Best Shoes for Pregnancy, According to a Podiatrist

These sandals from Crocs have no restrictive sides, meaning they should accommodate any growth that occurs during pregnancy. The thin T-strap style will let you feel like you're practically walking barefoot — but the foam footbed still offers plenty of support for achy soles. They’re also simple in design, meaning they’ll work with just about any outfit — so long as it’s warm outside.

Material: Croslite foam

No sweaty feet here! The knit mesh fabric on these breathable shoes helps keep toes cool, and even though they boast a good amount of cushioning, they're still lightweight. You can slip them on quickly as you’re running out the door — or running after a soon-to-be big brother or sister. Also nice: There’s a wide range of hues you can choose from — opt for this versatile taupe, go classic with black or fun and flirty with bright pink.

Material: Ortholite comfort foam insole, mesh upper, recycled rubber

Somehow, the contoured footbeds on these sandals know exactly how to hug your sole. The straps may look like leather, but they’re actually a PVC plastic lined with a soft layer of fleece inside, which is a plus when you want your feet to stay blister-free. They might look casual at first, but reviewers praise how great these shoes look dressed up or down. While they are on the more expensive side for a pair of sandals, Birkenstocks hold up extremely well, meaning you’ll get plenty of wear out of them as the years pass.

Material: Birko-Flor PVC upper, natural leather insole, cork footbed, EVA outsole

Your feet deserve to be wrapped up in slipper-like shoes — that are totally acceptable to wear out of the house — every day. Teva describes these top-rated slip-ons as being as comfy as a sleeping bag, and it’s easy to see why: They're cushioned with EVA foam, and the heel can collapse if you prefer to wear them as slides. They also come with a special antimicrobial treatment to prevent them from getting smelly. What's more, this pair is also water-resistant, making them easy to clean and durable on misty days.

Material: Recycled ripstop, rib knit, microfiber and polyester

When you’re pregnant, merely spending time standing up can leave you feeling like you just ran a 10K. Enter: The Oofos OOriginal Sandals, which one What to Expect community parent deemed “the best sandals ever.” These lightweight shoes feature a foam footbed to support your arch and take stress off your feet, knees and lower back — areas that are probably giving you discomfort. Although they have an open back, the sole curves up to cradle your arches. And who could resist the pretty lavender shade?

Material: Foam

When you want the sleek look of a loafer but can’t bear the thought of wearing anything confining, slide your feet into these classic leather mules. The back is open, so your heels can breathe, and they feature a comfortable footbed. They’re also nice and low to the ground, which will help you stay balanced and grounded.

Material: Leather

These shoes from New Balance are truly special, providing great protection whether you’re running or just going to the grocery store. The sleek black tennies fit true-to-size, so you should feel confident even if you order them online. The flexible mesh leaves room for any changes your foot might undergo, and the cushioning throughout supports the extra weight you’re carrying. What’s more, they can be pulled off quickly.

Material: Fabric, mesh, foam, rubber

During a time when it can be a tall order to bend over to put shoes on, these flats come in clutch. They’re a cinch to slip on and off, so half the battle of getting out the door has already been won. They’re made with lots of environmentally friendly materials like recycled cotton and foam, and they have a durable, tractioned sole to prevent slippage. Plus, walking in these shoes gently stretches out the fabric over time. Normally that might be a pain, but with widening feet, it’s just what you need now.

Material: Jute, recycled cotton, recycled PU foam, recycled rubber

This pull-on boot will dress up your everyday style. Made with durable, comfy side panels, feet slip in easily. (Lots of pregnant reviewers specifically note the nice cushion and how easy they are to put on.) Plus, you don’t have to worry about breaking them in — they’ll feel perfect from the first wear. As an added perk, Rothy’s shoes are made from plastic water bottles and can be tossed into the washing machine when they start to look a little dingy.

Material: Rothy’s signature thread fabric spun from water bottles

Your first thought when you see these sneakers is probably, “Wow! What a large sole!” And you're right — but those large soles feel like clouds. The cushioned midsoles on these APMA-accepted shoes offer superior shock absorption, while the special design naturally propels you forward. All that adds up to a shoe that was made for running so you and babe can (comfortably) put in the miles.

Material: Mesh, memory foam, EVA, rubber

A simple sneaker with a lot going for it, these lace-up canvas kicks boast a comfortable footbed, as well as metatarsal (aka the long bones in the middle of your foot) and heel support, meaning your arches will feel cradled and comfy. Even better, they’re available in both regular and wide widths, and if you wear orthotics, there’s room for them as well. Choose from more than a dozen colors, from crisp white to teal or pink. (Note that the brand recommends going up a half size for a perfect fit.)

Material: Canvas, rubber

Allow us to introduce you to your new favorite house shoes. Yes, these are technically slippers, but since they're made by foot-friendly brand Vionic, they boast an orthotic footbed that conforms comfortably to swollen feet. The adjustable closure means you can easily make the shoe tighter or looser, too. And the terry cloth material offers ultimate softness, and they're even designed to help resist odor-causing bacteria. They’re even accepted by the APMA.

Material: Polyester terry cloth

Because of the shoe’s flexible wool material, these slip-ons really do glide right onto your feet — a necessity once you enter the third trimester. They’re supremely comfortable and breathable, too, thanks to the temperature-regulating fabric. You’ll want to keep this pair on all day, every day. Go right ahead — they’re machine-washable, so they’ll look like new despite the heavy wear.

Material: Merino wool

When winter’s chill rolls in during the later stages of your pregnancy, you don’t want to find yourself hunched over trying to wrangle tight, heavy boots with cumbersome laces. Instead, turn to an old staple: Uggs. This best-selling short version of the classic boot is a breeze to slip on, but has all the comforts of the original, including a lightweight body, highly cushioned sheepskin interiors and plenty of flexibility. As a bonus, these shoes also offer lots of traction in slippery conditions.

Material: Sheepskin, suede, Treadlite

You don’t have to give up on your nice leather boots as you progress in your pregnancy. These smooth leather and nubuck ankle-style boots are APMA-approved, thanks largely in part to a removable cork and latex footbed that molds to the shape of your foot to provide plenty of support and comfort. A zippered side makes them an easy-on, easy-off option during pregnancy, too. If you’re not a fan of the bordeaux color, they’re also available in a classic black.

Material: Leather, cork, latex, suede

Pulling on tall, bulky rain boots is a tall order when you’re about ready to pop, which is what makes this shorter style so appealing for pregnant women. Like traditional Hunter Boots, they’re incredibly durable, waterproof and stylish — but unlike the traditional pair, you probably won’t struggle to put them on. They have a wider ankle circumference and an increased curve in the heel and around your Achilles tendon for a more comfortable fit, so it shouldn’t rub uncomfortably against your foot anywhere. Simply slip your foot in, and go.

Material: Polyester, rubber, nylon webbing

When the temperature spikes, you’ll be grateful to have this comfortable, versatile pair of shoes in your closet. It has a unique construction — it’s made of yoga mats! — that’ll make you feel like you’re walking on air. Adding to the comfort factor, there’s a lightweight, two-way stretch knit that stretches with you as your feet “grow.” The squishy material and non-restrictive design allows ample room for your feet to grow in size, too.

Material: Rubber sponge, fabric

Think of these stylish slip-on sneaks as a great alternative to custom orthotics. They’re backed by the popular Dr. Scholl’s name and have a special technology in the insole designed for maximum comfort and plenty of support everywhere you need it most. It also gives you a bit of added height, thanks to the hidden two-inch heel wedge. As a nice bonus, the soft linings and topcloth are made from recycled bottles, making this pair a purchase you can feel doubly good about.

An espadrille is always a smart choice, but when you add fun, trendy — and sometimes even quirky — stitching to the top, you have a super-fun pair of shoes you’ll basically want to live in. Making the deal even sweeter: A flexible exterior that shouldn’t feel tight as your foot swells and a rubber, grippy sole that’ll afford you plenty of traction, no matter where your day takes you. Just know that they’ll feel a little big snug when you’re first breaking them in, but will stretch to accommodate the perfect fit.

Material: Cotton, jute, rubber

When you’re in the later stages of pregnancy, the last thing you want to do is bend over to tie your shoes. Instead of ditching your sneakers for months and only wearing slip-ons, consider a pair of Kiziks. All you need to do is literally step into them and you’re set – no bending over or tying laces necessary. On top of being incredibly easy to slip into, these shoes are made with a high-quality knit fabric that stretches. The dense foam insole provides lots of support and comfort, and the traction on the bottom will keep you steady.

Material: Fabric made from recycled plastic bottles, foam, rubber

These Saysh One sneakers were designed to be worn at anytime, anywhere. The design is undeniably slick, and these kicks provide all the support you need. But our favorite thing about the Saysh brand, founded by Olympian Allyson Felix, is its pregnancy-friendly return policy: You can get a free pair of sneakers if your shoe size increases while you're expecting. That way, you don't need to worry about buying a new pair of shoes only to have them not fit for potentially months on end. How incredible is that?