Nausea, lower back pain, heartburn, frequent urination – these are just some of the few changes that your body undergoes during pregnancy. However, many soon-to-be moms may find another common body change: swollen feet.
Swollen feet happen when a pregnant woman’s feet seem to grow larger than their normal foot size. This occurs due to your body’s changes in blood flow and hormones. Fluid builds up in your tissues, which causes swelling. This can result in tightness or uneasiness when wearing your old pair of shoes.
Luckily, there are many brands and shoe companies who produce shoes that are specially made for pregnant women with swollen feet. If you want to know more about the best shoes for swollen feet, keep reading to find more.
What to Look for in a Shoe for Swollen Feet?
Before making a purchase or replacing your old shoes with a better pair, there are a few features that you need to consider first. As a soon-to-be mom, your goal now is to find comfortable and breathable maternity shoes to accommodate your swollen feet.
Finding the best shoes for pregnancy can be time-consuming, so we made a buying guide to make your lives easier.
1. Support
Your feet during pregnancy are swollen up. Just like water balloons, they increase in size. In this case, you definitely need to look for the best shoes that provide you the optimal amount of support. Otherwise, your swollen feet can worsen the pain and swelling.
One feature you must consider is the arch support or the amount of support the shoes offer. It must support your entire underfoot region, especially your arches or also known as the center of the bottom of your feet.
Your intended pair of maternity shoes must also support you when you stand, walk, or even exercise throughout your pregnancy journey.
2. Comfortability
Another term used to describe a pregnant woman’s swollen feet is called edema. This is known as an abnormal accumulation of fluid between the skin and the cavities of your body. Moreover, your ankles and feet swell, so it’s best to look for a pair of comfortable shoes.
The type of shoes you wear will either keep your feet comfortable or painful. So, choose a pair of pregnancy shoes that have enough cushioning and have plenty of wiggle room for your swollen feet. This allows you to do more activities without feeling uncomfortable and have a better pregnancy experience.
3. Style
Luckily, the footwear industry offers many affordable and fashionable options for women who want a stylish wardrobe. Like any shoes, they are made in numerous different patterns, colors, and materials. The ideal shoe that works best for you depends on your particular taste and lifestyle.
You can also look for shoes that include low heels. However, even the smallest incline in heels might add pain in your ankles, feet, and even your hips and back. As much as possible, stick to shoes with low heels.
4. Sole quality
The sole quality is another key feature you need to look at when buying the best shoes for swollen feet. Rubber is a fantastic shock absorber and may help prevent muscle and joint pain. So, for pregnant women with healthy feet, you may opt for shoes with rubber soles.
On the other hand, if your feet are prone to conditions such as extreme swelling or heel spurs, it’s best to look for shoes that have replaceable insoles. This allows you to replace it with orthopedic insoles. This will keep your feet protected at all times.
5. Adjustability
During pregnancy, your feet will go through several changes. More specifically, your feet start to swell and become wider. This also depends on how far into the pregnancy you are and how active you are.
One suggestion is to look for shoes that have adjustable straps. This allows you to save more money instead of buying several different sizes of shoes. So, if you’re on a tight budget, consider buying shoes with adjustable straps.
Top 5 Best Shoes for Swollen Pregnant Feet
1. Crocs Unisex-Adult Bistro Graphic Clog
Product Description
This Crocs Unisex Bistro Clog is made out of Croslite material that provides maximum lightweight cushioning. These shoes are a fully molded classic clog and include a contoured footbed. This offers your feet a good massage while you walk!
The forefoot includes adiPRENE + inserts, which provide your pinpoint comfort. These clogs are also slip-resistant and offer adequate traction on wet floors, which prevents you from future accidents and injuries.
Another feature to admire is the Croslite material that conforms to your foot, which creates a custom fit. The material can be easily cleaned with only water and soap.
However, these shoes do not provide much arch support, which may not suit pregnant women with flat feet. The tread may start to wear off after 1-2 years, depending on how often you wear the shoes.
These clogs may also tend to fit a little larger than the size suggests. So, you might need to round down on your particular size. Another downside of this clog is that it is unavailable wide or extra wide. You must also avoid leaving it in direct sunlight, or else it’ll shrink in size.
As mentioned, these shoes are slip-resistant on wet floors, but not on the ice.
Pros
- Made out of 100% Croslite material, provides maximum lightweight cushioning
- Includes a contoured footbed
- Provides adiPRENE + inserts
- Slip-resistant
Cons
- Does not provide arch support, not suitable for flat feet
- Limited sizes available
- Shrinks in direct sunlight
- Not slip-resistant on ice
Interested? Check it out on this link!
2. Crocs Isabella T-Strap Sandal
Product Description
If you’re looking for footwear that allows your feet to breathe fresh air, these Crocs Women’s Isabella T-Strap Sandals are another great option! These flip flops include comfortable rubber sandals that also include all the support of the original foam clogs.
Another thing to admire about these T-strap sandals is that it provides adequate support. You can wear them anywhere during the summer. These sandals also allow your feet to go wide, which accommodates any growth during your pregnancy.
The thin T-strap design lets you feel like you’re barefoot, but the foam footbed still provides you ample support for achy soles. It’s barely there, which gives you an airy and light feeling. You’ll step into a breezy, summery state of mind every time you put them on. This is suitable for feminine and stylish pregnant women.
Pros
- Made of 100% Gem light straps
- Available in black, bronze, and cantaloupe
- Lightweight
- Has soft, translucent TPU straps
- Stylish
- Provides comfortability
- Provides iconic Crocs support
- Suitable for narrow and flat feet
Cons
- Straps might be too tight.
Interested? Check it out on this link!
3. Propét Women’s Tour Walker Strap Sneaker
Product Description
This Propet Women’s Tour Walker Strap Sneaker is suitable for the active pregnant woman. It comes in a variety of sizes, including wide and extra-wide sizes. It also includes a few different colors and styles for you to select from.
It offers a durable leather material, which makes it easy to wipe clean. The two Velcro straps also provide you adjustability. This allows you to adjust your shoes if your feet tend to swell more throughout the day or when doing different activities.
Another feature to admire about these sneakers is its rubber bottoms. This offers excellent traction and is suitable for standing and walking for long periods of time. Lastly, the footbed is 100% removable.
However, these shoes might have a quality control issue and might be too big for your feet. Therefore, you might want to buy a size that is smaller than your usual size. Another thing to keep in mind is that these shoes are a bit higher on the ankle. For some people, it can be good protection for the feet.
The shoe does not really have much depth, while the upper is made of fragile leather material. The Velcro straps are also flimsy and fairly thin. On the other hand, the heel is slightly elevated. If you have narrow toes, these shoes might also slightly pinch your toes.
Pros
- 100% Removable footbed
- Available in a variety of sizes, including wide and extra-wide sizes
- Available in a variety of colors and styles
- Includes durable, leather material
- Easy to wipe and clean
- Provides two adjustable Velcro straps
- Rubber sole quality
- Slightly elevated heel
Cons
- Does not provide much depth
- Does not offer enough room for toes
- Not slip-resistant
Interested? Check it out on this link!
4. Birkenstock Women’s Gizeh Birko-Flor
Product Description
If you want to own a single comfortable pregnancy shoe throughout the warm weather, then these Birkenstock open-toe flip flops might be what you’re looking for. Its key feature is its grooved deep sole, which helps your blood properly circulate and avoids swelling. According to customer reviews, these Birkenstocks are a good investment for pregnancy shoes.
In case your feet start to swell, you can later loosen the straps using the adjustable straps. The contoured footbed also knows exactly how to hug your sole. The straps are actually made of fabric, despite looking like leather. This helps your feet feel cool and blister-free.
These shoes are also suitable for individuals with foot conditions like plantar fasciitis and sciatica. The toe piece is made of flexible resin, which is anatomically designed to fit comfortably between the toes. Lastly, the soft suede insoles feel great on the skin and absorb moisture.
Basically, these shoes for swollen feet and other foot conditions are heaven-sent.
Pros
- Available in an array of colors
- Made out of 100% synthetic and leather
- Provides EVA sole
- Heel measures approximately 0.75″.
- Platform measures approximately 0.5″.
- Includes adjustable straps with buckle closure
- Contoured footbed with cork midsole
- Provides great arch support
Cons
- The flexible resin might be painful between the toes
- Sizing might be confusing
- Thong might be too stiff
Interested? Check it out on this link!
5. TOMS Women’s Espadrilles
Product Description
If you prefer close-toed maternity shoes, these light TOMS Women’s Espadrilles flats are the best option for you. These popular TOMS flats are the perfect slip-on shoe for you. These shoes are vegan-friendly and have excellent sole quality.
These shoes are perfect for both indoor and outdoor wear. It provides support and comfortability for pregnant women with swollen feet. Its intricate details such as the pompom make the cute shoes more fun and adorable.
The nice gingham pattern does not only offer you both comfort and style, but it also gives back. For every pair that’s sold, TOMS will give a pair of cute shoes to a child in need through its One on One initiative.
So, if you want to buy a comfortable and stylish pair of shoes for pregnancy and donate at the same time, the TOMS Women’s Espadrilles are definitely worth the purchase and a great option.
Pros
- Vegan
- Provides excellent rubber sole quality
- Offers support and comfortability
- Includes details such as pompoms and gingham patterns
- Has a faux shearling lining
- Good for indoor and outdoor wear
Cons
- The inner slipper might slip and slide out of the outer slipper
Interested? Check it out on this link!
So, Which One Should You Buy?
Swollen feet is a very common sudden change during pregnancy. This occurs due to your body’s changes in blood flow and hormones. Fluid builds up in your tissues, which causes swelling.
This can result in uncomfortably if you don’t replace your old shoes with a more appropriate type of shoes for pregnancy. Luckily, there are many shoe brands and companies that produce good quality, stylish, and affordable shoes for swollen feet.
We highly recommend the Birkenstock Women’s Gizeh Birko-Flor. These shoes are lightweight and are open-toed, which makes it ideal to wear during warm weather. It does not only provide style and comfort but also gives adequate support for your swollen feet.
