Quick Answer
Short on time? Here’s the quick answer.
Pregnancy changed my feet – after years of struggles I finally figured out why (the relaxin hormone) and what helps (yoga + supportive sandals)
Before We Dive In…
If you’ve experienced post partum foot pain, know that you’re not alone. There is science behind why this happens and its not an issue you have to just live with. Pregnancy changed my feet and with the right arch support plus stretching today I no longer struggle with foot pain.
Why You Can Trust My Recommendations
Hi! I’m Sara, a North Carolina mom of three boys who spends weekends exploring trails, parks, splash pads, and outdoor adventures with my family.
After dealing with postpartum foot pain myself, I became determined to find outdoor gear that actually keeps moms comfortable while chasing kids.
Everything I recommend is something I’ve personally used, thoroughly researched, or would confidently recommend to my own friends and family.
In This Guide
✔️ The science behind why pregnancy changes women’s feet
✔️ Stretching exercises that make a huge difference
✔️ Comfortable sandals that I rely on postpartum (and where to find them secondhand for a deal!)
✔️ Real life examples
My story
Something that really doesn’t get enough attention is how pregnancy can change your feet. Of course we all bemoan the challenges of having swollen feet during those last few months of pregnancy but what about in the years after?
My feet were absolutely wrecked after pregnancy.
Somewhere between multiple pregnancies, constantly carrying kids, and spending years on the go, I developed foot pain that just would not go away. I dealt with tendinitis in my foot, ankle pain, and constant discomfort that made everyday life harder than it needed to be.
I tried everything:
- X-rays
- MRIs
- physical therapy
- dry needling
- different sneakers
- inserts
- stretching routines
And honestly? What finally helped the most surprised me.
Supportive sandals and regular stretching.
Specifically: Teva sandals and consistent yoga stretches like downward dog. Find secondhand options on ThredUp for a DEAL!
I know — it sounds overly simple but literally after all the appointments and expensive treatments wearing comfortable sandals postpartum with real arch support completely changed things for me.
Pregnancy Can Actually Change Your Feet Permanently
It turns out there’s real science behind this.
Research has shown that pregnancy can permanently affect the arch structure of women’s feet. During pregnancy, your body produces the hormone relaxin, which helps loosen ligaments and joints in preparation for birth.
Unfortunately, that loosening does not just happen in your pelvis.
It also affects the ligaments in your feet.
Add months of extra body weight and pressure on your arches, and it makes complete sense why so many women experience:
- fallen arches
- foot pain after pregnancy
- bigger shoe sizes
- plantar fasciitis
- tendinitis
- ankle instability
And if you’ve had multiple pregnancies? The effects can compound over time.
Now add in spending years carrying toddlers, standing all day, and running after active kids in unsupportive shoes and suddenly it all starts to make sense.
Why I switched to supportive sandals
For years, I kept trying to wear cute flat sandals that offered basically zero support.
Big mistake.
Once I finally accepted that my feet needed actual support — especially during hot North Carolina summers — everything improved.
Teva sandals ended up being the best supportive sandals for my postpartum feet because they:
- have real arch support
- stay secure while walking
- work for parks, creeks, and everyday outdoor life
- do not leave my feet aching at the end of the day
- hold up incredibly well over time
I can wear them for full days outside with my kids without immediately wanting to rip them off when I get home, which honestly feels miraculous compared to where I was a few years ago.
Archies flip flops are my number one go to for daily activities that don’t involve long walks or chasing. I also wear these around the house on days where I feel some lingering pain return because the support is critical on keeping that pain at bay.
Mom Tip
If pregnancy changed your feet, read this:
If you’re struggling with foot pain after pregnancy, stop forcing yourself into flimsy sandals with zero support just because they’re cute.
Your feet have been through a lot.
Find supportive sandals that actually work for real life, prioritize arch support, and add regular stretching into your routine. It made a bigger difference for me than almost anything else I tried.
My Top Picks
I love these for style, comfort, arch support and the neutral color goes with every outfit.
For casual backyard activities, a low key park day, a day at the pool or wearing around the house I LOVE my Archies flip flops. I own 7? pairs and wear them on rotation constantly.
Final Thoughts
If I were recommending just one option to my best friend, I’d choose Teva Sandals bought from REI. When you’re a busy mom spending a lot of time outside with your kids, these cannot be beat – plus REI’s a retailer I trust for returns, customer service and more.
Remember—getting outside with your kids doesn’t require perfect gear. It just helps when you’re comfortable enough to enjoy the adventure.
Before You Head Outside…
💜 I hope this guide helps make your next adventure just a little easier.
Whether you’re heading to a neighborhood park, a North Carolina trail, or your favorite splash pad, I hope you spend less time worrying about gear and more time making memories.
See you outside!
— Sara
Affiliate Disclosure
This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I genuinely believe are worth your money and that I’d recommend to my own friends and family.