fashion rec fashion wanted
Related Articles
If we had it our way, my hunch is that most pregnant women would opt to go shoe-less for at least the second half of their pregnancies. The experience is different for every person, but those months are commonly marked by swollen feet, achy legs, and increasing levels of discomfort, especially in the lower extremities.
While some days I can pull that off—freelance writing definitely has its perks—it’s still critical to have a solid lineup of shoes to slip on for errands, dinners out, dog walks, baby showers, coffee dates, and such. (Running, my activity of choice, requires special shoe considerations.)
My main requirements for shoes these days are that they’re comfortable, relatively cute, and easy to slip on. Trust me: now is not the time for lots of laces, ties, buckles, or straps. Here are six pairs that my trusty network of currently (or recently pregnant friends) and I recommend to fellow mothers-in-the-making:
Miller Cloud by Tory Burch
Though not inexpensive at $228 a pair, the Miller Cloud by Tory Burch is a gorgeous shoe that offers unexpected comfort. One friend who received them as a gift when she was pregnant calls them “super comfortable and supportive.” I’ve noticed that she still wears them often, nearly 18 months after her little girl was born, which can only be a good sign.
The Miller Cloud is lightweight and ergonomic, with a leather upper, a rubber sole, and a leather-wrapped dual-density foam insole. The iconic Tory Burch logo, which makes up the bulk of the strap, is the stylish cherry on top. Choose between ivory, red, brown, and black, and slip them on when you want to add a nice little touch to any outfit.
The Starling by Birdies
the starling
birdies.com
$95.00
If you’re still going into an office or classroom, or have another need for flats, the Starling by Birdies is an excellent choice. Priced from $95 to $140 depending on the model, this shoe was my sister’s go-to when she was pregnant with her first child and working in a law office every day. It was also her top recommendation when I told her I was working on this round-up.
The Starling comes in three classic colors (black velvet, cheetah calf hair, and latte suede), plus four seasonal offerings (blue glitter, light pink glitter, black glitter, and woven yellow). Some models are vegan, if you’re into that, and all feature a 10 mm heel and a non-slip rubber sole, making them indoor- and outdoor-friendly. For women with especially swollen feet, keep in mind that the black velvet is offered in two widths: medium and wide.
Wicked Good Moccasins by L.L.Bean
Women’s Wicked Good Moccasins
llbean.com
$79.00
Work-from-homers, have I got a secret for you: the $79 Wicked Good Moccasins by L.L.Bean. Unless I’m barefoot, it’s almost a guarantee that these moccasins are warming my feet while I’m cooking, tidying up, or working in my home office. I really liked them pre-pregnancy, but now that I’m in my final eight weeks, I adore them.
The Wicked Good Moccasins are made from sheepskin, which is naturally warm and draws moisture away from the feet, and have a thermoplastic rubber outside. As their name suggests, they’re exceptionally comfortable — so much so that L.L.Bean claims to sell a pair every 7 seconds during peak sales in December. Choose from seven colors (black, maroon, light brown, light blue, dark brown, red, and tan), go for the wide width if needed, and plan on wearing these moccasins all winter long.
Arizona Sandal by Birkenstock
Arizona
Birkenstock
Birkenstock
$99.95
Honestly, what can’t a worn-in pair of Birkenstocks do? I wore mine for a year-long trip around the world, and continue to wear their replacements on a daily basis. One friend, whose first son just turned one, agrees. “I wore/wear my Birkenstock’s all the time!” she says about her favorite model, the Arizona, which rings in just under $100. Like other women in her shoes, she appreciates that she could choose between regular/wide and medium/narrow.
The most classic of all Birkenstocks, the Arizona style comes in two colors: stone and mocha. It features two straps (that rarely if ever need adjusting), a lightweight construction, and an arch-supporting cork footbed that molds to any foot. Like all other models from the German brand, they’re comfortable, durable, reliable, and timeless.
Slip-On Double Buckle Slides by LUFFYMOMO
LUFFYMOMO Comfort Footbed Eva Flip fiop Thong Sandals
Luffymomo
amazon.com
$16.99
You may have noticed a rubbery-looking version of the Birkenstock Arizona gaining traction in the last year or so. I’m here to tell you that there’s room in your life for both the real leather ones and the cheaper EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate) ones — especially considering that you can get a pair of the latter from LUFFYMOMO (or a few other competitors) for less than $20.
My sister and I are of the same opinion that these double-buckle slides are winners for pregnant women. Not only is the price unbeatable, but they’re also roomy, comfortable, and multi-functional, perfect for rainy walks, beach trips, locker rooms, and more. Once you’ve decided between the 34 colors and patterns they’re offered in. You can treat these as your kick-around sandals that you don’t have to worry about keeping clean or dry.
Hanna Leather Block-Heel Mules by Vince
Vince Hanna Leather Block-Heel Mules
Vince
https://www.neimanmarcus.com
$325.00
Heels are not typically the most pregnant-friendly shoe option, but sometimes they’re just necessary. Before I was in a wedding in my second trimester, I tried on all sorts of models to find ones that would be bearable enough to get me to the dancing part of the night, when I invariably change into flats. A pair of mules by Vince not only came through that night but were comfortable enough to wear for all other nice occasions in the last seven months.
While the exact model I bought is no longer available, the Hanna Leather Block-Heel Mules by Vince are a close alternative (though pricier, at $325). They have a 3.5-inch block heel — easy to walk in and just high enough, an open toe, leather lining, and a sufficiently wide upper. The nude color goes with almost any outfit, and the whole look is versatile enough to dress up or down.
https://www.sfgate.com/shopping/article/best-shoes-for-pregnant-women-16562971.php
