Pregnancy brings a lot of changes to your body which obviously requires a wardrobe overhaul. While most women pay attention to their garments, many tend to overlook the all-important footwear. The increase in body weight during pregnancy puts more stress on your feet, which often need additional support, especially when traveling. That’s where the best shoes for pregnant feet come in. These shoes tend to be more flexible and lightweight with excellent arch support. If you suffer from a bad back during pregnancy, you’ll find that some of the best maternity shoes are also the best shoes for lower back pain.
While the best shoes for pregnant women tend to be more practical, it does not mean you have to cut back on style. That being said, as you progress in your pregnancy, it’s best to pack away your favorite heels, even if you are taking that dream vacation. If Europe is your destination, you may want to check out the best travel shoes for Europe, some of which feature on this list of the best shoes for pregnant feet. They’re also some of the best shoes for a bad back.
Table of contents
- Adidas Women’s Cloudfoam
- Birkenstock Essentials Arizona EVA Sandal
- Crocs Women’s Sandals
- TOMS Women’s Classic Alpargata
- Dansko Women’s Berry Mule
- Yoga Sling from Sanuk
- Slow Man Women’s Walking Shoes Sock Sneakers
- New Balance Women’s FuelCore Nergize V1 Sneaker
- TIOSEBON Women’s Athletic Walking Shoes
- UGG Women’s Mini Bailey Bow Ii Fashion Boot
- Dr. Scholl’s Madison Sneakers
- Vionic Women’s Magnolia Lois – Ladies Chukka Bootie
- Skechers Women’s Go Walk Joy Walking Shoe
- How To Choose The Best Travel Shoes For Pregnant Women
- What Are The Best Shoes For Pregnant Women?
- Why Is It Important To Wear The Right Shoes During Pregnancy?
- What Are The Best Shoes For Lower Back Pain?
Adidas Women’s Cloudfoam
13
One of the best shoes while pregnant is a comfy pair of sneakers that will grow with your feet. The Adidas Women’s Cloudfoam may be a running shoe, but the comfort that these provide makes them one of the best shoes for pregnant women when traveling.
Although they feature a lace, you won’t really need it as you can slip your feet into these shoes without having to tie them. The stretchy mesh allows your feet to breathe and also provides extra cushioning. It also has the Cloudfoam midsole and outsole for superior cushioning. Besides this, the memory sock liner molds to the foot.
- What We Love:
- With these on your feet you’ll feel like you’re walking on air
- Pros:
- Easy to wear as slip ons can also use the laces if required
- Cloudfoam midsole and outsole for superior cushioning
- Memory sock liner molds to the foot
- Stretchy mesh upper for breathability
- Cons:
- These are extremely comfortable but if you plan to wear them for exercise they may not be the right choice
Birkenstock Essentials Arizona EVA Sandal
12
Although podiatrists don’t recommend open sandals as the best shoes for lower back pain or the best shoes while pregnant, even expectant mothers need a pair of comfortable slippers when traveling. The Birkenstock Essentials Arizona EVA Sandal is ultralightweight yet comfortable. These also stand out as one of the best beach sandals for women, so if your travels are to the beach, you should definitely have a pair.
The shock-absorbing EVA foam provides the support you’ll need without weighing you down. In addition to this, it has a contoured footbed and four arches for even weight distribution. And that’s not all. With the deep heel cup, your heels will be well cradled and cushioned. For those concerned about the grip, the raised toe bar helps. When it comes to choosing colors, you’ll be quite taken with the wide range that’s available.
- What We Love:
- What’s not to love about a pair of sandals that so ergonomically designed!
- Pros:
- Wide range of colors
- Ultralightweight
- Raised toe bar for natural grip
- Contoured footbed for even weight distribution
- Deep heel cup provides natural cushioning
- Cons:
- Tend to make a squeaky noise
Crocs Women’s Sandals
11
Anyone who has ever owned a pair of Crocs will swear by how comfortable they are, even if they aren’t the best-looking pair of shoes. However, the Crocs Women’s Sandals not only look good, but they’re also extremely comfortable. Apart from the comfort, the traction on these sandals is excellent too.
Though these may not look like the best shoes for lower back pain, a reviewer on Amazon calls these her ‘saving grace.’ The cushioning from the Croc foam makes these excellent to walk on. Plus, the strap has a jelly-like feel, so they’re not harsh on the skin. If you’re worried about your feet sliding around, the heel cradle keeps them in place. Also, the style of the sandal elongates, which makes your feet look narrower. This is a big plus for pregnant women whose feet tend to swell. These sandals can also come in handy as one of the best water shoes for women.
- What We Love:
- We think the deceptive looks on these sandals are a winner. They punch far above their weight!
- Pros:
- Soft foam footbed
- Jelly like straps
- Heel cradle
- Easy to slip on
- Looks nice with any outfit
- Cons:
- Not ideal for very narrow feet
TOMS Women’s Classic Alpargata
10
While TOMS Women’s Classic Alpargata may appear to be quite flat, they surprisingly offer excellent arch support. For someone looking for the best shoes for pregnant feet that are comfortable and easy to wear, these are your best bet. The elastic gore makes them easy to slip on or take off.
Lightweight and comfortable, the slip-on design comprises clean lines and lightweight, flexible canvas fabric. So if your feet tend to swell while traveling, these won’t feel uncomfortable. However, these may need a short break in period before you actually feel comfortable in them.
Another plus point is these shoes are available in a wide range of colors and designs. They also come with a rubber outsole to keep you steady on your feet. When you buy a pair of TOMS you also do something for society as the brand pledges to give a new pair of shoes to a child in need with every purchase you make.
- What We Love:
- We totally dig the charitable angle of the brand that promises to gift a new pair of shoes to a child in need with every purchase made
- Pros:
- Lightweight and flexible
- Available in a wide range of colors
- Easy to slip on or take off
- Rubber outsole
- Cons:
- Need a break in period before they feel comfortable on your feet
Dansko Women’s Berry Mule
9
Anyone who’s owned a pair of Dansko shoes will swear by just how comfortable they are. The Dansko Women’s Berry Mule is no different. You’ll probably wonder why a pair of mules stand out as the best shoes for pregnant feet or the best shoes for lower back pain. The reason why these make excellent shoes for expectant mothers while traveling is that they can be worn both ways.
You can slip your feet into them like classic mules or move the swivel strap to the back as an adjustable ankle strap. The dual-density EVA footbed with memory foam provides excellent cushion and support, plus the toebox feels great. It also has a lightweight EVA outsole for long-lasting wear. In addition to this, the shoes have textile linings for odor control.
- What We Love:
- You can stand in them for hours and you’ll still feel comfortable
- Pros:
- Lightweight EVA outsole
- Textile linings for odor control
- Dual-density EVA footbed with memory foam
- Can be worn as mules or with an ankle strap
- Good arch support
- Cons:
- Sizing could be an issue but other than that these are near perfect
Yoga Sling from Sanuk
8
Yoga Sling from Sanuk may not come across as a regular pair of maternity shoes for travel, but if your feet tend to swell or sweat too much, these are a good option. They’re easy to slip on or off and also have back support. Sometimes closed shoes can be quite annoying in a warmer climate or even when you’re walking on the beach. It’s always a good idea to have a pair of easy to slip into footwear on standby. And with these in your luggage, you’ll have one of the best shoes for pregnant feet when traveling.
The good thing about these slippers is the comfort. Made from real yoga mats, the footbed feels extremely comfortable. The outsole is made from Happy U rubber sponge so that it will stand up to a bit of wear. If you’re concerned about the upper material, don’t worry. The new lightweight, two-way stretch knit upper comes with sling comfort construction to make these flexible and easy to wear.
- What We Love:
- The soft footbed made from yoga mats makes your feet feel heavenly
- Pros:
- Two-way stretch upper provides support
- Soft, cushiony footbed
- Outsole made from rubber sponge
- Cons:
- As with most footwear of this kind there is no arch support
Slow Man Women’s Walking Shoes Sock Sneakers
7
When a pair of shoes has over 100,000 ratings on Amazon, there must be something right about them. The Slow Man Women’s Walking Shoes Sock Sneakers stands out as one of the best shoes for lower back pain as well as one of the best shoes for maternity because of the support and comfort.
The shoes are easy to slip on and fit like a glove. Additionally, the wide round toe enhances comfort, especially for someone with swollen feet. It also features a breathable mesh upper which is an added bonus if you sweat a lot. Another reason why these shoes are the best shoes for pregnant feet is the heel.
The anti-skid MD outsole will keep you firmly on your feet. Furthermore, the air cushion technology in the soles makes them lightweight and protects feet from injury. The elevated heel eases pressure on your back and also provides arch support.
- What We Love:
- The overall look and feel of these shoes
- Pros:
- Super lightweight and flexible
- MD outsole with air cushion
- High quality rubber sole that is non-slip and wear resistant
- Perforated arch for ventilation
- Mesh fabric for breathability
- Amazing range of colors
- Cons:
- Sizing across colors seems to be a little different
New Balance Women’s FuelCore Nergize V1 Sneaker
6
Okay, we’ve stated that laced shoes are a bad idea during pregnancy, but sometimes it’s okay to endure a small discomfort, especially when the shoes give you so much more. The New Balance Women’s Fuel Nergize V1 Sneaker is one of those shoes that anyone can wear. Pregnant women rave about the comfort these shoes provide when walking or traveling.
One reason these can be considered one of the best shoes for pregnant feet is the stress on comfort. The REVlite midsole on these shoes is not only lightweight but cushions the foot to enhance comfort. It also has the NB Memory Sole Comfort Insert that makes walking in these feel good. Moreover, the upper construction of the shoes hugs your feet to provide a snug, supportive fit. However, they probably won’t do too well in rough terrain.
- What We Love:
- The versatility and comfort definitely stand out
- Pros:
- Lightweight and breathable
- NB Memory Sole Comfort Insert
- Snug supportive fit
- Good range of colors to choose from
- Cons:
- If you’re prone to twisting your ankle these shoes will not provide much protection
TIOSEBON Women’s Athletic Walking Shoes
5
Another pair of shoes that ticks all the right boxes for an expectant mother is the TIOSEBON Women’s Athletic Walking Shoes. The upper fabric is made from durable air mesh that allows your feet to breathe. It’s also flexible, which means you won’t have to worry about discomfort from swollen feet. The company does advise sizing up by 0.5.
In addition to this, the latex arch insert provides added support which makes these shoes one of the best shoes for lower back pain. With the soft cushioning on the outsole and the solyte midsole, these lightweight shoes are travel-friendly.
- What We Love:
- The flexibility and breathability combined with unmatched comfort
- Pros:
- Lightweight and breathable
- Slip resistant outsole
- Durable air mesh upper
- Latex arch insert
- Wide range of colors to choose from
- Cons:
- Sizing is an issue
UGG Women’s Mini Bailey Bow Ii Fashion Boot
4
Someone looking for a pair of the best shoes for maternity in winter should consider the UGG Women’s Mini Bailey Bow II Fashion Boot. These boots crafted with soft sheepskin are comfortable and warm. They incorporate a durable, lightweight sole to increase cushioning and traction, making these shoes one of the best shoes for pregnant feet. The treadlite UGG outsole provides extra comfort while the sheepskin lining and insole keep your feet warm. It’s no wonder that the UGG brand also has some of the best women’s winter shoes for travel.
While these may not be the best-looking boots out there, the fact that they are soft, comfortable, and supportive pushes them up the rankings for the best shoes for lower back pain or for pregnant feet. The cute satin bow behind does improve the look to some extent.
- What We Love:
- The warmth and comfort these boots provide is quite unparalleled
- Pros:
- Soft and comfortable
- Treadlite UGG outsole for comfort
- Sheepskin lining and insole
- Durable lightweight sole to increase traction
- Cons:
- Not the best looking pair of boots
Dr. Scholl’s Madison Sneakers
3
The best shoes for pregnant women are those that are lightweight and flexible, like Dr. Scholl’s Women’s Madison Sneakers. These environmentally friendly shoes feature a soft lining and microsuede made from recycled bottles. They are easy to slip on with a padded collar and twin stretch gore panels.
You won’t have to worry about discomfort with these on your feet as they offer excellent arch support. The insole technology comes with anatomical cushioning to provide ultimate support and comfort, making these shoes one of the best shoes for pregnant feet. They also stand out as one of the best Dr. Scholl’s shoes for plantar fasciitis. Did we mention they’re available in over 15 patterns and colors?
- What We Love:
- These are no-fuss easy to wear shoes that are big on comfort
- Pros:
- Easy to slip on with a padded collar and twin stretch fore panels
- Soft lining and microsuede made from recycled bottles
- Anatomcial cushioning
- Over 15 colors and patterns
- Cons:
- Don’t stretch too much so not good for swollen feet
Vionic Women’s Magnolia Lois – Ladies Chukka Bootie
2
With a side zip and pull tab, the Vionic Women’s Magnolia Lois Ladies Chukka Bootie is easy to wear. Given the slight heel and arch support, combined with a supportive EVA midsole, these not only stand out as one of the best maternity shoes but are also one of the best shoes for a bad back.
The signature Vio-Motion Support features Three-Zone Comfort that provides the ultimate arch support. It combines innovative biomechanics with style. You can be sure you’ll be comfortable and feel good too. As for traction, the durable rubber outsole will keep you firm on the ground.
- What We Love:
- The combination of innovative biomechanics with style
- Pros:
- Removable microfiber covered EVA footbed
- Durable rubber outsole
- Side zip and pull tab makes it easy to wear
- Supportive EVA midsole
- Ultimate arch support
- Cons:
- The zipper seems to be placed on the wrong side
Skechers Women’s Go Walk Joy Walking Shoe
1
One of the best shoes for pregnant women is undoubtedly the Skechers Women’s Go Walk Joy Walking Shoe. The reason why these shoes stand out as the best shoes for pregnant feet is that they’re lightweight and flexible. They also have a responsive 5Gen cushioning plus the Skechers Goga Max high rebound insole.
Additionally, the shoes have a breathable mesh upper and a soft fabric lining, and a padded collar for maximum comfort. Since the mesh around the feet tends to expand slightly, these are excellent if your feet tend to swell while traveling. And that’s not all. There’s also a parametric cushioned 5Gen midsole for better comfort.
- What We Love:
- Despite all the extra cushioning, they’re extremely lightweight
- Pros:
- Lightweight and flexible
- Easy to wear
- 5Gen cushioning and midsole
- Soft fabric
- Breathable
- High rebound insole
- Cons:
- Sizing tends to be an issue
How To Choose The Best Travel Shoes For Pregnant Women
During pregnancy, there is a natural weight gain which in turn puts more stress on your feet and joints. It is therefore very important to get the best shoes for pregnant feet. But how do you know which are the best shoes for maternity? A few pointers on what to look out for will help point you in the right direction.
A low heel with good arch support
High heels are a definite no, especially when you’re progressing in your pregnancy. When traveling, you want to make sure that you have the best shoes while pregnant. So shoes with low heels are a plus as they offer more stability and also better protection than the best ballet flats for travel. Additionally, the best shoes for pregnant feet or the best shoes for a bad back should have good arch support. This will prevent pain in the heels and your back by distributing the pressure.
Slip Ons
One of the best kinds of travel shoes for pregnant women is those that are easy to slip on. If your feet feel uncomfortable when traveling, these shoes are easy to slip off and put back on. The best part, you won’t have to strain yourself to strap them or tie them. When choosing a pair of slip-on shoes, make sure that it has some kind of arch support like the best shoes for lower back pain.
Rubber Soles
It’s always a good idea to check out shoes with rubber soles. For one thing, they provide excellent grip, which will add to the safety of wearing them. They also help absorb shock, which can reduce discomfort. Thick rubber soles alleviate the impact on the heel, which in turn helps deal with knee, hip, and back pain. So when checking out the best shoes for pregnant feet, don’t forget the soles.
What Are The Best Shoes For Pregnant Women?
The best shoes while pregnant are those that are flexible and provide maximum comfort. It’s a good idea to avoid high heels and look out for shoes with some kind of cushioning. Shoes that are tight or just fitting will feel uncomfortable after a while as pregnant feet tend to swell. Your feet can also grow slightly, so it’s important to pick shoes that are flexible. Also, look out for the best shoes for lower back pain.
Why Is It Important To Wear The Right Shoes During Pregnancy?
Your body undergoes a big change during pregnancy which also changes your center of gravity. This will not just impact how you walk but can also put you at risk of falling. It’s therefore extremely important that you choose the right kind of shoes. Moreover, if you suffer from water retention, your feet may grow slightly. Footwear that is too tight or made from stiff material can cause discomfort. The wrong pair of shoes can also lead to a bad back. That’s why it’s important to also consider the best shoes for lower back pain when you’re expecting a child.
What Are The Best Shoes For Lower Back Pain?
There is no specific type of shoe or a particular brand that has the best shoes for lower back pain. What works for one person may not work for someone else. However, the best shoes for a bad back are those that have a slight heel, which is between one to two inches. Apart from this, your shoes should have good cushioning to be able to absorb shock. If sandals are your go-to footwear, make sure they have good arch support.