Carrying a child changes your body in ways that you simply could not have anticipated before you became pregnant. From your head to your toes, there's nary a part of you that goes unaltered. Finding the correct supportive garments can make a huge difference in your overall comfort, and that includes your shoes.
And yes, we know that the words “maternity shoes” or “shoes for pregnancy” sounds farcical. Like, why on Earth would it matter what sort of shoes you wear? You're not growing the baby in your feet! But those feet carry your whole body. Your posture, your back, and your gait all shift — so, your shoes help keep you balanced and comfortable.
Podiatrist Dr. Edgard Nau tells Best Products that the main considerations to look for when shopping for shoes for pregnancy are support and accommodation: In particular, he says that support for the medial arch is critical. However, he notes that support isn't the only consideration pregnant people need to make. Because pregnancy can cause feet to swell, the size of the foot can change in both length and width, and your shoes need to be able to accommodate these shifts in size. He therefore suggests shoes that are typically worn by people who are on their feet a lot.
Pregnant people can develop laxity, or looseness in their ligaments and joints, says Dr. Tim Oldani . That laxity can lead to the loss of the arch or flattening of the foot. To combat this issue, he suggests a shoe with maximum arch support. He also agrees with Dr. Nau regarding the swelling and growth of the foot, and seconds his suggestion for clogs — because laced shoes might be difficult and uncomfortable.
Weight gain from pregnancy can also change how your feet feel. The absolutely normal occurrence of gaining weight while you're pregnant can be hard on your feet. Oldani says that your shoes should have more shock absorption than what you'd wear in your typical body shape for added comfort.
I chose shoes for this list based upon the advice of these doctors. I also spoke with pregnant people (or people who have recently given birth), and found the best shoes for pregnancy that will feel good and look great.
When you hear “supportive shoes,” you probably think of the ones your grandmother wore to hit up the local bingo hall. These are not those shoes.
This option is a stylish leather bootie that just so happens to have mega arch support and flexibility. You can stand in these all day, and it won’t be the shoes causing your discomfort.
Clogs are having a moment. They're hugely fashionable this year (and every year for clog enthusiasts like me), and they're the perfect shoe for pregnancy. The heel is just right for your posture, the leather stretches and is breathable, and the arch support is quality.
One obvious obstacle with shoes when you're pregnant is getting them on. It can be an impossible task to either bend down or get your foot up. More than once, my husband had to help me.
The Kizik shoes, however, take that worry away. These are entirely slip-on, thanks to the nifty construction at the back of the heel that allows the foot to slide right in.
The shock absorption of this shoe cannot be overlooked, either. This shoe is stable and cushioned to the max, making it an easy option for everyday wear.
We get it: You need shoes that you can wear to the office, and clogs just aren't cutting it with your adorable spring dresses.
Vivala makes shoes with moms in mind. Their whole line is designed to be supportive, light, attractive, and in what's probably most mom-like, machine-washable.
Ollie Gray is one of the best maternity lines out there. Their sneakers show their dedication to a pregnant person's comfort, style, and convenience.
These slip-on sneakers come in three fun colors, with sizes ranging from 6 to 11. The laces are stretchy and accommodating, and the footbed has high arch support with cushioning made for pregnant feet.
It's the classic shoe for hippies, street-style experts, people with bad backs, and apparently pregnant people as well. I spoke with more than one person who swears by the classic Birk during pregnancy. (And if truth be told, I was one of them.)
Not to be dramatic, but I would do some uncouth things for my Born boots. The first pair I bought was when I was 6 months pregnant with my oldest (13 years ago), and while I have had them resoled, they're still one of my go-to pairs.
The reason they're so great for pregnant people is because the rubber on the bottom provides a strong bounce that distributes the impact of your steps, while the arch support keeps everything stable.
These are very much in style, and nearly everyone I spoke to said that even though they don't wear these out a ton, it's their favorite house shoe. Supportive, comfy, and oh, so easy to put on, Crocs aren't just for toddlers anymore.
The look of a loafer paired with sharp trousers is a classic one. With this pair of loafers from Kork-Ease, you can have all the Saville Row style you want, along with the added benefit of a cork bottom with great arch support and a good cushion.
The cork bottom is what makes this shoe — spongy and soft, it makes for an ideal insole.
These look like the skater shoes you wore in college, but they’re actually built for your feet now! Dr. Scholl’s has changed their game in recent years, making fashionable shoes that are also orthopedically sound. This is a great option for jeans or overalls, and you’ll wear them long after you give birth.
Cat BowenParenting EditorCat Bowen is the parenting editor at BestProducts.com where she researches all of the best products for families from pre-conception through their teen years, focusing on matching scientific evidence with real-life needs.
This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io
