9 Best Shoes for Pregnancy: Comfort and Support for Expecting Moms

Finding the perfect pair of shoes during pregnancy can feel like a daunting task. Your body undergoes significant changes, and comfort becomes a top priority. Swollen feet, back pain, and the need for extra support are just a few challenges you might face.

You deserve footwear that provides comfort without sacrificing style. The right shoes can make a world of difference in how you feel throughout your pregnancy. Let’s explore the 9 best shoes for pregnancy that combine support, comfort, and a touch of flair to keep you feeling your best.

1. Slip-Ons for Easy Wearing

Slip-on shoes offer convenience and comfort, making them an excellent choice during pregnancy.

Benefits of Opting for Slip-On Shoes

Slip-on shoes make daily routines easier. They eliminate the need to bend down, a task that becomes challenging as your belly grows. They provide greater comfort for swollen feet by allowing more flexibility. Slip-ons also offer better support and cushioning, reducing back and joint pain often experienced during pregnancy.

1. Skechers Women’s Go Walk Joy – Features a roomy fit and responsive cushioning. Perfect for tired, swollen feet.
2. TOMS Women’s Classic Alpargata – Known for their lightweight design and breathable material, ideal for all-day wear.
3. Vionic Women’s Drift Satima – Offers superior arch support with a stylish look.
4. Crocs Women’s Literide Pacer – Combines lightweight foam construction with all-day comfort.
5. Rothys The Sneaker – Made from recycled materials and offers a snug yet flexible fit.

2. Supportive Sneakers

Why Arch Support Matters

Choosing sneakers with arch support is crucial during pregnancy. Your body undergoes significant changes affecting your feet, often causing arch collapse or pronation. Proper arch support helps distribute weight evenly, reducing pressure on your feet and preventing pain in the ankles, knees, and lower back. Investing in arch-supportive sneakers can improve your overall comfort and help you maintain balance during your pregnancy.

Best Sneakers for Pregnancy

New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 1080 V11

Provides excellent cushioning and arch support. The Fresh Foam midsole offers maximum comfort while the breathable mesh upper keeps your feet cool. Perfect for prolonged wear and daily activities.

ASICS Women’s Gel-Kayano 27

Offers superior stability and support with its Dynamic DuoMax support system. The GEL cushioning absorbs shock well, making these sneakers ideal for reducing stress on your joints and feet during pregnancy.

Brooks Women’s Ghost 13

Features a segmented crash pad for smooth heel-to-toe transitions. The balanced, soft cushioning adapts to your stride, ensuring comfort and support throughout the day.

Saucony Women’s Hurricane 23

Combines plush cushioning with a stable design. The PWRRUN+ midsole delivers a responsive feel and the FORMFIT construction hugs your foot for a personalized fit, ideal for pregnant women.

These supportive sneakers provide the necessary arch support, cushioning, and stability to keep you comfortable and active during your pregnancy.

3. Cushioned Flats

Pregnancy requires you to prioritize both comfort and style, and cushioned flats can offer the perfect balance. These shoes ensure that your feet remain supported throughout the day.

Comfort and Style With Flats

Cushioned flats blend comfort with style, making them ideal for any outfit. Look for pairs with padded insoles for extra cushioning and arch support to alleviate foot strain. Brands like Clarks and Vionic are known for their comfortable flats designed for all-day wear.

Selecting the Best Flats for Daily Wear

Choosing the right flats for daily wear involves considering foot support, material, and fit. Opt for flats made of breathable materials like leather or fabric to prevent overheating. Ensure the flats offer proper arch support and have a flexible sole for natural foot movement. Examples include Tieks and Dr. Scholl’s flats, which excel in providing both comfort and support.

4. Sturdy Sandals

Sturdy sandals are essential for pregnant women, offering both comfort and support. Let’s dive into why they’re advantageous and explore some top recommendations.

Advantages of Wearing Sandals During Pregnancy

Sandals offer breathability and ease of wear. They keep your feet cool and swollen feet more comfortable. Most importantly, sturdy sandals provide stability, reducing the risk of falls. With proper arch support and cushioning, they help alleviate foot fatigue.

• Birkenstock Arizona: These feature contoured cork footbeds providing excellent arch support and stability.
• Teva Women’s Original Universal Sandals: Known for their adjustable straps and durable soles, they’re great for everyday wear.
• Vionic Rest Kirra Backstrap Sandal: These have orthotic footbeds designed to support arches and reduce foot pain.
• Clarks Women’s Arla Glison Flip Flop: Lightweight with cushion-soft technology, perfect for extended wear.
• ECCO Women’s Flowt Strap Sandal: Combining comfort and style, these provide excellent foot support and are made from breathable materials.

5. Orthotic-Friendly Footwear

Orthotic-friendly footwear supports your feet during pregnancy. It helps alleviate discomfort and promotes better posture.

What are Orthotic Shoes?

Orthotic shoes balance your feet by reducing stress in pressure points. They feature removable insoles, arch support, and cushioned soles. These elements manage foot pain and prevent conditions like plantar fasciitis. Orthotic shoes also often include wider toe boxes to accommodate swelling common during pregnancy.

1. Vionic Women’s Walker Classic: Provides excellent arch support and a cushy EVA midsole to lessen foot strain.
2. Brooks Addiction Walker Suede: Combines durability with superior support and features Extended Progressive Diagonal Rollbar technology.
3. Aetrex Women’s Cheryl Adjustable Quarter Strap Sandal: Offers adjustable straps, built-in arch support, and memory foam cushioning.
4. Orthofeet Proven Heel and Arch Support: Features anatomical arch support, orthotic insoles, and a protective interior for added comfort.
5. New Balance 928v3: Includes motion control and stability to address overpronation, with a cushioned midsole for shock absorption.

These shoes provide optimal support and comfort, ensuring you feel steady and pain-free throughout your pregnancy journey.

6. Breathable Walking Shoes

Pregnancy often requires shoes that keep your feet cool and dry. Breathable walking shoes are essential for maintaining comfort and preventing issues like swelling and overheating.

Why Breathability is Key

Ensuring proper ventilation in your shoes helps manage foot temperature and moisture levels. Breathable materials like mesh or knit fabric promote air circulation, preventing sweat buildup, odors, and bacterial growth, which are common during pregnancy. Additionally, good airflow can reduce the risk of fungal infections and improve overall foot health.

1. Skechers Go Walk Joy
   The Skechers Go Walk Joy features a lightweight design with breathable mesh upper, making it perfect for daily walks. Its responsive 5Gen cushioning ensures comfort, while the Goga Max insole offers excellent support.
2. New Balance Fresh Foam Roav
   New Balance Fresh Foam Roav combines breathable mesh with plush cushioning. The Fresh Foam midsole provides a soft, supportive ride, ideal for pregnant women needing extra comfort during their walks.
3. Brooks Ghost 13
   Brooks Ghost 13 offers a breathable mesh upper with strategically placed stretch and structure. This design ensures flexibility while providing the necessary support. Its BioMoGo DNA and DNA LOFT cushioning support an adaptive, smooth walk.
4. Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 37
   Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 37 includes a breathable upper and an Air Zoom unit for responsive cushioning. Its secure fit and support make it a top choice for pregnant women looking to walk comfortably.
5. Adidas Ultraboost 21
   Adidas Ultraboost 21 has a Primeknit upper that promotes airflow, adapting to your foot’s shape. The Boost midsole delivers excellent shock absorption and energy return, ensuring a comfortable walking experience.
6. ASICS Gel-Contend 7
   ASICS Gel-Contend 7 features breathable mesh uppers and GEL technology cushioning. It offers excellent shock absorption and adequate arch support, making long walks manageable for expectant mothers.

Selecting any of these options will enhance your walking experience during pregnancy, ensuring that your feet stay cool, dry, and comfortable.

7. Non-Slip Safety Shoes

Pregnancy alters your center of gravity, increasing the risk of slipping. Non-slip safety shoes can help prevent falls, ensuring you stay safe and stable.

The Importance of Slip Resistance

Slip-resistant shoes are crucial during pregnancy to avoid falls. They provide better grip on various surfaces, reducing the chances of accidents. Brands like Skechers and Fila offer excellent slip-resistant options, featuring textured soles that enhance traction.

Safe and Secure Shoe Options

Choose shoes known for their slip resistance and stability. Skechers Work and Fila Memory Reckoning 8 are notable for their enhanced grip and comfortable designs. Look for features like cushioned insoles and supportive midsoles to keep your feet comfortable and secure. Stick to closed-toe designs for maximum protection.

8. Stretchable Shoes

Finding stretchable shoes during pregnancy is essential for accommodating swelling and ensuring comfort throughout the day. These shoes provide the flexibility and ease you need.

The Need for Adjustable Footwear

Pregnancy often leads to swollen feet and ankles due to increased blood volume and fluid retention. Stretchable shoes adjust to these changes, offering more comfort and reducing pressure on your feet. They prevent the discomfort that often accompanies rigid shoes and allow your feet to breathe.

1. Allbirds Tree Runners: Made from eucalyptus tree fiber, these shoes are breathable and stretchable, without compromising on support.
2. Sketchers Go Walk: Known for their slip-on design and stretchable fabric, they offer excellent cushioning and flexibility.
3. Tieks Ballet Flats: Crafted from soft leather with a flexible sole, these flats mold to your feet while providing adequate support.
4. Vionic Miles Sneakers: Featuring a flexible mesh upper, these sneakers adapt to swelling while offering arch support and stability.
5. Clarks Cloudsteppers: Lightweight and stretchy, these shoes have cushioned insoles to keep your feet comfortable all day.

9. Lightweight Boots for Colder Climates

During pregnancy, it’s crucial to keep your feet warm without adding extra weight or bulk. Finding the right lightweight boots can provide the perfect balance of comfort and warmth.

Ensuring Warmth Without the Added Weight

Select boots made from insulated but lightweight materials like fleece or Thinsulate. These materials offer excellent warmth without making the boots heavy. Look for design features like fur-lined interiors and insulated soles that provide added warmth. Opt for boots with a supportive insole to alleviate foot fatigue, which is especially beneficial during pregnancy. Avoid heavy rubber boots, as they can add unnecessary strain on your feet and back.

Recommended Lightweight Boots

Consider brands such as UGG, Columbia, and Sorel. UGG offers styles like the Classic Mini, which combines lightweight construction with plush warmth. Columbia’s Minx Shorty boots feature Thinsulate insulation, providing warmth without the bulk. Sorel’s Out ‘N About boots are another excellent choice, known for their lightweight yet durable design. These brands ensure both quality and comfort, making them ideal for colder climates during your pregnancy.

Conclusion: Final Thoughts on Choosing Shoes During Pregnancy

Finding the right shoes during pregnancy is crucial for your comfort and safety. Prioritize footwear that offers support, flexibility, and non-slip features to accommodate your changing body. Brands like Vionic, New Balance, Skechers, and UGG provide excellent options tailored to meet these needs. Remember, the right shoes can make a significant difference in your overall well-being during this special time. Choose wisely and enjoy the journey with comfort and confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is supportive footwear important during pregnancy?

Supportive footwear helps distribute weight evenly and reduces stress on the feet and back. It provides comfort, minimizes pain, and helps prevent falls, accommodating the physical changes and increased weight during pregnancy.

What types of shoes are most recommended for pregnant women?

Recommended shoes include slip-ons, sneakers with arch support, cushioned flats, sturdy sandals, and breathable walking shoes. Orthotic-friendly brands like Vionic and New Balance are also good choices for added support.

Which brands offer the best shoes for pregnancy?

Brands like Vionic, New Balance, Skechers, Brooks, Allbirds, Tieks, Clarks, Fila, UGG, Columbia, and Sorel are recommended for their comfort, support, and durability.

Why are non-slip safety shoes important during pregnancy?

Non-slip safety shoes are crucial to prevent falls, which can be dangerous for both the mother and baby. They offer better traction and stability, making them a wise choice during pregnancy.

Can you recommend some slip-resistant shoe brands for pregnant women?

Yes, Skechers and Fila offer excellent slip-resistant shoes that provide the necessary traction to reduce the risk of falls during pregnancy.

How important are stretchable shoes during pregnancy?

Very important. Stretchable shoes accommodate swelling and ensure ongoing comfort, adapting to changes in foot size and shape, which are common during pregnancy.

Are lightweight boots necessary for pregnant women in colder climates?

Yes, lightweight boots are beneficial as they provide warmth without added bulk. Brands like UGG, Columbia, and Sorel offer insulated designs that keep feet warm and comfortable without extra weight.