Best Sneakers for Pregnancy, Tested By Podiatrists


Best Sneakers for Pregnancy, Tested By Podiatrists

As for a pro tip? Daughtry notes that many women are not aware of the fact that they can actually wear men’s shoes if they need more room (hi, swelling!). “The main difference between most men’s and women’s shoes, especially running shoes, is the shoe width and shape,” she says.

To help you find a great pair of sneakers when you’re pregnant, we spoke with an expert to learn more about her top picks for different activities, budgets, and style preferences. But, before we get carried away, we’ll break down exactly what to consider before buying a pair.

What To Consider

Fit/Comfortability

During pregnancy, your feet will swell due to fluid retention and the extra weight your body is carrying, and finding shoes that accommodate these changes is crucial. As a rule of thumb, be sure to look for sneakers with a roomy toe box so your feet can spread comfortably and avoid any pinching or discomfort. Plus, many women notice that their foot size changes during pregnancy, so it’s best to size up or pick shoes with adjustable features like laces or Velcro straps.

In addition to size and adjustability, materials are important when it comes to total comfort. Breathable materials like mesh or knit fabrics help keep your feet cool and prevent excess sweating, which can be common during pregnancy. Opting for slip-on designs can also be a practical choice since bending over to tie shoes becomes more challenging as your bump gets bigger.

Cushioning/Shock Absorption

Want to reduce the impact on your feet and joints during pregnancy? Look for shoes with good cushioning and shock absorption. “When walking, the force on your feet and ankles is five times your body weight, so shoe support and shock absorption are important components to footwear,” explains Daughtry. As your body weight increases, the added pressure on your feet can cause serious discomfort, fatigue, and pain in your knees and lower back. Sneakers with sufficient cushioning—especially in the midsole and heel areas—help absorb the shock from each step, which softens the impact, she says.

To find out if a shoe has enough cushioning while shopping, look for details in the description with mentions of “plush,” “max cushioning,” or “extra soft” for high-cushioning options. Terms like “responsive,” “balanced,” and “moderate cushioning” are ideal to spot when it comes to finding medium-cushion options. You can also check the midsole material—shoes with thicker foam, gel, or air-filled midsoles typically provide more cushioning. If you’re shopping in-store, press your thumb into the midsole to feel its softness and depth; high-cushion shoes will feel noticeably softer and more compressible than medium-cushion ones.

Arch Support

“With more weight on your body (and subsequently the feet), your feet will naturally flatten more and put stress on the plantar fascia, the ligament on the bottom of the foot that assists with arch support,” says Daughtry. To avoid that, look for shoes with built-in arch support or orthotic-friendly designs where you can add custom inserts. Proper arch support not only reduces foot fatigue, but also alleviates pressure on your knees, hips, and back.

When shopping, look for shoes with medium arch support or high arch support, depending on your arch. Shoes with medium arch support are designed for people with a neutral foot arch, while high arch support offers extra structure for those with more pronounced arches. To spot the right shoe for your needs, look for specific features like “contoured insoles” or “arch cushioning.”

How We Chose

First, we tapped two foot experts to get their recommendations for comfortable, reliable shoes for pregnancy Then, we combed through our own database of testing notes from our hands-on experience with hundreds of shoe styles and brands to cross-reference their picks to align on options to with the ideal mix of comfortability, arch support, and cushioning to support a growing bump.

Keep reading to see our top picks, no matter how far along in your pregnancy you might be.

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