Contrary to popular belief, heels can be worn during pregnancy. You do not have to give them up! As a podiatrist, I wore heels during my 1st and 2nd trimester. However, not all heels are created equally, it’s all about choosing the right heel to wear. Here’s a list of comfortable heels to wear during your pregnancy.
In this blog post I will discuss five heels that are wearable during your pregnancy, (and can be worn post-partum!). As a podiatrist who loves heels, I can attest to their comfort as I wore them during my pregnancy.
Wearable and comfortable heels during pregnancy
As much as I love wearing a delicate pair of Stuart Weitzman heels, during pregnancy it’s a bad idea. A narrow high heel will feel unstable. This is due to your body weight and center of gravity changing during pregnancy. Plus, your swollen feet will probably not fit into your regular size. Here’s a short list of the heels. Keep reading for more detailed information on each pair of shoes.
comfortable heels for pregnancy short list:
- Vionic chardonnay heels $93
- Dream Pairs Block Heels Amazon $30
- Bared footwear attilia heels $349
- Ally shoes heels $345
- Naturalizer Anna leather pump $148
Here are five heel’s to try during your pregnancy. I do not recommend wearing heels for the first time during pregnancy as your center of gravity changes. (This post contains affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link at no extra cost to you. See Terms for more info. )
vionic chardonnay heels
SHOP VIONIC CHARDONNAY HEELS HERE
As a foot doctor, I’m especially picky about heels during pregnancy. During my pregnancy, my feet were swollen and my lower back often hurt. Not to mention, I didn’t particularly feel attractive or sexy. Considering all the “rules” during pregnancy, like avoiding eating soft cheeses. One ‘rule’ I did not give up was wearing heels. One particular favorite pair of heels is the Vionic Chardonnay heels. They did not disappoint! I wore them to a Women’s Health panel event, and they didn’t hurt my feet for the full eight hours.
Allow me to explain further. These heels are designed with a built-in orthotic arch support. This support is key when your center of gravity shifts from pregnancy. Additionally, your arches are under more strain than usual. The shoe’s contoured footbed supports your arches and cradles the heels, helping distribute pressure more evenly. In short, you’re not applying all your body weight into the ball of the foot.
Vionic’s Chardonnay heels are wearable during pregnancy because they feel very secure on the foot. In turn, the shoes reduce the need to grip your toes. The cushioning softens impact with every step, which matters when joints are already working overtime. Bottom line: this heel helps you feel cute while still respecting what your body (and baby) needs. They offer support, balance, and comfort you can trust.
To further explain, the shoe’s heel itself is shaped for stability. You won’t have that wobbly feeling that heels often cause. I think the heels are so chic! They elevated this affordable, cute $40 Amazon dress, giving it a more polished, professional look. Up next is a budget shoe brand that designs wider stable heels.
dream pairs block heels amazon
SHOP DREAM PAIRS BLOCK HEELS ON AMAZON
I would describe these as the best budget-friendly heel options for pregnancy. They have a very wearable heel height of 2.75 inches. Plus, they are also available in wide sizes, a necessity during pregnancy. They contain a cushioned insole and have a lightweight feel. The block heel will also keep your feet feeling stable during the instability of pregnancy. They are a convenient and affordable pick if you need something cute and more manageable on your feet. If you’re in the market for a pair of investment shoes, consider the next two quality options over this one. However, these work fine for a quick last-minute event or invite.
Qualities to look for in comfortable heels for pregnancy:
- arch support for comfort
- wide sizes for swelling
- leather or suede for stretch
- heel height under 3 inches
- cushioned footbed
- sole traction to prevent falls
bared footwear attila heels
SHOP BARED FOOTWEAR ATTILA HEELS HERE
Another pair of heels I wore during pregnancy that I recommend to you are the Bared Footwear Attila heels. Bared footwear is on the higher-priced end for shoes, but they are so WORTH it. Their shoe quality and design are stellar. They are designed with an arch support, a cushioned footbed, and a heel positioned for balance. Up next are my thoughts on them.
When I first try the shoes on, I notice how stable the heels feel when walking in them. They have a wider heel base to help with ground contact. There is no wobbling in these heels! The structure and arch support in the upper shoe keep your foot in place. In turn, your toes don’t need to grip the shoes to keep them from falling off. The heels feel intentional, supportive, and comfortable.
In addition, the heels feature a deep heel cup to help control pronation. They also feature an added ankle strap to help control ankle mobility. Overall, my feet feel grounded and supported during pregnancy.
Paired with wide-leg pants or a cute patterned dress, you will look and feel polished. The heels are designed to work with your body, not against it. Since the ankle strap is adjustable, you’ll be sure to wear them during and after pregnancy. Keep reading for more pregnancy-friendly heels.
ally shoes
If you’re considering a pair of classic heels during pregnancy, try Ally shoe pumps. They stand out for their balance of elegance and thoughtful structure. I wore my classic white pumps to my baby shower (pictured above with pink flowery dress) and had zero regrets! Keep reading for more of my thoughts on Ally Pumps. Use code DRCASEY for $40 off your first pair.
Ally’s pumps feature a moderate heel height that adds height without overloading your forefoot. They have a stable heel that provides cushioning. Also note the cushioning in my black pumps (pictured above). Take it from me, this makes them far more wearable than traditional pumps. This is where pregnancy-related pressure tends to build, under the ball of the foot. In addition, they unlike many sleek pumps that feel purely decorative. Ally pumps feel grounded and supportive from the moment you step into them.
When wearing, Ally pumps securely hold the foot; there is no forward slippage. Because of low slippage, your feet and calves will feel less fatigue. The toe box also allows for natural toe alignment to accommodate mild pregnancy-related foot swelling. If you’re looking for another affordable options, consider this last option.
naturalizer anna leather pump
SHOP NATURALIZER ANNA LEATHER PUMPS
Naturalizer leather pumps are the last (but not least!) on this list. These stand the tallest at 3 3/8 inches. This brand is recommended for comfort because of its contour technology and stretchy leather. The heels also have padded insoles, breathable linings, and a balanced heel-to-toe feel. In addition, this heel is available in narrow, regular, wide, and extra-wide. As a podiatrist, I find them wonderfully size-inclusive. Personally, I kept my heel heights under 3 inches while pregnant. Despite the height, I mention this brand as others find them tolerable.
This blog post was all about comfortable heels to wear during your pregnancy. I hope it helps to convince you not to give up heels during your pregnancy. What are your thoughts on the aforementioned heel options? Please share your experience.
