The pregnancy period is never an easy one on your feet. In addition to your own body weight, the extra baby weight leads to swelling of the feet in some women. During the second trimester, feet aches, troubling shoe sizes, and general imbalance become a norm.
Therefore, comfortable shoes top the shopping list of most pregnant mums. But what qualifies a pair of shoes to be fit for pregnancy? First of all, the shoes have to be supportive to take some of your weight during the later parts of your pregnancy.
Investing in the best shoes for pregnancy means an end to pinchy toes, blisters due to swollen feet, and hard soles. Since you deserve the best, these shoes are also flexible enough to accommodate the fluctuating shoe swells.
From trendy, fun, classy, pretty, ballet, to budget-friendly, here are some of the best shoes to wear as you run errands, go for night outs, and have fun with your partner while pregnant.
Contents
- 1 Top 10 Best Shoes for Pregnancy in 2020
- 1.1 1. Crocs Women’s Classic Clog
- 1.2 2. Skechers Performance Women’s Go Walk 3 Slip-On Walking Shoe
- 1.3 3. TOMS Women’s Classics
- 1.4 4. Skechers Performance Women’s Go Walk 4 – Pursuit Walking Shoe
- 1.5 5. BEARPAW Women’s Emma Short Fashion Boot
- 1.6 6. Alegria Women’s Paloma Flat
- 1.7 7. Dansko Women’s Professional Tooled Clog
- 1.8 8. BOBS from Skechers Women’s Plush Fashion Slip-On Flat
- 1.9 9. Roxy Women’s Bayshore Slip on Shoe Sneaker
- 1.10 10. Skechers You-14960 Sneaker
- 2 How to Choose the Best Shoes for Pregnancy?
- 3 Frequently Asked Questions about the Best Shoes for Pregnancy
- 3.1 Q: Are heels recommended during pregnancy?
- 3.2 Q: I hear feet grow in size during pregnancy, so should I size up?
- 3.3 Q: Can I continue exercising in pregnancy shoes?
- 3.4 Q: Is it possible to wear my regular shoes during pregnancy?
- 3.5 Q: Should I consider ease of putting on such as slip-ons when buying maternity shoes?
- 4 Conclusion
Top 10 Best Shoes for Pregnancy in 2020
| MODEL | MATERIAL | OUR RATING |
|---|---|---|
| Crocs Women’s Classic Clog | Synthetic sole | 4.7 |
| Skechers Performance Women's Go Walk 3 Slip-On Walking | Rubber sole | 4.9 |
| TOMS Women's Classics | Synthetic sole | 4.6 |
| Skechers Performance Women’s Go Walk 4 – Pursuit Walking | Rubber sole | 4.7 |
| BEARPAW Women’s Emma Short Fashion Boot | Rubber sole | 4.7 |
| Alegria Women’s Paloma Flat | Rubber sole | 4.7 |
| Dansko Women’s Professional Tooled Clog | Synthetic sole | 4.8 |
| BOBS from Skechers Women’s Plush Fashion Slip-On Flat | Rubber sole | 4.6 |
| Roxy Women’s Bayshore Slip on Shoe Sneaker | Fabric sole | 4.7 |
| Skechers You-14960 Sneaker | Rubber sole | 4.8 |
1. Crocs Women’s Classic Clog
A friend of mine gives the best description ever. She calls them “chips in the church”, reason being, while everyone stares at them disgustingly, deep down every one of them wants a bite. I know you might be wondering what a high heels girl like you could be doing with crocs. But here is the deal, during pregnancy, high heels are out of the equation.
The crocs women classic clog is the type of shoe that’s laid back and comfortable as you need them to be. It is packed with almost every feature you might need. For one, it is lightweight, open enough to articulate in shoe air flow, are well cushioned, and aren’t fussy. If you find this hard to believe, then you haven’t spotted nurses coming off 12-hour shifts strapped in them.
One of the features that make it a great pair of shoes for pregnancy is the roomy fit. The shoe upper is raised such that there is minimal contact between the upper and your foot. As a result, when your foot swells in the course of the day, there is still enough space to keep your feet from getting in contact with the upper.
A classic heel strap has the ability to be worn over the shoe or over the heels, depending on mommy’s preference. When over the heels, the fit becomes more secure. A rubber outsole generates excellent traction, eliminating slippage on polished, wet, or oily floors. In some of the crocs, the pivoting strap is short, thus cramming the foot in discomfort.
Pros
Cons
2. Skechers Performance Women’s Go Walk 3 Slip-On Walking Shoe
The Skechers performance women go walk 3 is one of the best options for maternity shoes that you may consider. Featuring a combination of athletism and comforting looks, the Skechers Go walk 3 strikes for me is in all the right places what a maternity shoe is meant to be. To start with, its knitted and meshed upper keeps the shoes cool even in hot weather.
Since you have lots of stuff to handle, what could be more relieving than a slip on a feature? This eliminates the need for fussy laces. A slip-on feature is also great because of how roomy they are. Accordingly, you stay comfortable in your shoes even when your foot swells in the course of the day. Moreover, a soft fabric lining in the interior adds to the comfort levels.
During pregnancy, it is important to find well supportive and cushioned shoes. For this, the Go walk 3 utilizes memory foam padding technology around the heel area. It’s a great designing technique that creates a bouncy kind of feel to take off some weight off you. In addition, a synthetic stabilizer around the heel panel keeps your feet in a neutral stride position.
Other great features to look for include independent GOimpulse as well as integrated Goga Pillars. These two offer sensory feedbacks, thereby making the shoes responsive and flexible during your every step. In all their flare, they aren’t without a fair share of cons such as the narrow opening that some moms find too tight for comfort.
Pros
Cons
3. TOMS Women’s Classics
Before you try them out, you can never truly appreciate how comfortable the TOMS women’s classics are. And then, there is also the noble act that TOMS does, whereby they donate high- quality shoes to children in need of footwear. This is facilitated through their One for One program. I think by opting for one of these, you’d be indirectly contributing to this course.
I must admit, these look really stylish. The classic alpargata style with a canvas shoe upper, suede footbed, and elastic gore makes you stand out for your sense of style. Apart from personifying you as a whole, these shoes are a great choice especially their non-restrictive ankle design. The elastic gore fitted creates ample expansion room when need be.
While running large is bad for certain pairs of shoes, it is a welcome relief in maternity shoes. As the canvas material enlarges, potential foot swells and shrinks are accommodated. The non-skid soles made from a synthetic material may not be as great as rubber attraction, but they perform relatively great, keeping you from slipping.
Even though these shoes are under the flats category, you still get decent arch support, thanks to the supportive insole. Arch support is also not impressive, although it does just enough to keep your feet from feeling fatigued due to ground-underfoot contact. Another great feature is that it takes only a day or two for you to break into them.
Pros
Cons
4. Skechers Performance Women’s Go Walk 4 – Pursuit Walking Shoe
Expectant moms looking for excellent walking shoes might consider the Go walk 4 from Skechers. It is an upgrade on the previous walk 3 version. Unlike a number of pregnancy shoe options without wide options, this product has such provisions. Also, the pair of shoes is lightweight and is adored for its sense of style.
Lengthwise, the Go walk 4 follows the standard ½ size increments. However, for the width, there are two variables available: Size B is medium, while size D is wide. Concerted efforts to lower the shoe price means the midsole doubles up as the outsole in a figure 8 design. As such, body weight becomes evenly distributed for a smooth stride transition.
Treads under the outsole face multiple directions for better traction, regardless of the surface. Goga pillars on both forefoot and heel sections of the outsole neutralize impacts as your foot lands on the ground. Another great feature is the 5GEN midsole with bouncy characteristic to decrease the likelihood of foot fatigue, the one nightmare you have to avoid.
Bamboo lining naturally controls odor-causing bacteria from the shoes. What’s more, an athletic-grade shoe upper is designed to any foot movements as you move. The material has meshed, to keep your feet fresh. Fabric overlays on the toe box, rear foot, and instep add rigidity. I am a little concerned for the little arch support, just a number of users have noted.
Pros
Cons
5. BEARPAW Women’s Emma Short Fashion Boot
Quite possibly, the BEARPAW Emma short boots are the ideal pair of boots for someone who is expectant. Or you could be on the lookout for a comfortable pair of boots. These Emma boots are easy to use because you simply slip into them. Thereafter, they stay securely, offering you an all-around comfort.
One of the most outstanding features is the sheepskin fur, made in China. The fur creates a warm environment surrounding your foot in sheer luxury. By dying the fur into a myriad of colors, you have a good looking pair of boots. Shoe upper is made from suede so that it conforms to your foot shape and size.
Rarely would you feel sore or develop blisters on your foot. Thus, the shoes are perfect choices for every day wearing, all-year round. The flexible outsole is made from synthetic materials. Still, on the outsole, its non-marking properties mean the boots are perfect for both outdoor and indoor comfort. Warmth during cold months isn’t compromised in the use of a sheepskin for the upper.
The same sheepskin used for the upper also features on the boot footbed, rising all the way to the wool blend lining. The cylindrical opening measures 15.5” round. Such a size allows expectant moms to easily slip in and out of the shoes. The durability of the outsole is a big issue since it annoyingly develops cracks and holes.
Pros
Cons
6. Alegria Women’s Paloma Flat
The Alegria Women’s Paloma Flat shoes are one of the best shoes for pregnancy. That’s not all; they are also an excellent choice for those simply looking for comforting footwear. How does it achieve this much comfort level? All Alegria shoes feature a mild rocker sole, easing steps and in return giving impeccable energy return.
You are then left feeling relaxed after a considerable amount of time walking. Additionally, their rocker soles are such that they promote foot posture, eradicating foot problems and bunions associated with the added baby bump weight. The result is less pain on your knees, hips, and back. What’s more, you can substitute the footbed for one of your choice/orthotic.
Alegria shoes are known for their removable footbeds made from a blend of latex, memory foam, and cork. These are flexible so as to confirm the footbed to your foot shape. Consequently, the footbed provides you with sufficient support and cushioning.
Parts of the shoes such as the shoe uppers are made from quality leather, offering protection from external elements. Note that the use of leather does not compromise on the breathability or comfort of the shoe. An extra depth fit in the toe area creates ample toe room, thus eliminating skin irritation and pinching.
Pros
Cons
7. Dansko Women’s Professional Tooled Clog
During the first and second trimesters of your pregnancy, you are still able to go about your daily activities such as work. The Dansko Pregnancy shoes are popular options among nurses who work on up to 12-hour shifts, on their feet, without flinching. Its list of pregnancy-friendly features warrants it in this list.
The leather construction makes them durable enough to last you through a couple of pregnancies (that is if you are considering having other children). As a business mom, you would be spending more time focusing on your career, rather than your feet. But if you are a closed leather shoe kind of person, then Dansko offers you sandals alternatives.
Those being said, leather isn’t the most breathable material around. Hence, these shoes remain comfortable only in cool environment. Plus, the footbed is also leather in nature. Shoe clog is embossed for durability. In addition to the foot bed, there is a Polyurethane inner frame to reduce torque generation that flips shoes while in motion.
An oily glossy finish on the leather results in a surface resistant to wetting. Cleaning the shoes then becomes a breeze, requiring only your fingertips. Furthermore, the thermoplastic toe box protects from external impacts as the tanned sock liner and synthetic foam absorb shocks. In comparison to rubber, the PU outsole is more resistant to extreme temperatures.
Pros
Cons
8. BOBS from Skechers Women’s Plush Fashion Slip-On Flat
The Skechers BOBS plush comes in upgraded style and comfort, for your peace of mind. Soft woven fabric upper has a slip on casual feature, further easing the putting on the process of the shoes. The upper is lined with an elastic panel, allowing for expansion and easy slip on and off.
The front panel features a diagonally stitched panel for a unique BOBS appearance. Toe pleat is tucked inwards, adding to the stylish nature of the shoes. Inside each BOBS pair of shoe is an arch pillow, creating enough support for your arches.
A memory foam insole is both comfortable and cushioning from light impacts that the shoe makes with the ground as you walk. Resultantly, your feet become less prone to fatigue. Inside the shoes are soft textured textile linings for a great in-shoe feel.
A low profile midsole also contributes to shock absorptions together with the flexible crepe textured outsole. The outsole is flexible to facilitate smooth heel to toe transition. Also, the rubber outsole creates traction required for slip-free walking.
Pros
Cons
9. Roxy Women’s Bayshore Slip on Shoe Sneaker
Roxy is one of the global leaders in the production of high-end footwear to suit outdoor lifestyles. Their Roxy Bayshore slip on Sneaker is actually one of my favorite sneakers. First, I like the colorful textile upper that personifies every Roxy wearer out there.
Together with the upper, you get a printed heel cup to distinguish the product from counterfeits. Also, there are 15 different color options from which to opt from. Whichever your color preference is, there is just about one that matches your sense of style.
Whereas not many people prefer the lace-up closure because of the time it takes to fit one, I find them the ideal choice for a custom fit. Look at it this way, the moment your foot swells up, you can loosen the laces for comfort, then tighten things up as soon as the swelling recedes.
Outsole flexibility is made possible by the use of a thermoplastic rubber prepared through injection molding. It is both durable and treaded for traction. The insole is of memory foam, lined with linen for good padding and coziness.
Pros
Cons
10. Skechers You-14960 Sneaker
Sincerely speaking everyone, these sneakers are light, fun to wear and make you look like the cool mom that you are. They may not be the ideal footwear for the office, but they do look great for casual and sporty events. What’s more, you can even do light training on them.
Here is the deal, these sneakers have that socky feel, with ball-like movements. Traction generation is another great feature. This feature is good because since you are walking for two; you need all the reasons not to slip, don’t you?
A meshed upper allows for excellent breathability, which is essential, more so because reaching your foot is impossible at times. It would be worse if they got smelly. For a trendy you, pair these with one of your beautiful maternity T-shirts and achieve a boss mom look.
Although these shoes spot a lace system, they are in fact slip-on. Just stick your foot into them and wiggle them around for the perfect heel fit and you are off. Multi-direction treads on the outsole complete the traction generation features.
Pros
Cons
How to Choose the Best Shoes for Pregnancy?
1. Comfort
There is no doubt that pregnancy is one of the most challenging periods women go through in terms of physical experiences. As such, your footwear has to offer as much support and comfort as possible to minimize the foot pains, arches, and swelling.
The first comforting feature to look for is a cushioned footbed. For this, the best choice is a memory foam footbed. It offers a soft base for your foot to soften blows felt on susceptible parts of the foot such as the heel and forefoot. Also, pay attention to EVA footbeds.
Insoles lining is also crucial in creating comfort. Another critical cog in choosing the best pregnancy shoe is adjustable straps. Keep in mind that your foot would be changing in size throughout the day, accommodating the changes is key to your overall well-being.
2. Arch Support
Also just as crucial as comfort is arch support. The best shoe choices are those that cradles your foot, reducing the surface area in contact with the ground. Look for a deep heel cup to realign the foot in its natural position.
Some of the shoes designed to offer ample arch support are running and walking shoes. It is easier to start your search from there onwards. If not, look for a pair of shoes with removable foot beds so that you can replace them with custom orthotics for comfort.
3. Type of Outsole
With pregnancy comes lots of body changes, not only on your foot. The shift in your natural balance means you have to take extra care not to topple over or slip. Therefore, any good pair of pregnancy shoes should securely grip any surface you are standing on.
Wet surfaces are the worst for moms. Of the outsole materials, rubber is the best choice as it offers two functionalities in a single feature. Rubber is both cushiony and grippy, which are what you need.
Stay away from synthetic leather or hard plastic outsoles. They may be durable, but not stable at all. These are the types of outsoles found in formal shoes. Keep off them for now.
4. Breathability and Air Flow
Increased body weight often means increased body activities, thus more heat generation. Over the past years, I have learned this the hard way as the regular footwear I would have on heated up rather faster than usual.
This is why it is imperative that you grab yourself a pair of well-ventilated maternity shoes. These are designed to better manage the airflow as well as managing perspiration in more efficient ways than regular footwear.
Breathable materials to opt for include suede, leather, and textile. These are made to allow hot air to escape from the shoes and cool air to flow back in. Moisture-wicking capabilities also thwart sweat from building up inside the shoes. Textile linings are great at moisture wicking. Also, an antimicrobial treated insole is a bonus in terms of order management.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Best Shoes for Pregnancy
Q: Are heels recommended during pregnancy?
A: No. Heels expose you to a myriad of risks, top of them being instability. And since you are walking for you, we need both of you to stay out of harm’s way. Secondly, heels aren’t cushioned and comfortable most of the time.
Q: I hear feet grow in size during pregnancy, so should I size up?
A: While it’s true that feet do swell during pregnancy, not everyone experiences the same. The right strategy would be to choose a pair of shoes that adjusts to swelling and growing feet, meaning you don’t have to size them up. Elastic bands along the upper or adjustable straps and laces are the better choice.
Q: Can I continue exercising in pregnancy shoes?
A: Absolutely. There is no reason why you should stop exercising because of your condition. With a good pair of walking/athletic shoes with an EVA midsole and rubber outsole for cushioning and grip respectively, continue exercising, provided you can handle the physicality.
Q: Is it possible to wear my regular shoes during pregnancy?
A: Yes, it’s possible provided they meet the characteristics I had illustrated earlier. I have met a countless number of moms sporting their usual wear even with a baby bump. But because of the changes, you may find them discomforting, hence the need to buy pregnancy shoes.
Q: Should I consider ease of putting on such as slip-ons when buying maternity shoes?
A: When pregnant, bending down to fix the laces is a nightmare. Instead, opt for slip-on shoes that you can conveniently slip into. However, personal preferences are often at hand when making these choices, so choose one that suits your style the most.
Conclusion
More often than not, footwear is overlooked during pregnancy as most of the focus shifts to the ever-growing belly. Keeping in mind the growing baby bump, stable shoes are a must in order to maintain the appropriate body balance.
Fortunately, there are thousands of functional, yet cute looking shoes to rock in during your pregnancy. I have described 10 of these to make it easier for you to settle on appropriate footwear.
Of the 10, I feel the Skechers Performance Women’s Go Walk 3 Slip-On Walking Shoe is the best shoes for pregnancy. They are super easy to wear and take off, incredibly comfortable even when worn for extended periods, and are supportive enough to alleviate pains and injuries. And they are super cute too. Thus, they are my top pick for the best shoes for pregnancy.
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