15 Stylish Heels That Won’t Kill Your Pregnant Feet at Weddings

Before we dive into our top picks, let’s establish what you should be looking for. Navigating the world of shoes while pregnant is different. Your priorities shift from sky-high fashion to grounded, stable, and supportive style. Keep these four pillars of pregnancy footwear in mind:

• Heel Height & Type: Opt for heels that are under 2.5 inches. This lower height provides a touch of elegance without dramatically altering your posture or putting excessive strain on your lower back and the balls of your feet. Look for block heels, wedges, or flared heels. These styles offer a wider, more stable base of support, reducing your risk of wobbling or rolling an ankle.
• Support & Straps: Your ligaments are looser, so your shoes need to do more work to hold your foot in place. Styles with ankle straps, T-straps, or a secure slingback design are your best friends. They prevent your foot from sliding forward, which can cause friction and blisters, and provide crucial ankle stability.
• Cushioning & Material: Comfort starts from the ground up. Seek out shoes with padded insoles, memory foam footbeds, or built-in arch support. These features help absorb shock and distribute your weight more evenly. Also, pay attention to the material. Shoes made from soft leather, supple suede, or flexible synthetic materials will have more give, accommodating any swelling that occurs throughout the day.
• Proper Sizing: It’s common for feet to grow in both length and width during pregnancy. Don’t be surprised if you need to go up a half or even a full size. Always measure your feet later in the day when they are at their most swollen. Look for shoes available in wide widths for an even more comfortable fit.

Block heels are the superstars of pregnancy-friendly formalwear. They offer the lift of a traditional heel with the stability of a flat, making them a perfect choice for navigating everything from grassy lawns to dance floors.

1. Naturalizer ‘Joy’ Ankle Strap Sandal

Naturalizer has built its brand on comfort, and the Joy sandal is a testament to that commitment. Featuring their signature N5 Contour+ technology, this shoe boasts a cushioned insole, lightweight components, and a breathable lining. The simple, elegant design with a secure ankle strap and a manageable 2.5-inch block heel makes it incredibly versatile.

• Pro: Exceptional built-in comfort technology and arch support.
• Pro: Available in a wide range of colors and widths to suit any dress.
• Con: The minimalist design might be too simple for those seeking a statement shoe.

2. Vionic ‘Kaitlyn’ Ankle Strap Sandal

Designed by podiatrists, Vionic shoes are a dream for anyone needing extra support. The Kaitlyn sandal features a deep heel cup and enhanced arch support that promotes natural alignment from the ground up. The block heel feels incredibly sturdy, and the adjustable ankle strap ensures a perfect fit, even if your feet swell slightly as the day goes on.

• Pro: Podiatrist-designed footbed provides unparalleled orthopedic support.
• Pro: The classic design is timeless and can be worn for many occasions postpartum.
• Con: The price point is higher than some other brands, but it’s an investment in foot health.

3. LifeStride ‘Saldana’ Pump

For a closed-toe option, the Saldana pump from LifeStride is a winner. It features a soft, flexible upper and the brand’s ‘Soft System’ comfort package, which provides support, flex, and cushioning. The 2-inch block heel is perfect for all-day wear, and the pointed toe adds a touch of sophistication without pinching.

• Pro: A great option for cooler weather or more conservative dress codes.
• Pro: Very affordable without compromising on essential comfort features.
• Con: Pointed-toe styles may not be suitable for those with very wide feet or significant swelling.

4. Loeffler Randall ‘Penny’ Pleated Bow Heel

If you’re looking to splurge on a true fashion piece, the Loeffler Randall Penny heel is iconic for a reason. While it’s a style statement, it’s also surprisingly practical. The pleated fabric is soft and forgiving, the ankle strap is secure, and the signature circular block heel is one of the most stable designs you can find. It’s the perfect ‘it’ shoe that won’t punish your feet.

• Pro: High-fashion design that is instantly recognizable and chic.
• Pro: The padded footbed and stable heel make it wearable for hours.
• Con: A significant investment piece.

5. Sam Edelman ‘Yaro’ Ankle Strap Sandal

A perennial favorite, the Yaro sandal is a staple in many wardrobes. While the standard heel is a bit high for pregnancy, Sam Edelman often releases versions with a lower block heel (look for heights around 2.25 inches). The simple two-strap design is classic and elegant, and the brand is known for its consistent quality and comfort. The slightly padded footbed adds a layer of relief.

• Pro: Timeless and versatile design that pairs well with almost any wedding guest attire.
• Pro: Often available in a vast array of colors, metallics, and materials.
• Con: You must seek out the lower-heeled version; the standard 4-inch heel is not pregnancy-friendly.

Wedges are another fantastic option. By distributing your weight across the entire sole of the shoe, they drastically reduce the pressure on the ball of your foot. They are perfect for outdoor weddings where you might encounter soft grass or uneven ground.

6. TOMS ‘Michelle’ Slingback Wedge

TOMS brings its signature comfort to this stylish wedge. The Michelle features a cork sole that is lightweight and shock-absorbent, and the canvas or suede upper is soft and flexible. The OrthoLite® Eco X40™ insole provides high-rebound cushioning for all-day comfort. At just over 2 inches, the wedge provides lift without the strain.

• Pro: Extremely lightweight and cushioned, making it easy to wear for long periods.
• Pro: Your purchase supports a good cause, aligning with the brand’s giving model.
• Con: The canvas material may feel more casual than other formal options.

7. Clarks ‘Giselle Cove’ Sandal

Clarks is a powerhouse of comfort footwear. The Giselle Cove is a beautiful wedge sandal with an Ultimate Comfort foam footbed that cradles your foot. The leather upper is soft and the adjustable hook-and-loop closure provides a customizable, secure fit. The slight platform at the front reduces the overall pitch of the heel, making it feel lower than it is.

• Pro: Superior cushioning and a platform design for enhanced comfort.
• Pro: The hook-and-loop closure is easy to manage, even when you can’t see your feet!
• Con: The style is practical and comfortable, but may not be ‘high fashion’ enough for some.

8. Eileen Fisher ‘Lee’ Espadrille Wedge

For a touch of bohemian elegance, Eileen Fisher’s Lee espadrille is perfect. It features a padded leather insole and a stretchy slingback strap that moves with you and accommodates swelling. The jute-wrapped wedge is classic and stylish, and the platform design ensures it’s comfortable for walking and standing.

• Pro: Sophisticated, high-quality design with comfortable, stretchy materials.
• Pro: The platform front makes the heel feel very manageable.
• Con: The espadrille style is best suited for spring and summer weddings.

9. Lifestride ‘Siesta’ Espadrille Wedge

Another fantastic, budget-friendly wedge option. The Siesta from Lifestride features the brand’s Soft System comfort technology for great support and cushioning. The stretchy straps across the top of the foot are perfect for pregnancy, as they expand with your foot throughout the day. The modest wedge heel is easy to walk on and provides great stability.

• Pro: Stretchy straps are ideal for accommodating fluctuating foot swelling.
• Pro: Excellent value for the level of comfort provided.
• Con: The synthetic materials may not be as breathable as genuine leather.

10. Stuart Weitzman ‘Mirela’ Espadrille Wedge

If the wedding is a black-tie affair and you want a designer wedge, the Mirela is a stunning choice. Known for impeccable craftsmanship, Stuart Weitzman shoes are designed for both beauty and comfort. This wedge features a luxe leather upper and a padded footbed. The design is sleek and refined, elevating any outfit while still providing the stability of a wedge.

• Pro: Luxurious materials and exceptional craftsmanship.
• Pro: A timeless investment piece that offers both style and stability.
• Con: This is a high-end designer shoe with a corresponding price tag.

For those who love a classic, pointed-toe silhouette or just want a minimal lift, a low pump or kitten heel is the perfect solution. These styles offer timeless elegance with a focus on wearability.

11. Trotters ‘Kiera’ Pump

Trotters specializes in hard-to-find sizes and widths, making them a go-to for changing pregnant feet. The Kiera is a gorgeous kitten heel pump with a cushioned footbed and a flexible rubber sole for traction. The pointed toe is elegantly shaped to avoid pinching, and the heel is just high enough to feel dressy without causing discomfort.

• Pro: Available in an extensive range of sizes, including narrow, wide, and extra-wide.
• Pro: The rubber sole provides better grip and stability than traditional leather-soled pumps.
• Con: Kitten heels offer less surface area for stability than block heels or wedges.

12. M.Gemi ‘The Esatto’ 70mm

Handcrafted in Italy, M.Gemi shoes are the epitome of accessible luxury. While 70mm (2.75 inches) is at the top of our recommended height, the impeccable construction, padded insole, and hand-painted edges make The Esatto surprisingly comfortable. The heel is sturdy and well-placed for balance. It’s a perfect choice if you want a classic stiletto look with more thoughtful construction.

• Pro: Impeccable Italian craftsmanship and high-quality leather.
• Pro: A very classic and sexy silhouette that is still manageable.
• Con: At the upper limit of recommended pregnancy heel height; best for those accustomed to wearing heels.

13. Cole Haan ‘Cloudfeel’ Espadrille Pump

Cole Haan masterfully blends classic style with athletic shoe technology. This shoe features their Grand.OS technology and a ‘Cloudfeel’ footbed for incredible, lightweight cushioning that truly feels like walking on air. The low, wrapped wedge heel and elegant pointed toe offer a polished look without any of the pain. It’s the perfect hybrid shoe.

• Pro: Unmatched cushioning technology makes this one of the most comfortable dress shoes available.
• Pro: Lightweight design reduces foot fatigue.
• Con: The style is a unique pump/espadrille hybrid that might not suit all tastes.

14. Margaux ‘The Heel’

Margaux is beloved for its focus on fit and comfort. ‘The Heel’ is a beautifully crafted 2.5-inch block heel pump with 5mm of plush foam padding. It comes in three different widths (narrow, medium, and wide) to ensure a near-custom fit. The timeless design is made from soft Italian suede or leather that molds to your foot.

• Pro: Focus on personalized fit with multiple width options.
• Pro: Luxurious materials and extra foam padding for superior comfort.
• Con: A higher price point, but the quality and fit justify the cost.

15. Bella Vita ‘Sarah’ Slingback Pump

This shoe combines the stability of a block heel with the elegance of a slingback pump. The heel is a very manageable 2 inches, and the adjustable strap helps create a secure fit. Bella Vita is known for offering a great range of sizes and widths, and the padded insole provides necessary cushioning for a long day of celebrating.

• Pro: Available in a wide variety of sizes and widths, including WW (extra wide).
• Pro: The slingback style is adjustable and forgiving for swelling feet.
• Con: The design is very classic and may feel a bit conservative for trend-focused shoppers.