When you are pregnant, your body changes a lot. One big change is in your feet. Many pregnant women feel foot pain, swelling, or tired legs. This is why picking the best maternity footwear is very important. Good shoes can help you feel better and walk with ease.
In this guide, we will help you choose the best maternity footwear by looking at five main things: comfort and support (performance), price, how long they last (durability), brand trust, and what other moms say (user reviews). We will also talk about different times and places where you might wear these shoes — like at home, work, or during light exercise.
This guide is made for moms in North America. We know the weather here can be cold in winter and hot in summer. We also know people walk a lot, go to work, and run errands. So, we focus on shoes that work well in these real-life situations.
The most important part of maternity footwear is how it feels when you wear it.
Why Support Matters
When you are pregnant, your body gains weight. Your center of gravity shifts forward. This puts more pressure on your feet, especially the arch and heel. Without good support, you may get pain in your feet, back, or hips.
Look for shoes with:
- Good arch support – helps spread your body weight evenly.
- Cushioned insoles – absorb shock when you walk.
- Wide toe box – gives your toes room to move. Swelling is common, so tight toes feel bad.
- Low, stable heel – a flat or 1-inch heel is safest. High heels can make you lose balance.
Best for Different Activities
- At home: Slippers or sandals with soft soles.
- Work: Supportive sneakers or slip-on shoes if you stand a lot.
- Walking or light exercise: Athletic shoes made for walking or pregnancy.
- Dressy events: Comfortable flats with padding.
Brands like Birkenstock, Propet, and Vionic are known for strong arch support. Their designs follow foot health rules and are liked by doctors.
You don’t have to spend a lot to get good maternity footwear, but very cheap shoes often lack support.
Price Ranges
- $20–$40: Basic comfort shoes. Good for home use. May not last long.
- $40–$80: Mid-range options. Best value. These often have good cushioning and support. Great for daily wear.
- $80+: Premium shoes. Made with high-quality materials. Often used by people with foot problems.
For most pregnant women, spending $50–$70 gets the best maternity footwear for daily use. You get comfort, style, and durability.
Some health insurance plans in the U.S. may cover part of orthopedic shoes if you have a doctor’s note. Check with your provider.
Pregnancy lasts about 9 months, but good maternity footwear can be used after birth, too — especially during recovery when your feet may still be swollen.
What Makes Shoes Last?
- Strong soles: Rubber soles resist wear on sidewalks and roads.
- Quality materials: Leather or breathable mesh lasts longer than thin fabric.
- Stitching and build: Double-stitched seams don’t break easily.
Shoes from trusted brands like Clarks, New Balance, and Aetrex are built to last. Many moms say they wore their maternity shoes for years — even after pregnancy.
Avoid shoes that feel flimsy or have thin soles. They may save money now, but you’ll replace them sooner.
Some brands have spent years making shoes for comfort and health. Here are a few top names in maternity footwear:
Vionic
- Known for podiatrist-approved support.
- Many styles are endorsed by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA).
- Great for arch pain and plantar fasciitis.
New Balance
- Offers wide widths (up to 4E!).
- Cushioned running and walking shoes.
- Good for active moms or those who walk a lot.
Birkenstock
- Iconic contoured footbed supports natural foot shape.
- Durable and eco-friendly materials.
- Perfect for casual or outdoor wear.
Propet
- Makes shoes for people with foot problems.
- Easy slip-on styles with stretchy tops.
- Loved by moms who hate bending over.
These brands are sold in big stores like Nordstrom, Zappos, and Amazon, and they offer free returns in the U.S. and Canada. That means you can try them at home risk-free.
Real-life feedback helps us know what works.
On sites like Amazon, Target, and Zappos, many pregnant women say:
- “These are the only shoes that don’t hurt my back.”
- “My feet swelled in the third trimester, but these stretched and still fit.”
- “I wore them all day at work and didn’t need to sit down.”
Top-rated shoes often have:
- Over 4-star ratings.
- Hundreds of positive reviews.
- Photos from real users showing them worn in daily life.
One popular shoe, the Vionic Walker, has over 10,000 reviews on Amazon with a 4.6-star rating. Moms love its support and simple style.
Another favorite is the New Balance 410 walking shoe. It’s lightweight and comes in wide sizes. Many say it’s the most comfortable shoe they’ve ever worn.
Let’s match the right shoe to your daily life.
1. For Work (Standing or Walking All Day)
Try: New Balance 626v2 or Clarks Breeze Sea
Strong arch support
Slip-resistant soles (safe on tile or hardwood floors)
Professional look
2. For Home or Casual Wear
Try: Birkenstock Arizona or Vionic Tide II Sandal
Easy to slip on/off – Soft footbed
Great for swollen feet
3. For Exercise or Walking
Try: Brooks Addiction Walker or Propet Stability X
Built for motion control
Extra cushioning
Good for flat feet
4. For Dressy Occasions
Try: Clarks Tali Grace Floral or Vionic Kendra
Stylish but still supportive
Hidden arch support
Look good with dresses or pants
- Shop in the afternoon – Feet swell during the day. That’s the best time to try shoes.
- Measure your feet – Many women go up a half or full shoe size during pregnancy.
- Wear the socks you plan to use – Test shoes with the same socks you’ll wear daily.
- Check return policies – Most online stores (like Zappos) offer free returns within 30–60 days.
- Look for wide widths – Brands like New Balance offer 2A, B, D, 2E, and 4E widths.
The best maternity footwear is not just about looks. It’s about:
- Supporting your changing body
- Keeping you pain-free
- Lasting through pregnancy and beyond
- Being easy to wear every day
You don’t need one pair for everything. Many moms own 2–3 pairs: one for work, one for home, and one for walking.
Top picks for the best maternity footwear in 2025:
1. Vionic Walker – Best overall support
2. New Balance 410 – Best for wide feet and walking
3. Birkenstock Arizona – Best for casual comfort
4. Propet TravelActiv – Best for easy on/off
5. Clarks Breeze Sea – Best work shoe
Remember: Your feet carry you and your baby. Treat them well. Invest in good maternity footwear — your body will thank you.
- American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) on footwear during pregnancy: https://www.apma.org/foot-ankle-conditions/foot-care-during-pregnancy
- Zappos return policy (U.S. and Canada): https://www.zappos.com/about/returns
- Vionic Walker shoe reviews on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Vionic-Walker-Anti-Fatigue-Orthotic-Technology/dp/B07PBF2Y2G
- New Balance 410 Women’s Walking Shoe: https://www.newbalance.com/pd/410-v1/ML410V1.html
- Brooks Addiction Walker 2: https://www.brooksrunning.com/en_us/shoes/addiction-walker-2/110214.html
