These Are the Best Shoes for Pregnancy in 2023

They actually have “cloud” in the name, so you can bet these sustainable sneakers (the breathable upper contains recyclable materials) are soft, lightweight and ultra-breezy. As for comfort, insoles made of made memory foam provide a supple landing for your feet, while the brand’s proprietary Cloudfoam technology cushions your midsole. They’re also available in 18 great colors to match whatever kind of athleisure you’re living in these days. (i.e. They’ll match every pair of maternity leggings you own.)

Kiziks weren’t designed specifically for pregnant people—but they should have been. These innovative sneakers solve one of THE biggest pains of pregnancy: bending over to get your shoes on and off throughout the day. Kiziks are completely hands-free shoes. The brand’s patented technology lets the heel spring back when you slip on the shoe, so all you need to do is slide your foot in and you’re ready to go. No laces to fumble with, no bending, no sitting, and most of all, no groaning every.single.time you need to head out the door. We can’t believe anyone hasn’t thought of this sooner.

The Limas have a foam outsole for rebound and feature enhanced ankle padding and a roomy toe box for your ever-expanding pregnancy feet. The materials are sustainably sourced and the insole is machine washable. They’re perfect for walks and everyday wear.

When you’re pregnant during the warmer months, putting on socks may be one of the last things you want to do. Sandals are a much better choice, says Haller, who recommends ones with a “large strap to go around the ankle and a wide strap at the forefoot for support.” These sandals from Nisolo are appropriate for all kinds of summer settings. The cushy memory foam footbed feels luxurious, and the durable sole, with grippy treads and slingback straps, means you won’t be sliding anywhere. Just remember to order at least half size up, as these run small.

Traditional slip-on shoes sometimes can be a little stiff, but that’s not the case with these Allbirds Tree Loungers. They’re designed with a stretchy, lightweight and airy eucalyptus tree fiber knit that keeps your tootsies cool and dry and wicks away sweat. They come in a variety of colors (we love the Kaikoura White and Calm Teal) and are outfitted with a cushioned, removeable insole that’s super soft and endlessly ergonomic. You seriously won’t want to take these off at the end of day. Bonus: these comfy shoes are also machine washable.

Being pregnant doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style for comfort. And that’s been Naturalizer’s M.O. since the very beginning. Whether you’re heading to the office or meeting up with friends for lunch, these are the perfect, slightly elevated shoes to wear for any occasion. Why do we love them for pregnancy? Definitely the inclusive sizing (4 to 12) and variable widths (medium and wide) that offer a comfortable fit when your feet ebb and flow in size.

It’s a general rule that booties look adorable on pregnant people. But if the pair you’re wearing isn’t supportive or comfy, there doesn’t seem to be a point. Dansko is known for incredibly comfortable clogs—nurses and medical professionals who spend all day on their feet are big fans—but everything the brand puts out has earned an impressive Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association.

We’re partial to the Cagney suede bootie for its minimalist, yet chic and wearable design. And the fact that it features a naturally stretchy (and removable) EVA footbed with memory foam and Dansko’s trademark Natural Arch technology (this ensures proper foot alignment, taking pressure off of the feet and lower limbs) doesn’t hurt. Minimizing strain to the feet during pregnancy can help curb long-term foot issues and provide a smoother road to recovery in the postpartum. Bonus: if pregnancy-related issues have led to a licensed podiatrist prescribing you custom orthotics, Dansko booties can likely accommodate them.

Staying active during pregnancy can be good for both your physical well-being and mental health. If you’re already a runner, you might want to think about a shoe that’s less about speed and agility and more about comfort and support while you’re pregnant. Brooks is one of Dr. Haller’s favorite brands, and we think the Ariel ‘20 road-running shoe, available in sizes 6 to 13, with medium to extra-wide widths, is amazing for the marathon of pregnancy. Their soft, dynamic cushioning is courtesy of a patented EVA foam midsole that matches every runner’s unique stride, weight and speed. And Brooks’ lightweight support technology not only aids your arches, it’ll help your knees and hips (other common ailing spots in pregnancy), too. Not a runner? These shoes are great for walking, as well.

Heels and pregnancy aren’t mutually exclusive. That being said, you should still aim to take it easy when you’re wearing them. Dr. Haller advises her pregnant patients to “wear the shoe you love for a half hour to one hour, and then spend time sitting down.” When it comes to heels, Dr. Haller prefers “a platform sandal or a simple 1-to-2 inch block heel.” We love these stunning INEZ heels for that reason. The best-selling Lulu heels are not only at that perfect 1-to-2 inch sweet spot, they’re fashioned with a custom-designed insole with arch support and a leather sole with rubber inset for traction and stability.

Dr. Haller also says, “once you get home and take off your heels, elevate your legs (higher or at the level of your heart, depending on your flexibility) to allow for lymph drainage.” Just lie down, prop your feet up with a few pillows and let gravity do its job to move the excess fluids out of your feet and ankles and back into your blood circulation.

Summer pregnant folks rejoice! You can still hang by the pool, stroll along the beach or relax with the AC on in your favorite pair of flip flops. Dr. Haller says, “there are some days where you just can’t get your feet that are swollen into a pair of shoes.” But when it comes to choosing a pair of flip flops, she says to look for specific features, including supportive arch and ample cushioning. Enter: the FitFlop iQushion Ergonomic Flip Flop. These vibrantly colored sandals highlight FitFlop’s featherlight, pressure-diffusing midsole and high-rebound air-foam cushioning that doesn’t deflate. In other words, they keep their shape and bounce back every time you take a step. Add to that solid heel and ball-of-foot impact pillows—their shoe shock absorbers, essentially—and an anatomically shaped footbed that matches the natural contours of your foot, and you have a flip flop that just won’t quit. With 13 punchy colors to choose from, you might just need to “eeny meeny miny moe” to figure out a favorite.