The Best and Most Comfortable Shoes for Pregnancy
8 July 2026
It’s no secret that pregnancy changes your body in a lot of ways, but you might not have expected your feet to be affected much. As your due date approaches, though, you might experience swelling, aching, and other impacts from increased pressure and shifting balance.
This is why the right footwear is more important than ever during pregnancy. Not only can it keep your feet comfy, but it can also help you to avoid or reduce the severity of common experiences like back pain, swollen feet, strains, and more.
In this post, we’ll guide you towards the right shoes for pregnancy, along with tips on how to choose and some foot care tips to ease the pain. Here’s what we’ll cover:
- What to look for in pregnancy shoes
- Types of comfortable shoes for pregnancy
- Tips for foot care during pregnancy
What to Look for in Pregnancy Shoes
Pregnancy brings more weight, fluid retention, and a shifting centre of gravity. The best shoes for pregnancy accommodate all three, and these are the features you should be looking for.
Cushioning and Arch Support
Weight gain during pregnancy adds pressure to the feet, which can loosen ligaments and flatten arches. This is amplified by the release of the hormone relaxing, leading to a higher risk of arch collapse that can cause foot or back pain.
Look for shoes with arch support and with good cushioning to absorb impact and reduce fatigue. Also look for memory foam insoles as a way to distribute pressure and keep you comfy.
Wide Toe Box
Swelling is one of the most common foot changes in pregnancy, especially in warmer months and the third trimester. A wide toe box gives swollen feet space to spread out without causing pinching or rubbing.
Also, bear in mind that your feet can permanently increase in size during pregnancy, so choosing shoes with room to accommodate that change is a good idea.
Adjustable Straps or Laces
As with a wide toe box, shoes with laces or adjustable straps let you loosen or tighten a shoe according to how your feet feel on a particular day. If your current shoes don’t have straps or laces, we recommend picking up a pair to accommodate the day-to-day variation in swelling that you’ll likely experience during pregnancy.
Bonus points if you can adjust them easily without bending down too far!
Non-slip Soles
Balance can suffer during pregnancy as your centre of gravity shifts, especially later in pregnancy when it can become a real safety consideration. Non-slip soles reduce the risk of slips and falls and can give peace of mind in these later stages.
This is especially true in cooler weather - the best winter shoes for pregnancy are those with a secure, grippy sole.
Breathable Material
Your circulation increases during pregnancy, and combined with swelling, this can make your feet hotter and sweatier than usual. Breathable materials like leather, mesh and natural fabrics are better at regulating these temperatures than non-breathable ones and come highly recommended.
The best shoes for summer pregnancy are breathable, but you’ll feel their benefits in cooler weather too, as they offset your body’s natural tendency towards higher temperatures.
Easy to Put On!
As your pregnancy progresses, you’ll be increasingly less keen (or able!) to bend down to fasten your shoes. This is where women's slip-on shoes come into their own: stylish, easy-to-fasten shoes that you can get on without having to bend over.
Small interventions that reduce daily strain and frustration will have a disproportionate impact when you’re really feeling the strains of pregnancy. With this in mind, we definitely recommend having at least one pair of easy-on shoes on standby. Check out our Easy Step In range for extra ease in getting your shoes on.
Types of Comfortable Shoes for Pregnancy
Now we’ve explored features, let’s look at the best types of shoes to wear when pregnant - and those that you might consider avoiding.
Trainers
Trainers are supportive, cushioned, stable and breathable, a fantastic combination for pregnancy. They’ll help you to stay active, lend themselves perfectly to walking, and work well as everyday wear.
Pick up a pair of memory foam trainers for maximum comfort: a strong contender for the best shoes to wear while pregnant, in our opinion.
Slip-on Shoes or Loafers
If you want something easy to wear that’s a little smarter than trainers, these are your best bet. While casual may feel more inviting when you’re pregnant, smart occasions can’t always be avoided - choosing smart-friendly slip-on shoes is a great way to meet the tone without inviting discomfort.
For the best dress shoes for pregnancy, we recommend loafers: they’re comfy, easy to put on, and put together enough to work in a range of smart settings.
Sandals with Arch Support
This is the ideal warm-weather selection, especially if your feet are sore or swollen. Open sandals accommodate swelling, and if they’ve got straps, you can adjust the fit throughout the day as your feet require.
Be very careful to avoid sandals without arch support, though, as these can cause or exacerbate pains and strains. Take a look at our women’s sandals range to find a pregnancy-friendly pair.
Flats vs Heels
In general, we would strongly advise comfortable flat shoes over high heels during pregnancy, as the latter worsen the balance issues you’re already likely to be experiencing. Stability is crucial during pregnancy, especially in later stages, as falls carry the risk of harm to you and the baby.
Heels tilt your pelvis as well, which can adversely impact the back strain you may already be feeling. In short, they add risk, worsen pain, and are generally best avoided.
If you do need a heel, go for a very low block heel with sufficient stability and support.
Special Maternity Shoes
Some brands make shoes especially for pregnancy, boasting features like wide fits, stretchy uppers, easy fastenings, and more. If you’re experiencing significant swelling or pain associated with pregnancy, you may consider such specialist shoes, as they’re likely to make a difference and ease your suffering.
Remember that you don’t need to look for special maternity shoes to find pregnancy-friendly features, though. They are one option among many.
Tips for Foot Care During Pregnancy
Here are a handful of tips to keep your feet feeling more comfortable during pregnancy.
- Keep them elevated: this reduces swelling and is especially effective at the end of the day
- Stay hydrated: good hydration can actually reduce the fluid retention that causes swelling
- Keep moving: gentle walks and ankle exercises can reduce stiffness
- Measure your feet: feet can change size during pregnancy, sometimes permanently. Don’t assume your size is the same as it was before when buying pregnancy shoes
- Wear compression socks: these can help with swelling and circulation, especially if you’re on your feet a lot
- Get a foot massage: these relieve tension and aid circulation, either draft in your partner or treat yourself to a professional
Treat Your Feet with Respect
Pregnancy places strain on your whole body, and taking the time to get a good pair of shoes will pay dividends. They can aid with stability and support, they can reduce aches and pains, and they can give you the peace of mind you need to continue taking part in the activities you enjoy.
In this article, we’ve outlined some of the best shoes for pregnancy, and we invite you to browse our full range to find your perfect pair. Our team are also happy to help, whether it’s online or in one of our stores; we’d love to hear from you.