85-Year-Old Pelosi Injured Hip and Startled... Gives Up High Heel Fashion

Like Changing to Flats After a Hip Injury
Active in the Assembly Wearing High Heels Even in Their 70s

Nancy Pelosi (85), born in 1940 and former Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, appears to have finally given up her 'high heel fashion.' Known for frequently wearing high heels and always striding around in them during her legislative activities, she recently seems to prefer flat shoes with almost no heels.

The American daily newspaper The Washington Post (WP) reported, "The day comes for everyone to give up high heels," adding, "That moment has finally come for Pelosi as well."

According to the media, Pelosi previously visited Luxembourg on the 13th of last month with a U.S. congressional delegation. The visit was to attend the 80th anniversary commemorative event of the Battle of the Bulge, a major event of World War II.

Nancy Pelosi (85), former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, seen wearing regular shoes after being diagnosed with a hip injury. Photo by EPA Yonhap News

However, during an official exchange event, she fell and sustained injuries, leading to her hospitalization at a nearby hospital for examination. At that time, it was reported that she had taken off her usual high heels and changed into flat shoes that were easier to move in.

As the first female Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, Pelosi was also famous for her distinctive high heel fashion. In 2018, while serving as the House Democratic Leader, she surprised many by actively moving around Congress wearing steep high heels with a height of 10 cm. During the Democratic filibuster (unlimited debate) at that time, she even stood at the podium wearing high heels for 8 hours and 7 minutes.

Former Speaker Pelosi, who was in her 70s in 2018, surprised fellow lawmakers by standing at the podium for 8 hours wearing high heels. Photo by X Capture

When a reporter from the Chicago Tribune, a local media outlet in Chicago, asked, "How can you walk around in heels like that?" Pelosi replied, "Actually, regular shoes are uncomfortable," explaining, "Because wearing high heels shortens the calf muscles and tendons." WP also reported that "high heels were essential for Pelosi," adding, "She seemed to have been born with arched feet like a Barbie doll."

However, during her European trip last month, she was diagnosed with a 'hip fracture,' which seems to have ultimately ended Pelosi's love affair with high heels. A hip fracture is a break in the area connecting the thigh and pelvis, and if left untreated, it can lead to secondary complications such as pneumonia, bedsores, and blood clots.

Additionally, very high heels put stress on the bones. They are especially detrimental to 'chondromalacia patella,' a condition where the cartilage of the knee joint weakens. Wearing high-heeled shoes for a long time causes the body's balance to shift, placing strain on the joints.