How to Find the Best Shoes for Pregnancy Back Pain

Last Updated on May 12, 2023 by Dr. Tiffany Egan

There are many options when it comes to the best shoes for pregnancy back pain. It is important to find a pair of shoes that provide the proper arch support, cushioning and stability. Additionally, you should look for shoes with a flexible sole and comfortable upper material.

My personal favorite pregnancy back pain shoe is the Brooks Ariel 20, which provides excellent cushioning and stability in one package. And the sturdy construction ensures your feet are well supported which makes for a perfect everyday shoe during pregnancy.

What are the best shoes for pregnancy back pain?

The best shoes for women who experience back pain in pregnancy need to be comfortable, supportive, have room for growth and easy to put on! Here are some things to consider before your next purchase.

What happens to feet during pregnancy?

Women’s bodies change drastically throughout the 9+ months of pregnancy and that includes the feet too! It’s no surprise that we often see pregnant women depicting sore and swollen feet in movies. But, what actually is going on to our feet?

The increase in body weight changes the center of gravity to off set the natural structure of the foot. The supportive foot padding also decreases as more weight gets put on them. And the pregnancy hormone called relaxin makes the tendons and ligaments of the foot less supportive.

How types of shoes affect pregnancy back pain

Our feet lay the foundation for entire body from the ground up. Just like a building, what is not stable down below will not be stable up above. However, our bodies are amazing and do a great amount of compensating to help counteract the instability.

The compensating our bodies do often feel like tight and sore muscles. That’s why back pain and other ailments show up in pregnancy since our bodies change so much in such a short period of time. Here are a few recommended stretches for back pain and sciatica to maintain flexibility throughout pregnancy.

Things to consider:

Since having kids and getting older I’ve changed my style to be more practical than actually “stylish.” I ask questions like:

• How long will I wear these?
• Am I comfortable wearing them?
• Are they worth the cost?
• And LASTLY, are they stylish?

Types of (practical) shoes recommended:

• Comfortable Slippers for around-the-house
• Supportive and Structured Sandals
• Easy Slip On Sneakers
• Shoes that are weather appropriate

Types of shoes to avoid:

• High Heels
• Low support
• Slippery
• Too constricting

Best shoes for swollen, pregnant feet

I experienced swollen feet during my pregnancy with my last baby as I was in my third trimester during the hottest summer. I highly recommend supportive sandals or easy slip on shoes that don’t restrict blood flow or decrease circulation. And elevate the feet as much a possible!

Some shoes have the option to order wide width instead of medium width and that would give you some extra room.

Another item you can try if it’s not too hot where you live is compression socks. They make them much cuter now and not just in nude colors like our grandparents wear. They can also help with swelling and pain. But the trick is to put them on right away in the morning before getting out of bed.

Best work shoes for pregnancy back pain

Depending on your line of work I would recommend supportive sneakers whenever possible. If you need to wear more formal footwear then Dansko would be a good option. They make all different styles of shoes now but they are most famous for their clogs.

No matter what your line of work is, please remember to be kind to yourself and take much needed breaks throughout your shift. Even (especially) if you work at a desk all day. Our bodies were not made to sit all day.

Best Shoes for Pregnancy Back Pain in summer

My go-to styles for summer pregnancies are primarily sandals and tennis shoes. Unless there are special occasions such as weddings or social gatherings where I would recommend a very low heel or cute supportive flats.

Sandals that I like because they are both kid-friendly and water-friendly are the Birkenstock EVA in any style. Birkenstocks offer more support in their footbeds than the typical flip-flop. They are also super cute and practical. They’re basically all I wear in the summer, pregnant or not.

My all time favorite sneakers for pregnancy are Kizik’s Athens slip-on shoe in Bahama. I’ve never gotten so many complements on a pair of shoes before. They are completely slip on and perfect for post-partum too. Especially if you had a C-section or if you’re baby-wearing and want to go outside quickly.

If you typically walk around bare foot in the summer you might notice more sore feet. That’s because the fat pad is thinner on the bottom of the foot with the added weight. Find some slippers that you can wear around the house that don’t get too hot but are still supportive.

Best Shoes for Pregnancy Back Pain in winter

Minnesota winters that I go through every year are brutal so I definitely know a good winter shoe. My top brands for snow are UGG and SOREL. I typically go with shorter, no lace styles and something I can step into or easily pull on.

Rain boot brands that I like are Sperry and Hunter. The Sperrys tend to be a bit slippery if they are on ice so only wear them in rain/wet weather. Hunter is a great rain boot for layering cute socks underneath.

These winter shoe brands are pricier but you will be able to wear these after pregnancy as well and they last a long time. I’ve had my UGGS since college and that’s over 10 years ago! Ugh!

Conclusion:

The best shoes for pregnancy back pain is not a one size fits all answer. So, try some on and check them out in person. Keep in mind that feet tend to get better and flatter throughout pregnancy and may stay like that AFTER pregnancy as well! Good luck and happy shopping!