Pregnancy is one of the most important events in a woman’s life, but it comes with its share of problems and challenges.
There are some physical changes that a woman will have to undergo during the nine months preceding childbirth, one of these changes affecting her feet.
Why The Need for Pregnancy Shoes
Pregnancy can cause significant swelling in your feet and may lead to flat feet and heel pain.[1]
- Swelling – During pregnancy, particularly in the last few months, a women’s feet, ankles, and legs tend to swell up quite a bit, much so that normal shoes will not fit anymore.[2] The hormonal changes in a woman’s body cause fluid accumulation in the tissues, particularly that of the lower limbs, resulting in swelling. Swelling can cause great discomfort; therefore, a shoe with a wide toe area or flexible uppers is recommended.
- Fallen Arches – Because of the weight gain during pregnancy and the hormone Relaxin released to loosen the joints, a woman’s feet may become flattered and more prominent than usual during and after pregnancy.[3] You may, however, also end up with a low or flat arch post-pregnancy that will not return to normal.
- Improper and Ill-Fitting Shoes – Shoes for pregnancy should be comfortable and supportive and big and wide enough to accommodate swollen feet, legs, and ankles. Ill-fitting and uncomfortable shoes during pregnancy can lead to walking problems, injuries, and foot damage. A good pair of pregnancy shoes could reduce swelling and stabilize you.
Benefits of Wearing a Specific Pregnancy Shoes
There are so many health and comfort benefits to wearing Pregnancy Shoes;
- Swelling and Pain – A comfortable and properly fitting pregnancy shoe offers maximum comfort and support to accommodate swelling and help reduce pain.[4]
- Helps Lower the Risk of Injuries – A good pregnancy shoe will provide adequate support and protection to help lower the risk of injuries.
- Breathable – The swelling and hormonal changes together can cause overheating, burning, and excessive sweating of the feet. A breathable design shoe with lightweight and ventilated materials can help reduce sweating, absorb moisture, and keep your feet cool.
Features of a Good Shoe for Pregnancy
- Uppers – Comfortable uppers that are lightweight, breathable, and flexible enough to accommodate swelling. A roomy toe box with an extra depth design is highly recommended for swelling.
- Comfort – Comfort features such as cushioning, smooth moisture-wicking linings, and cooling elements are ideal, particularly in the heel area.
- Support – Support and stability features to control motion and help lower the risk of injuries, such as a heel clutching system and contoured footbed.
- Shock Absorbency – A thick sole and cushioned foam or EVA midsole for shock absorbency and cushioning.
- Outsole – Slip resistance and durability on the outsole are key; opt for rubber with a lug or patterned and slip-resistant tread.
Key Specs Compared
Numbers match the reviews below (tap to jump).
| No. | Shoe | Type | Upper | Closure | Cushioning (as listed) | Outsole |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Balance 928V3 | Walking Shoe | Leather | Lace-up | Not stated | Rubber |
| 2 | Skechers Go Walk 8 | Sneaker | Not stated | Not stated | ULTRA GO | Not stated |
| 3 | Birkenstock Arizona | Sandal | Suede | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated |
| 4 | Clarks Leisa Cacti | Sandal | Leather | Strap | EVA | Not stated |
| 5 | Dr. Comfort Mallory Diabetic | Dress Shoe | Suede | Slip-on | Not stated | Not stated |
| 6 | Clarks Zylah Vine | Loafer | Leather | Buckle | Not stated | Not stated |
| 7 | Dr. Comfort Cozy | Slipper | Suede | Not stated | EVA | Rubber |
| 8 | Birkenstock Flip Flop Sandals | Sandal | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated |
| 9 | ASICS Gel-DS | Running Shoe | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated |
| 10 | Skechers Parties-Mate | Dress Shoe | Suede | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated |
| 11 | FitFlop LULU Glitter Toe-Post | Work Shoe | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated | Slip-resistant rubber |
– = not stated on the Amazon listing. Specs as stated by the listing, not tested by us; check the listing before you buy.
Reviews: Best Shoes for Pregnancy
Here are a few great choices that will make the best available shoes for pregnancy symptoms;
We hope you love the products we recommend!
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1
The New Balance 928 is a lightweight, comfortable walking shoe with great features for pregnancy symptoms.
- Soft, flexible leather uppers with a full mouth to accommodate swollen feet.
- Lightweight to wear-reducing strain on the feet and legs.
- Comfortable and wide dimensions as well as available in large sizes.
- The rubber sole is durable and offers an excellent grip to prevent slipping.
2
The Skechers Go Walk 8 is a supportive cushioned sneaker, made for everyday wear, and it is worth a look for shoes for pregnancy.
- Lightweight, responsive ULTRA GO midsole cushioning, a useful trait in shoes for pregnancy.
- High-rebound ultra-lightweight Comfort Pillar Technology for added support, the kind of support many people look for in shoes for pregnancy.
- Skechers Air-Cooled Goga Mat breathable insole with high-rebound cushioning, a useful trait in shoes for pregnancy.
- Durable dual-density traction outsole for stability, the kind of support many people look for in shoes for pregnancy.
- Machine washable, air dry.
- Check the Amazon listing for current colors and size availability before you order.
- Compare the size chart on the listing, since fit can vary between colorways and versions.
3
Birkenstock offers a comfortable and lightweight sandals pair; the Arizona model is perfect for swollen feet during pregnancy.
- Leather upper straps with adjustable buckles provide comfort for swollen feet.
- A cushioned footbed and shock-absorbing EVA midsole for comfort and support.
- A synthetic sole that offers a good grip.
- The anatomical cork shape footbed original to Birkenstock offers superior comfort and support.
- Wide dimensions and available in larger sizes.
4
The Clarks Leisa cacti is a feminine and stylish-looking sandal that offers a comfortable and supportive footbed with a broader fit for all pregnant women.
- The uppers are soft and supple full-grain leather.
- The outsole is made from durable synthetic materials and will give you a good grip on different surfaces.
- A wider fit will accommodate swollen feet.
- The footbed is covered with an Ortholite Sheet for better comfort and support.
- A quality fabric sock liner to keep your feet dry and comfortable.
5
The Dr. Comfort Mallory Diabetic is a supportive leather dress shoe, made for everyday wear, and it is worth a look for shoes for pregnancy.
- Women’s Dress: a modern-day leather slip-on dress shoe with micro-suede lining, helpful on the surfaces you meet during pregnancy.
- Footbeds can be removed to accommodate your own orthotics, which adds step-in comfort for pregnancy.
- Use of rigid shank in the mid-foot of the outsole delivers arch stability, the kind of support many people look for in shoes for pregnancy.
- Firm heel counter for support, padded heel counter, and padded tongue to help reduce irritation, a useful trait in shoes for pregnancy.
- Check the Amazon listing for current colors and size availability before you order.
- Compare the size chart on the listing, since fit can vary between colorways and versions.
6
The Clarks Zylah Vine is a leather loafer, made for everyday wear, and it is worth a look for shoes for pregnancy.
- Dressed-up or down, loafer Clarks Collection Zylah Vine ties every look together effortlessly.
- Premium upper with buckle hardware accent.
- Elastic gore inserts offer easy foot entry.
- Padded collar lends additional support and comfort around the ankle, a useful trait in shoes for pregnancy.
- Smooth, soft jersey upper lining, which helps keep long stretches of pregnancy comfortable.
- Check the Amazon listing for current colors and size availability before you order.
- Compare the size chart on the listing, since fit can vary between colorways and versions.
7
Slippers from Dr. Comfort are soft, comfortable, and easy to slip on without bending down.
- It comes with a cushioned and shock-absorbing Gel Insert.
- The extra depth design is perfect for swollen feet.
- Comes in wider width options and extended sizes.
- A Microfiber upper and fleece lining for comfort.
- Durable and gripping rubber outsole.
8
The Birkenstock Flip Flop Sandals is a sandal, made for warm days, and it is worth a look for shoes for pregnancy.
- Schmaler, individual einstellbarer Riemen mit korrosionsgeschützter Dornen-Schnalle.
- Schicker Zehentrenner für Damen aus robustem Birko-Flor von Birkenstock.
- Check the Amazon listing for current colors and size availability before you order.
- Compare the size chart on the listing, since fit can vary between colorways and versions.
9
The ASICS Gel-DS is a running shoe, made for daily miles, and it is worth a look for shoes for pregnancy.
- Check the Amazon listing for current colors and size availability before you order.
- Compare the size chart on the listing, since fit can vary between colorways and versions.
10
The Skechers Parties-Mate is a cushioned leather dress shoe, made for everyday wear, and it is worth a look for shoes for pregnancy.
- Perfect dress shoes for women featuring premium leather upper with contrast stitching for a timeless oxford look.
- These office shoes for women come with a cushioned comfort insole and padded collar for extended wear, a useful trait in shoes for pregnancy.
- Formal shoes for women that transition seamlessly from office to evening with classic bump-toe styling.
- Flexible traction outsole with 1 1/2-inch heel provides stable footing and confident steps, a practical detail for pregnancy.
- Check the Amazon listing for current colors and size availability before you order.
- Compare the size chart on the listing, since fit can vary between colorways and versions.
11
The FitFlop LULU Glitter Toe-Post is a slip-resistant sandal, made for warm days, and it is worth a look for shoes for pregnancy.
- Slip-resistant rubber outsole, helpful on the surfaces you meet during pregnancy.
- Firm at the heel to reduce impact, soft in the middle to maximise comfort, medium at the toes to help you ‘push off’, a useful trait in shoes for pregnancy.
- Check the Amazon listing for current colors and size availability before you order.
- Compare the size chart on the listing, since fit can vary between colorways and versions.
It is crucial to find a shoe that fits comfortably and has adequate room to accommodate swollen feet during pregnancy.
Ensure that your shoe is cushioned and supportive of reducing the impact on your feet when walking or standing.[5]
You cannot go wrong with any of the listed choices. They will all aid in reducing swelling and minimizing strain on your feet and ankles.
Index Table: Top Rated Shoes for Pregnancy
Sources
General background on foot health and footwear. This is not medical advice; see a doctor or podiatrist about foot pain or a foot condition.
- Cleveland Clinic: Flat Feet (Pes Planus)
- NHS: Swollen ankles, feet and fingers in pregnancy
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists: Exercise During Pregnancy
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (OrthoInfo): Athletic Shoes
- Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety: Foot Comfort and Safety at Work
Update History
- Oct 2026: Updated Skechers Performance Go Walk to Skechers Go Walk 8
- Oct 2026: Updated Clarks Danelly to Clarks Zylah Vine
- Oct 2026: Updated Birkenstock Mayari to Birkenstock Flip Flop Sandals
- Oct 2026: Updated Asics DS Trainer 24 to ASICS Gel-DS
- Oct 2026: Updated Skechers Seager to Skechers Parties-Mate
- Oct 2026: Updated FitFlop Iqushion to FitFlop LULU Glitter Toe-Post
- Oct 2026: Renamed Dr. Comfort Loafers to Dr. Comfort Mallory Diabetic to match the current Amazon listing
- Oct 2026: Removed Aravon Katy and Vionic Orthaheel Walker (unavailable)
- Mar 2022: Added Dr. Comfort Loafers
- Jan 2022: Added Birkenstock Arizona
- Jul 2021: Added Vionic Orthaheel Walker and Clarks Danelly
- Sep 2020: Added Asics DS Trainer 24
- Jan 2020: Added Skechers Seager and FitFlop Iqushion
- Apr 2019: Added Dr. Comfort Cozy and Birkenstock Mayari
- May 2017: Added New Balance 928V3
- Apr 2016: First published
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