17 Best Sandals & Summer Shoes for Pregnancy, Podiatrist-Approved 2024

Publish date: 2024-10-09

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You are never more aware of every inch of your body than when you are pregnant, and that means you deserve to seek comfort from head to toe. If the weather is getting warmer, and your feet are not only carrying a bigger, more important load but also starting to swell, you are definitely going to be in the market for some very comfortable sandals and lightweight sneakers.

Best Sandals and Summer Shoes for Pregnancy, at a Glance

Best Overall: Sunny Arrianah Slides, $65
Best with Memory Foam: Skechers Bobs Desert Chill Washable Sandals, $53 (originally $60)
Best for Swelling: Universal Thread Margie Platform Sport Sandals, $30
Best Supportive Slides: Journee Collection Womens Tru Comfort Foam Slide Flatform Sandals, $47, originally $55
Best Everyday Sneakers: Cariuma White LWG Sneakers, $129
Best Cork Sandals: CUSHIONAIRE Leah Cork Footbed Sandal With +Comfort, $30, originally $50
Best Dressy Shoes: Franco Sarto Sela Slip-On Pointed Toe Mule, $77, originally $99
Best Waterproof Sandals: Crocs Brooklyn Low Wedges, $50
Best Knit Sneakers: Kizik Athens Comfortable Breathable Knit Slip On Sneakers, $129
Best Wedges: BZees Smile Wedge Sandal, $65, originally $85

Sandals Best for Pregnancy: What to Look for, According to a Podiatrist

Even when your feet and ankles are swollen beyond recognition, you don’t have to confine yourself to ugly footwear and flip-flops. And you don’t have to remain barefoot and pregnant every day. Consider this the perfect excuse to shop!

Board-certified podiatrist Priya Parthasarathy DPM told SheKnows there are a few key features to look out for when shopping for the best shoes to carry you through your pregnancy:

The sandal should not be able to fold completely in half; this ensures that the shoe has stability and arch support.
Ideally it should have contoured/built-in arch support; a very flat sandal is just bad for your feet as a high heel.
An ankle strap or a strap at the back of the heel helps with added stability.
Look for sandals with adjustable straps that can accommodate swelling and can accommodate as your feet change during pregnancy. Elastic straps are a bonus that you don’t have to bend down and adjust.

“Although I do not recommend high heels during pregnancy, life does not stop when you are pregnant and there will be events that you will want to wear heels.,” adds Dr. Parthasarathy. “I suggest wedges over a thin heel and an adjustable ankle strap for stability and to accommodate for swelling.”

Finally, Dr. Parthasarathy notes that your feet are constantly changing during pregnancy, so it’s important to remember that you may need to get your feet measured once or more. And if you’re experiencing foot pain, don’t ignore it; make an appointment with your podiatrist.

In this list, we’ve tried to include a number of options to suit your needs. There are supportive, breathable sneakers for your most active days. We have wedges, mules, and platform sandals for those of you who refuse to go full frump. But also, there are soft and comfy slides and sandals — some with memory foam — for when you deserve to walk on clouds and also can’t really even see, let alone reach, your feet.

Our mission at SheKnows is to empower and inspire women, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. QVC is a SheKnows sponsor, however, all products in this article were independently selected by our editors. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.

Experts in This Article

Priya Parthasarathy DPM: Board-certified podiatrist

The Most Comfortable Slides, Ever
As someone who’s 29 weeks pregnant with 2 1/2 months to go (and a delivery date during the HOTTEST TIME OF THE YEAR), comfortable sandals are non-negotiable. Which is why you can pretty much always see me wearing a pair of Reef sandals. IMO, the brand makes the most supportive, plush, durable, and affordable sandals on the market, and my pregnant feet couldn’t be more grateful to wear them wherever I go. And even better, Reef makes aesthetically-pleasing sandals, so I can actually wear these to the office for work and still feel put together.
I specially love the Sunny Arrianah slides because they provide support for my arches and heels (they don’t have built-in arch support, but they’re still very comfortable for my flat feet), and the material is soft enough to never irritate my skin. Like all Reef sandals, they require no break-in whatsoever.
Sizes available: 5-11
Color options: 5
Material: Synthetic
Pros:
Cushioning
Lightweight build
Soft EVA footbed
Stylish
Cons:
No official arch support
Reef Sunny Arrianah Slides
$65
The Cutest Memory Foam Sandals
One of my hidden gem shopping spots as a pregnant lady is QVC—especiially for shoes and sandals. The retailer just has so many options, and you can almost always find a good deal. One pair that jumped out at me are these strappy washable sandals. They’re constructed with memory foam, so every step you take is like walking on a cloud. My tired feet are SO thankful!
Plus, the straps are adjustable, so if you’re experiencing water retension in your feet, or if they’ve grown in size during pregnancy, these have some give, so you won’t feel like all circulation has been cut off at your ankles.
They run true to size, but I’ve personally sized up a half size (which these offer!) in the last few months.
Skechers Bobs Desert Chill Vegan Washable Sandals
$53
Elastic Strap Platform Sandals
The cushy padded insole and stretchy elastic straps make these slip-ons the perfect (and cute!) choice for tired, puffy pregnant feet.
Sizes available: 6 to 11 (whole and half sizes)
Color options: 1
Material: Elastic gore and polyurethane
Pros:
Elastic straps
Cushioning
Molded insoles
Cons:
Some say the straps are too tight
Universal Thread Margie Platform Sport Sandals
$30
‘Flatform’ Sandals
These slides remind us of the iconic ’90s Steve Madden sandals that are making a comeback, and we’re not the least bit mad about it. No buckles or ties, just a 4 mm Tru Comfort Foam insole for slide-on perfection.
Sizes available: 6.5 to 9.5 (whole and half sizes)
Color options: 3
Material: Vegan leather
Pros:
Comfort foam footbed
Easy-on, easy-off slip-on style
Designer dupe
Cons:
Some find vegan leather gives blisters
No ankle strap
Journee Collection Womens Denrie Tru Comfort Foam Slide Flatform Sandals
$47, originally $55
Versatile White Sneakers
White sneakers go with everything, making them a great basic for a pregnancy wardrobe. These by Cariuma have perforation for breathability, a cushioned heel and a memory foam insole for supreme comfort in a painfully stylish package.
Sizes available: 5 to 13 (whole and half sizes)
Color options: 10
Material: Leather or leather with suede
Pros:
Genuine leather
Memory foam insole
Sustainable and recycled materials
Cons:
Some find them stiff or hard to break in
Cariuma White LWG Sneakers
$129
Birkenstock Lookalikes
Birkenstocks are known for their comfort, and these Cushionaire shoes are almost identical to the real thing in both feel and look. Pregnant ladies will particularly appreciate the soft, molded cork footbed. This classic sandal comes in both neutrals and more vibrant colors, like this muted red.
Sizes available: 6 yo 11 (whole and half sizes)
Color options: 12
Material: Faux leather, faux cork and suede
Pros:
Designer dupes
Molded footbed
Waterproof
Cons:
Some say the shoes give them blisters
Some say the fit isn’t accurate
CUSHIONAIRE Leah Cork Footbed Sandal With +Comfort
$30, originally $50
Slip-On Mules
Got someplace dressy to be, or need something comfy for work? Forego the heels — and the need to do anything but slip your tootsies in — with these classic mules from Franco Sarto.
Sizes available: 6 to 11
Color options: 4
Material: Leather
Pros:
Genuine leather
Dressy without a high heel
Easy-on, easy-off style
Cons:
No ankle support
Some say sizing is inconsistent
Franco Sarto Sela Slip-On Pointed Toe Mule
$77, originally $99
on Amazon.com
Waterproof Strappy Platforms
Platform sandals are in this summer, so there’s no need to sacrifice cuteness for comfort with these lightweight, cushy sandals from Crocs. They come in a ton of cute, summery colors too. Bonus: you won’t ruin ’em if your water breaks while you’re standing up.
Sizes available: 5 to 11
Color options: 19
Material: Matlite
Pros:
Waterproof
Adjustable
Lightweight
Cons:
Some don’t like the way the straps fit
Some say they make your feet sweat
Crocs Brooklyn Low Wedges
$50
Slip-On Knit Sneakers
We can’t say enough good things about Kizik — their entire line of shoes slip on, so they’re not only cute and comfortable, they’re super-convenient too. No bending or tying required! We especially love these Pink Lemonade Athens Kiziks, but they come in other colors as well. Their knit upper is extra-breathable for summer.
Sizes available: 6 to 16.5 (Half sizes and wide widths available)
Color options: 5
Material: Canvas and rubber
Pros:
Lightweight
Breathable
Slip-On
Removable/washable insole
Cons:
Some say the tongue digs
Some say they’re too roomy and lack support
Kizik Athens Comfortable Breathable Knit Slip On Sneakers
$129
Colorful Wedge Sandals
Not only do these aptly named sandals bring a smile to your face when you first see them, but their comfy foam footbeds and stretch uppers mean you won’t start frowning at them halfway through the day. They’re also machine washable!
Sizes available: 6 to 11 (half sizes and wide widths available)
Color options: 4
Material: Fabric
Pros:
Machine-washable
Molded footbed
Arch support
Cons:
Some say they run too wide
BZees Smile Wedge Sandal
$65, originally $85
Slip-On Canvas Sneakers
While we love a good sandal, there are also days when you just don’t feel like flashing all your toes. Canvas TOMS are always a fun, breathable alternative.
Sizes available: 5 to 10
Color options: 6
Material: Canvas
Pros:
Easy-on, easy-off style
Lightweight
Flexible
Cons:
Can fold in half, which experts say to avoid
TOMS Womens Redondo Slip On Flats
$35
Slip-On Loafers
These cute loafers from Hey Dude slip on effortlessly and are SERIOUSLY lightweight — not to mention insanely comfy, too. Plus, they’re available in a ton of colors, and they’re top-rated on Amazon.
Sizes available: 5 to 12
Color options: 37
Material: Fabric and rubber
Pros:
Easy-on, easy-off
Removable memory foam insole
Lightweight
Roomy enough to accomodate swelling
Cons:
Some find the fabric too stiff
Some find them too roomy
Hey Dude Wendy Shoes
$58.50, originally $65
T-Strap Sandals
Love ’em or hate ’em, Crocs are durable, reliable and a good choice for the dog days of summer. And honestly, in this delicate T-strap style, what’s not to love?
Sizes available: 5 to 11
Color options: 3
Material: Croslite foam (polyurethane)
Pros:
Lightweight
Waterproof
Cushioned sole
Cons:
May be hard to take off and put on when you’re heavily pregant
Not adjustable
Crocs Serena Sandals
$31
European-Inspired Sandals
Super-cute and super-comfy, these Spanish leather sandals feature a springy rubber sole. Plus they come in lots of fun, bright colors.
Sizes available: 4 to 12
Color options: 26
Material: Leather
Pros:
Genuine leather
Slip-on style
Doesn’t rub
Cons:
Not adjustable
May be too flat for some
Not much arch support
Pons 510 Avarcas Classic Style
$99
Lightweight Slip-On Sneakers
With a lightweight body and supportive design, these sneakers are perfect for pregnancy. Oh, and I did mention they lack laces? Yeah. That’s clutch when you’re in your third trimester and can’t reach (or see) or your toes.
Sizes available: 5 to 11 (half sizes available)
Color options: 5
Material: Fabric
Pros:
Slip-on style
Responsive, cushioned insole
Heel-pull loop
Cons:
Some say it doesn’t have enough arch support
Some say there is not enough cushioning
Skechers Performance Women's Go Walk 2 Slip-On Walking Shoe
$43, originally $62
Elasticized Platform Sandals
These sporty sandals feature sneaker-like soles. They’ll come in handy when your center of gravity is off.
Sizes available: 5 to 11 (half sizes available)
Color options: 2
Material: Leather
Pros:
Elasticized straps
Genuine leather
Arch support
Padded footbed
Cons:
Some have an issue with the quality
Some say they run too narrow
Eileen Fisher Sport Tumbled Leather Sneaker Sandal
$195
Classic Sandals with a Twist
Over 50K reviewers swear by these sandals that look like a well-known brand but at a much more wallet-friendly price point! They have adjustable straps, a flexible cork footbed, and a lightweight EVA sole. They’re available in a wide variety of colors and finishes — including this eye-catching leopard print.
Sizes available: 6 to 12 (half sizes and wide widths available)
Color options: 22
Material: Vegan leather, genuine suede insoles
Pros:
Contoured footbed
Designer lookalike
Long-lasting EEVA outsole
Cons:
Some say the sizing and fit are inconsistent
CUSHIONAIRE Lane Cork Footbed Sandal with +Comfort
$30, originally $50$49.99
on Amazon.com