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What are they? Allbirds Tree LoungersOpens a new window and Allbirds Tree Dasher RelaysOpens a new window
Why moms-to-be love them: Allbirds’ sneakers provide plenty of support without feeling heavy, and are easy to slide on even with a large baby bump.
How much are they? Starting at $59 (Normally $100); Starting at $79 (Normally $135)
Where to buy them: Allbirds.comOpens a new window
No one gets out of pregnancy without a few aches and pains, and mine came in the form of super swollen and tender feet. As a fairly active person, not to mention the owner of a very energetic dog, I had a hard time avoiding long periods of standing and required a shoe that would provide plenty of support. At the same time, the shoe had to accommodate my ever-changing feet, which would swell throughout the day. Enter my Allbirds sneakers, specifically the Tree LoungersOpens a new window and Tree Dasher RelaysOpens a new window. I already owned these shoes and wore them a fair amount pre-pregnancy, but they quickly became the only shoes I wore during pregnancy. And right now, they are up to 40 percent off as part of Allbirds’ Back-to-School SaleOpens a new window.
I went back and forth between the Tree Loungers and Tree Dasher Relays throughout pregnancy, as they are each suited for different occasions. Allbirds Tree LoungersOpens a new window (currently starting at $59; normally $100) were perfect for running errands, grabbing lunch with a friend or a more casual date night. Knitted from eucalyptus tree fiber, the shoes are incredibly stretchy; as my feet swelled throughout the day, the shoe stretched to make room for them, never feeling too tight. The material is also super lightweight so my feet were able to breathe, which helped keep my Athlete’s foot at bay. (Yeah, my feet are kind of the worst.) Despite their lightness and flexibility, the Tree Loungers offered plenty of support thanks to the brand’s specialty foam. I have flat feet and normally need to add insoles to limit aches and pains. The Tree Loungers, however, provided the same comfort without any additions, a truly pleasant surprise.
Then there are the Tree Dasher RelaysOpens a new window (currently starting at $79; normally $135), which Allbirds advertises as their laceless running shoe. I didn’t use them for runs, but instead for my daily walks, playing with my dog and a hilly hike a week before I gave birth. Made of the same material as the Tree Loungers, the Tree Dasher Relays are light and stretchy to accommodate your ever-changing foot size. The Tree Dasher Relays, however, are built a bit higher to provide more stability for more active occasions. The shoes also feature Merino wool along the heel to better keep your feet in place. Finally, the sole is made from the brand’s signature SweetFoam, which is optimized for cushion and stability to provide a comfortable form of support.
Although they are meant for different occasions, the Tree Dasher Relays and Tree Loungers share a key feature that make them a perfect pregnancy shoe: They are free from laces that you have to bend over and tie, a task that becomes quite difficult the further you get in your pregnancy. I was able to slip into these as easily as I could slip into my Birkenstocks, while other “slip on” shoes still required me to manipulate my body to get into them. And since Allbirds are meant to be worn without socks, you don’t have to worry about getting into socks either. If you worry about your shoes developing a stench from being worn without socks, you can throw your Allbirds in the washing machine for a quick clean. Just make sure to take out the sole first and opt for cold water when washing them so they keep their shape and size.
Another thing I loved about both the Tree Dasher Relays and Tree Loungers is the color options. The Tree Dasher Relay comes in four neutral, but still fun, hues, making them particularly versatile. Meanwhile, the Tree Loungers have a neutral body and more colorful sole: black and teal, and tan and pink. There is also an all orange option for the truly bold among us.
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Even almost two years later, Allbird’s super supportive slip-ons are in heavy footwear rotation. My 18-month-old is in a bit of a clingy phase, so I appreciate that I can put on these shoes while still holding her — and I’m sure she appreciates it, too. They have also made for great travel sneakers, as they can be squashed flat in a suitcase without losing their shape. The only downside is that they aren’t exactly water-resistant, so I don’t usually wear them in the rain. But if you’re just looking for a supportive, stylish shoe to wear during these nine months, you might as well take advantage of Allbird’s Back-to-School saleOpens a new window and save up to 40 percent on these sneakers.
See more: Allbirds Tree LoungersOpens a new window, starting at $59 (Normally $100); Allbirds Tree Dasher RelaysOpens a new window, starting at $79 (Normally $135)
This article originally appeared on What to Expect.