Stylish and Comfortable Shoes for
Pregnant Women
Jennifer Kung
Enough with the bulky sneakers and plain sandals! Although pregnancy causes swollen feet and ankles, increased sweating, back and leg aches, it doesn’t mean that you have to resort to unadorned and unattractive shoes. There are numerous options available to ensure complete comfort in fashionable footwear. When buying shoes, just remember that it’s best to go for shoes with flat, low, and wide heels (2” or lower), arch support and breathable uppers (leather, suede, canvas) that won’t retain moisture. It’s best to go for slip-ons to avoid the need to tie to your shoes, and to buy larger, wider shoes because of swelling.
When you feel great, you look great, and these following choices will definitely guarantee both:
The Clarks Women’s ‘Amulet’ Thong Sandal has the complete package for providing functional footwear that will look great on any feet, wide or slim. It’s an easy slip-on thong sandal with a comfortable 1” heel. It’s made of a suede foot bed which removes moisture from sweaty feet and a contoured foot bed with a heel cup so your feet won’t slip and slide. Its foam cushioned insole and lightweight polyurethane outsole provides ultra comfort and helps reduce stress from your feet. It has simplistic contour stitching and comes in three elegant colors which can be easily paired with any outfit: Balsam Green, Black, and Chestnut. Get it here for a reduced price ($69.95 to $34.97).
Arcopedico’s Nylon Mesh ‘Light’ Mule is a well-designed shoe for the easy slip on. This clog shoe comes in 7 unique colors: beige, black, fuschia, navy, olive, red, or white. It’s an exceptional choice because it’s made of Arcopedico’s patented Techno-Elastic knitting which allows the mess upper to adjust to your individual foot size for an ensured well-fitted shoe. Therefore swollen feet are no longer an issue, since the shoe can adjust to your changing feet size. It also has an anatomical foot bed and polyurethane sole which distributes weight evenly for stability and provides arch support for steady footing. What I love about this clog shoe is that it covers the toes which can provide warmth as well as hide unsightly toes since pregnant women often lack the time and more obviously the aptitude to apply their cute nail polish. It’s a low 1 ½” heel and is made of 100% nylon mess upper, cork mid sole, leather sockliner, and polyurethane outsole, which are materials great for blocking out moisture and providing firm footing. Get it here.
It’s difficult to find comfortable work shoes that don’t kill your feet or make them look dismally monotonous. Well here’s a perfect shoe that complements all the needs for a pregnant working mom. Clark’s Women’s ‘Hall 2’ Slip-On looks so classy with its zigzag cutout design and ultra-soft leather upper. It has a low 1 ¾” heel with soft knit lining, added cushioning, and extra padding in heel and arch support. It’s made of polyurethane outsole and includes elastic inserts for flexibility, and wedge absorb shock for stability. It comes in 7 colors to add variety for your wardrobe. Get it Footsmart.
Nothing speaks comfort like ballet flats. It is comfort to the max, making you feel as if you’re not even wearing shoes. Steve Madden’s Women’s Bees is a simple and sophisticated ¼ inch flat heeled ballet-styled flat with a rounded toe and rolled leather edging. It has a cushioned insole, flexible midsole and smooth lining for comfort. Its small center bow gives it a cute touch and it’ll look great this summer especially with Capri’s or knee-length shorts.
Kenneth Cole’s Reaction offers a variety of beautiful exotic flats that will be a hit for women before, during, and after their pregnancy. I love their Bard-Itude Green Leather slip-on for its striking and festive colors and intricate metallic stitching and seam accents. It can be worn casually or formally and it’s just one of those shoes that are immediately noticeable and wanted. On top of its appearance it has all the necessary criteria for comfort: a low 1 ¼” heel, smooth leather upper for blocking out moisture, low backed slip on, rounded toe, cushioned comfort foot bed, smoothing lining, wrap-under leather sole and a split traction outsole. For alternate colors, also try the Bard-Itude in Black, Chocolate, or Light Gold Leather.
Another great pick is the Women’s Pop Out ballet-inspired flat by Reaction. It oozes comfort with its full grain matte or metallic leather upper. My favorite part is its charming round peek-a-boo toe with its triangular cutouts, great for hot and sweaty summer days. It has a gathered and flexible heel which ensures a perfect fit, is easy to take on and off, and has smoothing lining, a cushioned insole, and flexible midsole.
Naturalizer’s Women’s Roper is a must-have shoe that will look great with any outfit, whether dressed down or for working attire. I love it’s bold and stylish look with its diagonal cutout straps which allow your feet to remain cool and dry. The Roper comes in raspberry, Camelot, black, wasabi, or white leather and has a low 1” built in heel. It has smooth lining, cushioned suede fabric foot bed, and whip stitched edge detail. It’s great for pregnant women since it’s most importantly flexible and lightweight.
For the ultimate Carrie Bradshaw-inspired shoe lover, don’t miss out on these drop-dead gorgeous shoes which are great for days or events where you just want to be fabulous. Since high heels are out of question for pregnant women, go for the top-designers’ comfortable flats which are so chic and lovable with their embellishments. I absolute love the Roanna Flat by Jimmy Choo which is a metallic nappa flat, available in Egyptian gold or silver as well as his Ronan Flat, which is a leather flat in yellow, mandarin, or brown. Search for Jimmy Choo’s adored flats here.
Also, check out Manolo Blahnik’s Beaded Brocade Thong Sandal, which is a metallic gold floral brocade with a flat heel, and exquisite turquoise and faceted clear crystal beading.
