During pregnancy, your body goes through various changes, including your feet. So, we have made a list of the best pregnancy footwear to help you choose the right one. As your body grows to accommodate your child, your feet may also get swollen and painful. Your old shoes may not fit you well, making walking uncomfortable. The padded and comfortable shoes in our list can accommodate your growing feet, offering proper support to prevent any stress or pain. Available in various designs, colors, and materials, you won’t have to sacrifice style for comfort. So, explore the different products listed below to find a pair that suits your requirements.
How Can Pregnancy Affect Your Feet?
For healthy fetal growth, your body produces more fluid and blood during pregnancy. This slows down blood circulation and causes blood to accumulate in the lower parts of your body, thus leading to foot swelling. To balance this situation, the body also produces Relaxin, a hormone that helps the joints and muscles in your legs relax, which in turn loosens the tendons and ligaments. Further, extra weight and hormonal changes during pregnancy can also cause the legs to flatten and widen (1).
Foot Care Tips During Pregnancy
Here are a few tips to help you give your feet some TLC (1) (2).
1. Diet
Staying hydrated can help improve blood flow throughout the body. Also, reducing food that contains excessive salt, fat, and caffeine will help in the proper circulation of body fluids and keep the feet healthy.
2. Exercise
Go for walks to keep the blood and fluids that travel to your legs flowing consistently. You should also take breaks at regular intervals and not spend much time sitting or standing. While working out, make sure that the workouts you choose are gentle and slow. Also wear comfortable and breathable shoes and socks when going out for walks, and avoid those that have tight straps that can hurt your feet.
3. Rest
Elevating your feet using cushions while taking a rest can help reduce pressure on your veins. Also, try to sleep on your sides so that there is minimum pressure on the body to carry blood to your heart. Wearing compression socks can also help, as it increases pressure on the legs and helps push the excess fluid back to the body. Use a pair of compression socks that does not have a tight band at the top.
15 Best Pregnancy Footwear
Don’t compromise on style for a comfortable walk.
1. Best Durable Flip-Flops: Clarks Women’s Arla Glison Flip Flop
This soft and cushiony flip-flop can take on all that excess weight and still let you walk comfortably. It is your best bet for a hot summer evening. Pros
Great for wear during and post pregnancy Made using Cushion Soft technology EVA midsole for shock absorption High-density foam provides extra cushioning Platform heels measure up to one inch Machine-washable
Cons
May not be suitable for damp areas
2. Best Breathable: Skechers Sport Women’s Breathe Easy Fortune Fashion Sneaker
If you go for walks to stay fit during pregnancy, you can opt for this comfy pair of sneakers to keep you comfortable. Here’s a video that talks about the features and benefits of these shoes. Pros
Comfortable to wear and easy to take off Soft, breathable knit mesh Shock absorbing rubber sole Memory foam insole for good arch support Available in a variety of colors and designs
Cons
May not be true to size
3. Best Comfortable: Clarks Unstructured Women’s Un.Loop Slip-On Shoe
This casual pair of shoes is comfortable to wear and looks fashionable too. This video will tell you all you need to know about this pair. Pros
Unstructured ventilation system for great airflow Enough room for toes with a broad front Cushioned heel collar for comfortable wear and movement Rubber sole for good traction
Cons
May experience tightness at the arch position
4. Best Slip-On: Under Armour Women’s Ignite VIII Slide Sandal
This simple pair of sandals can make your feet feel pampered with the ultra-soft texture and comfort it offers. Pros
Two layers of 4D foam for greater comfort Contoured foot for arch support Low heel to position the foot comfortably EVA outsole for shock absorption Strap with HeatGear lining
Cons
Velcro may not be durable
5. Best Lightweight: Ariat Women’s Cruiser Slip-on Shoe Casual
Casual is never casual for fashion-conscious women. Have a look at this uber-chic pair of slip-on casual shoes. Check out this detailed review video to learn more about the shoes. Pros
Side stretch elastic panels EVA midsole for shock absorption Duratread outsole for flexibility and slip-resistance Lightweight synthetic sole Available in various colors
Cons
May not be true to size
6. Best Supportive: Roxy Women’s Bayshore Slip-on Shoe Sneaker
Do not be fooled by the laces. This is a slip-on pair of shoes that can make walking less painful for the feet during pregnancy. Pros
Air-cooled memory foam to keep your feet cool and dry Flexible outsole for unrestricted movement Molded arch for great support Delicate print on heels Available in various colors
Cons
May not be ideal for wear in rainy season
7. Best Flexible: Skechers Bobs Women’s Keepsakes Ice Angel Slipper
This Ice Angel Slipper can help complete your classy look for the evening. Pros
Stretchable and flexible upper Rubber sole for shock absorption Faux fur detailing gives a classy look Ideal option for wear during winters
Cons
Outer material may be a tad thin
8. Best For Outdoor: Adidas Women’s Adilette CloudFoam Slide
What can be more comfy than a pair of slide slippers? Pros
Easy to wear and remove Durable and lightweight synthetic upper EVA outsole for comfortable movement Cloudfoam Plus for a comfortable feel
Cons
Size may run large
9. Best Stylish: Dr. Scholl’s Shoes Women’s Rate Boot
Now you can wear boots in summer too. This pair of boots is designed for comfortable wear. Pros
Perforated detailing and side cuts for ventilation Anatomical cushioning for comfort Lightweight and flexible material Stylish design looks attractive and fashionable One-inch heel design
Cons
May not be easy to put on
10. Best Indoor Slippers: Vionic Women’s Tide II Toe Post Sandal
Looking for a regular sandal but with extra comfort? Have a look at this toe post sandal. Pros
EVA midsoles to protect the joints from pressure TPR outsoles for a lightweight and flexible feel Ideal for indoor use Leather material offers durability Ideal for wear in summer Available in a variety of colors
Cons
May be slightly wide
11. Best For Winters: UGG Women’s Classic Mini Ii Winter Boot
It is a comfortable yet fashionable pair of boots. Now you do not have to wear plain shoes when stylish boots are equally comfortable. Pros
Cushioned Treadlite outsole for traction Waterproof body for durability Fur lining for ultra-comfortable wear Soft upper
Cons
May not be easy to put on
12. Best Water-Resistant: Crocs Women’s Swiftwater Graphic Flat Sandal Sport
Classic white sandals can complete any look. Why wear plain boring sandals when graphic sandals can look this pretty? Pros
Croslite foam cushion for comfort Super-light and flexible sandal with a synthetic sole Soft TPU straps make the sandal look attractive Outsole with flex grooves enables easy movement Water-resistant
Cons
Slightly wide
13. Best Anti-Skid: TOMS Women’s Classic Canvas Slip-On Shoe
Canvas shoes can never go out of fashion. They are cool, comfy, and durable. And this pair of shoes is really pretty. Pros
Synthetic sole prevents slipping Upper comes with an elastic inset Padded footbed offers extra comfort Cushioning rubber outsole for better shock absorption
Cons
Size may run small
14. Best Adjustable: Birkenstock Women’s Arizona
This pair of sandals is strong and sturdy and is extremely comfortable to wear. Pros
Contoured cork footbed for strong support Adjustable buckle gives a snug fit Birko-Flor upper lined with a soft fabric provides added comfort Leather and synthetic mix upper
Cons
May take time to break in
15. Best Stretchable: Skechers Women’s Cleo Bewitch Ballet Flat
When your feet start swelling, it is good to have a pair of shoes that is fully stretchable. This pair of ballet flats can be used before, during, and after your pregnancy. Pros
Air-cooled memory foam Breathable design to keep feet cool Sweat- and odor-free Offers a snug, comfortable fit Easily washable in a machine
Cons
Insole might be slightly thin
How To Choose The Right Pregnancy Footwear?
Consider the following factors when choosing pregnancy footwear.
Do I Need Different Footwear For Pregnancy?
A regular footwear may not help accommodate your weight or foot swelling during pregnancy or offer support while standing and walking. This calls for specialized footwear for pregnant ladies that is comparatively larger and comfier than regular footwear. The best pregnancy footwear comes with arch support to help provide comfort while wearing them.
Why Is Good Footwear Important During Pregnancy?
During pregnancy, your feet swell just like the rest of your body. Water retention in the body can also add to the swelling. Moreover, the increase in upper body weight puts pressure on the knees, ankle, and feet. Thus, good-quality shoes suitable for maternity can help relieve some of the pain. A good pair of shoes can prevent pain in the hips and back and eliminate the risk of slipping or tripping over.
What Makes For An Ideal Maternity Footwear?
When choosing a pair of shoes or sandals during pregnancy, ensure it
Slips on easily on foot without you having to bend. Is big in size to accommodate your growing feet. Provides good arch and ankle support.
Any pair of shoes that fulfill these requirements can prove to be a good choice. Kay Lakka, founder of Londontherapy and a doula and hypnobirthing teacher, says, “Shoe shopping during pregnancy can be frustrating because your feet swell up and contract frequently. Always opt for shoes that are stretchable and can accommodate this frequent change in feet size. Quality footwear can offer you comfort and help you feel good about yourself during pregnancy.” Kay Lakka further suggests, “If possible, rotate footwear and do not wear the same footwear every day. Keep a few good pairs that are comfy, breathable, and flexible. This will allow you to keep the pairs clean and in shape.”
Types of Maternity Footwear
Pregnancy footwear is not different from regular footwear except for the size and comfort level. Pointed heels are a big no-no during pregnancy. However, a pair of shoes with a two-inch heel should do no harm as long as it is not pointed. These are some of the different types of flat and comfortable shoes that soon-to-be mothers can opt for:
Why Trust MomJunction?
As wonderful pregnancy is, it comes with its own challenges, including swollen feet. To help you ease your pain, Poulami Nag, our inhouse writer and researcher, has curated this well-researched list of the best pregnancy footwear after reviewing multiple options in the market. She has considered factors such as material, arch support, and types of insoles to make the selection. Poulami has provided a detailed description of each product, listed its pros and cons, and has also included a buying guide section to help you choose the right pregnancy footwear.
References:
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