Finding fashionable maternitywear is already difficult enough without having to throw uncomfortable shoes into the mix. The 'fun' surprises never end during pregnancy. For instance, did you know that due to hormones causing your ligaments to loosen a little, you may even go up an entire shoe size? So, the last thing your feet need after being overworked are tight and unforgiving shoes. Fortunately, there is no need to have to compromise on style when it comes to comfortable footwear, and some of our favourite flat shoe styles aren't just perfect pre-partum, but for post-birth and beyond.
Summer Sandals
A good pair of sandals are a staple in any woman's wardrobe (in fact we may have found THE sandals of the summer), but finding a pair that feel as good as they look can be a little more testing. Although your feet could do with a little extra support, you don't have to compromise on style, and the sandal is the perfect shoe to slide-on-and-go as the weather gets warmer.
SHOP NOW: Stylish Sandals To Keep You Comfortable When Preggo
1 of 7Neous, Nylon Sandals, £295
Neous' chic take on the humble flip flop adds a talking point to any outfit, and the soft nylon fabric will keep you comfy in the heat without the rubbing and chafing of most leather sandals.
2 of 7Lacoste Suruga Sandals, £52 @ Very.co.uk
Form fitting and stretch knit, these sporty Lacoste sandals are perfect from picnic to poolside, and the thick padding and soft sole will ensure ultimate comfort for all day wear.
3 of 7Arizona Love, Trekky Bandana Sandals, £110
The cotton straps on Arizona Love's Trekky Sandals are particularly good at keeping your feet cool during hot summers, and foam soles have just the right amount of give to mould around your foot, while still being firm enough to support your ankles.
4 of 7Kurt Geiger, Orson Sandals, £149
Get Chanel sandal vibes for a fraction of the cost, and enjoy the quilted padding for the ultimate in cushioned sandals.
5 of 7By Far, Cream Leather Slides, £260
Slides are the easiest slip-on option to have in your wardrobe, no fiddly straps, ankle ties and heels to contend with, and no need to bend over to put them on. We love a pair like By Far's with a a light enough sole to feel like you're hardly wearing shoes at all.
6 of 7Manu Atelier, Woven Leather Slippers,
Manu Atelier's breathable leather slippers are a sleek and sophisticated take on the flat sandal, not only perfect during pregnancy but for many summers to come. We'll take a pair in every colour please..
7 of 7Juno Appleskin, Vegan Leather Buckle Sandals, £99
The wide fit and arch support in these slip on sandals are perfect for accommodating swollen feet. Better still, they are made of vegan leather so do their bit for the environment too.
Lounge Loafers
Whether a simple slipper or a chunky sole, the loafer is the ideal shoe for business meets comfort. While we got used to a year without heels during lockdown, the loafer experienced a fashionable resurgence with Prada and JW Anderson leading the way with their revamped takes on the preppy style. To add a little polish to any outfit (and not have to worry about aching arches) we found the best comfy loafers to go the distance.
SHOP NOW: Stylish Loafers To Keep You Comfortable When Preggo
1 of 5Tods, White Loafers, £450
Tods are specialists when it comes to crafting the perfect loafer, and the buttery soft leather and suede they use ensures the perfect wearable shoe. One in every colour please...
2 of 5Arket, Leather Loafers, £135,
Give your feet room to breathe with a backless loafer like Arket's leather iteration. While it ticks all the boxes of the loafer's signature style, the exposed heel means the shape will expand to fit for better circulation.
3 of 5Ballerette, Saba Loafers, £84.97
A ballet pump meets loafer with an ultra low heel and the comfort of wearing house slippers outdoors, what more could we ask for.
4 of 53.1 Philip Lim, Alexa Loafers, £212 at The Outnet.com
Philip Lim's Alexa loafers pack a lot of personality while still being refined, leopard print goes with everything right? And the rubber sole means a little more give for added flexibility.
5 of 5Sergio Rossi, SR1, £530
Sergio Rossi's SR1 loafers have a collapsible heel that allows you to switch between a loafer and a mule by simply popping the heel flat or upright. Two pairs of shoes in one for whichever style takes your fancy.
Tried and Tested Trainers
You can't beat a pair of trainers for comfort, support and style. Dressed down with weekend loungewear or paired with a summer dress, this versatile shoe will be gentle on tired feet and support fallen arches. And since both Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle were spotted in Vejatrainers recently, it's clear this style has the royal seal of approval.
SHOP NOW: Stylish Trainers To Keep You Comfortable When Preggo
1 of 6New Balance, 57/40 Trainers, £90
Cool girl favourite New Balance have an extensive range of colours and styles to work with everything from jeans and a tee to printed dress.
2 of 6Marks & Spencer, Lace Up High Tops, £29.50
Marks and Spencer know how to do comfortable shoes, and even their high tops are equipped with their Insolia flex insoles for extra added comfort. They also come in half sizes if you want to size up a little for more room and less friction.
3 of 6Veja, Mesh Trainers, £89.99
Three recycled plastic bottles are used to create a pair of Veja's Mesh sneakers, so not only are they a great renewable choice, but the upcycled process creates a smart fabric that is both breathable and water-repellent.
4 of 6Jigsaw, Celie Trainers, £98
Slip on trainers are just as easy as sliders for their hands free wearability. Why contend with laces when a style like Jigsaw's Celie proves how chic a leather slip on can be?
5 of 6Nike, Air Force 1, £85.45
A classic trainer like the Nike Air Max has a thick sole and plenty of cushioning, there is even an extra insole that gives the air its name - prepare to feel like you're walking on clouds.
6 of 6Diemme X Slowear, Canvas Trainers, £225
A stylish collaboration between sustainable fashion brand Slowear and high end footwear store Diemme, this lightweight plimsoll-meets-trainer is the easiest way to keep feet cool and comfortable, and will work with anything in your wardrobe.
Pretty Pumps
If you thought ballet pumps had been left in the Noughties with painfully skinny jeans, think again. As Alexa Chung proves, you can't keep a good shoe down (and helps if its a particularly functional and fashionable pair at that). There really is a ballet pump for every occasion: embellished for evening, Mary Janes for the office, a classic leather round toe for weekend shopping, whichever style you opt for, the comfort factor is always key.
SHOP NOW: Stylish Pumps To Keep You Comfortable When Preggo
1 of 5Plumo, Lula Pumps, £179
Perfect for the pregnant woman who hates traditional 'maternity' clothes, Plümo's ultra chic mary jane pumps will be a favourite long after pregnancy. The low heel is just enough to be comfortable while still giving a little lift.
2 of 5French Sole, Amelie pumps, £120
Pioneers of ballet pumps French Sole have all bases covered when it comes to this classic style. Shop from almond toe, round toe, pointed toe and love heart, or simply opt for one of their bestsellers like the Amelie to channel understated French chic.
3 of 5& Other Stories, Pointed Leather Flats, £75
A nude or neutral pair of ballet flats will work with any outfit as Daniel Lee proved with Bottega Veneta's simple leather pumps, and & Other Stories soft, nappa leather pair will feel like a second skin.
4 of 5Charles and Keith, Ruched Ballerina Flats, £39
A bold update on the classic ballerina flat, the ruched design not only looks good but also guarantees a secure and comfortable fit. Wear with straight leg jeans, a t shirt and a trench coat for an easy weekend look.
5 of 5Asos Design, Pointed Flats, £12
Celebrate the season's key print, gingham in a mood boosting shade of green - guaranteed to put a little spring in your step.
READ MORE: hat To Wear When You're Pregnant If You Don't Want To Buy Maternity Clothes