12 Best Shoes For Pregnancy: Comfort & Style Personified!
Every would-be mother deserves extra care, both physical and mental. The physical part is sorted with pregnancy shoes that echo comfort and ease the swollen feet that accompany pregnancy.
On May 4, 2023 – 12 minutes read
Before we get to the well-curated list of best shoes for pregnancy, let’s decipher why it’s a purchase every pregnant woman should make.
When it comes to pregnancy, we are all extra conscious about anything and everything during the entire gestation period. From what to eat and how to walk to what to watch, everything is a question of great magnitude because we want nothing but the best for the expecting mother and the baby.
During pregnancy, a woman undergoes several bodily changes, and experiences varying discomforts: back pain, weight gain, swollen feet, and hormonal imbalance, to name a few. We make every effort to make the gestation period as comfortable as possible; this includes pregnancy massages, pregnancy pillows, specific sleeping positions, exercises, etc. Today we will be talking about one such pregnancy-friendly finding, which is pregnancy shoes. We will take you through the 12 best shoes for pregnancy and help you give your feet the extra care and support that pregnancy demands.
Best Shoes For Pregnancy: Changes Your Feet Experiences During Pregnancy?
Before we list the best shoes for pregnancy, you need to first know why one needs pregnancy shoes in the first place.
Arch Drop
Wonder why they say to select the best shoes for pregnancy. Pregnancy often leads to arch drop, also called overpronation or flat feet. Pregnancy and hormonal imbalance go hand in hand. These hormonal changes lead to loose ligaments, severely impacting your feet’ length and arch. So, your foot length increases, and the arch height drops, causing pain and discomfort. This is not a universal thing; some women may feel it strongly, and others go untouched by this symptom.
This pain starts at your feet and can spread to your calves and back. So, it’s always recommended to consult a doctor and proceed as prescribed. Pregnancy shoes can be your trustworthy companion as they support your foot arch and help ease the pain with regular usage.
Foot Swelling And Pain
The credit for this also goes to hormonal imbalance and pregnancy weight gain. Sometimes there is inadequate blood circulation between your legs and heart during pregnancy. So, blood often pools in both your feet and calves, leading to pain and swelling. Also, pregnancy weight gain increases stress on your feet, thus the pain. Note that while feeling some pain is normal, always consult a doctor if it becomes unbearable.
selecting the best shoes for pregnancy, which we will list later on, will provide cushion support to your legs and help reduce the pressure your feet experience.
Ingrown Toenails
Pregnancy increases the likelihood of ingrown toenails. How? Two things. One, your nails grow faster, and two, your feet swell. So, there is an increased chance of your nails penetrating the skin around your nails, leading to painful ingrown toenails. So it’s important go for the best shoes for pregnancy which won’t cause any harm. The risk can be reduced by wearing open slip-on pregnancy shoes that provide ample breathing space for your feet.
Feet Size
Do you know that pregnancy can lead to temporary swelling in your feet and permanently alter your foot structure? Yes, pregnancy, multiple pregnancies to be exact, can change the length and width of your foot, and more than often, these changes are not reversible(1). So, if your old shoes don’t fit you anymore, it is a side effect of your pregnancy and a sign that you should go pregnancy shoe shopping and select the best shoes for pregnancy.
Best Shoes For Pregnancy: Qualities Of The Best Pregnancy Shoes
Before you invest in the best pregnancy shoes available in the market, you need to first be aware of certain qualities to look for. Why? Because certain shoes are marketed as pregnancy-friendly but are not necessarily so. So, if you enter as a knowledgeable customer, you will surely make the best purchase.
Slip-Resistant The Best Shoes For Pregnancy
Even a minor slip could be fatal for the mother and child during pregnancy. So, the best pregnancy shoes are always slip-resistant. Unlike normal shoes, they have rubber soles and tread patterns for better grip, always protecting you against slips and falls.
Best Shoes For Pregnancy: Increased Arch Support
As we mentioned before, women experience an arch drop during pregnancy, causing them great discomfort. So, the best pregnancy shoes are specifically designed to support the arch area and ensure a more comfortable walk.
Best Shoes For Pregnancy: Shock Absorption
During pregnancy, especially during the third trimester, you need to tread cautiously and reduce the impact of everyday movement on your body. That’s why pregnancy shoes have credible shock absorption capacity. They are meant to reduce the impact of each step on the entire body, and slip-on shoe pregnancy shoes ensure a smooth walk every time.
Light Weight
Going for lightweight are the best shoes for pregnancy. Pregnancy already brings along weight gain; why add to it the weight of bulky shoes? Lightweight shoes are comfortable and give your foot increased protection without causing discomfort. They are easier to walk in and more breathable than their heavier counterparts.
Easy Slip-On
always find the best shoes for pregnancy that is easy to wear. During pregnancy, bending becomes a task or even an impossibility, all thanks to your growing belly. Here, slip-on pregnancy shoes can be your best friend. They are easy to wear, and even if you don’t have a helping hand, you can easily put them on or remove them and go on with your day.
Best Shoes For Pregnancy: Shoes To Avoid During Pregnancy
High Heels
While wearing small heels is still acceptable, high heels are a big no-no during pregnancy for not one but several reasons. That’s why doctors recommend going for the best shoes for pregnancy that are something light.
- They can lead to muscle cramps and accentuate the pain you might already feel in your feet and calves.
- As high heels alter your posture, they can contribute to back pain.
- Balancing yourself in high heels is indeed a task, and there is no room for such risks during pregnancy.
- As we already discussed, pregnancy and swollen feet go hand in hand. You wouldn’t want to add more pain to your already swollen feet with uncomfortable footwear.
Shoes With Hard, Inflexible Soles
Shoes with inflexible shoes restrict movement and compromise your foot position. When you wear shoes with such soles for a long period, it can not only cause discomfort but also lead to extensive pain and swelling. That’s exactly why all the shoes we recommend today have flexible soles, enabling movement and providing comfort.
Thin Soles
Thin soles are bad at absorbing the surface impact and will cause you discomfort while walking. During pregnancy, we wish to get our share of every possible comfort, so why let thin soles take that desired comfort away from you? So, always choose heavy yet flexible soles and sign for comfortable walks, even during your third trimester.
12 Best Shoes For Pregnancy: An Expertly Curated List
We have finally arrived at the much-awaited part of this blog: 12 best shoes for pregnancy. So, without any further ado, let’s get into the list.
1. Adidas Cloudfoam Pure Running Shoes
Features: If you are looking for the best slip-on pregnancy shoes, you can rest your search with Adidas Cloudfoam Pure Running Shoes. They are easy to hear, echo comfort, and have a style quotient second to none. They are regular running shoes with added flexibility to ease into any foot type or structure. As running shoes are meant to provide ease of movement, pregnant women can enjoy their walks, earning these while reducing any discomfort to the minimum.
Price: Rs. 4586
Pros:
- Easy to wear
- Flexible
- Breathable
- Shock Absorption
- Several color options are available
Cons:
- Insufficient arch support
2. Dr. Scholl’s Shoes Madison Sneakers
Features: The second in our list of best shoes for pregnancy is Dr. Scholl’s Shoes Madison Sneakers. They are also slip-on, so no more struggling with tying or shoe laces. With a padded collar, these shoes radiate comfort. With zero risk of shoe bites and blisters, this shoe pair is worth your money. They stand tall on the grounds of flexibility and give your foot arch the support it needs.
Price: Rs. 7790
Pros:
- Soft and lightweight cushioning
- Built-in arch support
- 30+ style option
- Easy to wear
Cons:
- The design might be too basic for the style enthusiasts
- A bit at the pricier end
3. Skechers Empire Fashion Sneakers
Features: Is it possible that we are discussing the best shoes for pregnancy, and Skechers don’t make an entrance? Branded as the most comfortable shoes, Skechers Empire Fashion Sneakers can be the ideal pregnancy shoes, giving cushioned support to your feet. Again, it is slip-on and has a breathable structure, giving your feet the care it needs.
Price: Rs. 8846
Pros:
- Shock-absorption
- Flexible and breathable
- Durable
- Lightweight
- Easy slip-on shoes
Cons:
- A bit pricey
4. Vionic Women’s Beach Noosa Flip-Flop
Features: These are one of the best shoes for pregnancy as they claim to effectively relieve heel pain, and the positive reviews this product has received back this claim. With extensive motion support and a cushioned finish, they will give your foot a soothing feel and are perfect to wear inside and outside.
Price: Rs. 13,257
Pros:
- Motion Support
- Adjustable hook-and-loop closure
- Ultimate arch support
Cons:
- Expensive
5. Orthofeet Orthopedic Walking Shoes
Features: If you were already struggling with foot ailments and your pregnancy multiplied, these clinically approved Orthofeet Orthopedic Walking Shoes are the best shoes for pregnancy and can be your best companions. They are indeed pricey, but considering their benefits, they are the best work shoes for pregnancy. With orthotic insoles, arch boosters, and multiple cushioning layers, they are synonymous with comfort. They are known to not ease the pain you feel in your calves but also your knees, calves, and back.
Price: Rs. 24,088
Pros:
- Extensive arch support
- Multiple cushioning layers
- Ensures ease of walking
- Extra foam padding
Cons:
- It might burn a hole in your pocket
6. LongBay Women’s Furry Memory Foam Diabetic Slippers
Features: The next in our list of the best shoes for pregnancy is LongBay Women’s Furry Memory Foam Diabetic Slippers with supportive insoles that relax your arch and soothe foot pain. This could be your best pick if you are looking for something for your swollen feet. Ease your foot into a comfortable position while you are resting at home or out on a walk with this slip-proof innovation.
Price: Rs. 5202
Pros:
- Great indoor & outdoor versatility
- Skid or slip-proof
- Easy to wear with an adjustable strap
- Provides cushioned support
Cons:
- Get dirty easily
- It can look worn out with subsequent washes
7. Reebok Nano X1 Cross Trainers
Features: Another luxury find in our list of best shoes for pregnancy is Reebok Nano X1 Cross Trainers. This pair of shoes is designed to endure intensive training while minimizing the impact your leg feels. So, this pair can put all your pregnancy-related foot worries to rest. With enhanced shock-absorbing soles, any discomfort you feel while walking will be minimal.
Price: Rs. 21,297
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Responsive cushioning
- Specialized foot support
- Stylish and durable
Cons:
- Expensive
- It might not be true to the size
8. Nike Pegasus 37
Features: If you are a Nike fan searching the web for the best Nike shoes for pregnancy, then Nike Pegasus 37 can be your best shoes for pregnancy. It is lightweight, durable, and promises great shock absorption. The midfoot band gives exemplary adaptability, and the shoes will easily adjust to your foot structure and provide the perfect fit.
Price: Rs. 18,553
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Shock absorption
- Flexible
Cons:
- Expensive
9. FLY London Chelsea Boot
Features: If you want comfort and style in one place, and wish to invest in a pair of shoes that are a style statement and are simultaneously listed as the best shoes for pregnancy for swollen feet, look no further than FLY London Chelsea Boot. They are stylish, comfortable, and durable, with increased cushion comfort and a breathable leather layer.
Price: Rs. 21,075
Pros:
- Easy to wear and pull-off
- Build to last
- Comfortable cushion covering
Cons:
- Expensive
- No ideal for pregnancy workouts
10. Sanuk Women’s Yoga Sling Sandals
Features: In the peak summer months, apart from pregnancy-safe sunscreens we wish to avoid wearing shoes and slip into something more open and breathable. If you are looking for the best shoes for pregnancy in the summer, Sanuk Women’s Yoga Sling Sandals are an excellent choice. It is built with a rubber sponge outsole for a comfortable, slip-proof surface. It is trendy and perfect for your beach outings or everyday walks during the summer months.
Price: Rs. 10,111
Pros:
- Stylish and comfortable
- Easy of use
- Ample breathing space
- Slip-proof
Cons:
- A bit on the pricier end
- Not ideal for pregnancy workouts
11. Joomra Women Lightweight Sneakers
Features: Joomla Women Lightweight Sneakers are another addition to our list of best shoes for pregnancy in summer. They are quite breathable and offer a sweat-proof interior. They stand high on the comfort quotient and come in a simple design and style that fit all outfits. Being durable, you can proudly flaunt them even after your delivery.
Price: Rs. 5853
Pros:
- Exceptional fit
- Mesh upper, perfect for summers
Cons:
- Not true to size
12. TOMS Women’s Canvas Slip-On Flats
Features: Another pair in our list of best shoes for pregnancy is TOMS Women’s Canvas Slip-on Flats. They might be the simplest addition to our list but are second to none. They echo comfort and are ideal to be worn during summer. Made with environmentally-friendly materials that are good for your feet, they do their bit for both expecting mothers and nature.
Price: Rs. 5448
Pros:
- Breathable cotton fabric
- Durable
- Easy of use
Cons:
- Not meant for workouts
FAQ On Best Shoes For Pregnancy
During pregnancy, your feet demand extra care and support. So, always go for shoes that are lightweight, slip-resistant, flexible, breathable, high in arch support, and easy to wear.
The best shoes for swelling are the ones that provide excellent cushion covering to your feet, like the Orthofeet Orthopedic Walking Shoes or LongBay Women’s Furry Memory Foam Diabetic Slippers.
During pregnancy, your feet tend to expand in size because of swelling and loose ligaments. So, you will start feeling uncomfortable in your normal shoe size and have to invest in new shoes. But try to stay within a budget, as once your feet retrieve their normal size post-pregnancy; they might not fit you anymore.
Flat shoes are best recommended during pregnancy as they provide more stability and comfort to your feet than high heels. So, if you have noticed, all the shoes during pregnant in our list are flat shoes.
Conclusion On Best Shoes For Pregnancy
If you are ready to welcome a new life into this world and your feet ask for that extra care and support, it is time to listen and invest in the best pregnancy shoes. Your best pick might vary depending on whether you are looking for the best pregnancy shoes for winter or summer, for work or workout, or for back pain or swollen feet.
So make sure to go through our given list, examine the features of each one, and place an order for the ones that best meet your requirements and fit your budget. If you are working with limited money, you don’t have to give into extravagance. You can go for the affordable options and derive considerable comfort. Anyway, they might or might not fit you after your pregnancy.
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