Last Updated on December 16, 2020
What are the best shoes to wear while pregnant?
During the first three months, you can probably enjoy the same footwear as always.
But as your baby grows, the extra weight, fluids, and hormonal changes will impact your feet.
By the third trimester, you’ll likely need to start wearing the best shoes for pregnancy.
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If you don’t have time to read the complete article, here are our top picks.
Casual shoes for everyday wear are a must. But not everyone has the same taste in fashion.
Therefore, we picked a variety of styles, materials, and colors.
Dr. Scholl’s Madison sneakers are reminiscent of skate shoes. They are available in a wide assortment of colors and textures.
But all of them feature a deliciously comfortable memory foam insole. We feel these are some of the finest shoes for swollen feet.
Happily, these slip-on shoes also have great arch support. This fact makes them heavenly for all-day wear.
Meanwhile, Forever Link’s Fashion maternity shoes have flat soles and no arch support. Although you wouldn’t want to wear them for extended periods, they’re convenient for a quick run to the store.
These inexpensive shoes come in a fun variety of colors, all with the same basic style.
Lace them up once then tie them off with knots so that you never have to lace them again.
Women who own them have commented that they feel somewhat like walking barefoot.
These leather moccasins serve as casual wear or might do as a pair for the office.
The uppers of these maternity shoes are split cowhide available in brown and green shades. We feel these are some of the finest shoes for swollen feet.
The BOBS maternity shoes from Skechers feature a memory foam footbed with decent shock absorption. They are available in both wide and normal widths.
While the sole of these maternity shoes are synthetic, the top is 100% cloth. Plus, the shoes come in several different colors from neutrals to reds and greens. We feel these are some of the finest shoes for swollen feet.
Every pair of BOBs sold means a donation to save the lives of dogs and cats in shelters. These comfortable shoes are some of the finest pregnancy shoes.
Here is the classic Keds sneaker with the canvas top and rubber sole.
Although there isn’t much support for your feet, some women find them very comfortable during pregnancy.
If you have to dress up for an event or for work, you might be worried that your choices are limited.
Although you’ll need to skip the stilettos and pumps for now, check out these stylish flats and low-heel wedges.
These slip-on flats are sweet and sassy and very comfortable. Wear them to walk around town or the office.
Skechers combines a delicate crocheted fabric topside with a flexible rubber sole with traction. Pairs are available in cream, black, gray, and white. These comfortable shoes are some of the finest pregnancy shoes.
Rockport is known for incredibly comfy walking shoes. This pair is no exception.
The rugged lug sole handles uneven ground like a champ. But the leather top is deceptively fancy.
These maternity shoes will be your favorite pair of ballet flats in no time. These comfortable shoes are some of the finest pregnancy shoes.
The knit tops on these low-heel skimmers let airflow around your toes. At the same time, the air-cooled memory foam insole absorbs shock and keeps you fresh.
Choose from black and gray, white and black, or navy and gray patterns that will match your pantsuit. We feel these are some of the finest shoes for swollen feet.
The Immy Ballet Flats from LifeStride come in medium and wide widths. They also have a ½-inch heel and a non-slip outsole.
You won’t get a lot of colors to choose from with these maternity shoes, but the woven knit upper will keep you cooler than leather. It has a round toe. These comfortable shoes are some of the finest pregnancy shoes.
Luckily, the inside is padded with plush memory foam. We feel these are some of the finest shoes for swollen feet.
Some of the best shoes for pregnancy in the summer are sandals.
With their molded cork footbed that provides excellent arch support, Birkenstocks are a first-rate choice for pregnant women.
What’s more, you can choose from medium or wide widths.
The Mayari Birko-Flor sandal slides onto your foot like it was made just for you. It has a leather upper with two buckles to accommodate swollen feet. There’s plenty of room and air for your toes.
The sole is made of the usual shock-absorbing EVA material found on most Birkenstocks.
Choose from several colors, including Black Patent, Zinfandel, Antique Lavender, and Golden Brown and the last thing you would want is discomfort, so go for this shoe which is really comfortable and breathable.
The Rockport Ridge Sling Sandal feels like you’re on vacation but looks nice enough to wear out on the town.
The man-made upper comes in neutral colors. Each color has a subtle beaded decoration.
The lug sole gives you about a one and a half-inch lift in the heel. And the molded footbed with microfiber lining will put a spring in your step.
Would you like to own a pair of Birkenstocks that don’t cost an arm and a leg? Then try the Gizeh sandals.
These shoes are made of synthetic materials, not cork or leather. But don’t worry about that making them less comfortable.
The soles still have the famed arch support and heel cup of the classic Birkenstock. Plus, although it’s the design of slip-on sneakers, you can adjust the strap if your pregnant feet swell.
Finally, you can choose from a range of bright and cheerful colors or neutral shades if you prefer and the last thing you would want is discomfort, so go for this shoe which is really comfortable and breathable.
Madrid from Birkenstock is another inexpensive choice that comes in eye-catching colors. It’s also synthetic and has a single strap.
This sandal is perfect for a time at the beach or the gym as it’s waterproof.
Rumor has it that this is one of the most popular slip-on pregnancy shoes. It’s ridiculously easy to put on and take off and has superior arch support. These are really comfy shoes and do not cause any back pain.
Clarks no-nonsense flip-flop isn’t one of those cheapies you can get at the dollar store. It’s quite a bit dressier than those.
On the downside, there is no arch support whatsoever.
But on the bright side, it’s easy to adjust the strap to suit your particular foot. You certainly can’t do that with rubber thongs.
Choose from a handful of basic colors.
The next Clarks flip-flops we selected are constructed from man-made material and available in lots of bright and neutral colors.
They’ll add about an inch and a half to your height.
Although there is little arch support, the sandals feel cushiony because they have an OrthoLite footbed.
They are very lightweight, too. Buyers with plantar fasciitis have commented that they are surprisingly comfortable.
Happily, the fabric strap feels soft between the toes.
Teva’s Olowahu Flip-Flop has adjustable polyester straps in the front, not in the back. If you get them wet, they dry quickly.
After all, Teva was started by a Colorado River guide. They were the first company to create sports sandals.
The sandals have a half-inch thick EVA foam sole that conforms to your foot and absorbs the shocks.
Work shoes may be a challenge for you, especially if you spend a lot of time on your feet.
It’s essential to have enough support and cushion with a wide toe box.
You may have to sacrifice some of your usual flairs temporarily, but the shoes below are top-rate for quality and style.
Crocs are possibly the best shoes for pregnant nurses. Just ask one, or look at what they are wearing.
This brand makes a variety of slip-ons clog in an assortment of styles and colors. But they all have one thing in common: they are like walking on a cloud.
Shoes like these will put a bounce in your step. They are made of synthetic Croslite with slip-resistant treads.
They may not be as sexy as your usual footwear, but these Rockport flats will support you throughout the day.
They have a cushioned footbed on top of a nylon shank. This design makes the shoes flexible and stable.
You can put a little shine on the toe of the leather upper as well. These comfortable shoes are some of the finest pregnancy shoes.
Dansko’s clogs look heavy, but you’re in for a wonderful surprise once you try them. They are exceptionally comfortable.
Although they add about two inches to your height, the rocker bottom propels you forward as you walk. They have wide heels for stability and a sole with plenty of shock absorption.
Doctors and maternity experts recommend that you do light exercise throughout your pregnancy if possible.
The right pair of activewear shoes will reduce strain on your feet and back.
These slip-ons from Skechers are perfect when you don’t want to bend over to lace up. These comfortable shoes are some of the finest pregnancy shoes.
The breathable mesh fabric upper lets air circulate around your feet while the bamboo-lined insole keeps odor to a minimum.
The shoe is impressively lightweight. It molds to your foot and energizes every step. That’s no surprise as it has 5GEN cushioning and a Goga Max footbed for extra bounce and comes with a breathable mesh and will keep your feet comfortable.
New Balance’s cross trainer has rewritten the rules for how to put on shoes when pregnant.
Yes, it has lace-up support and comfort like a regular running shoe, but you can slip it on and off easily.
Pull out the insert if you want to use your own insoles. Then enjoy the supportive boost from the REVlite cushioning.
Although this Skechers sneaker is similar to the Pursuit Walking Shoe we just reviewed, it comes in a wide width.
It’s also available in attractive colors. These are some of the finest shoes for pregnant women.
When it’s time to take a break, you’re going to love these ultra-comfy slippers for lounging.
RockDove makes the most incredible memory foam slippers that your feet will ever meet. They feel like you’re walking on pillows. You’ll wish your bed was this cozy.
But the slip-resistant rubber soles protect you outdoors and on wet floors and will keep your feet comfortable.
The upper has a waffle knit that lets the breeze through on warm days. Plus, you can toss the slippers in the machine to wash them when needed.
The only downside is the small selection of colors. These are some of the finest shoes for pregnant women.
For those chilly winter nights, you’ll love these plush microfiber slippers with rubber soles. They have a memory foam insole that cradles your feet. They feel like you’re walking on pillows. These are really comfy shoes and do not cause any back pain.
We know your little secret. You went ahead and wore those gorgeous heels anyway, didn’t you? And now your toes hurt, your arches ache, and your feet are swollen.
That’s why you need the FitKicks slippers. Pop them in your purse so that you’re ready for a break from uncomfortable shoes.
They’re also handy for yoga or walking around “barefoot.”
If you love to wiggle your toes and have plenty of airflow, get the Acorn spa slippers. They have rubber soles so that you could wear them shopping if you like.
But the real attraction is the memory foam insole and super soft fluffy covering.
Bad weather is a fact of life, but you don’t have to let it slow you down when you have the right footwear.
London Fog’s zip-up snow boots are nine-inches tall to keep your feet dry in deep snow. The zipper makes it straightforward to dress with them.
Keep in mind that the calf circumference is 14-1/2-inches, which impacts whether or not you can tuck in those pant legs.
The boots are waterproof and warmly lined with cozy fake fur.
These are duck boots that are ideal for rainy weather. The uppers are wool while the rest of the shoe is made of rubber. Inside is a micro-fleece lining over a padded insole.
The outsole sports Wave-Siping for excellent traction similar to premium tires on a car.
We realize that shoes aren’t the perfect answer to sore feet during pregnancy. That’s why we reviewed these other products that reduce swelling and pain.
It’s vital to check with your doctor about swelling to ensure that what you’re experiencing is normal and not related to high blood pressure.
Also, activities like yoga, swimming, and stretching circulate your blood and alleviate swelling and stiffness.
If you’re able to put on compression socks in the morning before you begin to swell, you may find that your feet and ankles don’t look so bad at the end of the day.
But don’t get depressed thinking that compression socks have to be ugly. Check out the extensive collection here with fun patterns and colors for every personality.
Each pair offers 20 to 30mmHg of compression to increase blood flow from your feet back to your heart. That’s the amount of pressure most frequently prescribed by doctors for their patients.
The socks are made of 80% nylon and 20% spandex. They are anti-odor, and they wick moisture away.
Try them with no risk to your wallet as they come with a money-back guarantee.
If you prefer compression socks that aren’t as noticeable, these come in the traditional beige color. They offer 20-30mmHg of compression to treat varicose veins and so forth. Moreover, they have a reinforced toe and heel for extended wear.
The socks are made in the USA of 80% nylon and 20% spandex with a non-constricting top band.
You can turn an ordinary pair of shoes into something much better with Superfeet GREEN insoles. They add more than a half-inch of padding with heavy-duty shock absorption.
Just trim them to fit your shoes.
The high arch minimizes stress on your feet and ankles. Also, the durable construction is expected to last for at least a year or 500 miles of walking.
These insoles might be the best shoe inserts for pregnancy. They have a deep heel cup and perfect arch cushioning to turn a flat pair of shoes into something that allows you to walk for miles pain-free.
If you are dealing with plantar fasciitis, bone spurs, fatigue, and other issues, they will help. The insoles are made of EVA foam for superior shock absorption and support.
If you prefer something a little more discreet that fits in dress shoes, check out these arch supports from Dr. Scholl’s. They are made of transparent soft gel suitable for feet with high arches.
You don’t need to trim them, and you can remove them without damaging your shoes. Then you can place them in different pairs whenever you choose.
The company offers a 90-day money-back guarantee, too.
We hope you have someone to lovingly massage your feet for you. But since that’s not always the case, try this wooden foot massager.
As you roll your feet over the grooved bars, it relieves aches and stiffness.
Hide one under your desk at work and get another for your home.
It’s safe to say that most doctors would tell you to stop wearing heels during pregnancy.
Besides the extra strain on your back, your feet are likely to swell. Plus, the hormone relaxin is making your ligaments stretchier.
Also, you may even notice that your balance is off.
You’re likely to find that your feet will increase anywhere from a half-size to a full-size. And those changes are likely to be permanent.
Instead of heels, opt for low wedges or flat soles. Your feet will thank you, and so will your back.
The extra fluid circulating in your body is likely going to make your feet and ankles swell.
By the 32nd week, you’ll be walking around with up to 50% more blood than you ever had before.
The swelling tends to worsen on hot days and after you’ve been standing for long periods.
That’s when it’s time to put aside those kitten heels in favor of espadrilles, Mary Janes, and monks.
Invest in some ultra-comfy slippers and don’t fear the flip-flops.
Obviously, slip-ons are going to be ideal.
Here are tips from the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons for getting through pregnancy without foot pain.
First, reduce swelling by wearing wide, comfortable shoes.
Put your feet up and stretch your legs frequently.
Second, stretching helps with arch pain. Avoid walking barefoot – instead, wear low-heeled shoes with excellent arch support.
Arch support and comfort prevents fatigue and overpronation (where your arches fall flat).
Third, tight shoes lead to ingrown toenails. Again, prevent problems by wearing wide shoes that don’t pinch your toes.
If we had to sum up the characteristics of the perfect pregnancy shoe, here is what we’d say:
Moreover, you don’t need to spend a lot of money on new shoes. There are many styles and brands available that meet these requirements.
With that said, let’s look at the best pregnancy shoes.
Also Read: Best Swimsuits for Pregnancy
Avoid unnecessary suffering by taking good care of your feet while you’re pregnant.
The top shoes for pregnancy will keep you at ease at work, at home, and when you’re out for fun.
Have you found a pair that made your feet happy? Let us know in the comments below.
Resources:
1. https://www.whattoexpect.com/pregnancy/symptoms-and-solutions/edema.aspx
2. https://www.kidspot.com.au/birth/pregnancy/pregnancy-health/swelling-and-fluid-retention-during-pregnancy/news-story/c402c55e07c8307431ff4e7d542fad26 by Ruth Devine,
3. https://www.foothealthfacts.org/article/enjoy-pregnancy-without-foot-pain
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