“Due to the fact that feet are taking such an incredible impact and absorb so much [more] stress during the day, it is not unusual to see a [person’s] feet increase in size,” says Mark Mendeszoon, DPM, a podiatrist, foot and ankle surgeon, and Physician Spokesperson for the American Podiatric Medical Association. This is why it’s extremely common for a person’s feet to change during pregnancy, and these changes may continue after the baby is delivered. Though there are some pregnancy-specific shoes on the market, there are many more shoes that are also suitable for this time. We searched for the best ones that offer a good fit, support, flexibility, and durability, and you can still put them on by yourself when you can’t reach your toes. Based on our research, here are the best pregnancy shoes on the market that are sure to bring some much-needed comfort to swollen feet. Available in a wide range of colors, the New Balance Nergize Sport Sneaker is stylish, lightweight, and close to perfect as a pregnancy shoe. We chose these as our top pick because of their lightweight design and cushioned inner sole. The last thing a pregnant person needs is to lug around extra weight on their feet, so this featherweight sneaker is a great choice. The sneakers feature a memory sole insert that provides a plush cushion to the feet and has a supportive, snug fit to accommodate sore, swollen feet. Under normal circumstances, New Balance recommends going up a half-size in these shoes, so you may want to consider going up a full or full-and-half size bigger to accommodate your growing feet. Price at time of publication: $65 for size 6 The sole of the sandal is made with a layer of foam designed to mimic the shape of the foot, so it offers good arch support and shock absorption. Our favorite feature of these shoes is that you can easily slip them on and off without bending over or tying any laces. As wonderful as the soles are, though, these sandals often need a little time to be broken in to reach their full potential, so it’s a good idea to buy these early in your pregnancy to get that process started. Price at time of publication: $140 We know from experience that these sneakers feel like a feather on the feet, and they come in a variety of stylish colors. While it would be nice if they didn’t require laces that have to be tied, we think the casual and versatile style and small environmental footprint make up for it. Price at time of publication: $105 These flats come in two basic colors, so you can wear them with just about anything, and a hard textured sole helps provide stability. One important note, Minnetonka suggests sizing up if you’re between sizes, so keep this in mind when sizing up for swelling. Price at time of publication: $63 The shoes offer neutral support, meaning they’re comfortable but not so soft that there is no compression. The upper mesh conforms to the foot, offering just enough pressure to soothe aches and pains. Price at time of publication: $135 for size 6 narrow Price at time of publication: $109 for size 8 women These shoes also feature a leather suede upper that allows just enough stretch to accommodate the foot without getting too stretched out. Finally, these shoes are also made with a durable rubber sole that won’t wear down quickly. Price at time of publication: $130 We love the hard, non-slip sole to give a little extra protection and stability. Our absolute favorite thing, though, is that these slippers were podiatrist-designed, so you can feel confident that they are both comfortable and good for the feet. Price at time of publication: $70 for size 7 The features that we appreciate the most, though, are the heel pull and stretchy toggle lace. Together, these features ensure that you don’t have to bend over and tie the laces. These sneakers come in three fun colors, and they’re safe to clean in the washing machine. Price at time of publication: $135 The booties are lined with UGG’s trademark shearling and wool combination that is soft and warm, and they will conform to your foot as you break them in. We know that every pregnant person’s foot isn’t the same, so we like that these boots come with removable insoles, allowing for a more custom fit. Price at time of publication: $150 for size 7.5 These sneakers feature a perforated upper, offering breathability, as well as some extra stretch along the top, allowing space for the foot to swell during the day. The footbed and cushioned insole are specifically designed for support and comfort. Finally, these sneakers are available in an assortment of colors, so you’re sure to find one to your liking. Price at time of publication: $80 for size 7 These insoles have a massaging gel for a custom fit cushion and shock absorption. Additionally, they provide plenty of arch support and take some of the pressure off the legs and joints. The best part is that all you do is trim them to size, slip them into your shoe, and you’re all set. Price at time of publication: $19 These pumps are available in a range of colors and materials, and they come in narrow, medium, and wide sizes. Price at time of publication: $35

What to Look for When Buying Shoes During Pregnancy

Fit and Support

Shopping for shoes during pregnancy is quite a different experience than pre-pregnancy. According to Dr. Mendeszoon, your feet change and grow like the rest of your body, so comfort and support are important features to shop for. Make sure the shoe fits well around your ankle, offering enough support so you don’t risk rolling or spraining it because your center of gravity may be off. Additionally, given the extra weight you carry during pregnancy, you’ll want a shoe with extra arch support to help take some of the pressure off the ball and heel of the foot. Whether you are on your feet all day or you’re sitting down more often than not, your shoes also need to fit well. They shouldn’t cause any blistering, overheating, or cause you to feel a shock with every step you take. To help with this, Dr. Mendeszoon says, “the general rule of thumb is to buy a shoe a half to one size larger [than normal] to allow for feet to swell and to change.”

Flexibility and Stretch

If you’re experiencing swollen feet during pregnancy, it’s likely that they become more swollen as the day goes on, so you’ll want to look for a shoe that will fit you just as well by the end of the day as it does first thing in the morning. “Shoes [that] should be avoided during pregnancy [are] ones that do not have…any give or flexibility to them,” says Dr. Mendeszoon. “Typical examples are high heel shoes [and] hard sole leather shoes, such as penny loafers or dress shoes, and avoiding flip-flops is strongly recommended.” Look for shoes that have some give but still offer support, like a sneaker with a knit or mesh upper or something with a bit of elastic. Another good idea is to look for shoes that can be adjusted in some way, such as with buckles, Velcro, or laces.

Construction

There is no use in investing in new shoes if they’re not well-made because they probably won’t last you throughout your pregnancy. Generally, you’ll want to pay attention to the seams of the shoes and how well they’re sewn together. Also, consider the materials of the inner and outer soles. Is it durable, or will it wear down quickly? If you’re shopping for shoes to wear on a regular basis, consider how they’ll hold up in different weather, too. Most of these things are easy to check when you’re shopping in person, but if you’re online shopping, be sure to read through some of the customer reviews to get a better sense of durability and construction.

Why Trust Verywell Family

Ashley Ziegler is a full-time parenting writer and mom to a 2-year-old and a 5-year-old. Throughout her first pregnancy, Ashley experienced swollen feet on a regular basis, so she understands the struggles of finding comfortable, supportive shoes for this purpose. Overall, swelling in the feet during pregnancy is perfectly normal, but it’s important to monitor the situation and talk to your healthcare provider if there’s been a sudden change in the situation, or if you’re just worried and would like some peace of mind. Also, consider looking for a pair of shoes that offer just a little bit of compression to help reduce swelling (they should not be tight, though, and they should still have some flexibility to them). Finally, heat can make feet swell up whether you’re pregnant or not, so it’s important to look for shoes that also offer some breathability. “The swelling in the feet can take a year to resolve,” says Dr. Mendeszoon, “but if [people] notice their feet have become bigger structurally and are measured to a larger size [than pre-pregnancy], it is very unlikely that their feet will go back to a smaller size.”