Pregnancy is one of the most transformative experiences the human body can undertake. While that often comes with a new lit-from-within-glow and hair and nails that grow for miles, other inconveniences tend to arise—particularly ones that require some new shoes. You may experience swollen feet that can only fit in wider toe boxes (hi, Hoka Bondi 8s, $165) compromised balance that’s best compatible with flatter styles (ahem, Birkenstock clogs, $158) and, of course, a growing belly that can get in the way of bending down to tie laces (classic Vans slip-ons, $49, to the rescue). 

According to Dr. Dan Geller, a board-certified surgically trained foot and ankle surgeon, hormonal changes are another reason to consider new shoes for pregnancy, too: “Appropriate shoe gear during pregnancy is extremely important for many reasons,” he says. “During the first, second and third trimesters, women are undergoing a lot of body and physiological changes. Some of those changes might include weight gain and the release of important hormones, which play a significant role in the birthing process.” He explains that because these hormones are released globally, they may affect bones, joints and ligaments, which — you guessed it — can impact your ability to safely wear the shoes you’ve owned for the last decade.

If you’re currently squeezing into your everyday shoes, it might be time to upgrade to a pregnancy-friendly pair. No matter your trimester, we took our expert’s advice and polled expecting mothers (myself included!) for their take on the best shoes for pregnancy, and rounded them up below. 

Dr. Dan Geller is a board-certified surgically trained foot and ankle surgeon focusing on sports injuries, post-traumatic reconstruction, diabetic foot care and chronic conditions of the foot and ankle. Geller earned his medical degree from the New York College of Podiatric Medicine. Following his medical school training, he completed three years of residency training at St. Luke’s Hospital in Phoenix, Arizona, with an emphasis in foot and ankle surgery, reconstruction, trauma and joint replacement. He currently works on-staff at Providence St. John’s Medical Center in Santa Monica, CA, and is also the chief medical officer for Kane Footwear, a sustainable shoe gear company.

Geller says proper shoes can control and even prevent some changes or deformations that happen in the lower extremity by supporting the foot and stabilizing the arch for less aches and pains. “Some shoes that I strongly recommend for women are athletic shoes that can be as simple as a day-to-day running-type shoe,” he says. “A shoe that might have extra cushioning supports this endeavor, as well as facilitate walking, moving and motion coupled with arch supports to prevent lowering or flattening of the arch.” 

So, while it may be convenient to slip on your best flats or flip-flops, you’ll want to go (or power walk) the extra mile to ensure they feature enough cushioning or arch support to take pressure off your feet and back.

We selected the best shoes for pregnancy based on a handful of crucial factors, including the expert’s advice and our own personal experience shopping for pregnancy-friendly shoes as expecting or current mothers. We searched for high-quality and durable materials that could withstand the duration of pregnancy and beyond. We also considered the price of shoes (after all, we do need those extra funds for that nursery and childcare!) and overall style that’ll help us dress and feel like ourselves during this ever-changing time in our lives.

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