All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Footwear News may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
If you’re pregnant (congratulations!), you’ve inevitably thought about maternity clothing, baby shoes, and maybe even cute winter boots for kids, but you may not have thought much about pregnancy footwear. However symptoms like swelling and back pain call for supportive footwear to carry you through each trimester comfortably. We’ve rounded up the best shoes for pregnancy that will take you all the way through your due date and become postpartum go-to’s.
“During pregnancy, many women encounter discomfort in their feet due to swelling and changes in size,” says Fabiana Rigamonti, Aerosoles Head of Design. “Prioritizing functionality, ease of wear, and proper support becomes crucial.” The best shoes for swollen pregnant feet may vary person to person, but you’ll want to look for shoes with a supportive sole and stretchy upper materials — especially if you have flat feet, wide feet, or bunions. It’s worth investing in a high-quality pair of comfortable walking shoes to wear during pregnancy, as the right shoes can alleviate back pain, knee pain, plantar fasciitis and other uncomfortable common conditions. And, if you work in healthcare or the service industry, you already know what it’s like to spend all day on your feet, and adding pregnancy to the mix only makes it more important to have supportive shoes.
Beyond support and comfort, you may also want to consider slip-on sneakers and shoes that don’t require laces. “Slip-on shoes are useful as the belly grows and it becomes more difficult to bend over to lace-up or buckle into shoes,” says podiatrist Dr. Yolanda Ragland, a forefoot reconstructive surgeon and founder of Fix Your Feet. And, when you’re at home, slippers will be your best friend.
All of that said, you shouldn’t feel as though you’re doomed to clunky or unstylish shoes (though we’ve found some pretty stylish orthopedic shoes for women). You can still remain true to your personal style with chic white sneakers, comfortable flats, Nike walking shoes, or comfortable dress shoes. Being pregnant doesn’t mean you have to change the styles that make you feel like yourself.
From work shoes, walking shoes, and the best everyday shoes, we’ve tapped experts and read hundreds of product reviews to find the best shoes for pregnancy. Keep scrolling to find the best maternity shoes for you.
Colorways: Black/White, Photon Dust/Summit White/Mineral/Geode Teal, White/Sail/Phantom/Black, White/Black
Special features: Nike’s Fly-Ease Technology, heel that hinges open to make it easy to slip on and off
Nike Top Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.6/5 stars
What testers say: “They were snug at first but after I broke them in they were perfect. I originally bought them because I was pregnant and had a hard time getting shoes on. I recently hurt my knee and am on crutches for weeks and these have been a life saver yet again. I highly recommend!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $125
Colorways: Oat Latte, Matcha, Moonstone, Black, Ocean Blue, Pink
Special features: Cushy foam sole, arch support
What testers say: “These are soooo incredibly comfortable! I’ve been looking for shoes to wear around the house because of back pain and these help so much.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $39.95
Colorways: 2
Special features: Slip-on, extra soft footbed
PUMA Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.7/5 stars
Colorways: 7
Special features: Slip-ons, lightweight, machine-washable
Adidas Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.7/5 stars
What testers say: “I bought these shoes while pregnant and they were a LIFESAVER! They are so comfortable, supportive, and super easy to slip on and off.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $49.00
Colorways: Black/black, Black/mushroom
Special features: Adjustable heel straps, raised insole
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Crocs Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4/5 stars
DSW Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.9/5 stars
Editor testing and review notes: “These sandals are very waterproof, to the extent that I’ve waded through plenty of waves and even walked along muddy or sandy trails while wearing these. They’re easy to rinse off and wear out to drinks after the beach or pool hangs. I also wear them walking around New York City and have never found them to be uncomfortable even on days when I’m walking for miles at a time. I’ve been surprised at how many compliments they get!”
What testers say: “I’m 6 months pregnant and my feet tend to get really bothersome by the end of the day. These are sooo comfy and cute to wear.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $41.24
Colorways: 14 options
Special features: Durable rubber outsole for traction, waterproof, available in wide sizes
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Zappos Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
What testers say: “These boots are EVERYTHING I had been hoping and looking for in winter snow boots. Waterproof, style, comfort, lightweight, durable…. Columbia never ceases to amaze me. Great quality and definitely worth the price. I am 5 months pregnant and I wear these everywhere in the Iowa snow!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $86.18
Colorways: 47 options
Special features: Machine-washable, available in narrow and wide sizes, slip-on
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Skechers Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.0/5 stars
What testers say: “I am 36 weeks pregnant and my feet were killing me all the time. I bought these hoping they would help and it’s like night and day! Super supportive and my feet are so much happier.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $45
Colorways: 12
Special features: Designed specifically for professionals who are on their feet, easily cleaned, carries seal of acceptance from American Podiatric Medical Association
Zappos Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Nordstrom Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
What testers say: “One of the most comfortable pairs of shoes I have ever owned! They were perfect when I was pregnant and provided the support I needed. Now I wear them with jeans and they are cute!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $129.95
Colorways: White Smooth, White/Green Perf, Champaigne Beige, Charcoal Wool Fabric, Toasted Taupe Microfiber, Vapor Grey Microfiber, Black Smooth, Cloud Cream Canvas
Special features: Available in half-sizes, made with recycled materials, machine-washable
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
What testers say: “I bought these shoes to walk in NYC and as a pregnant lady I was struggling to stand and walk for long periods. The difference these shoes make is unbelievable. I now wear them almost everyday and they make walking during pregnancy so much easier. They’re also so cute. They’re so easy to clean. I just throw them in the washer and they come out spotless. Best purchase ever.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $70
Colorways: Black Eva, White Eva, Dusty Blue, Rose, Beetroot Purple, Papaya
Special features: Adjustable straps, contoured footbed
Nordstrom Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
What testers say: “Really comfortable, very light, and waterproof! Great arch & foot support, I’m seven months pregnant and these have been a lifesaver.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $39.16
Colorways: Cameo Pink, Tan, Natural Leopard, Pink, Light Grey, Black
Special features: Contoured footbed, deep heel cup, podiatrist-designed
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Vionic Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.7/5 stars
What testers say: “I developed plantar fasciitis and a heel spur while pregnant with my daughter and could barely stand to walk. I decided to invest in good indoor shoes. I am so glad I treated myself! Between these and my Vionic active shoes I have been able to finally move again. I didn’t realize how much I had stopped until I lost 10lbs my first month wearing them. I have my life back.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $62.50
Colorways: Black, Black Perforated Microfiber Suede, Dark Shadow Grey Perforated Microfiber Suede, Olive Perforated Microfiber Suede, Chocolate Brown, Olive, Chocolate Brown Fabric, Tan Black (Leopard)
Special features: Easy on-off, sustainably made from recycled materials, available in regular and wide sizes
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
What testers say: “These shoes are awesome! I bought them in size 8 wide for my swollen, pregnant feet and they have been great. Super comfortable, easy to put on and good for walking. I stand at my job the majority of the time and my feet don’t get tired in these. Great shoes and comfortable right out of the box!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $60.00
Colorways: Dapple Grey/Cream, Bark Grey/Natural White, True Black/Cream, Calm Cargo/Blizzard, Calm Taupe/Blizzard, Lux Beige, Natural Grey/Dark Grey
Special features: Machine-washable, slip-on
What testers say: “I was looking for something I could stand or walk in all day, as pregnancy is making it very hard for me to sit for even 30 min at a time. I also needed something stretchy for swollen feet and warm enough for this cold northeastern weather. Thank you Allbirds for making something comfortable and cute, like you had my precise needs on your mind.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $105
Colorways: Black, Blush, Navy, Eggnog
Special features: Available in half-sizes, hidden mini wedge for extra support, requires no break-in period
DSW Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.9/5 stars
What testers say: “Love these shoes. The blush-beige/black color is so stylish and the leather is very soft and comfortable.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $55.99
Colorways: 19
Special features: Available in regular and wide sizes, extended heel, plush cushion
Hoka Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.3/5 stars
REI Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.9/5 stars
What testers say: “I’m pregnant, and decided I needed to invest in a good shoe to help keep the swelling in my ankles down, and to better support me when walking. These have been incredible, and have helped relieved pain in my feet. So comfortable, and so worth it!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $165
Colorways: Black, Taupe, Red, Gold Metallic, White, Beige, Blue, White/Pink/Purple Floral Print
Special features: Available in wide sizes and half sizes, adjustable ankle straps
DSW Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.9/5 stars
Famous Footwear Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.4/5 stars
What testers say: “These are so comfortable. I was able to stand and dance while 8 months pregnant at a wedding, wearing them for the first time with no pain, no blisters. The heel is the perfect height. The soles are cushiony, and the straps don’t dig into you.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $59.99
What to Look for In the Best Shoes for Pregnancy
- Size: Fun fact, your feet can change sizes during pregnancy. It’s very common to experience swollen feet, so keep this in mind when you’re shopping. You may want to consider shoes that are offered in half-sizes, so that you can find a precise fit, or room to grow. “Proper sizing is key; measuring feet at the end of the day ensures a comfortable fit by day’s end,” advises Rigamonti.
- Cushioning: “Comfortable sneakers with good arch support and cushioning can relieve tired achy feet and provide support,” says Ragland. Look for shoes with plenty of cushioning in the sole, like cushioned running shoes, and a deep heel cup. These features reduce the stress on your feet and ankles. While you should continue wearing the shoes that make sense for you and suit your personal style, it’s a good idea to take the sandals or flats with super thin soles out of your daily rotation.
- Arch Support: Arch support is always important, but especially so when you’re pregnant. Shoes that provide adequate arch support relieve discomfort, making it easier for you to stay active. If you find your shoes don’t offer enough support to keep you comfortable, you consider stocking up on arch support insoles. A podiatrist will be able to help you find the correct ones for your gait and feet.
- Breathability: “Often with foot swelling, sweaty feet can become problematic,” says Ragland. “Mesh and canvas materials will allow for ventilation and keep the feet cool and comfortable.” Depending on the climate and time of year, you may also want to consider open-toed shoes like sandals for breathability. Sneakers, which often have mesh uppers, are also a good option.
- Fit: Rigamonti recommends shoes made with stretchy knit uppers, since they can accommodate swollen feet without causing blisters. You may have to experiment to find shoes that fit your feet during different stages of your pregnancy. Many brands offer narrow, regular, and wide sizing; it may be worth looking at wider sizes to find the proper fit for you. Of course, you’ll also want to make sure that any shoe you buy conforms to the shape of your foot.
What Shoe Types to Avoid During Pregnancy
“Avoiding heels is a must to stabilize balance and reduce strain on the back,” says Ragland. But, if you truly must, go for wedges or a low block heel, like our picks from Crocs and Naturalizer. You’ll also want to avoid shoes that have little to no support in the footbed, as well as shoes with little traction. Depending on what stage of pregnancy you’re in and how you carry, you may also want to avoid shoes that need to be laced up. Many people find it difficult to do so with a baby bump. Luckily, there are plenty of slip-ons and comfortable flats that are easy to put on even when you’re ready to pop.
How We Selected the Best Shoes for Pregnancy
For more than 75 years, Footwear News has been the shoe authority. Our coverage spans top industry news, retail trends, head-to-toe fashion, athletic and outdoor analysis and more. Footwear News’ global network of editors has carefully curated all product selections featured using our expansive brand knowledge and thorough research to find quality, long-lasting items.
We reached out to several experts, including a podiatrist and shoe designer, for their advice on the best shoes for pregnancy and specific product recommendations. Additionally, we researched the market to see which shoes were especially popular among reviewers who are or had previously been pregnant. Much of our research involved reading tester reviews and editor testing to compare firsthand impressions of the shoes. We evaluated materials, colorways, design, durability, safety, and functionality for each pair. Learn more about us here.
Meet the Experts
Fabiana Rigamonti serves as the Head of Design at Aerosoles. She has extensive experience as a creative director, developing best-selling products throughout footwear. She has specializations in trend forecasting and sustainable manufactoring.
Dr. Yolanda Ragland is a New York City-based podiatrist who specializes in forefoot reconstructive surgery. Dr. Ragland is also the founder of Fix Your Feet.
Meet the Author
Jamie Ballard is a lifestyle, fashion, and beauty shopping writer who contributes to Footwear News, WWD, Allure, Cosmopolitan and The Hollywood Reporter, among other publications. Ballard’s experience researching and writing about lifestyle and fashion topics contributed to her research when selecting the best shoes for pregnancy.
