Whether you're chasing kids around the house, dressing up for a date night, or heading to the gym, shoes are the key to fashion and comfort. There are shoes for every occasion, so why not when you're expecting too? When trying to figure out what are the best shoes for pregnancy, consider support as vital during this time, and find the right shoes to handle swelling or achey feet.

Although there aren't many shoes specifically labeled as a maternity shoe, there are plenty of options available to help alleviate pain and aches. Not to mention, the right shoe should actually help with back, hip, and leg pain too, according to Parent Guide.

You don't even have to look for a recommended brand of shoe either. Instead, you can head into a store to sift through shoes yourself if you know what important characteristics to find. First, you want to find a shoe that's easy to slip on, according to the aforementioned Parent Guide article, especially once you hit third trimester, when reaching your foot can seem like a triathlon.

According to Mom Junction, it's possible your feet may grow anywhere from half to a full size, so a good shoe for pregnancy may need a little extra space if you're buying them early on. Additionally, if you're worried about swelling, it's a good idea to find a wide version of your shoe size. Once you've got the fit down, support is going to be the next crucial piece in alleviating pain.

In order to find a supportive shoe, REI suggested you pick up a shoe by the heel and bend the toe upward, where it should bend under the ball of the foot. You'll also want to twist the shoe sole from heel to toe, and see if you feel moderate resistance. If the arch bends at a place other than the ball of your foot or shows no resistance when twisting, you should move onto another shoe.

For those moms who want to avoid trying on a ton of different shoes, here are a few pregnancy-approved shoes you can reach for instead.