With all the changes happening to your body during pregnancy, chances are your feet are the last thing on your mind! But the fact is that swelling of your feet and ankles is one of those annoying uncomfortable parts of pregnancy that many women experience.
For first-time moms: don’t panic, it’s all normal. After all, your body has to make adjustments to accommodate your baby. Swelling in the legs and ankles is very common as your body adjusts to its increased weight and fluid load. And a pair of comfy shoes can help you in this time of crisis!
Top 4 Best Shoes for Pregnant Women – Comparison
Why Is It Important to Look For Shoes For Pregnancy?
When you are pregnant, you are carrying two weights: yours and your baby’s. You don’t want any discomfort and more importantly, you don’t want anything bad to happen – especially just because of your shoes. (For example, wearing slippery sandals is a no-no!)
Wearing the right footwear is important because as your body grows, your shape changes, and so does your center of gravity. It affects the way you walk, as well as your back, ankles, and feet. The best thing you can do to address these issues is to wear the right shoes.
What to Consider When Choosing Shoes for Pregnancy?
There’s a saying: ‘Happy feet, happy you.’ If that’s never been the case for you in the past, pregnancy will prove it to you! So, to ensure your happiness, take note of these qualities you need to look for when choosing maternity shoes.
Soles
It is recommended to use rubber soles since rubber is a good shock absorber. This helps alleviate joint discomfort. With rubber soles, you can also prevent slips and falls as they have great traction.
Style
The best pregnancy shoes are slip-on. That’s because they are easy to put on and off without having to tie the laces. You might think that bending is a third-trimester problem, but if you suffer from morning sickness in early pregnancy then these shoes may help. The best shoe for your pregnancy might turn out to be ballet flats or flip-flops.
Heel
Compared to low-heeled pumps, loafers with low, stacked heels are better in terms of stability. They provide more support and protection, too.
Arch and Ankle Support
You want shoes that have good ankle and arch support. Pregnant feet are prone to joint and foot pain, so this extra support is a must. It also helps you maintain a proper posture that can prevent other body aches such as back pain or pelvic pain. So when choosing a pair of shoes, always go with one that has these qualities.
Size
When buying a new pair, it is better to find one that is half bigger than your real size. It will make you more comfortable, especially when you experience swollen feet.
And lastly, choose shoes that are breathable and comfortable for you.
What Are the Best Shoes for Pregnancy?
We’ve rounded up a list of the best shoes and sandals you can use while you’re carrying your baby. Take into account your personal preferences as well as the weather conditions before choosing one or more types of shoes from the following categories.
Best Shoes for Walking: Skechers Women’s Go Walk
These lightweight and breathable shoes are your ideal footwear for walking. It’s super comfortable and can surely help you when you’re experiencing swollen feet because of its cushiony soles. You can also wear this shoe for casual occasions. You can find these shoes in different colors and they are durable for as many miles as you want to walk! We love that these shoes are made of a flexible material so they will accommodate the shape of your feet perfectly. You can find them in all sizes from 5 to 13 and most of them also come in a narrow or wide version. These shoes are definitely a great option for pregnant mothers but you can wear them even after you have your baby!
Best Shoes for Swollen Feet: Toms Women’s Canvas Classic
This TOMS pair of shoes is ideal for swollen feet because it has a supportive insole. It’s best if you’re not into sandals or sneakers but want something durable, lightweight, and easy to wear. It’s also super comfortable and this slip-on can last for years! They have a high-quality rubber sole and a breathable canvas material on top. You will like the flexibility of these shoes and their smoothness. The elasticity of these shoes will help you put them on and take them off with minimum effort which makes them ideal for mothers-to-be. These shoes can accommodate the increase in size that your feet will go through during pregnancy. This might be anywhere from half a number to one full number and the elasticity of these shoes is ideal for such a situation. You will find them in varying sizes (5 to 12), as well as in 9 colors.
Best Shoes for Arch Support: Propét Women’s TravelFit Slide Walking Shoe
This slip-on has great arch support and is built wide for your comfort. It has an adjustable bungee lace to give you a great fit even if your foot size varies over the months. It’s super flexible and has a breathable mesh upper. The sporty, modern design of these shoes makes them perfect for daily wear and casual walks. The flexible soles of this pair of shoes will help you relax your feet every time you take a walk but also support them at the same time. Thanks to their practical design, you should be able to put them on and take them off with almost no effort and you can avoid bending too which is great for late months of pregnancy. You can find these shoes in five different colors and sizes from 6 to 12 in both wide and narrow versions.
Best Shoes for Athletic Activities: Skechers Sport Women’s Empire Fashion Sneaker
If you’re looking for sporty yet fashionable shoes, try these convenient slip-on sneakers: no need to bend over to lace them up. It has smooth fabric and faux leather, with strong stitching that makes them durable for the long term. They have air-cooled memory foam inside to keep your feet comfortable and cool on hot summer days. You won’t have to worry about slipping when you’re working out or just walking around the house as they have a non-skid sole. The design of these shoes is also very attractive with their grey and mint shades.
Best Slip-Ons: Vionic Women’s Fitness Shoes
These shoes are ideal for pregnant women not only because they are easy to slip on and off but they are also very functional. They have a removable mesh-covered EVA footbed which will make your feet extremely comfortable. With these shoes, you can walk freely for hours and feel no discomfort. They also come in different colors and sizes, and their classic design will go with most casual outfits.
Best Sandals: Under Armour Women’s Ignite VIII Slide Sandal
Two words to define these sandals: super comfy! The footbed that is built with two layers of 4D foam will give you the protection and comfort you need during all your walks. The outsole has durable traction pods for lightweight, cushioning, and comfort. The strap is also adjustable so don’t worry if your feet became bigger than before. If you are a fan of sandals, you will most likely enjoy wearing this pair as often as you want. They can make for great house shoes as well as casual shoes to wear outside your home if the weather allows you.
Best Boots: FLY London Women’s Chelsea Boot
Being pregnant doesn’t mean you can’t pull off boots. This is the perfect pair for pregnancy that can withstand any weather– come rain or sunshine! These Chelsea-style boots are easy to wear and remove since they are slip-on. With its cushioned footbed, you can also be sure of great arch support while you’re wearing this pair. You can pick from a variety of colors and they are available in different sizes, too.
Best Shoes for Business Casual: Dr. Scholl’s Shoes Women’s Madison Sneakers
Going to work each day is not as easy as it used to be once your pregnancy progresses. You will need comfortable shoes that support your feet for as many hours as you have to work. Dr. Scholl’s shoes don’t just offer you the comfort you need but they also go with different outfits. The combination of faux leather and fabric gives these shoes all the features you need, providing you with comfort and style. They are breathable and you won’t likely experience any pain even if your feet are swollen. They are also lightweight which makes them ideal for prolonged wear on a daily basis. Plus, you can choose these shoes in an impressive variety of colors and sizes from 5 to 11.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it okay to wear high heels when pregnant?
Wearing high heels is no big deal if you’re in your first trimester. But remember to look out for your safety. So it’s better to avoid wearing heels as there’s a higher risk of miscarriage if you were to fall.
It’s for your comfort, too, as you might experience excessive pain, especially if you already have swollen feet. Better to just postpone wearing your favorite heels for now.
Do I need to have separate shoes for pregnancy?
The answer is yes. You need different shoes when you are pregnant. Why?
As mentioned above, your body changes to accommodate your little one. When your tummy and body grow, so do your feet. And they can grow up to half a size larger! This change may be permanent, too, so your regular shoes may become too tight for you long-term. So having different shoes will help your feet breathe and be more comfortable while you’re carrying your baby.
Why do I have swollen feet?
It’s common for soon-to-be-mommies to complain about experiencing aches all over their body, including tired and swollen feet. This usual foot swelling problem is called edema or the swelling due to excess fluid trapped in the tissues of your body. Since pregnant women gain weight and the uterus enlarges, it puts pressure on the veins that lead to the legs, hence, your legs and feet may become swollen. There are also cases where it causes pain and discomfort.
Although edema is common to pregnant women, you should also pay attention to the symptoms. If your face is swollen or there’s a sudden onset of swelling, have yourself checked by a doctor.
Can I get a foot massage while pregnant?
Yes, you can! Getting a foot massage when you are pregnant can give you relaxation and comfort. However, there are some pressure points to keep away from as they might encourage uterine contractions. So it’s advisable to have the foot massage done by an expert, preferably a practitioner who’s trained to work with pregnant women.
Conclusion
During pregnancy, you will experience changes in your body – you will gain weight, your feet will most likely increase in size and they will swell, too. That’s a fact you need to face. What you can do is to make sure you’re comfortable throughout your pregnancy. And you can do that by finding a good pair of shoes that are in style and will keep you in good posture.
Finding the perfect pair that fits you may involve a little trial and error. But we assure you, once you find the one, you’ll realize it’s all worth it!
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