Pregnancy can sometimes cause foot pain and swelling which can be even worse for nurses who stand on their feet all day.
Wearing a supportive shoe that fits properly can help with these common pregnancy foot problems.
These are 5 of the best shoes for pregnant nurses to wear.
*Disclosure: This article on the best shoes for pregnant nurses may contain affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I may receive a commission. For more info, please see my disclaimer.
Top Picks
- Best Overall: New Balance Women's 900v1 Fresh Foam Walking Shoe
“Sturdy backless design.” - Runner-Up: Skechers Women's Go Walk Joy Walking Shoe
“Supportive cushioning at the mid-sole.”
Best Shoes for Pregnant Nurses
1. Skechers Women’s Go Walk Joy Walking Shoe
- Lightweight and responsive 5Gen midsole cushioning
- Skechers Air Cooled Goga Mat breathable insole with high-rebound cushioning
- Breathable athletic engineered mesh upper
The slip-on Skechers Women's Go Walk Joy Walking Shoe will have you feeling joyful with every step you take.
The soft, textile upper stretches easily so you can slide your foot right in.
The upper molds to the foot, creating a custom fit no matter how swollen your feet get during pregnancy.
More pressure is placed on the heels and arches during pregnancy, which the responsive 5Gen cushioning at the midsole of this shoe helps alleviate.
This breathable shoe will keep your feet cool and dry throughout your nursing shift.
Pros:
- Stretchy fabric upper
- Breathable fabric
- Supportive 5Gen cushioning at the midsole
Cons:
- Sizing runs big
- Minimal arch support
- Slippery soles
Check the price of the Skechers Women's Go Walk Joy Walking Shoe on Amazon.
2. TOMS Women’s Canvas Classic
- Brand New
- Original Packaging
- Classic alpargata style, canvas upper, elastic gore for easy fit, suede footbed
Keeping yourself safe during a nursing shift is particularly important for pregnant women who are caring for not only themselves but also their unborn child.
These TOMS Women's Canvas Classic shoes are made with a durable rubber sole that is slip-resistant- a necessary feature for any pregnant nurse.
Not only are they made with safety in mind, but they also look great and are very comfortable.
The soft canvas upper comes in 12 great colors and design options.
They also slip on easily thanks to the elastic “v” detail at the top of the shoe.
Pros:
- Slip-resistant rubber sole
- Soft canvas upper
- Slip on easily with elastic “v” detail on top
Cons:
- Sizing runs small
- Canvas upper is thin
- Slightly narrow toe box
Check the price of the TOMS Women's Canvas Classic on Amazon.com.
Related Article: Our Best Tips for Working as a Nurse While Pregnant
3. Vionic Women’s Fitness Shoes
- Vionic's active fitness shoes contain Advanced Motion System Technology, providing optimal support,...
- ORTHAHEEL TECHNOLOGY - Developed by podiatrist Phillip Vasyli, Orthaheel technology is built into...
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The Vionic Women's Fitness Shoes were built with style and function in mind.
The textile upper features ultra-stretchy elastic gores on either side so they slip on easily.
The upper is flexible and durable and can be easily wiped down with mild dish soap and water to clean.
The rubber outsole is slip-resistant and sturdy, allowing you to keep your balance on wet surfaces.
There’s a removable mesh-covered EVA footbed that provides breathability and support.
You can keep the footbed in the shoe as-is or put standard or custom orthotics underneath for additional arch support.
Pros:
- Stretchy elastic gores on upper
- Slip-resistant rubber outsole
- Breathable mesh footbed
Cons:
- Inside label contains latex which may cause allergic reactions
- Hard midsole
- Sizing runs small
Check the price of the Vionic Women's Fitness Shoes on Amazon.com.
4. Skechers Sport Women’s D’Lites Slip-On Sneaker
- Lightweight
- Flexible sole
When you want the look of a sneaker but can’t fit your feet into them due to swelling from pregnancy, these Skechers Sport Women's D'Lites Slip-On Sneakers are the perfect option.
They look and feel like a sneaker but are backless so you can easily slide your foot in.
The sturdy rubber sole is slip-resistant and provides plenty of traction on wet surfaces.
There’s a generous 1 1/4″ heel for superior shock absorption.
Eleven great color options, including basic black and white, allow you to wear these with a variety of uniform and scrub colors.
Pros:
- Backless design
- Slip-resistant rubber outsole
- Thick heel for shock absorption
Cons:
- Wide fit
- Sizing runs big
- Easy to slip out of because they’re backless
Check the price of the Skechers Sport Women's D'Lites Slip-On Sneakers on Amazon.com.
5. New Balance Women’s 900v1 Fresh Foam Walking Shoe
- Mesh adds breathability to the clean leather upper
- Fresh Foam cushioning offers ultra-soft, smooth support
- Rubber outsole grounds each step with superior durability
This New Balance Women's 900v1 Fresh Foam Walking Shoe is ideal for busy nurses who are soon-to-be moms that desire a functional, safe shoe that looks great.
If you like the idea of a clog but the look of a sneaker, this shoe combines the best of both worlds.
The backless design slips on easily for ultimate comfort and support, even on the most swollen feet.
A thick, rubber outsole offers safety and stability in addition to plenty of shock absorption with each step.
The mesh upper is breathable for even more comfort.
Pros:
- Backless design
- Sturdy, slip-resistant rubber outsole
- Thick heel for shock absorption
Cons:
- Only 3 color options
- May fall off easily when walking
- A little heavy
Check the price of the New Balance Women's 900v1 Fresh Foam Walking Shoe on Amazon.com.
Related Article: What’s the Best New Balance Shoes for Nurses?
Shoe Buying Guide for Pregnant Nurses
1. Flexible Upper
Swollen feet are a normal part of pregnancy.
While this is a normal pregnancy problem, it can be an uncomfortable experience if you’re wearing tight shoes.
Shoes with a flexible upper made from soft fabric like canvas or mesh offer plenty of give and wiggle room for swollen feet.
You can still wear the shoes after pregnancy because they should go right back to their original shape.
Related Article: 5 Best Scrubs for Pregnant Nurses
2. Slip-Resistant Outsole
Falling at any time can be frightening, but pregnant women need to avoid falls even more in order to protect their unborn baby.
The best way to prevent slips on wet surfaces is by wearing shoes with a slip-resistant outsole.
Ones made from rubber offer the best traction on slippery surfaces because they grip easily.
- ♥Really Protect the Sole: most of the self-adhesive soles pads will melt in the sole and...
- ♥Super Durable Design: the thickness of each piece of our anti-slip stickers is between...
- ♥SPECIAL Anti-slip Design: we use granular anti-slip design, different from other brands of...
3. Shock Absorption
The arch and heel take the brunt of the pressure when walking, so it’s important to wear shoes with additional shock absorption measures in place to prevent tired, achy feet.
Shock absorption increases with heel size because there is more space between the foot and the ground.
In addition, midsoles with special EVA foam material bounce back quicker, offering even more shock absorption.
Running shoes typically offer the most shock absorption.
Related Article: 5 Best Shoe Inserts for Nurses
4. Slip-On Style
Shoes that slip on are ideal for pregnant women because they are usually made from flexible materials that have some more give to them, allowing for more comfort on swollen, tender feet.
Slip-on shoes are also great once pregnancy advances to the later stages and it’s more difficult to bend down and tie your shoes.
5. Backless
The myth that feet get bigger during pregnancy is actually true.
The ligaments loosen, which can make the bones separate a bit during and after pregnancy.
Some women go up as much as a half a size during their pregnancy.
Backless shoes are ideal for this transition period because they allow your heel some much-needed space.
Once your pregnancy is finished, you can remeasure your feet to see what shoe size you should now wear.
6. Breathable
Sweaty, hot feet can be a common occurrence during pregnancy.
Avoid this problem by wearing breathable shoes made from mesh fabric.
The mesh is lightweight and has tiny holes in it that allows air to flow in and around the feet, keeping them cool and dry.
7. Elastic Gores
Slip-on shoes might sound like they’re easy to put on, but if they don’t contain the right features, they can be even more difficult to put on than sneakers.
Elastic gores on either side of the upper provide plenty of flexibility and stretch so shoes slip on easily.
Some shoes also have an elastic gore in the center of the upper.
Final Thoughts
Nurses should always keep safety and support at the forefront of their minds when looking for shoes, but those features are even more important for pregnant nurses.
All of these shoes have excellent features that make them good candidates for pregnant nurses looking for a safe, comfortable pair of shoes.
