- Maternity Shoes - Comfortable Shoes for Pregnancy - Arundo
Maternity shoes don't really exist, but when women are pregnant their feet may grow larger and wider, even by one size, especially in the last trimester and if the last trimester is in hot weather. In fact, about 80% of women do experience swelling. There are some everyday styles of shoes, that you may already own, that will work well during pregnancy.
Everyday Shoes That Work as Maternity Shoes
If feet do expand, good shoe styles would be: backless sneakers, mules, clogs, flip flops (Moszkito and Reef are known for flip flops with arch support), Crocs™, Birkenstocks, or even athletic shoes where the toe strap is on Velcro and it can be expanded.
A lot of women get leg pain and cramps so a shoe like the Reebok EasyTone Flip Flop is a good casual choice because the straps attach further back allowing for a wider foot, and it also has muscle toning balance pods to help with leg pain.
Not everyone can wear flip flops or sandals to work, so ballet flats could be a good choice. There is a company called French Sole, which makes ballet flats in a variety of designer colors and styles, that have arch support. (Be sure to also see: Maternity Wear - Using Your Everyday Clothes).
Comfy Maternity Shoe Must-haves
Comfortable shoes are a must when pregnant. The most important feature in a shoe will be good arch support to help with more pressure on the back.
By the third trimester, a woman’s balance will be off due to carrying so much weight in the front and no one wants to fall when pregnant, so it is best to stick with flat or low heel shoes. Stay away from: high heels, wedges, spiky heels, chunky heels or poor treads.
Slip-ons are definitely the way to go because a very pregnant woman will not be able to bend over and tie shoes. Something that can be stepped into is best. Ankles can also swell so forget shoes with ankle straps.
Find shoes made of stretchy material, mesh or have wide elastic straps. A good choice is the Munro Tess Slip-on because it is a flat with good arch support and wide elastic straps that allows it to be slipped on.
Boots To Wear During Pregnancy
In the later months of pregnancy will be in winter, boots will be a necessity. Again a flat heel is best, but pregnant women will also want boots that are wide fitting and can be slipped on. Boots that would work include Uggs and ankle boots like the Nicolet by Sorel, which is essentially a slip on wide ankle boot.
Another alternative is rain boots, which would work in winter if worn with heavy socks. Rain boots tend to be wide fitting, have a good tread and are slip on. The Air Devyn Rainboot by Cole Haan is a good choice because of its sleek style and it has Nike Air Cushioning for extra comfort and support.
Shoe manufacturers such as Nurse Mates, Aerosoles and Naturilzer all have shoes that provide arch support and comfort and would be a good source for an appropriate maternity shoe.
For women whose feet and ankles expand during pregnancy, there are many maternity shoe options they can find in their closet that will get them comfortably through those final months.
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Gail Oliver - Gail is an author, writer and researcher. She has been quoted in magazines as diverse as Cosmopolitan and Maclean's. Gail writes on a ...
