To complicate matters, pregnant feet tend to be swollen, since your blood volume increases with pregnancy to support the baby, Dr. Brenner says. And not only do swollen feet cause a (temporary) increase in your foot size, but they can also contribute to ingrown toenails. “The nail gets pushed into the skin as a result of tight-fitting shoes—plus, it’s difficult to cut the toenails straight across when you’re pregnant,” she explains. (Ouch.)
Swelling and ingrown nails tend to be temporary, but Dr. Parthasarathy says that structural changes (that is, the flattening or lengthening of feet) can become permanent even after you’ve given birth and the swelling has gone down.
What should you look for in the best shoes for pregnancy?
Accurate shoe size
This might sound obvious, but first, make sure your maternity shoes fit. “Shoes should accommodate your feet, not the other way around,” says Dr. Cunha. All of our experts suggest getting your feet measured and trying on shoes at the end of the day, because “if the shoes feel comfortable at the end of the day, they will most likely feel comfortable throughout the day,” Dr. Cunha says. (He also warns not to count on a breaking-in period; if they hurt in the store, they’re going to hurt everywhere else.)
Roomy feel
If your arches have flattened, the best maternity shoes are those that have spacious toe boxes—which can accommodate newly widened feet—as well as cushioning to give you proper arch support. On top of that, “I recommend pregnant women look for a shoe with a wide chunky heel and mesh material, which is ideal to decrease friction,” says Dr. Brenner.
Supportive arches
Try folding your shoe in half. Can’t do it? Good—since our experts stressed that the shank of the shoe should be pretty rigid. If this is really the case, “the shoe should not be able to fold completely in half,” says Dr. Parthasarathy. “This ensures that the shoe has stability and arch support.”
If you still have high arches (versus flatter feet), Dr. Cunha also recommends shoes with engineered footbeds and EVA midsoles. “They’re designed to help mitigate foot, heel, and arch support for superior comfort and support of the plantar fascia,” he says.
Orthotic options
Finally, if you’re dealing with a ton of foot pain, the most comfortable shoes might just be customized orthotics. “They are personalized support that will alleviate any symptoms of pain and discomfort while maintaining proper alignment of the body,” says Dr. Cunha. Also, take it as a sign to see a podiatrist, because no one, especially not pregnant people, should be limping around all day.
What shoes should you avoid wearing during pregnancy?
We love heels as much as the next, but they can throw off your balance even more—and place a tremendous amount of stress on your feet and body, says Dr. Cunha. If you still want some height, Dr. Parthasarathy recommends wearing wedges over thin stilettos (and opting for a pair with adjustable ankle straps for extra stability). Flip-flops are also usually a no-go, Dr. Cunha says, since they lack the necessary arch support.
Bottom line: When you’re shopping for the best shoes for pregnancy, function definitely precedes form—not only for safety but also for your general comfort. That said, you can still find expert-recommended shoes that offer the best of both worlds. Keep reading for 13 editor-approved picks.
