Heels might be the classic way to give you a glam, leggy look. But if you’re pregnant or a mum on the run, forget tottering about on stilettos and slip on a pair of flats.

Whether they’re ballet pumps or Converse sneakers, Birkenstocks, Nike’s or Crocs, are essential flat shoes for mums.  Thankfully for style-conscious mums, flats have been officially cool for ages and celebrity mums continue to step out in ground-level style.

Why do mums love flat shoes?

According to Sammy Margo, spokeswoman for the Chartered Society of Physiotherapists, ‘Mums can feel more vulnerable in heels, less grounded. We tend to wear flat shoes when we’re pregnant because things like back pain and stretched ligaments mean we have no choice. And we usually carry on wearing them as mums. Flat shoes let us get more done – we’re ready for action [in them].’

Our feet take a hammering when we’re pregnant. ‘Weight gain in pregnancy puts an enormous strain on the foot,’ says Michael O’Neill, spokesman for the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists. ‘Around six months, your bones in the feet stretch and your feet swell. If you don’t support your foot properly or if you wear heels higher than about 1 ½ inches, you can over-stretch the ligaments, which can lead to a painful heel condition called plantar fasciitis and, later in life, bunions or even arthritis – all of which can be prevented if you wear a supportive shoe.’

Celeb mums love flats

Celeb mums with a fondness for flats include Radio 1 DJ Jo Whiley, rock chick Gwen Stefani, actress Anna Friel, and style queen, Kate Moss who kicked off the trend for pairing ballet pumps with skinny jeans. Ballet pumps, previously not seen on anyone other than Sloanes and prep school girls, are now runaway bestsellers and an instant way to update your look. And if you love pumps, but don’t want to go completely flat, you can go for broke and invest in pumps with a bit of a heel from the likes of French Sole.

Inspired by Kate Moss

Ms Moss was also the inspiration for mum JoJo Iles, editor of fashion website fashioncapital.co.uk, to convert to flats when she was pregnant.

‘As an avid high-heel wearer I discovered that my habit had to be curbed once I had reached my third trimester,’ confesses JoJo. ‘Not only was I heavier but my posture had altered along with my gait. I invested in some flat boots and sandals - flat doesn't have to mean boring – the boots I picked out were a classic biker style that looked great with jeans. Kate Moss is a testament to making flat shoes look good in pregnancy and as a stylish mum.’

Crocs and Birkenstocks OK, say podiatrists

Completely flat shoes are a no-no for foot doctors. ‘Flip flops and ballet pumps with less than a ¼ inch heel cause the most problems’ says Michael O’Neill, spokesman for the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists. How about uber-trendy Crocs, Birkenstocks and Ugg boots? ‘Crocs and Birkenstocks are good as they’re not completely flat and the have a heel cup which stops the foot slipping off,’ says Michael. ‘Ugg boots can cause problems as the heel in them wears down and can cause your foot to slip – the same thing happens in flip-flops.’

According to back experts, not all flats are equally good for your feet and back, with flip-flops coming in for criticism for not supporting the foot well enough.

Vary your heel heights

Trainers, which have lots of support for the arch and upper foot get the thumbs up.

‘Proper trainers, ie not a sneaker but those designed for activity are best for mums,’ Margo says. ‘I personally like MBTs [the slightly weird chunky-soled trainers apparently inspired by a Masai warrior’s foot] but wouldn’t recommend them for anyone who doesn’t exercise regularly as they can aggravate back pain.

‘But what’s most important is to vary your heel heights and ease yourself into a new shoe style – going from wearing just trainers, which are very supportive, to only flip-flops or ballet pumps, which have no support whatsoever, can strain your back.’

But if you are a flip-flop fan, don’t despair. Sammy wears the ones called Fit Flops, alleged to give you a work out as you walk, and says that ‘if you’re going to wear flip-flops, wear these. Plus they add a bit of height, which is great for me as I’m quite small.’