Can't walk in high heels, but still a slave to fashion? A new formula devised by British physicists may be able to help you determine how high a heel you can safely handle. Though, if you are pregnant, please remember that pregnancy causes more than an ordinary amount of swelling of feet and ankles, which can aggravate existing foot conditions and promote inflammation or irritation. Pregnant women need to observe good foot health to prevent pain and discomfort. Since the body undergoes changes and acquires a new weight-bearing stance, women should wear shoes with broad-based heels that provide support and absorb shock.

Formula:

h = Q•(12+3s/8)

The variables are:

h: Maximum height of the heel (in centimeters)

Q: A sociological factor with a value between 0 and 1 (see below)

S: Shoe size (in UK ladies' sizes)

Determine variable Q:    

          p•(y+9)•L
Q = ----------------------------------
         (t+1)•(y+10)•(L+£20)

Within that equation, the variables are as follows:

• p: The probability that wearing the shoes will help you attract a mate, or "pull" in Brit-speak (in a range from 0 to 1, where 1 is a sure draw and 0 is no chance)
• y: The number of years of experience the wearer has in wearing high heels. More experienced wearers can handle a higher heel, but beginners should take it easy.
• L: The cost of the shoes, in British pounds. The more expensive, the more likely women will put up with a higher heel.
• t: The time since the shoe was the height of fashion, in months (0 = it's red hot right now). If the shoes are terribly fashionable, wearers should be prepared to put up with a little pain.

If you’re anything like me, you probably cringe at the word math. Don’t get scared though, just plug the variables in and before you know it you’ll know your ideal heel height. Mine is a bit over 4”. I just changed the UK shoe size to my US shoe size and the pounds sign to dollars.

If you do suffer with foot pain during your pregnancy you should try Mommy Sox. They're awesome. www.mommysox.com