There will come a time when in your pregnancy when you’ll probably have to choose between shoes you want to wear and shoes you should wear.

Unfortunately, many shoes you want to wear don’t work during pregnancy. Heels, for example, can be very uncomfortable, especially as your bump grows. Tight-fitting shoes are also out because the constriction will cause swelling in your feet and ankles.

So what should you wear?

First, comfort and support are critical. You’ll want to find a style of shoe that checks both those boxes.

Second, get the correct size, and ensure that you pick a shoe that considers your growing baby bump.

Finally, think about function. What type of activities will you be doing, and in what climate? For example, if you’re pregnant during winter, you’ll need warm boots with good treads.

If your shoes don’t have all those elements, you might need to go shopping. And when you do, make sure you avoid (if you can) buying certain types of shoes for your pregnancy.

This article will discuss the shoes to avoid wearing when you’re pregnant, give you some ideas on the ones you should wear, and even give you some ideas to help ease sore feet muscles.

Types of Shoes To Avoid During Pregnancy

Here are the styles of shoes that will have to wait until after your pregnancy.

Boots or Styles That Are Narrow

Boots and other narrow styles can be very constricting and uncomfortable while cutting off circulation and causing discomfort. During pregnancy you retain water which makes your feet swell, so it’s essential to wear shoes that allow for some extra room. 

High Heels or High-Pitched Stilettos

Wearing high-pitched stilettos or high heels when pregnant can lead to increased back pain and discomfort. Uneven weight distribution caused by high heels puts pressure on the lower back — an area already under enough stress during pregnancy. The added height of the stilettos can also cause you to lean too far forward, putting even more pressure on your back.

Flip-Flops or Backless Shoes

Flip-flops and backless shoes are stylish but offer no arch or ankle support  adding pressure to your feet and their stabilizing muscles. As your pregnancy progresses, your feet will get bigger and carry more weight than usual, so wearing shoes that don’t provide arch support can exacerbate the problem, lead to discomfort and even be dangerous if you stumble or roll an ankle. 

Conclusion

Pregnant women deal with plenty of sore muscles  and while some pain you can’t do anything about, you can look after your feet with the proper footwear and foot care. High heels, backless or narrow styles and shoes that feel unstable are all things to avoid. Remember arch support, roomy styles and low heels are all better choices.

Get the Proper Footwear

Here are a few examples of shoes that are perfect for pregnant women:

  • Flats: Good pair of flats are comfortable and versatile and can match your outfits depending on the occasion. Comfortable and stylish wide-toe box shoes for women are perfect during pregnancy.
  • Sandals: Supportive sandals can be another option for pregnant women, provided they are supportive and not flip-flops.
  • Sneakers: Sneakers are perfect for pregnant women who like to stay active because they’re supportive, comfortable, and come in many styles.

Relax the Muscles in Your Feet

Once you’ve taken care of your shoes, you’ll want to ensure you take care of the muscles in your feet. If your feet and joints are tensed and cramped, the right shoes won’t make much difference.

Toe spacers are very effective at keeping the foot muscles strengthened in a natural way. They work by realigning your toes and releasing pressure in the foot, reducing friction, irritation, foot, and toe pain, and enabling natural arch support.

Take Care of Your Feet During Pregnancy

While it would be nice to sit down throughout your pregnancy; you need to get up and move around for your and your baby’s sake. Make sure that when you get out for some exercise, you’ve got the proper footwear and foot accessories to stay pain-free.