multiple pairs of shoes for best shoes for pregnancy

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process.

From nausea and weight gain to heartburn and lower back pain, pregnancy can be an uncomfortable time. After all, your body must undergo a slew of changes to accommodate your growing bundle of joy. But did you know the size and shape of your feet can change, too?

It’s true. Many expectant parents experience swelling in their legs, ankles, and limbs. The good news is you don’t have to settle for tired and tender tootsies.Below are 12 comfortable,supportive, and (yes!) stylish pregnancy shoes.

Pregnancy is a time of miraculous developments in the body. Some of these changes might be unexpected, including changes in the size and shape of your feet. The combination of increased weight and rising levels of hormones such as relaxin, which makes joints more flexible during pregnancy, can impact the body all the way to your toes (and feet). This means that during pregnancy foot arches may drop slightly increasing foot length (and perhaps shoe size) by 2 to 10 millimeters (mm).

You may also notice your feet look slightly wider due to weight gain and normal swelling during pregnancy. Not everyone will experience noticeable or long-lasting changes in their feet during pregnancy. But in some cases, foot changes such as arch drop may be permanent and remain even after pregnancy, which might lead to an increased risk of foot and joint problems like arthritis and pain later on in life.

When shopping for pregnancy shoes, there are a few things to keep in mind. Each pair should be comfortable and breathable. The soles should be soft and flexible and will likely be more comfortable with a good deal of arch support, particularly in the later months when you’ve gained more weight and your joints and ligaments continue to loosen.

You want a shoe that is lightweight and low in the Heels should be low and skid-free and you want a shoe that is lightweight. Carrying more weight is not something you want to have to worry about. The less appealing it will be to wear heels the further along you get in your pregnancies.

You may want to increase your size. It is advised to buy footwear that is a size bigger. It is important to find shoes that fit your style and you will enjoy wearing them.

Casual shoes like sneakers and flats are the best for pregnant women because they offer more comfort and foot stability. Slides and sandals help keep your feet cool. Even low heels that provide arch support can be good for your feet during pregnancy.

“Nothing beats the first foot experience when it comes to how we made our selections. Healthline Parenthood’s writers and editors were fond of many of these picks. We consulted online reviews when we spoke with several new and expectant parents.”

Pricing guide

  • $ = under $50
  • $$ = $50–$100
  • $$$ = over $100

Best shoes for swollen feet

TOMS Alpargata

  • Price: $
  • Pros: breathable, flexible fabric upper; lightweight and easy on-and-off to slide into comfortably
  • Cons: canvas construction may not be waterproof or warm enough in cooler climates; insoles may not provide adequate arch support for folks with flatter feet

People swear by TOMS, pregnant or not. They are lightweight, comfortable and run true to size. The Alpargata flats are the perfect shoe for pregnant women. The canvas construction of these shoes gives them a lot of give, which means they can grow with you.

Shop Zappos now

Best supportive shoes

Vionic Walker

  • Price: $$$
  • Pros: sturdy construction offers optimal arch support and foot stability
  • Cons: lace-up sneaker design makes them less convenient to take on and off

The Vionic Walker is a supportive shoe that is ideal for people with arthritis. The sneakers are designed to increase balance and stability.

The Vionic Advanced Motion System technology combines their podiatrist-designed orthotic insole with a flexible outsole to absorb shock and reduce stress. They are a regular fit and wide width.

Shop Zappos now

Best shoes for walking

Skechers GOWalk

  • Price: $
  • Pros: optimal arch support in a lightweight design
  • Cons: upper mesh fabric is lightweight but may not be weatherproof for rainier climates

Lightweight, flexible, breathable, and slip on, the Skechers GOWalk line gives you the added support and comfort you need in pregnancy. What’s more, many GOWalk sneakers feature arch support, which is key if your feet have flattened.

Shop Skechers now

Best shoes for winter

UGG Classic Mini Bootie

  • Price: $$$
  • Pros: comfortable and warm with easy on and off
  • Cons: may not be suitable for indoor wear and warmer climates

Want the comfort of a pair of shoes? The UGG Classic Mini Bootie is a must have. These shoes are waterproof and water resistant. They have a zip-up closure that is easy to use and each shoe has a supportive UGG midsole.

Shop DSW now

Best shoes for summer

Dr. Scholl’s Originalist Sandal

  • Price: $
  • Pros: convenient sandals with added insole support for indoor year-round and outdoor warm weather
  • Cons: may not offer optimal arch support or foot stability for regular wear or for women with flatter feet

“Many expectant parents prefer sandals. They are stylish, flexible, and breathable. These are the same things that Dr. Scholl’s has been known for. The strap is adjusted so that it is the perfect fit.”

Shop DSW now

Best shoes for work

Vionic Minna Ballet Flat

  • Price: $$$
  • Pros: convenient and easy on and off with added arch support; great for versatile indoor and outdoor wear
  • Cons: open flats may not offer adequate foot stability especially for wider feet

The Vionic Minna Ballet Flat is a great option for a work shoe. There are a wide variety of colors and styles in these slip-ons. They have a lining on your feet to keep them dry.

Shop Zappos now

Best heels

LifeStride Pascal Pump

  • Price: $
  • Pros: sturdy low heels with added arch support and nonslip sole tread
  • Cons: may not offer adequate foot support and stability for wider feet

The LifeStride Pascal Pump is perfect for pregnant women. Extra balance and stability can be achieved with LifeStride shoes.

Shop Amazon now

Best slip-ons

Dansko Berry

  • Price: $$$
  • Pros: Comfortable slide-on mules/clogs for easy on and off
  • Cons: May not offer adequate foot support or stability for flatter feet

Doctors, nurses, and other professionals love to wear cles. Their body is wide enough to allow your foot to spread out. They slip on and off.

Dansko Berry shoes are comfortable and stable. They have a hook-and-loop strap that can be used as a slingback or in front.

Shop Zappos now

Best running shoes

HOKA Bondi 7

  • Price: $$$
  • Pros: lightweight design with added sole and arch support for comfort
  • Cons: mesh upper construction may not be weatherproof in all climates; lace-up design makes them less convenient to take on and off

HOKA is one of the best brands of running shoes and their Bondi 7 sneaker is one of the best. The American Podiatric Medical Association approved the rubber soles,cushioned midsoles, and shock absorption system.

Shop HOKA now

Best hiking shoes

Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator

  • Price: $$
  • Pros: great casual shoe with optimal arch support and foot stability for regular width and wider feet
  • Cons: lace-up design makes them less convenient to take on and off; more rugged in appearance than other sneakers

The Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator is sturdy, stable, and supportive, with a wide body, molded arch, and breathable fabric. They are comfortable and wide in width.

Shop Merrell now

Best sandals

Sanuk Yoga Sling Flat Sandal

  • Price: $
  • Pros: casual and convenient to take on and off; great for indoor wear year-round and outdoor wear in warmer climates
  • Cons: may not provide arch support for people with flatter feet; less foot stability and support

Sanuk has yoga slings that are perfect for pregnant women. Why? They are cute. They are comfortable. They are not wet. They have a supportive ankle strap and a yoga mat made footbed. It is like walking on air.

Shop DSW now

Best slippers

Vionic Gemma Mule Slippers

  • Price: $
  • Pros: cozy slippers with built-in arch support
  • Cons: may not offer adequate foot stability for folks with flatter or wider feet

While it’s imperative to have comfortable shoes during pregnancy, comfortable slippers are just as important — especially during those last few weeks and months, as well as right after giving birth when you’re recovering in the hospital, at the birth center, or at home.

The Vionic Gemma Mule Slippers are reliable. Why? These are soft and supportive. They have the seal of acceptance from the APMA.

Shop Amazon now

Choose shoes that provide adequate support and stability for your body and foot type. Ask your doctor or midwife about orthotic insoles to wear with regular shoes. If you have diabetes or gestational diabetes, it’s even more important to find the best footwear. Look for shoes that are breathable, supportive, and that don’t squeeze or pinch your feet or toes.

No matter what shoes you wear, it still important to avoid standing for long periods of time. Find time to kick them off and put your feet up. Also try foot and ankle exercises while seated. Pregnancy can cause more swelling and water retention in the feet and ankles, so it’s important to help improve blood circulation by going for a walk, doing light stretching exercises, and elevating your feet when sitting.

“The best shoes for pregnant women are the ones that are comfortable. This can be different for everyone. Arch and foot support is important during pregnancy, especially in the last trimester when the weight gain is the greatest due to your baby’s growth and joints are most flexible. Many people like to have some cushion in their shoes during the end of their pregnancies. Most people want to avoid wearing flimsy footwear with thin soles and little foot support, as well as shoes with hard and inflexible soles. During your pregnancies, arch support can help keep your feet comfortable.”

Can I wear heels while I’m pregnant?

It is important to look for heels that have built-in arch support. Lower heels and rubber treads are important for safety. Several brands are designed with foot health in mind. The less comfortable heels are likely to be because general mobility gets a little more challenging, and you will just want to be comfortable.

Do your feet get longer when you’re pregnant?

Your feet can get longer when you’re pregnant. This happens because the arch of the foot may drop slightly during pregnancy. Foot and ankle swelling can also increase your feet by a half size or more.

Will my feet go back to their normal size after pregnancy?

Some people find that their feet are back to their normal size after they have a baby. If your arches have dropped and you have a flatter foot, you may be able to keep your feet longer than before.

Can I walk around barefoot while I’m pregnant?

During a pregnant time, most people want to keep their feet supported with the right footwear. Feet can get too flat if they are wearing the right shoes. You can still walk barefoot for a short time outdoors on grass or indoors on soft carpet, but it will be uncomfortable during your pregnancies.

“During your pregnancies, your feet will change. That is a fact. You don’t have to be pregnant for 40 weeks.”

With a little investment and some trial and error, you can find a comfortable pair of shoes to keep you stable and stylish. The right shoes are important for foot and joint health during and after pregnancy.