man seemed to be pondering some unexpected discovery.

«Listen,» he finally said. “Would you like to sell shoes here in five years?”

— Thank you, Mr. Sanderson, but I myself don’t know what I’m going to do when I grow up.

— Whatever you want, son, you will do, — said the old man. — You’ll get your way. And no one can stop you.

He lightly walked over to the wall, where there must have been ten thousand boxes of shoes, and returned to the counter with shoes for Douglas. Then he wrote something on a piece of paper, while Douglas put on his shoes, tied his shoelaces and now stood and waited.

The old man finished writing and handed him a piece of paper.

— Here are ten orders for you today. When you do everything, you and I are even and you get the payment.

— Thank you, Mr. Sanderson! — Douglas rushed away from the shop.

— Wait! cried the old man. Douglas stopped and turned to him.

Well, how are the shoes? — with interest asked the old man. Douglas looked down at his feet — they were already far away, on the banks of the river, among the wheat fields, in the wind that drove him out of the city. Then he raised his head and looked at the old man; his eyes burned, his lips moved, but not a sound escaped them.

— Antelopes? The old man looked from the boy’s face to the shoes. — Gazelles?

Douglas thought for a moment, hesitated, and nodded hastily. And — disappeared. He whispered something, turned abruptly and disappeared. The door is wide open, no one is on the threshold. The quick rustle of tennis shoes melted away in the tropical heat.

Mr. Sanderson stood at the door, blinded by the sun, and listened. From a long, long time ago, when he was still overcome by boyish dreams, he remembered this sound. Wonderful creatures flickered under the sky, glided under the trees and in the bushes, ran farther and farther away, and only a barely audible echo remained …

«Antelopes,» Sanderson repeated. — Gazelles…

He bent down and picked up Douglas’s abandoned winter boots from the floor, heavy from already forgotten rains and long-melted snows. Then he stepped into the shade, away from the blinding rays of the sun, and slowly, softly and lightly stepping, headed back to civilization . ..

How to choose the right shoes. Everything about the foot

We often buy shoes based only on their appearance. We care about how attractive and fashionable shoes look. But the choice of shoes must be approached with all seriousness: your health depends on what you wear on your feet.

Choosing shoes

Low-quality or simply unsuitable shoes can overshadow life with small but annoying troubles, such as calluses. In addition, much more serious problems can arise — diseases of the veins, joints, muscles and even the spine. Therefore, the two main rules for choosing shoes are very simple: 1) it is better not to save money and 2) to refuse beautiful but uncomfortable shoes.

Do not buy new shoes in the morning: by the evening, the feet tend to swell slightly, and the shoes bought in the morning may seem tight. Make sure the shoes are the perfect fit — snug around the foot, but not squeezing it. Tight shoes can cause poor circulation, ingrown toenails, or crooked toes. Do not buy too tight shoes in the hope that they will break over time — do not force yourself to walk in uncomfortable shoes for a long time. However, one should not wear very loose shoes in which the foot “dangles”. Because of such shoes, corns can also appear, and the muscles of the legs are constantly in tension.

“Always wear both boots when trying them on,” experts recommend. — Be sure to walk around the fitting area. While walking, you should feel the toe of the shoe slightly with your fingers, but do not rest against it. Run your hand over the surface of the material and make sure that the toes do not stick out on it with bumps .

Choose shoes with sufficiently soft, flexible soles. Bend the shoes in your hands. In high-quality shoes, the sole bends easily, and the upper of the boot does not deform too much. On a very thin sole, it is convenient to walk only on a flat floor, walking in such shoes on asphalt can hardly be called pleasant — the foot will feel every pebble.

For every day, it is best to prefer shoes with a small wide heel. Passion for high heels can adversely affect your health.

“High heels are bad not only for the forefoot, but also for the middle and rear ,” says orthopedic surgeon Andrey Kardanov. — The problem is that in the position of the foot practically «on tiptoe» the load is distributed absolutely not physiologically — some parts of the foot are overloaded, others, on the contrary, are too unloaded. In addition, a high heel completely “turns off” the spring function of the foot. Ideally, with each step, the foot should “spring”, softening the load. And when wearing high heels, every step responds with a blow to the spine. As a result, osteochondrosis, herniated intervertebral discs, which manifest themselves at first glance as causeless back pain.

So, a heel higher than 2-4 centimeters is not recommended. Of course, if necessary, you can wear shoes with 12 cm heels, but these shoes should not be casual. It is best that each pair of casual shoes have arch supports (built-in or glued), that is, an insole or a semi-insole. The insole is fully consistent with the shape of the sole, and the semi-insole is located only under the heel. The task of the insole (and semi-insole) is to support normal (or already lowering) arches of the feet. This will avoid flat feet. If, after a few days of wearing new shoes, you feel that your feet are uncomfortable, either change your shoes or contact an orthopedic salon to select the appropriate arch supports or insoles.

In hot and cold weather

The most successful choice for any season is shoes made of natural material, which will allow the skin of the feet to breathe and will not interfere with natural heat transfer. Shoes made of genuine leather, nubuck, suede, textiles are recommended. Leatherette shoes can be hazardous to health, especially summer shoes: under the influence of temperature, various chemical components of this material begin to interact with the skin of the feet. In addition, leatherette shoes do not allow air to pass to the feet. As a result, you can «earn» diaper rash or fungal diseases.

If you still buy shoes made of artificial materials, make sure that at least the lining of the boot is made of genuine leather or textiles — for health, first of all, the material with which the foot is in direct contact is important. You should also pay attention to the material from which the insole is made. Ideally, it should absorb unpleasant odors, remove moisture, kill bacteria — it’s great if the insole is impregnated with a special antibacterial composition.

Do not forget that natural materials, unlike artificial ones, wear out and take the shape of the foot over time. By the way, in hot weather, the legs swell a little, keep this in mind if you buy summer shoes.

In summer, it is not recommended to wear patent leather shoes that do not allow moisture and air to pass through. In patent leather shoes you can go to any celebration, and for every day it is better to have open sandals or shoes made from natural materials.

For spring and autumn, it is important that the boots do not let water through and at the same time allow the foot to «breathe». If demi-season boots or boots are fastened with a zipper, it should not start too close to the sole, otherwise your feet will get wet if you step into even a shallow puddle. Unlike summer shoes, boots should not fit close to the leg (you won’t wear them on bare feet) — you need to try them on a tight sock.

In winter boots or boots, the main thing is — sole. It should be thick enough, with a special tread that prevents slipping. It is most safe to wear boots with a variety of tread patterns in ice — for example, one part is in the form of stripes, the other is rounded ledges. The heel of the boot must also have a protector and be rubber, not plastic, otherwise the foot will slip.

The best way to keep warm is with leather shoes lined with natural fur, such as sheepskin or zigey, and with a fur insole. By choosing the right winter shoes, you can not be afraid of severe cold and slippery sidewalks.

Victims of fashion

Undoubtedly, every woman wants to look fashionable and elegant. The shoe industry offers many ways to make legs visually slimmer and longer. Stiletto heels, narrow toe shoes, platforms — it’s hard to argue that such shoes are more feminine than rough boots with thick soles. But how safe are these fashionable delights?

The dangers of high heels have already been mentioned. But you should not abuse platform shoes either. Firstly, a high platform (like a stiletto heel) does not exclude injuries: it is easy to twist your leg on it. Secondly, when walking on the platform, the ligaments and muscles of the foot are left without “work” and flat feet can develop. If you do buy such shoes, choose a platform that is wide enough, and therefore more stable. Remember that neither the hairpin nor the platform is completely suitable for driving a car. The heel can cling to the mat, making it difficult to move the foot from one pedal to another, and the thick platform does not allow you to feel the pressure of the foot on the pedal.

Another favorite fashion detail — pointed toe — is also not harmless. These shoes clench your toes, bringing them closer to each other. In this case, the thumb and little finger are lowered, and the rest are raised. All this threatens with deformation of the fingers, the formation of painful calluses and «bumps». Since the weight of the body presses the foot into the wedge-shaped space (especially if, in addition to a sharp toe, the shoe has a heel 5–6 centimeters or more high), the entire load is transferred to the bones of the middle toes. Because of this, transverse flat feet occur, and painful corns form on the sole.

Children’s shoes

Perhaps the only thing more important than your own health is the well-being of your child. Incorrectly selected shoes are dangerous not only because they cause inconvenience to the child: the baby begins to act up, and sometimes parents do not even understand that it’s all about the wrong shoes. While a child’s foot is still in its development stage, it is very important that shoes do not interfere with this process and do not provoke problems such as flat feet.

What should children’s shoes look like? “In no case should a child wear shoes “for growth”, but they should not be tight either, — says children’s orthopedic traumatologist Mikhail Trunev. — Hard, moderately ribbed sole and hard upper desirable. Demi-season and winter shoes should fit the ankle joint, that is, be high «.

Experts advise to buy shoes for children made of natural material with a small heel, a fixed heel and a soft back, an orthopedic insole and a wide toe. Children’s orthopedic shoes are necessary for the prevention of foot deformities and its proper development, so many doctors recommend buying just such shoes for children under 4–5 years old.

On the move

Everyone involved in sports knows how important it is to wear the right training clothes and, of course, shoes. Sneakers should be very comfortable so that the feeling of discomfort does not distract you from your workout. It is important that they are suitable for the sport you have chosen and reliably protect the foot from injuries — they protect the foot from “twisting”, ensure the ankle is fixed and the leg is stable. When buying sneakers, pay attention not only to the design, but to a greater extent to how comfortable it is for you to move in one or another model. Flexible outsole, rigid heel, lightness are signs of high-quality sports shoes.

Trainers are best worn in breathable leather or gore-tex shoes with an insole that can be pulled out and dried. When choosing shoes for sports, keep in mind that during training the foot may increase slightly in size, and also remember that there should be a small space between the toes and the toe of the sneaker. In addition to the versatile sneakers suitable for all sports, there are special shoes for specific workouts that the sales assistant of the sports store will help you choose.

Shoes for aerobics and shaping protect against injury with special inserts in the sole area. Such sneakers can be higher than shoes for other sports. This allows you to fix the lower leg and prevent damage to the ankle joint. Since aerobics is very dynamic, you will need shoes that are flexible and lightweight to move easily and comfortably. The wide toe and narrow heel of the shoe provide better grip on the floor.

The running is best suited for very light running shoes with a perfect fit. If the foot slides inside, you risk blisters and scuffs, and the risk of ankle injury will increase. You need a flexible toe box that allows you to better push off the ground, and a reinforced heel. It is important that running shoes have the ability to cushion impacts when they hit the ground. Therefore, running shoes are suitable for running with air pockets — air-filled cavities inside the sole.

Football shoes must have a wide reinforced toe box, studs for playing on grass or a shaped sole for the hall.

When choosing shoes for tennis , you need to consider what kind of court you are going to play on — different types of surfaces are suitable for different models. Tennis sneakers have a fairly thick sole, flexible in the toe area and more rigid in the heel, as well as a special protector that does not allow slipping on the court surface.