Pregnancy changes your body in lots of different ways, and your feet are no exception. They get swollen and sore. So, it’s only reasonable that you’d want to find the best shoes for pregnancy. You need something comfortable and easy to put on.
What exactly makes a good pregnancy shoe? Well, there are a few things to keep in mind when looking for one. For example, how high is their heel? Since your balance gets thrown off a bit, high heels can be difficult to bear.
It would also be smart to find shoes that are comfortable enough for all phases of your pregnancy. Your feet change constantly throughout this period, so you want a pair that can accommodate you. Another thing to keep in mind is that you won’t be able to see your feet at some point!
That’s why you’ll need something that’s quick and easy to put on! So, no laces, no complex structures, just something you can slip in and out off with no issues. Now that know what to look for, let’s see some examples of the best shoes for pregnancy!
18 best shoes for pregnancy
We know how difficult it is to find the right pair of shoes. It’s hard to just think about it when you have so many other things to worry about. That’s why we hope this list makes things at least a bit easier. We’ve found the shoes that best fit your changing needs.
1. Dr. Scholl’s Shoes Women’s Madison Sneaker
Want shoes that you can just slip into? Then these are the best shoes for your pregnancy. There are no tedious laces or zippers and they might just be one of the most comfortable shoes you’ll ever wear. They have a microfiber upper and a memory foam insole, so you’ll feel like you’re walking on clouds.
When it comes to the size of your feet changing throughout the pregnancy, these shoes have your back! They have twin goring panels that stretch according to your feet. So, they’ll be able to keep up for the entirety of your pregnancy.
They come in a wide variety of colors, so you’ll have a lot to choose from! They do have one downside, though – they’re not very durable. They get worn out fairly quickly if you wear them too often.
2. Tiosebon Women’s Athletic Walking Shoes
Here’s another great option for slip-on shoes. They have a soft mesh fabric upper that stretches and allows your feet some space as they change. This feature also makes them very breathable, so you can expect the highest comfort while wearing these.
They have a non-slip sole and arch support which will give you extra stability and security. The sole is also cushioned, so they’re very soft and comfortable. They come in loads of different colors, and it’s very difficult to choose which are the prettiest!
What adds to them being one of the best shoes for pregnancy is that they’re totally affordable! That means that you can even buy a few pairs since it’s so hard to pick just one. The only possible con is that they tend to run a little small, so you might need to get them in a bigger size.
3. Skechers Women’s Go Walk Joy
Skechers, in general, is known as one of the most comfortable shoe brands. So, it’s no surprise that one of their models is also among the best shoes for pregnancy. These shoes have amazing cushioning, so they’re very comfortable.
To make things even better, they come in different widths! They can be narrow, medium, and wide, so you can get the model best suited for your feet. They’re also slip-on and have uppers made of breathable fabric.
There’s some stretch to them, too, so they’ll accommodate your feet without any trouble. They come in several different color variations, and you’ll have plenty to choose from. Another great thing about them is that you can wash them in the washing machine and they’re totally durable!
4. Crocs Women’s Busy Day Flats
Slipping and falling are among the biggest concerns of pregnant women. That’s why investing in slip-resistant shoes is always a good idea. However, most slip-resistant shoes are usually a bit uncomfortable and heavy. Luckily, these shoes are the perfect solution.
They’re slip-resistant, lightweight, and very comfortable. They have a foam footbed, good arch support, and are pretty easy to clean. These shoes look very stylish and would be great work shoes. Or you can just use them as your everyday shoes. Either way, they’re very comfortable.
5. The Starling from Birdies
(Source: Zappos)
These shoes are another great example of excellent slip-on shoes. Not only are they comfortable, but very fashionable as well. They’re slip-resistant, so you can wear them every day while looking amazing. You won’t need to worry about falling and injuring yourself or the baby.
Birdies have a seven-layer insole which helps with arch support as well as shock absorption. That means that your already sore joints will get at least a little bit of relief. They come in a wide variety of colors and sizes, so you’re bound to find a pair that you like.
If you decide to buy these shoes, there is one thing you should keep in mind. When you’re shopping online, there’s a possibility that you won’t get exactly what you hoped for. Some have complained about the shades not being true to their depiction online.
6. Allbirds Women’s Tree Breezers Ballet Flat
(Source: Poshmark)
Aside from looking for stretchy shoes, you should also search for breathable ones. Chances are, you’ll start sweating more during your pregnancy, so you’ll definitely need them. And these are the perfect example of breathable shoes!
Their upper is made from very breathable eucalyptus tree fibers and the insole is made out of merino wool that helps with moisture-wicking and odor control. They also have a non-skid sole. So, if you’re worried about sweating, these are the shoes for you.
They’re made out of sustainable materials, but you’ll have a hard time choosing a pair. That’s only because they come in 12 different color variations! They’re also very lightweight, so you don’t need to worry about dragging along even more extra weight!
7. New Balance Women’s FuelCore Nergize V1 Sneaker
Stretchy shoes are great for swollen feet, but most of them aren’t fit for long activities. Be it walking around town or just working, you’ll need something a bit more durable. That’s where sneakers come in!
While sneakers are pretty comfortable in general, we’re happy to report that these ones also have some stretch to them! So, you get the best of both worlds. They have a memory sole insert which will add to the comfort. Especially if you’re on your feet for a long time.
Despite having laces, you don’t really need to tie them more than once! Once the laces are tied, the shoes can be used like slip-ons. They have a large variety of options to choose from, more than 30 models to be precise! Though the shoes might not be a good fit for people with wide feet.
8. Orthofeet Proven Sneakers (Orthofeet Orthopedic Walking Shoes)
If you already started experiencing any sort of pain, you need shoes that can relieve it. That’s why getting orthopedic shoes is the best idea in that scenario. They lessen the pain and don’t cause any more like some other shoes tend to do.
If you dislike this particular model, the brand offers a wide variety of other options to choose from. These shoes have a stretchy upper, cushioning and a wide toe-box, all to suit your comfort needs. They also look after your health thanks to the added anatomical arch support.
They’re perfect for being on your feet for a long time and you can wear them every day. They look like regular sneakers, so you can pair them with any outfit you’d like. However, their color options are rather limited as they come in only four colors.
9. Allbirds Women’s Wool Runners
(Source: REI)
These are the best shoes for pregnancy when you need to run errands. They’re lightweight and breathable and they’re designed to be moisture-wicking, so you needn’t worry about sweat and odor. The upper is made out of Merino wool, so they’re also very stretchy and comfortable.
They do have laces, but once you tie them the first time, you can keep wearing them like slip-ons. You can wash them in the washing machine, so keeping them clean is very easy. The sole is made using Brazilian sugarcane that’s ethically produced.
So, they’re sustainable, breathable, comfortable and you can wash them in the washing machine. What more could you want? They also have a wide range of colorful options to choose from. They’re available in over 15 colors!
10. ASICS Women’s Gel-Venture 7 Trail Running Shoes
These are the best shoes for pregnancy if you like running or staying active. The reason behind this is that they have excellent shock absorption. So, during physical activity, your joints and bones won’t be under as much stress as they usually are.
They have a mesh upper that is stretchy and super breathable, so sweating during exercise won’t be a problem, either. The sole is made out of rubber, and it has an enhanced grip as well. They come in several different color variations, but the product might not match the shade seen online.
Despite being great workout shoes, they’re definitely not ideal for everyone. Especially if you’re in the later stages of your pregnancy. This is mostly because they’re not slip-ons, so you’ll have a little trouble putting them on and lacing them up.
11. Classic Shearling Lined Short Boot from Ugg
Sneakers and slip-ons are the best shoes for pregnancy unless it’s winter. Then they become less than ideal. When it gets cold, you’ll need something that’s still comfortable enough to wear for a long time while being warm.
Uggs are the ideal winter pregnancy shoes. They have a shearling interior that’s warm and cozy, while the exterior is pretreated to stand against moisture. They’re comfortable, keep your feet warm and they’re water-resistant, so they’re the perfect choice for your sensitive legs.
They come in 7 different colors, which isn’t too much or too little. So, it’ll be easier for you to take your pick. They’re very stylish and go well with just about any outfit. While they are ideal, that doesn’t come for free, quite literally. They can be a bit pricey.
12. Crocs Women’s Specialist Clog
Crocs are most often used as work shoes, especially among medical workers. And it’s easy to understand why given how much support they offer during long hours. They may not look very comfortable, but their simplicity is exactly what makes them so easy to wear.
These clogs are waterproof, slip-resistant, and very lightweight. They’re generally built wider, so they’ll accommodate swollen feet easily. They have ports on the sides to ensure proper ventilation, as well as good arch support.
Foam footbeds only add to the comfort. They’re very functional and will help you stay on your feet as long as possible. They tend to come in plenty of different colors depending on where you buy them. But, they’re not the most stylish pair out there.
13. MAYPIE Women’s Flat Mules
A casual look might not be appropriate for all jobs. But formal shoes can be so uncomfortable, it’s unbearable! Thankfully, these shoes are the perfect solution. And they’re very affordable, which makes them ideal. You can wear them in the office or in your home.
They’re backless, so they’re very easy to put on. You can slip them off whenever you feel like your feet are sore. But in truth, you probably won’t need to because they’re wide and give you plenty of space. They have a low heel, so keeping your balance won’t be an issue.
While they are perfect for the office, they’re not the best shoes to wear outside. Since they are backless, there’s automatically less protection. However, they make for very fashionable work shoes, and they come in several different color and pattern variations.
14. Birkenstock Women’s Arizona
If it’s summer and you need something a bit more open, sandals are the best shoes for pregnancy. When looking for the perfect sandals, you should consider how stable they are. They generally have a very simple design, so proper support is key in what makes a good sandal.
Birkenstock Women’s Arizonas are your classic sandals. They may not be very stylish, but they’re highly functional and comfortable. They’re slip-on and they come in both narrow and wide sizing, so you can accommodate your feet needs.
The footbed helps distribute your weight evenly and the shoe molds to your feet the more you wear it. And if you’re worried about slipping, you’ll be happy to know that the sole has a good grip. Despite not being overly fashionable, they do come in at least five colors.
15. ULTRAIDEAS Women’s Cozy Memory Foam House Shoes
It’s important to have comfortable shoes while you’re indoors, too! Choosing the right slippers can be a great deal of help in relieving any foot pain. We recommend trying these ULTRAIDEAS Women’s Cozy Memory Foam House Shoes.
They have a very soft plush interior that makes your feet feel like they’re walking on clouds. Their sole is anti-skid, so you can count on them to keep you safe and secure. The insole is made out of memory foam which only adds to the overall comfort.
The upper is made out of soft wool and fleece and they look very stylish, too! They come in 7 different colors, you just need to take your pick. Not to mention, they’re totally machine washable, so keeping them clean won’t be a hassle. You might need to size up though since they run a little small.
16. Earth Runners
(Source: Earth Runners)
We have a little challenge for you. Try not to fall in love with these shoes by the time you’ve finished reading this! Earth Runners are definitely our top pick for the best shoes for pregnancy during summer. They were designed with the intent of mimicking barefoot walking.
Although that might take some time to get used to, it’s the ideal way of walking. They have a stainless steel and copper earthing system that helps you ground yourself better. The shoes adapt to your feet as you walk, and this lessens joint stress, as well as soothes the nervous system.
To make things even better, they’re completely vegan, ergonomic and GOTS certified. They also have a printable sizing guide, so it’s nearly impossible to get the wrong size! They’re durable, so you can go hiking in them.
However, if you’re not used to barefoot walking, they might require some time to get used to.
17. Sanuk Yoga Sling 2 Sandals
If Earth Runners feel too risky, you might want sandals with a bit more support. These are more comfortable to walk in if you’re not used to barefoot walking. Plus, they look very stylish, too. They have a yoga mat insole that’s soft and low, so you won’t have trouble keeping your balance.
The straps are very stretchy, so they can accommodate your feet through any changes or swelling. They also have very good arch support. But, you shouldn’t wear them to any wet areas. They can get slippery, and the yoga mat insole just absorbs all the liquid and gets soggy.
As long as you use them in dry places, they’ll last for a very long time. They’re durable and relatively cheap, so you can get multiple pairs. And you probably won’t be able to resist doing so, since there are so many color and pattern options!
18. Minnetonka Anna Ballerina Flat
If you want to look classy, you’d normally go for heels. But since heels aren’t recommended during pregnancy, the next best thing are flats. They look elegant and pair well with any outfit, while also being comfortable and keeping you stable.
These flats have a stretchy topline that helps accommodate swollen feet. The footbed is cushioned which makes wearing them for a long time much easier and more comfortable. They offer plenty of arch support and stability, too.
They only come in two colors, but those can go well with anything, so they’re still very fashionable. Their sole is hard and textured, so you’re unlikely to slip. But, if you’re looking for more ankle support, these might not be the best shoes for you.
What makes a good pregnancy shoe?
When searching for the best shoes for pregnancy, there are a few things to keep in mind. Most importantly, your shoe needs to be comfortable, stable, and adaptable. An adaptable shoe needs to be stretchy enough to accommodate swollen feet.
They will change size all throughout your pregnancy, so you need shoes that can keep up. It’s often not enough to just get a larger size. Especially since those shoes become useless when your swelling goes down. So, just look for something stretchy.
Comfort is pretty self-explanatory. Even without carrying a baby, everyone wants their shoes to be as comfortable as possible. But during pregnancy, this becomes even more important. You need shoes that can take care of your joints and relieve your pain, not cause more of it.
Why should you avoid heels?
Lastly, you need shoes that are stable. We know that you’ll find many lists where they give you recommendations of what heels to wear. However, you need to understand that this is generally just a really bad idea. During pregnancy, you get thrown off balance.
Heels only make it more difficult to stay stable and grounded. While tripping and falling normally wouldn’t be a big deal, you can’t let it happen when you’re pregnant. The simplest of falls can at the very least harm your baby, but they can also be fatal.
So, when you’re searching for the best shoes for pregnancy, make sure they’re stable, comfortable, and stretchy. During winter, also make sure that they’re warm. Ideally, they should be waterproof, too. No one wants a cold during pregnancy.
