First of all, congratulations on your pregnancy, and well done.
A joyous, but sometimes difficult and tedious time in your life, it does come with huge rewards at the end.
Normal day to day life has to go on regardless, and you have to make the best of the ensuing months of challenges ahead.
But things are going to get in the way, literally, and one thing you mustn’t give up on is your mobility. Pregnancy doesn’t chain you to the armchair, but adapting to it is essential.
Those of you who’ve been in this boat before will know the score all too well. Most of those who are new to this usually find out, to their detriment, that not only does that bump get bigger, but so do your feet, and accommodating them comfortably can prove a bit of a mare.
Advice, hacks and pointers
We’re going to guide you through the facts, and the myths, about those gradual, sneaky changes to your feet that creep up on you, and then one bright day, the realisation of “Oh, none of my shoes fit me”.
Here’s where we step in (sorry for the pun). We cut through the fluff and explain why wider fitting shoes for pregnancy aren’t a luxury — they’re a necessity. No sugar-coating, no slippers pretending to be shoes. Just real answers for women who’ve had enough of sore arches, burning toes, and the inevitable bad back.
If you’re limping through your pregnancy with sore, swollen feet, then you’re not alone — and you’re definitely not to blame. This isn’t just a phase. It’s your body asking for help. And most maternity shoe advice out there borders on pretty useless.
Need a more detailed buying guide? Check out our full breakdown of the Best Shoes for Pregnant Women.
Let’s Be Honest: Maternity Shoes Are a Joke
Most so-called “pregnancy shoes” are either:
- Slippers disguised as maternity footwear
- Hideous flats you wouldn’t wear to put the bins out
- Just simply regular shoes….worn with a grimace
You’re growing another human being. You shouldn’t have to struggle through pregnancy. Most of your body is getting bigger, you’re getting heavier, and your feet are working overtime to support it — so cramming them into narrow, rigid shoes is like trying to squeeze a square peg in a round hole. It simply doesn’t fit.
Why Your Feet Get Wider in Pregnancy
Pregnancy doesn’t just make your bump grow — it softens and relaxes every ligament in your body, and that includes the physical structure of your feet.
Here’s what’s really going on:
- Relaxin hormone loosens ligaments, so your foot structure literally shifts
- Weight gain adds pressure to your arches
- Fluid retention makes everything puff up like a party balloon
- Your centre of gravity changes, which alters how you walk
Result? Your regular shoes don’t fit — and if they do, they shouldn’t.
Wide-Fit Shoes Aren’t a Luxury — They’re a Lifeline
This isn’t about vanity. It’s about sanity.
Wide fit shoes for pregnancy should give your feet:
- Room to breathe
- Support where it matters
- Soft uppers that stretch with you
- Easy fastenings (because who wants to wrestle with shoelaces when they can’t see their feet?)
We’re not talking about clown shoes. We’re talking sensible comfort that doesn’t make you feel like throwing in the towel.
What to Look for in Wide Fit Shoes for Pregnancy
- Extra-wide toe box — your toes need room to spread, not suffocate
- Soft uppers — think mesh, stretch knit, or supple leather
- Cushioned midsoles — because hard floors + extra weight = foot pain
- Slip-on or Velcro closure — bending over to tie laces gets…….well, pretty tricky
- Non-slip soles — because a fall during pregnancy is no joke
And Let’s Talk About Style for a Second
You can still look sharp. There are gorgeous wide-fit shoes available that:
- Don’t crush your feet
- Actually match your wardrobe
- Won’t make you cry whilst walking round the supermarket
A lot of brands that specialise in “Wide Fit” are well aware of foot dynamics during pregnancy and acknowledge that style, to some degree is an important factor when choosing. So not the “granny range” you’re picturing. Just Real style, Real comfort and Real support.
In Summary: You Deserve Better Shoes
Pregnancy is hard enough without hobbling around in tight trainers or cheap flats. Your feet are literally changing shape to support you and your baby. The least you can do is give them a little boost.
Plan ahead, knowing that at some point in the not so distant future, you’ll need to take the plunge and invest in the correct shoes. Have an idea of what you’re looking for so as not to be caught short without sensible footwear. With this in mind, you won’t have to follow the square pegs in round holes route.
Remember, swollen ankles and blistered toes don’t make great birth stories.
Ready to Feel Human Again?
Explore our pregnancy-friendly wide fit collection — because your feet didn’t sign up for suffering.
Looking for more practical shoe tips? Don’t miss our companion post: The Best Shoes for Pregnant Women.
FAQs
Q: Do I really need wide fit shoes during pregnancy?
A: Yes, most women experience foot swelling and changes in shape due to hormones, weight gain, and fluid retention. Wide fit shoes help reduce pressure and prevent pain.
Q: Can my feet go back to normal after pregnancy?
A: Sometimes — but many women find their feet remain slightly wider or flatter. Wide fit shoes may stay part of your wardrobe permanently.
Q: What features matter most in maternity shoes?
A: Look for cushioned soles, wide toe boxes, soft/stretchy uppers, non-slip grips, and adjustable closures.
Q: Are wide shoes enough if I already have foot problems?
A: If you have conditions like flat feet or plantar fasciitis, choose wide fit shoes with good arch support or consider orthotics for extra stability.
Q: When should I start wearing wide fit shoes?
A: As soon as you feel tightness or swelling, usually in the second trimester. Don’t wait until your shoes leave marks or you start limping.