When you’re in the throes of postpartum, it might feel like you need an entire new wardrobe to accommodate your ever-changing body—and needs. It’s no surprise if your old winter clothes, but you might be shocked to learn that your feet, too, went up a size during pregnancy—and may stay expanded for the near future (and potentially even forever!). Ahh, the joys of childbearing.
If we’re being honest, even the shoes that still fit you might not be the ones you actually want to wear when you’re recovering from childbirth and toting around a brand-new baby in the icy-cold weather. Those knee-high boots with the sexy kitten heel that you wore last New Year’s Eve before you found out you were, in fact, pregnant, just might have to sit on the bench another year or two.
In the meantime, the kind of fall and winter boots you’re actually going to want to slide on your still-swollen feet are probably ones without a true heel, with some fleece or comfort lining inside and that grip the ground reality well because, depending on where you live, winter can be a doozy.
What to look for in winter boots for postpartum
As when you’re shopping for winter boots for any season of your life, comfort is key—but this is fundamentally true when you’re postpartum because, well, you’re not quite as comfortable in general. From recovering from birth to coping with breastfeeding woes if you’re nursing, you’ve got a lot going on. Here are some qualities you should look for in a pair of winter boots for this postpartum season of life.
Support
Your body is still in recovery mode long after the doc’s cleared you at six weeks. That means you’re probably not likely to want to slide into a pair of heels. Boots with cushioning and arch support provide comfort and stability for extended periods of wear. A supportive insole can also help reduce the impact on your feet and joints.
Easy on and off
Considering the fact that you might be coping with a vast array of physical (not to mention emotional) challenges as you navigate postpartum, it’s a good idea to choose boots that are easy to put on and take off. Look for designs with side zippers, elastic panels, or adjustable closures for convenience for when you’re short on an extra hand.
Warmth and waterproof
Winter boots should offer sufficient insulation to keep your feet warm in cold temperatures. Consider boots with insulation materials such as Thinsulate or other technologies designed for winter warmth as well as waterproof or water-resistant designs to keep your feet dry in wet and snowy conditions.
The Best Winter Boots for Pregnancy & Postpartum
UGG Adirondack III Patent Waterproof Boot
Part of the Adirondack boot collection by UGG, this sturdy winter boot boasts impressive weatherproof features designed to withstand super wet and snowy conditions. They have a patent leather upper and sleek polished look that’s in line with the traditional Adirondack style. They are made with UGGpure™ material that keeps your feet nice and warm on the coldest of days and has a durable traction-enhanced outer sole to keep your feet firmly on the ground.
What we love:
- Traditional Adirondack style
- Waterproof construction
- Warm insulation to keep feet warm
- Durable traction outsole
What we would change:
- We wish these were easier to put on
Quick Facts:
- Sizing: 5-12
Buy now on Amazon; $249.95
Steve Madden Georgette Boot
If you’re a fan of the over-the-knee boot, rest assured, this trend isn’t going anywhere any time soon and, when paired carefully with a flat bottom, they can be super comfortable for postpartum. This boot is super affordable and offers a comfortable toe box that’s roomy and spacious. These are easy to put on—simply pull them up and zip up the back closure. The textured tread makes them safe for wet or icy grounds.
What we love:
- They’re comfortable and roomy
- They’re on trend
- They have a textured tread bottom to prevent slips
- The flat sole makes for easy maneuvering
What we would change:
- They fall down a bit after frequent wear
Quick Facts:
- Sizing: 5.5-9
Buy now on Amazon; $52.97
BOGS Amanda Plush II Aldo Storm
Who doesn’t love a good Chelsea boot? You can dress them up or down and they’re comfortable enough for all-day wear. We love that this pair by BOGS is designed with water-repelling materials that keep you from slipping and sliding in inclement weather. You simply pull them up (no zipping or tying required).
What we love:
- They’re easy to put on
- They’re water-resistant
- They’re affordable
What we would change:
- We wish they came in more sizes
Quick Facts:
- Sizing: 6-12
Buy now on Amazon; $75.90
Toms Mojave Hiker Boot
These boots are equally stylish as they are comfortable, which makes them a steal for the postpartum period. They’re also affordable since they’re almost always on sale for less than $100. They’re 100 percent leather, water-resistant, designed for hiking and have rust-proof metal rings. Their buff midsole with sawtooth rubber outsole increases traction to prevent slips and falls. We also love that they come in a few colorways.
What we love:
- They’re water-resistant
- They’re affordable
- They’re 100 percent leather
What we would change:
- We wish they we easier to put on
Quick Facts:
- Sizing: 5-12
Buy now on Amazon; $99.70
Juliet Holy Lug Sole Platform Booties
If you’re brave enough to rock a heel boot when you’re in the thick of postpartum, good for you, mama. Just make sure that the heels you’re wearing are actually comfortable or, trust us, you’ll never want to put them on. That’s why we’re big fans of this pair from Juliety Holy. The heel height is low and comfortable. They slip on—no lacing or zipping required—and they have a lush lamb shearling lining that keeps your feet nice and warm.
What we love:
- They’re anti-slip
- They’re leather
- They’re pull on
What we would change:
- We wish they had heel height options
Quick Facts:
- Sizing: 5-11
Buy now on Amazon; $59.98
Project Cloud Genuine Suede Snow Boots
Sliding your foot into these cozy booties with soft faux fur lining on a cold, winter day is just what the doctor ordered. We love their on-trend platform sole and mini height. They’re slip-on, so you don’t have to struggle to put shoes on with one hand and they come in seven colors.
What we love:
- They’re made from faux fur
- They’re stylish and on-trend
- They’re easy to slip on
What we would change:
- We wish they held up in rain better
Quick Facts:
- Sizing: 5.5-11
Buy now on Amazon; $64.95
Dream Pairs Ankle Winter Boot
These are the statement-making shoes you need for the cold-weather season. We love their mixed-media design and chunky sole and the fact that they’re made for water and harsh weather. The lining is cushioned and super warm and it features an anti-slip sole.
What we love:
- Grip rubber enhances traction
- Inner lining is made from soft material
- Comes in several colorways
What we would change:
- We wish they material was less stiff
Quick Facts:
- Sizing: 5-11
Buy now on Amazon; $49.99
Cole Han Women’s Greenwich Tall Boot
Riding boots are never out of style, so if you’re a fan of the tall-boot look, you’re in luck. This pair is super comfortable, while also maintaining a level of sophistication that you can dress up or dress down. They’re pull-on silhouette makes for an easy on and off and their waterproof outer layer protects their integrity from the snowy weather.
What we love:
- Easy on and off
- Their rubber outsole adds traction
- They hold up through the seasons
What we would change:
- We wish they came in varying widths
Quick Facts:
- Sizing: 5-11
