For most of us, Mother's Day is a wonderful celebration of the strong, amazing women who made us who we are today. From bandaging scraped knees to teaching priceless life lessons, moms are some of the most selfless, giving people in our lives. Luckily, we get to spend Mother's Day reminding our moms how much we cherish them and appreciate the sacrifices they've made.
Don't scramble for a gift at the last minute—give her something thoughtful, something that's both practical and fun: New shoes! Busy moms will truly appreciate shoes that take care of their hardworking feet (and look stylish at the same time). Whether you're a son or daughter, a husband, or just someone who's privileged to know a great mom, you'll want to show her some love on May 14th. We've rounded up some of our top picks for Mother's Day, so you're sure to find something she'll adore!
The Cool Mom: Taos Carousel 2
Taos Carousel 2 in Taupe Embossed Suede, Red Leather, and Taupe Multi. Also available in Taupe, Teal Leather, and Yellow Leather.
Okay, okay, we know all moms are cool. But we're talking about the stylish mom, the one that loves getting dressed to the nines, who keeps up on the latest runway looks in between reading mommy blogs. She knows that looking sharp and being an awesome mother aren't mutually exclusive. If she can tell hot trends from fashion faux pas, she'll want a shoe that's as fashion-forward as she is. That's why we've chosen the Taos Carousel 2!
Taos calls the Carousel 2 "the sandal so nice we created it twice." An updated version of the original Taos Carousel, this sandal has a timeless charm, but it's also very timely: The ankle strap trend is one of the most coveted looks for Spring 2017, and the Carousel 2 nails it! Crafted from gorgeous premium leather in a variety of shades, the Taos Carousel 2 is a lovely addition to any woman's closet. But there's more to the Carousel 2 than mere good looks. Both straps feature hook-and-loop adjustment for easy closure and a perfect fit, and a contoured cork-and-latex footbed provides the comfort and support busy moms will appreciate. The 2.5" wedge heel gives her style a little lift without sacrificing stability. For the mom who likes to look her best, choose the Taos Carousel 2!
Runner-Up: UGG Classic Unlined Mini Perf
UGG is always a fall favorite among the fashion-conscious, but now, with the breezy UGG Classic Unlined Mini Perf, the UGG boot party never stops! This bootie lacks the sheepskin lining that makes UGG boots warm, so your cool mom can enjoy UGG style year-round.
The On-the-Go Mom: OluKai Pehuea
OluKai Pehuea in Black, Charcoal/Dark Shadow, and Vivid Blue. Also available in Grenadine, Pokeberry, and Trench Blue.
Moms are busy, busy people. Whether they're balancing a career and home or they're running back and forth between play dates, practices, and recitals, moms seem to be almost constantly on the go. Some moms feel perpetually frazzled, while others seem to take it all in stride. If she's the kind to never stop and catch her breath (but loves every minute), she needs a shoe that's convenient and versatile, like the OluKai Pehuea!
The Pehuea is a fairly simple slip-on, but the feature that makes it stand out from the crowd is OluKai's popular drop-in heel. This shoe is constructed in such a way that Mom can either wear it as a slip-on, or collapse in the back to wear it as a slide! The unique versatility of the Pehuea makes it perfect for the mom who's always running out the door. Plus, its dual-density polyurethane footbed will support her arch and heel with every step, while the non-marking rubber outsole will never scuff her floors. Like all OluKai shoes, the OluKai Pehuea has a laidback island vibe—a little slice of paradise in Mom's busy life.
Runner-Up: OluKai Ohana
As Disney fans know, "ohana" means family, making the OluKai Ohana a perfect pick for dedicated moms. An equally convenient alternative to the Pehuea, the Ohana is a basic thong sandal made from water-resistant, vegan-friendly materials.
The Working Mom: Work Wonders by Dansko Camellia
Work Wonders by Dansko Camellia in Botanical Patent, Black Leather, and White Leather. Also available in Bubbles Plaid, Charcoal Multi Patent, Multi Leopard Patent, and more.
Many moms work hard both in and out of their homes. The mother who's pursuing her career goals one minute and taking care of her family the next doesn't need any added worry about her footwear. She needs something that's comfortable, professional, and convenient—something like the Camellia from Work Wonders by Dansko.
The Work Wonders Camellia is a professional clog, the type of shoe that's best known as a favorite among nurses. However, these clogs are well-suited for anyone with a demanding job, especially those who spend long hours on their feet or work in messy or challenging conditions. The more subtle colors, like Black Leather, are appropriate for almost any work environment, and the upper is durable and easy to clean.
The Camellia's removable foam footbed and rocker sole provide shock absorption, energy return, and cushioning, making every step as comfy as the last, even at the end of a long day. The sole is also slip-resistant and non-marking, giving her excellent traction even on wet or oily surfaces. Inside, the moisture-wicking lining is treated for organic odor control to keep Mom's feet cozy and dry while combating unflattering odors. The Work Wonders Camellia clog may look simple, but it houses the ultimate combination of all-day comfort features, making it the perfect choice to pamper hardworking moms' feet.
Runner-Up: Naturalizer Michelle
For the mom who works in a business setting or office, a versatile pump like the Naturalizer Michelle may be her go-to. While it has a more sleek and streamlined look than a clog, the Michelle isn't short on comfort. It features Naturalizer's exclusive N5 Contour footbed, which offers support, lightweight cushioning, and flexibility.
The Stay-at-Home Mom: UGG Ansley
UGG Ansley in Black, Chestnut, and Mahogany. Also available in Light Grey, Tango (Red), and more.
Being a stay-at-home mom is a full-time job, one that requires massive amounts of patience, commitment, and hard work. It's one of the toughest jobs in the world, but also one of the most rewarding. Stay-at-home moms spend most or all of their waking hours making sure their families are fed, clothed, and happy, so it's about time we give back to them! A little bit of indulgent comfort can really make Mom's day, and the cozy UGG Ansley slipper is sure to put a smile on her face.
Inside, the Ansley cushions her foot with plush UGGpure™ wool, so she'll feel like she's walking on clouds. But this is much more than just your average house slipper: Water-resistant suede and a rubber outsole make the UGG Ansley a versatile choice for indoor/outdoor wear. Popping out to the mailbox or down to the grocery never felt so good! Show Mom you care with the adorable, foot- pampering UGG Ansley slipper.
Runner-Up: Birkenstock Arizona Soft Footbed
For the Mom who loves comfort but needs a shoe that's more suited for being out and about, the Birkenstock Arizona Soft Footbed is a smart option. Birkenstocks are always a cool fashion piece, but they're also incredibly cozy! The Soft Footbed, made of cork, latex, and foam, will mold to her foot's shape over time for personalized support.
The Mom-to-Be: Alegria Vanessa
Alegria Vanessa in Black Handcrafted, Earthen, and Perennial. Also available in Black Jewel.
There are few things in life that are more exciting than having a baby. Expectant mothers are known to be radiant and happy, but pregnancy can also be exhausting and demanding in many ways. Some of the biggest complaints expectant mothers have are swollen ankles and sore feet. Luckily, the right shoe—like the Alegria Vanessa—can help alleviate some of these issues without sacrificing style.
The Alegria Vanessa may look like just another thong sandal, but its secret lies in the hook-and-loop closure of its instep strap. This allows for a fit that is infinitely adjustable, so even if her feet swell, she'll be able to remain comfortable from the first month to the ninth! Underfoot, a footbed made from cork, memory foam, and polyurethane forms to the natural contours of her foot to provide custom comfort and support. The Vanessa's mini rocker outsole offers shock absorption and energy return, but remains thin enough to be flexible and light. Hand-sewn decorative topstitching and a variety of lovely colorways keep the Alegria Vanessa fashionable, accentuating the mom-to-be's natural glow.
Runner-Up: Dansko Hazel
For a look that's less trendy and more sporty, choose the Dansko Hazel! Expectant moms will love the lightweight, stain-resistant Hazel's easy hook-and-loop closure and its contoured memory foam footbed with superior arch support.
The Experienced Mom: SAS Willow
SAS Willow in Denim and Linen.
If you're the adult son or daughter of an aging mom, you know that you'll always be her little boy or little girl. As you both get older, the bond between you just gets stronger, and your appreciation for her grows as you begin to understand the challenges she's faced and the sacrifices she's made. She's still the one you go to for advice, support, and a listening ear, so show her how much you care with a thoughtful gift like the SAS Willow!
The moccasin-style Willow features a roomy toe box, wide ball-of-foot area, and snug heel for a perfectly cozy fit. This allows for natural spread and won't cramp sensitive feet, while a soft, padded lining and removable CoolStep™ footbed keep them cushioned and comfy. An adjustable hook-and-loop instep strap makes adjusting the Willow's fit a breeze. The SAS Willow also features a shock-absorbent, lightweight polyurethane sole that has a wide heel base for stability. The Willow's stylish cutout design keeps it cute while it caters to Mom's comfort with every step.
Runner-Up: Spring Step Chino
The unique and lovely Spring Step Chino is an eye-catching clog with stretchy elastic goring and a padded insole, engineered for comfort and crafted for quality. The hand-painted and tooled leather upper makes the Chino a true work of art.
What will you give Mom this Mother's Day? No matter what gift you choose, the most important thing is letting Mom know how much you appreciate everything she does.
If you didn't find that perfect pair of shoes in this post, you can browse all our women's shoes, or check out some more blog posts about women's shoes here:
Our 6 Favorite Athletic Shoes for Women
12 Coziest UGG Slippers for Women