Pregnancy Products The Best Pregnancy Shoes for Comfortable Feet, Even When You Can't Reach Them By Ashley Ziegler Ashley Ziegler LinkedIn Ashley Ziegler is a lifestyle writer specializing in motherhood, family health, and consumer products. She has written for Romper, Moms.com, and more. Learn about our editorial process Updated on April 11, 2022 Medically reviewed by Andrea Chisholm, MD Fact checked by Latifah Miles Fact checked by Latifah Miles Latifah Miles has spent her professional writing life chronicling her journey through parenthood by way of feature writing and product recommendations. She has written for and been featured on Romper, Cosmopolitan, Elite Daily, Redbook Magazine, Best Products. She is the commerce editor for Verywell Family. Learn about our editorial process Print We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Verywell Family / Lecia Landis During pregnancy, your body changes dramatically, from your hair down to your feet. Swollen feet during this time can lead to pain and discomfort, and since modern life makes it difficult to go barefoot for nine-plus months, this may be a time to invest in a few pairs of new pregnancy shoes. "Due to the fact that feet are taking such an incredible impact and absorb so much [more] stress during the day, it is not unusual to see a [person's] feet increase in size," says Mark Mendeszoon, DPM, a podiatrist, foot and ankle surgeon, and Physician Spokesperson for the American Podiatric Medical Association. This is why it's extremely common for a person's feet to change during pregnancy, and these changes may continue after the baby is delivered. Though there are some pregnancy-specific shoes on the market, there are many more shoes that are also suitable for this time. We searched for the best ones that offer a good fit, support, flexibility, and durability, and you can still put them on by yourself when you can't reach your toes. Based on our research, here are the best pregnancy shoes on the market that are sure to bring some much-needed comfort to swollen feet. Our Top Picks Best Overall: New Balance Nergize Sport at Amazon Jump to Review Best Sandals: Birkenstock Arizona Soft Footbed Sandal at Amazon Jump to Review Best Everyday: Allbirds Tree Runners at Nordstrom Jump to Review Best Flats: Minnetonka Anna Ballerina Flat at Walmart Jump to Review Best Running Sneaker: Brooks Ghost 13 Running Shoes at Amazon Jump to Review Best Slip-On: Kizik Women's Prague at Amazon Jump to Review Best Splurge: Birdies The Vesper Flat at Nordstrom Jump to Review Best Slippers: Vionic Gemma Mule Slippers at Amazon Jump to Review Best Sneakers: Ollie Gray OG Sneaker at Olliegraymaternity.com Jump to Review Best Winter Boots: UGG McKay Water Resistant Bootie at Amazon Jump to Review In This Article Expand Our Picks How We Selected What to Look For FAQ Why Trust Verywell Family Best Overall New Balance Nergize Sport Sneaker 4.7 Amazon View On Amazon View On Dick's View On Joesnewbalanceoutlet.com Pros Lightweight design Reasonable price for sneakers Memory comfort soles Cons Require laces Sizes run small Available in a wide range of colors, the New Balance Nergize Sport Sneaker is stylish, lightweight, and close to perfect as a pregnancy shoe. We chose these as our top pick because of their lightweight design and cushioned inner sole. The last thing a pregnant person needs is to lug around extra weight on their feet, so this featherweight sneaker is a great choice. The sneakers feature a memory sole insert that provides a plush cushion to the feet and has a supportive, snug fit to accommodate sore, swollen feet. Under normal circumstances, New Balance recommends going up a half-size in these shoes, so you may want to consider going up a full or full-and-half size bigger to accommodate your growing feet. Price at time of publication: $65 for size 6Key Specs:Materials: Synthetic upper, rubber outsole | Wide Sizing: Yes | Size Range: 5-12 Best Sandals Birkenstock Arizona Soft Footbed Sandal 4.9 Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Nordstrom Pros Easily adjustable design Made from high-quality materials Sole is designed to mimic the foot Cons Sometimes need to be broken in No wide sizes Birkenstock sandals offer support and shock absorption, so they're a good choice whether you're pregnant or not. However, we particularly like them for pregnancy because you can easily adjust their width with the buckles. Additionally, since the upper part of the sandal is made from soft leather, it offers just enough stretch to accommodate a swollen foot without getting permanently stretched out of shape. The sole of the sandal is made with a layer of foam designed to mimic the shape of the foot, so it offers good arch support and shock absorption. Our favorite feature of these shoes is that you can easily slip them on and off without bending over or tying any laces. As wonderful as the soles are, though, these sandals often need a little time to be broken in to reach their full potential, so it's a good idea to buy these early in your pregnancy to get that process started. Price at time of publication: $140Key Specs:Materials: Leather upper, synthetic sole | Wide Sizing: No | Size Range: 5.5-11.5 The Best Maternity Dresses to Style Every Season of Your Pregnancy Best Everyday Allbirds Tree Runners 4.6 Allbirds View On Nordstrom View On Allbirds.com View On Dick's Pros Machine washable Sustainably made Breathable Cons Shoelaces No wide sizes These are the shoes for anyone looking for style, comfort, and sustainability. They feature a knit upper that's made of breathable, lightweight eucalyptus fiber and a foam midsole that's made with carbon-negative green ethylene-vinyl acetate Brazilian sugar cane (which is good news for the planet). We know from experience that these sneakers feel like a feather on the feet, and they come in a variety of stylish colors. While it would be nice if they didn't require laces that have to be tied, we think the casual and versatile style and small environmental footprint make up for it. Price at time of publication: $105Key Specs:Materials: Knit upper (with eucalyptus fiber), Brazilian sugarcane midsole | Wide Sizing: No | Size Range: 5-11 Best Flats Minnetonka Anna Ballerina Flat Nordstrom View On Walmart View On Nordstrom View On Dsw.com Pros Elastic topline allows the shoe to stretch Footbed is cushioned and molds to the foot Cons Don't offer ankle support Finding supportive flats can be difficult whether you're pregnant or not, but it's not a lost cause. We added the Minnetonka Anna Ballerina Flats to our list because they have a cushioned footbed that will mold to the foot a little bit to provide arch support and stability. Additionally, the elastic topline offers extra flexibility so that as the foot swells throughout the day, the shoe can stretch along with it. These flats come in two basic colors, so you can wear them with just about anything, and a hard textured sole helps provide stability. One important note, Minnetonka suggests sizing up if you're between sizes, so keep this in mind when sizing up for swelling. Price at time of publication: $63Key Specs:Materials: Leather/textile upper, synthetic sole | Wide Sizing: No | Size Range: 5-11 Best Running Sneaker Brooks Women's Ghost 13 Running Shoes Amazon View On Amazon Pros Fitted mesh upper Neutral support offers comfort and stability Designed to absorb shock Cons Price Whether you're running after a toddler or running on a treadmill, your pregnant feet need the proper support, and Brooks Ghost 13 Running Shoes are a great choice for both activities. They're designed for running but can definitely be worn daily. In fact, according to Dr. Mendeszoon, running shoes are one of the best options for pregnant people suffering from swollen feet because they provide stability and are better at absorbing shock than any other shoe. The shoes offer neutral support, meaning they're comfortable but not so soft that there is no compression. The upper mesh conforms to the foot, offering just enough pressure to soothe aches and pains. Price at time of publication: $135 for size 6 narrowKey Specs:Materials: Mesh and 3D print upper | Wide Sizing: Yes | Size Range: 5-13 Best Slip-On Kizik Women's Prague Slip-On Sneaker Amazon View On Amazon View On Kizik.com Pros Upper made from breathable mesh canvas Super comfortable foam outsoles Look of laces with a slip-on design Cons Basic styles These slip-on shoes are made with soft, comfortable foam outsoles, and they're perfect for anyone who finds their feet aching throughout the day. We really like the design of these shoes because, although they have laces to give them more of a sneaker look, they're actually slip-on (so no having to bend over and tie anything). They're made from a lightweight and breathable canvas mesh and have a basic style that isn't flashy, so they will go with just about anything. Price at time of publication: $109 for size 8 womenKey Specs:Materials: Canvas and vinyl | Wide Sizing: Yes | Size Range: 5-12 Best Splurge Birdies The Vesper Flat Birdies View On Nordstrom View On Birdies.com Pros Memory foam footbed with arch support Stylish and well-constructed Very comfortable Cons Upper isn't a breathable material Yes, these are on the pricier end, but they're also incredibly comfortable, well-made, and stylish. Our favorite thing about them is the memory foam footbed that's not only super cozy but also provides arch support and stability. These shoes also feature a leather suede upper that allows just enough stretch to accommodate the foot without getting too stretched out. Finally, these shoes are also made with a durable rubber sole that won't wear down quickly. Price at time of publication: $130Key Specs:Materials: Leather upper, rubber sole | Wide Sizing: No | Size Range: 5-12 The Best Maternity Swimsuits to Make You Feel Good in the Water and Out Best Slippers Vionic Gemma Mule Slippers 4.7 Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Walmart Pros Podiatrist-designed Adjustable hook-and-loop closure Deep heel cup offers extra stability Cons Terry cloth can wear down quickly Available in a wide range of colors, these slippers feature an adjustable hook-and-loop closure across the top that allows for the perfect fit. Additionally, they have a deep heel cup for extra stability, and the footbed hugs the feet, providing cushion and support. Plus, the soft terry cloth is super warm and cozy. We love the hard, non-slip sole to give a little extra protection and stability. Our absolute favorite thing, though, is that these slippers were podiatrist-designed, so you can feel confident that they are both comfortable and good for the feet. Price at time of publication: $70 for size 7Key Specs:Materials: Polyester terry cloth upper and footbed | Wide Sizing: No | Size Range: 5-12 Best Sneakers Ollie Gray OG Sneaker Ollie Gray View On Olliegraymaternity.com Pros Breathable Machine washable Stretchy toggle laces Cons Designed for everyday wear, not sports These are some of the only shoes that are made specifically for pregnancy, and they have the features many are looking for at this time in their lives. Made with a knit fabric that is both breathable and stretchy, the sneakers can be worn all day regardless of how much your feet expand. They're super lightweight, providing plenty of stability and shock absorption without adding stress to your tired body. The features that we appreciate the most, though, are the heel pull and stretchy toggle lace. Together, these features ensure that you don't have to bend over and tie the laces. These sneakers come in three fun colors, and they're safe to clean in the washing machine. Price at time of publication: $135Key Specs:Materials: OG Stretch Knit body, vibram sole | Wide Sizing: No | Size Range: 6-11 The 10 Best Maternity Coats of 2023 Best Winter Boots UGG McKay Water Resistant Bootie Amazon View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Zappos Pros Waterproof Removable insole for better sizing Super warm Cons Ankle height isn't ideal for deep snow These booties are super warm, cute, and easy to pull on and off without having to completely hunch over. They're available in three neutral colors, and they're waterproof, so you don't have to worry about snow ruining the leather. The booties are lined with UGG's trademark shearling and wool combination that is soft and warm, and they will conform to your foot as you break them in. We know that every pregnant person's foot isn't the same, so we like that these boots come with removable insoles, allowing for a more custom fit. Price at time of publication: $150 for size 7.5Key Specs:Materials: Leather upper, shearling and wool lining, synthetic sole | Wide Sizing: No | Size Range: 5-11 The Best Maternity Jeans of 2023 for Every Type of Body & Style Best Without Laces Dr. Scholls Madison Sneaker 4.8 Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Walmart Pros Available in several color options Perforated upper offers breathability Stretchy upper is great for swelling Cons Platform sole may feel heavy Let's face it, bending over becomes harder and harder as pregnancy progresses, so slip-on shoes are a must. Additionally, according to Dr. Mendeszoon, "Shoes that have a mesh unit and breathability are very important [during pregnancy] as feet change and get bigger." The Dr. Scholl's Madison Slip-On sneakers check both of these very important boxes. These sneakers feature a perforated upper, offering breathability, as well as some extra stretch along the top, allowing space for the foot to swell during the day. The footbed and cushioned insole are specifically designed for support and comfort. Finally, these sneakers are available in an assortment of colors, so you're sure to find one to your liking. Price at time of publication: $80 for size 7Key Specs:Materials: Textile upper, synthetic sole | Wide Sizing: In some styles | Size Range: 5-13 Best Insert Dr. Scholl’s Work Insoles Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart Pros Cost-effective Designed to provide all-day support Fits into any sneaker, boot, or slip-on (not sandals) Cons Provides support and relieves pain, but doesn't address swelling If your shoes still fit, but your feet ache during pregnancy, maybe an insert is a better option than trying to find new shoes. There are a lot of different options out there, but we really like Dr. Scholl's Work Insoles because they're designed to offer support and comfort to anyone who spends a ton of time on their feet all day. These insoles have a massaging gel for a custom fit cushion and shock absorption. Additionally, they provide plenty of arch support and take some of the pressure off the legs and joints. The best part is that all you do is trim them to size, slip them into your shoe, and you're all set. Price at time of publication: $19Key Specs:Materials: Gel and synthetic | Wide Sizing: No | Size Range: One Size Best Heels Naturalizer Teresa Platform Pump Nordstrom View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Dsw.com Pros Designed to look like a regular pump Feature a cushioned footbed for comfort and support Come in a range of colors Cons Not the most stable shoe to wear during pregnancy According to Dr. Mendeszoon, pregnant people should avoid heels, as most styles don't provide enough support and stability (which can cause falls and injury). However, we understand that some outfits and events may call for a pair of cute heels, and for those exceptions, we really like the Naturalizer Teresa Platform Pump. These heels have a small platform and a wider heel to offer more stability than a standard pump, and they're also made with a contour cushioned footbed for extra comfort and support. These pumps are available in a range of colors and materials, and they come in narrow, medium, and wide sizes. Price at time of publication: $35Key Specs:Materials: Leather or textile upper, synthetic sole | Wide Sizing: Yes | Size Range: 4-12 The 10 Best Maternity Workout Clothes Final Verdict Any of the shoes on this list are great options during pregnancy, but we ranked the New Balance Nergize Sport Sneaker highest because of its lightweight design, overall style, construction, and comfort. How We Selected the Best Pregnancy Shoes Before choosing the products for this list, we consulted with Mark Mendeszoon, DPM, podiatrist, foot and ankle surgeon, and Physician Spokesperson for the American Podiatric Medical Association, to learn more about feet during pregnancy, including how to support them and how to avoid injury. Then, we researched dozens of different shoes based on his expert insight and narrowed the list down by considering style, fit, construction, and reviews. What to Look for When Buying Shoes During Pregnancy Fit and Support Shopping for shoes during pregnancy is quite a different experience than pre-pregnancy. According to Dr. Mendeszoon, your feet change and grow like the rest of your body, so comfort and support are important features to shop for. Make sure the shoe fits well around your ankle, offering enough support so you don't risk rolling or spraining it because your center of gravity may be off. Additionally, given the extra weight you carry during pregnancy, you'll want a shoe with extra arch support to help take some of the pressure off the ball and heel of the foot. Whether you are on your feet all day or you're sitting down more often than not, your shoes also need to fit well. They shouldn't cause any blistering, overheating, or cause you to feel a shock with every step you take. To help with this, Dr. Mendeszoon says, "the general rule of thumb is to buy a shoe a half to one size larger [than normal] to allow for feet to swell and to change." Flexibility and Stretch If you're experiencing swollen feet during pregnancy, it's likely that they become more swollen as the day goes on, so you'll want to look for a shoe that will fit you just as well by the end of the day as it does first thing in the morning. "Shoes [that] should be avoided during pregnancy [are] ones that do not have...any give or flexibility to them," says Dr. Mendeszoon. "Typical examples are high heel shoes [and] hard sole leather shoes, such as penny loafers or dress shoes, and avoiding flip-flops is strongly recommended." Look for shoes that have some give but still offer support, like a sneaker with a knit or mesh upper or something with a bit of elastic. Another good idea is to look for shoes that can be adjusted in some way, such as with buckles, Velcro, or laces. Construction There is no use in investing in new shoes if they're not well-made because they probably won't last you throughout your pregnancy. Generally, you'll want to pay attention to the seams of the shoes and how well they're sewn together. Also, consider the materials of the inner and outer soles. Is it durable, or will it wear down quickly? If you're shopping for shoes to wear on a regular basis, consider how they'll hold up in different weather, too. Most of these things are easy to check when you're shopping in person, but if you're online shopping, be sure to read through some of the customer reviews to get a better sense of durability and construction. Frequently Asked Questions When should I be concerned about swollen feet during pregnancy? According to podiatrist Mark Mendeszoon, DPM, it depends on the person and their individual circumstances. "Generally, after the first trimester, feet can really start to change and usually become swollen with fluid," he says. "Then as pregnancy continues to progress, structures can change in which the feet change in shape and size."Overall, swelling in the feet during pregnancy is perfectly normal, but it's important to monitor the situation and talk to your healthcare provider if there's been a sudden change in the situation, or if you’re just worried and would like some peace of mind. What are the best shoes to wear on swollen feet? "Running shoes probably provide the best biomechanical support and comfort for feet during pregnancy," says Dr. Mendeszoon. Look for a pair made with flexible materials or that have adjustments so that they will continue to fit you throughout the day as your feet swell.Also, consider looking for a pair of shoes that offer just a little bit of compression to help reduce swelling (they should not be tight, though, and they should still have some flexibility to them). Finally, heat can make feet swell up whether you're pregnant or not, so it's important to look for shoes that also offer some breathability. Does your shoe size go back to normal after pregnancy? If you're sitting there, staring at your pre-pregnancy shoes longingly, you may or may not be able to fit into them again someday. For pregnant people whose feet are wider and puffier due to swelling only, you might be in luck, but if you find you need larger shoes even on the days your feet aren't swollen, then chances are high it will stay that way."The swelling in the feet can take a year to resolve," says Dr. Mendeszoon, "but if [people] notice their feet have become bigger structurally and are measured to a larger size [than pre-pregnancy], it is very unlikely that their feet will go back to a smaller size." Why Trust Verywell Family Ashley Ziegler is a full-time parenting writer and mom to a 2-year-old and a 5-year-old. Throughout her first pregnancy, Ashley experienced swollen feet on a regular basis, so she understands the struggles of finding comfortable, supportive shoes for this purpose. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit