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14 Best Shoes For Pregnancy (Review) In 2022

Best Choice
toms women’s black canvas alpargata
TOMS Women’s Alpargata Shoes For Pregnancy
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Best Value
crocs women’s swiftwater sandal
Crocs Women’s Swiftwater Sandal
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Premium Pick
orthofeet comfort plantar fasciitis
Orthofeet Comfort Plantar Fasciitis Shoes for Women
Check Latest Price
By Shoe Hero
Published 07:41 am
Show contents
Contents
  1. 1. TOMS Women’s Black Canvas Alpargata Shoes For Pregnancy
  2. 2. Birkenstock Arizona Vegan Shoes For Pregnancy
  3. 3. Skechers Empire Fashion Shoes For Pregnancy
  4. 4. Crocs Women’s Swiftwater Sandal
  5. 5. Vionic Agile Opal Slip-on Sneakers
  6. 6. Tiosebon Women’s Athletic Casual Comfort Shoes
  7. 7. Riverberry Aria Closed Ballet Style Shoes
  8. 8. A2 by Aerosoles
  9. 9. Propet Travelfit Slide Walking Shoe
  10. 10. Orthofeet Comfort Plantar Fasciitis Shoes for Women
  11. 11. Qupid Neo 144 Slouch Boot
  12. 13. Vionic Tide Sequins Toe Post Sandal
  13. 14. VenusCelia Women’s Breathable Walking Flat Loafer
  14. 15. Nalho Women’s Yoga Mat Memory Foam Sandals

There’s never a time in anyone’s life where their body undergoes more physical stress and chemical imbalances than pregnancy. It depletes your energy, causes aches and pains in places you didn’t know you had, and brings a wave of fatigue that seems inescapable. Fortunately, getting the right pair of pregnancy shoes can be the answer you’ve been waiting for. We’ve reviewed the best shoes for pregnancy that are specifically designed to assist in cradling the physical burden of bearing a child, and make each step a little easier to deal with.

The Best Shoes For Pregnancy

Best choice

1.
TOMS Women’s Black Canvas Alpargata Shoes For Pregnancy

toms women’s black canvas alpargata
Key Features

    100% cotton construction

    Available in sixteen different styles

    Low-top design

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Even we were a bit shocked, but after all the testing, TOMS for women ended up coming in on top. As the best shoes for pregnant women, you’re able to feel long-lasting comfort while riding on heightened durability. Many low-end pregnancy shoes run out fairly fast, because they’re padded for comfort without having actual support. TOMS takes everything into account, from the thick rubber insole to the canvas upper for easy cleaning. Everything is a 100% cotton design, which is good for cleaning the exterior, but the interior can be quite a handful. Due to the colors and patterns that are chosen for most of the styles, TOMS Women’s Black Canvas Alpargata Flats show dirt after a few weeks of uses. You can slip these on and get back to being productive and supported while your body is hard at work.

Pros

Eight hours of relief through the durable rubber sole

Easy to clean canvas upper (helps when the kids arrive as well)

Cons

Stretch pad near top of shoe doesn’t help much

Interior print color is easy to get dirty

2.
Birkenstock Arizona Vegan Shoes For Pregnancy

birkenstock arizona vegan
Key Features

    Available in over thirty different styles

    Cork footbed helps with support

    Straps are completely adjustable

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Well, vegan is simply in the title—these slides for women are made out of 100% leather, and outfitted with a synthetic sole. You’ll also have a cork footbed to absorb shock and harsh steps throughout the day, making this excellent for those of you who want to maintain a certain sense of style, while still getting that comfort in an open-toed shoe. There are well over thirty different styles to choose from, and you’ll have to toy around to see what you like best. The main model we chose with the highest satisfaction rating (silver straps) has one issue; the straps start to show cracking after light use because of their color. That being said, the straps are completely adjustable and offer a wide range of comfort. Based on the materials, you’ll have Birkenstock Arizona Vegan Sandals for years (and possibly more pregnancies) to come.

Pros

Durable and long-lasting 100% leather construction

Shock absorption works well during staircase climbs

Cons

Silver straps are a nice touch, but they will show crack marks after light use

EU to US conversion can be a bit wonky

3.
Skechers Empire Fashion Shoes For Pregnancy

skechers empire fashion
Key Features

    Easily adjustable laces

    100% faux leather construction

    Toe seam designed not to bother you

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Skechers is that commercial from your childhood, the brand that offered fantastic comfort for children’s shoes—but their women’s lineup of sneakers is even more impressive. The Empire Fashion sneaker offers a cushiony insole that keeps your feet completely protected, due in part by the mesh walls and cushioned collar. One of the unfortunate things about pregnancy is that  you sweat a lot more than you used to, so the mesh walls of these sneakers will help you to stay cool no matter what. No more stinky feet at the end of the day. The thing is, this design choice comes with a consequence. There’s a short lifespan on this, as most users report no more than 18 months of durability on average. They won’t have a hole in them, but they’ll need to be replaced by this point. Feel free to also use them as comfortable flats for work.

Pros

Breathable mesh prevents odors from arising at the end of the day

Cushioned collar keeps you comfortable in a wide range of motion

Cons

Not many styles to choose from

15-18 month lifespan

Best Price

4.
Crocs Women’s Swiftwater Sandal

crocs women’s swiftwater sandal
Key Features

    Synthetic insole

    0.25” platform for a low-to-the-ground feeling

    Two-way traction padding along the bottom

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Don’t turn your nose up at Crocs—there’s more to these than it initially looks like. There’s a three-way strap that goes over your foot, but they’re not constricting in the least. You’ll be able to slip Crocs Women’s Swiftwater Sandals off at random, which is especially helpful if you’re working in a sedentary position where swelling can occur. The third strap (closest to the toe) does get a bit irritating on hot day, but it is very situational. The synthetic insole helps to cushion shocks, though the arch support is thin, so do tread lightly. The best bit of support is in the heel of these walking sandals, where a 0.25” raised bed gives excellent comfort to the highest pressure point on your feet. 

Pros

Quick slip-on action means you can kick them off under the desk without worry

Very supportive of your heel

Cons

Arch support could be improved

Third strap can get irritating on hot days

5.
Vionic Agile Opal Slip-on Sneakers

vionic agile opal slip on sneakers
Key Features

    Mesh siding is designed to ventilate while you walk

    Oversized pull-on loop gives assistance during pregnancy

    Ture to size almost every single time

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Vionic’s take on pregnancy-friendly shoes is truly breathtaking, because they incorporated a friendly design that’s acceptable for work, play, and the down time in between. While they only give five colors to choose from, going with the blue or black/red combination gives you comfort without anyone ever knowing. You’ll get a series of pressure-activated traction pads on the bottom of your shoe, effectively alleviating your stress and swelling. This means Vionic Agile Opal Slip-on Sneakers won’t feel pressurized while you’re sitting down, and you can just slip them off under your desk during work. Getting them back on is easy, but keep in mind that the collar isn’t super padded, so constantly kicking them off and putting them back on might irrigate your ankles. Vionic has an excellent track record for being true to size most of the time, as well as offering mesh siding for a more ventilated and relaxing experience. For more super comfortable footwear like this, check out our guide to the best shoes for standing all day.

Pros

Versatile for office, athletic, and leisurely use

Pressure-activated traction padding keeps you

Cons

Collar padding is fairly lackluster

Limited number of designs to choose from

6.
Tiosebon Women’s Athletic Casual Comfort Shoes

tiosebon women’s athletic casual
Key Features

    Available in over 28 different styles

    Slip resistant outsole

    Elastic outsole makes fitting easier when your feet are swelling

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Shoes for pregnant women fall into two categories: expensive and stylish, or cheap and designed to look like the price tag. Tiosebon found that sweet spot in the middle, making these incredibly durable and inexpensive shoes for pregnant women in a ton of different styles. Choose from a wide array of different designs, while benefiting from the aerated and comfortable design. You’ll be able to walk in full comfort with Tiosebon Women’s Athletic Casual Comfort Shoes thanks to the mesh design on the toe box, pushing air between your toes as you move around, and the no-slip traction padding on the bottom. The collar can be a bit snug to fit into, but the extended pull-on loops in the back should help out with that. With the shock-absorbing insole, you’ll finally feel some relief where it matters most with these non-slip shoes.

Pros

Extremely breathable design thanks to the mesh construction

Ridiculously inexpensive (and durable)

Cons

Absolutely zero water resistance; don’t get caught in the rain

Collar is a bit tight to fit into

7.
Riverberry Aria Closed Ballet Style Shoes

riverberry aria closed ballet
Key Features

    Fully synthetic construction

    0.25” raised heel

    Available in over 25 different styles

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Having comfortable shoes for pregnancy matters a great deal, but looking good at the same time can be paramount for your career. Riverberry lets you maintain a proper balance between the two with features like their synthetic insole and pressure activated traction padding along the outsoles. As you step, the lines on the bottom of your heel and toes grip whatever you’re walking on, keeping you on your toes throughout the day. In between them, there’s a durable layer of rubber that offers excellent arch support. The collar along the edges protects you just enough, but the sidewalls are a bit thin, so Riverberry Aria Closed Ballet Style Shoes won’t be optimal for 10+ hour workdays. If you do need shoes for all-day shifts, check out our guide to the best shoes for nurses.

Pros

Pressure activated traction padding

Enhanced arch support

Cons

Average lifespan of one year

Thin sidewalls

8.
A2 by Aerosoles

a2 by aerosoles
Key Features

    100% textile design

    Ballerina flat insoles

    0.75” heel

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Maternity shoes can look excellent, and the A2 model proves it. Aerosoles created this one-of-a-kind maternity shoe with a diamond flex outsole, designed to grip the ground as you walk. Fatigue can strike at any point, and it’s important to have the right amount of grip for come-what-may. There’s a memory foam footbed in place here, which helps to feel like you never left the shoes in the first place. Every step you take will mold the footbed until it firms out, so you’ll be walking as naturally as possible no matter what. Some of the design choices were a bit harsh, such as the high top on the hell cup, which can be uncomfortable towards the end of the day. Overall, this inexpensive textile shoe comes in four different designs, and is the perfect way to mask comfort in professional apparel. You can even wear them as office shoes.

Pros

Memory foam footbed aids in consistent comfort

Diamond flex outsole offers excellent traction

Cons

Straps are inconvenient

Height of heel cup is thin

9.
Propet Travelfit Slide Walking Shoe

propet travelfit slide
Key Features

    100% textile and synthetic construction

    Fits wide feet like a glove; designed to account for swelling

    Simple button-style lacing system

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Who has time to mess around with laces in the morning? You’re growing a human, so let Propet Travelfit Slide Walking Shoes take care of the laces, okay? This simple system has a button that you just push, pull the no tie shoelaces in unison to tighten the shoe, and release—that’s all there is to it. Apart from the ease of use (which is a lifesaver in the third trimester), you’ll also get an ultra-padded tongue to keep you cradled in comfort throughout your hectic day. The mesh upper provides a better way to stay cool, since it ventilates your feet to prevent odors from forming. The heel goes a bit low, so you might find that the pull-on loop can be aggravating at times, but the durable (and inexpensive) textile and synthetic construction will more than make up for that. You could easily have these from one pregnancy to the next.

Pros

Mesh upper provides ventilation and prevents odors

Tongue is ultra-padded

Cons

Heel is a bit too low for the style of this shoe

Pull-on loop can aggravate your ankle

Premium Pick

10.
Orthofeet Comfort Plantar Fasciitis Shoes for Women

orthofeet comfort plantar fasciitis
Key Features

    Perforated EVA cushioning in insole

    Air cushioning for increased comfort

    Additional cushioning in toe box

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If you’re suffering from plantar fasciitis, which is common among pregnant women, then this is the relief you’ve been waiting for. Built with multiple layers of padding in the insole, Orthofeet and their comfortable shoe use cutting-edge technology to alleviate pressure in all the right areas. The right amount of cushioning cradles your feet, while the orthotic insole for plantar fasciitis and air pockets in the heel keep a bit of pep in your step by soaking up all the natural pressure of walking. Since your plantar fascia is located between the heel bone and your toes, this works to alleviate symptoms for as long as you’re wearing them. Apart from the EVA cushioning layer of your insole, you’ll also benefit from the anti-fungal and anti-microbial properties that really set this apart. It’s not going to be as cheap as the other shoes we’ve seen, but you’d be hard-pressed to find anything better than Orthofeet Comfort Plantar Fasciitis Shoes for Women.

Pros

Effectively treats plantar fasciitis symptoms while walking

Anti-microbial and anti-fungal properties

Cons

Padded tongue adds cushioning, but not where it’s needed

Limited designs aren’t very aesthetically pleasing

11.
Qupid Neo 144 Slouch Boot

qupid neo 144 slouch boot
Key Features

    Completely synthetic insole

    16.25” boot height from arch

    Extended cuff

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You might have looked at some of the shoes we’ve shown and thought, “That’s just not my style.” Qupid has you covered. These Qupid Neo 144 slouch boots are built with manmade materials to keep costs down, and since there’s no leather it’s a bit easier to keep cool while wearing them. You’ve got 16” of support from your arch up your leg, while also having a slouch top to rest easily against the cutoff for excellent comfort. There’s not much to these wide calf boots, but between the five styles and low price tag, they’re agreeable enough to offer some relief during your pregnancy.

Pros

Full support for over 16” of your feet and legs

Comfortable for about eight hours

Cons

Shorter lifespan due to the manmade materials

Tricky to get on in the third trimester

13.
Vionic Tide Sequins Toe Post Sandal

vionic tide sequins
Key Features

    Fully leather design

    Comfortable in-between toe strap

    Cushioned footbed for optimal comfort

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Vionic makes another appearance on our list, because how could you avoid these flip flops? It’s difficult to find a pair that aren’t just $3.00 slabs of rubber, especially when you need support and comfort during pregnancy. The curvature of the footbed is designed to follow the natural shape of your foot, giving a much more natural feel. That’s paired with the slight raise in cushioning on the inner side of each sandal, gifting a bit of added support where you need it most to prevent ankle rolling. With a full leather design and comfortable strap, Vionic Tide Sequins Toe Post Sandal is nearly perfect, just keep your eye on the sequins after a few months to make sure they don’t start getting loose.

Pros

Curvature follows the shape of your feet

Supports the inner side of your feet

Cons

Nothing to prevent odors from being retained

Sequins are durable for about three months, then begin to fall off

14.
VenusCelia Women’s Breathable Walking Flat Loafer

venuscelia women’s breathable walking flat loafer
Key Features

    Leather exterior

    Rubber insole

    Designed for casual and professional use

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It looks like someone blended a women’s boat shoe with a water shoe, but it all comes together quite nicely in VenusCelia Women’s Breathable Walking Flat Loafer. You’ll get a series of rubber pads along the bottom of your shoes to keep your footing in the most slipper of situations, making them great for the later stages of pregnancy. Along with them, you get a ventilated design with slats on either side and on the toe box. Just be wary of them if your feet are swelling profusely, as they might cause irritation. The slip-on design and comfortable collars are excellent, so you won’t struggle with these at any point (even when you’re using your foot to fish around under the table and can’t actually see them).

Pros

Fantastic traction thanks to numerous rubber pads on the outsole

Designated slats keep these fully ventilated at all times

Cons

Designed slats irritate your feet if they’re swollen

Traction works great, but platform feels uneven at times

15.
Nalho Women’s Yoga Mat Memory Foam Sandals

nalho women’s yoga mat
Key Features

    $1.00 donation to fight against human trafficking with each purchase

    Available in eight different designs

    Nearly always true to size

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If you’re thinking that Nalho Women’s Yoga Mat Memory Foam Sandals look comfortable, then you’d be right—we may or may not have kept a few extra pairs for ourselves. It’s like walking on a cloud, because you’re strapping 12mm of memory foam underneath your feet. It takes a few uses to adapt to your pressure points, but it cradles them while it learns your walking behavior, and accommodates for missteps and harsh walking. You’ll feel right at home when you slip your feet into the cotton sleeves. These aren’t recommended to be machine washable, but they’re open-aired enough that you shouldn’t run into any odor issues for a very long time. For more amazing stylish and comfortable shoes for women, check out our guide to the best espadrille shoes.

Pros

Memory foam cradles pressure points

Soft cotton foot sleeve will have you excited to wear them

Cons

External ring (linen) around the edge of the sandal is prone to fraying

Not machine washable

Shoe For Pregnancy Buying Guide and FAQ

There’s a lot that goes into your ideal walking shoe during pregnancy, so let’s break down every aspect that we used to build this list. You’ll find out how we made our decision for the top fifteen best pregnancy shoes, and you’ll find some answers to the most-asked questions regarding footwear during pregnancy.

How We Chose Our Selection Of  Shoes For Pregnancy

Brand - The best shoe for pregnancy isn’t going to be dependent on brand; there are plenty of inexpensive brands that do justice to these shoes. However, brands will dictate warranty fulfilment, customer service attentiveness, and if you should even be buying them in the first place. Footwear is something that’s simple for wholesale warehouse companies to get into, which is why it’s so important to find a brand that provide quality and durability above all else. Needn’t worry; we’ve taken care of that for you with this buying guide.

Price - You’ll see a common thread between most of the shoes we had on this list, and those are median prices. There are a few inexpensive pairs sprinkled throughout, as well as one pricey pair, but you get what you pay for. Once you identify a good brand, they’re going to know what their shoes are worth based on the technology that goes into them. With pregnancy shoes, you’re at a buyer’s advantage—you really only care about the function and comfort, so there’s less emphasis from manufacturers on style. They’re trying to make you something that works, the aesthetic points are just icing on the cake.

Reviews - User reviews help us determine our shortlist of products to purchase and test. You can find some of these pairs of pregnancy shoes with over 2,000 reviews on their sales pages. The volume tells us a great deal, but after reading through dozens and dozens from each pair of shoes, we’re able to make a calculated decision based on the voice of the people. Once you can spot the helpful and intelligent reviews apart from the rest of them, it makes it easier to make an informed decision.

pregnancy sneakers

Features To Look For In Shoes For Pregnancy

Sole - In and out, the soles are going to provide support and stability during use. Your outsole will help with slip resistance and traction, while the insole will deal with cushioning your pressure points and reducing fatigue wherever possible.

Upper - This section of your shoes (unless they’re sandals) will provide comfort and ventilation for your toes and the rest of your foot. It’s anything that rests above the outsole’s mid level, where the material begins covering the sides and top of your feet. Mesh uppers help a lot with keeping things cool, though there are also cushioned uppers that help with aches and pains throughout the day.

Low Heel - You’ll notice that there are no shoes on this list with more than a 0.75” heel. That’s because walking in heels is already harmful to the health of your feet and can cause plantar fasciitis, and when you’re pregnant, you’re more likely to damage your ligaments and tissue while doing normal household chores. A low heel means you’re not putting too much pressure on your arch, but you’re still a tad bit above walking on the ground.

Arch Support - Arch support is something that heels just don’t have. Your arch is a series of ligaments and tissue, most notably the plantar fascia, which connect your heel to your toes. This needs additional support during pregnancy, since the extra body weight could cause severe stress and lead to inflammation. Without proper arch support during pregnancy, you could develop problems that last far beyond the delivery date.

flat sandals for pregnancy

Shoe For Pregnancy FAQ

Q: Why are shoes important during pregnancy?

A: Comfortable shoes for pregnancy aren’t just something you want, they’re something you need. Your body is rapidly gaining various amounts of weight in ways that take its toll on your ligaments and muscles. There’s extra blood volume and weight, which can all add stress to your feet and toes.

The right shoes will not only reduce the stress and pressure, but help preserve your ligaments during pregnancy. Think of increasing putting additional weight and pressure on something until it weakens, and then lifting it all off of it. That’s sort of what happens when the pregnancy has hit its end, and you don’t want to be left with a damaged plantar fascia.

Q: Do I need different shoes for pregnancy?

A: Maternity shoes should always be different from your standard trainers or sneakers, and you definitely need them throughout pregnancy. As the pregnancy progresses, increased stressed hits you where it hurts: the arch and heel of your feet. All that additional pressure brings on swelling, water retention, and general discomfort. There’s already enough going on; you don’t need to pile it on.

With cutting-edge insoles and shock-absorbing air pockets (which aren’t as common to find in normal sneakers or shoes), you’re protecting your tendons and ligaments from stress and damage over time. The goal is to feel like a million bucks when you walk right after giving birth, so let’s keep inflammation down.

flats for pregnancy

Q: What are the best shoes for swollen feet during pregnancy?

A: Those with plenty of arch support and shock absorption. The Orthofeet model we reviewed on this list gives you a bit of every benefit you want to see in pregnancy-specific shoes. You get cushioning on the interior, an anti-microbial attribute, and plenty of support that takes the pressure off of your arches and heels.

Everyone is built differently, and those might not be the top pick for you and your needs. Sandals are great choices for the first trimester and part of the second, but eventually, you need more support and comfort than anything else. All of the shoes on this list can also be used post-pregnancy in a stylish way, so investing in a top-tier pair of shoes right now would be a wise move.

Q: Can you wear flip flops while pregnant?

A: Yes, you most certainly can, but you need to make sure there’s ample support for your arch. Sandals and flip flops traditionally lack much diversity in the footbed, which is where you’re going to see support for your arches. While you can wear flip flops during pregnancy, it’s not recommended unless they’re specifically designed.

Some of the sandals you’ve seen on this list have contoured footbeds and additional cushioning along the indent of the foot shape. Those are accounting for adverse pressure and come-what-may, but normal sandals and flip flops aren’t designed to handle the stress of pregnancy.

flats for pregnant women

Q: Is it okay to wear heels while pregnant?

А: Shoes for pregnant women come with some restrictions, and it’s a bit of a bummer, but you should absolutely not wear heels while pregnant. Your center of gravity is harshly thrown off due to the child, so you’re going to end up walking funny, increasing your chance of tripping or falling, and putting unnecessary stress on your plantar fascia and legs. If there’s a special occasion that calls for heels, find an alternative with no more than 0.75” of a platform.

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