Adaptable Sandals for Kids Who Wear Orthotics – They Fit Regular Orthotics and AFOs/SMOs

August 5, 2024 Adaptable Shoes Juan Valenzuela 0 - Comments

Children who wear orthotics often face challenges in finding shoes that can fit their orthotics, especially when it comes to seasonal shoes such as sandals. The adaptable sandals that I recommend provide a stable base of support and come with multiple points of adjustability to accommodate the unique needs of kids who wear orthotic devices. You will notice that the straps are usually made out of velcro and they tend to be extra long, ensuring a comfortable and secure fit.

My name is Juan Valenzuela and I have been fitting children’s shoes and orthotics for over a decade. I have noted the positive impact of adaptable sandals and how they can transform daily life for children who wear orthotics. For instance, one family told me how their child could finally participate in summer camp activities without continually complaining about foot pain. These real-life stories underscore the importance of selecting the right footwear for children who wear orthotics.

What Are the Advantages of Adaptable Sandals? – 3 Key Features

I have noticed how adaptable sandals have the ability to enhance both mobility and comfort, and they make it really easy for children to get the sandals on and off.

1️⃣ Extra long straps that can be adjusted in various parts of the sandal make it easier to achieve a snug and supportive fit. This adjustability helps reduce the risk of blisters and pressure points, which are common problems for kids wearing orthotics. These adjustable straps also ensure the sandal and orthotic remain secure on the foot.

2️⃣ Supportive structures and deeper footbeds help improve mobility and stability by helping distribute weight evenly across the foot, reducing strain and discomfort. The deeper footbeds allow the orthotics to fit deeply inside the sandals.

Orthopedic sandal with a stable base of support.

3️⃣ Most adaptable sandals open fully so the sandals and the orthotics can be easily slid on and fit each unique foot. This means that your child won’t struggle to get the sandals on and off.

Sandal with a velcro strap on the back for easy on and off.

I usually don’t like to recommend specific shoe brands because families tend to generalize and believe that all sandals from that specific brand that I recommend will work well for their child’s feet. However, since many families insist on getting specific shoe brand recommendations, here is a list that you might find helpful:

➡️ Keen: This shoe company recently came up with an adaptable sandal that is compatible with orthotics and allows children to put them on and off by themselves.

➡️ See Kai Run: There are two or three sandals from this shoe company that have adjustable back straps for easy on and off.

➡️ Stride Rite: Many sandals made by Stride Rite are available in wide or extra wide widths to accommodate the extra space orthotics take.

➡️ Memo: This is an orthopedic kids’ shoe company that manufactures orthopedic sandals capable of accommodating orthotics. The issue with getting orthopedic sandals is that you will pay a higher price, but many parents find that investing a bit more in high-quality adaptable sandals pays off in the long run by providing better support, comfort, and durability.

Now, I am here to help you find the perfect pair of adaptable sandals for your child, so bear with me until we get to my specific adaptable sandals recommendations.

The Importance of Ordering the Correct Shoe Size and How Fitting Children’s Shoes Can Help

Choosing the right size is crucial for your child’s foot health. If you buy sandals that are overly large in order to accommodate the orthotics this can cause various problems, including discomfort, blisters, and even long-term foot issues. So, it’s essential to get accurate measurements and select the appropriate size, especially for kids who require orthotics.

I created a virtual shoe fitting service that will help you retrieve your child’s shoe size from home. In that resource you will find out whether your child has narrow, medium, wide, or extra wide feet. I also be able to determine whether your child has a high instep or not.

Best Adaptable Sandals for Kids Who Wear Orthotics – My Specific Recommendations

All of the sandals that I recommend below have been fitted by me at the shoe store where I work. They have worked for many children who wear orthotics, but this doesn’t mean there is a guarantee that they will work for your child’s orthotics as well, as some orthotics take a lot more extra space than others.

By the way, read the description below each sandal that I recommend to find out whether that specific style can fit 3/4 or full-length orthotics, as well as AFOs or SMOs.

  • Order the sandal style Newport Boundless by Keen on Amazon
  • Adjustable back strap
  • Durable dual density cushioning offers shock absorption on impact
  • Water-friendly and machine washable
  • Accommodates full-length and 3/4 length orthotics (not AFOs or SMOs)
  • Lace-lock bungee closure can be secured and released with one hand
  • I suggest that you get this sandal half a size larger than the end of your child’s orthotic footplate
  • Order the sandal style Newport Boundless by Keen on Amazon
  • Adjustable back strap
  • Durable dual density cushioning offers shock absorption on impact
  • Water-friendly and machine washable
  • Accommodates full-length and 3/4 length orthotics (not AFOs or SMOs)
  • Lace-lock bungee closure can be secured and released with one hand
  • I suggest that you get this sandal half a size larger than the end of your child’s orthotic footplate
  • Order the sandal style Seaturtle 2 by Kamik on Zappos
  • Fits medium and wide feet (fits high insteps)
  • Triple velcro straps for easy on and off
  • Quick drying moisture wicking lining
  • Vegan-friendly
  • I suggest that you get this sandal half a size larger than the end of your child’s orthotic footplate
  • Order the sandal style Seaturtle 2 by Kamik on Zappos
  • Fits medium and wide feet (fits high insteps)
  • Triple velcro straps for easy on and off
  • Quick drying moisture wicking lining
  • Vegan-friendly
  • I suggest that you get this sandal half a size larger than the end of your child’s orthotic footplate
  • Order the sandal style Michael Corrective by Memo on Amazon
  • This is an orthopedic sandal
  • Fits medium and wide feet
  • 100% leather made
  • Extra depth to accommodate orthotics, AFOS, and internal modifications
  • Ability to adjust the Hook and Loop strap length to the different feet width
  • This is an orthopedic sandal
  • I suggest that you get this sandal half a size larger than the end of your child’s orthotic footplate
  • Order the sandal style Agnes Corrective by Memo on Amazon
  • This is an orthopedic sandal
  • Fits medium and wide feet
  • 100% leather made
  • Extra depth to accommodate orthotics, AFOS, and internal modifications
  • Ability to adjust the Hook and Loop strap length to the different feet width
  • This is an orthopedic sandal
  • I suggest that you get this sandal half a size larger than the end of your child’s orthotic footplate
  • Order the sandal style Adventurous Light-Weight by Dream Pairs on Amazon
  • Fits AFOS and medium, wide, and extra wide feet
  • Triple hook-and-loop closure system for easy on and off
  • Excellent grip
  • Lightweight MD footbed is cushioned for all-day comfort 
  • I suggest that you get this sandal half a size larger than the end of your child’s orthotic footplate
  • Order the sandal style Adventurous Light-Weight by Dream Pairs on Amazon
  • Fits AFOS and medium, wide, and extra wide feet
  • Triple hook-and-loop closure system for easy on and off
  • Excellent grip
  • Lightweight MD footbed is cushioned for all-day comfort 
  • I suggest that you get this sandal half a size larger than the end of your child’s orthotic footplate
  • Order the sandal style Hurricane by Teva on Zappos
  • Fits medium and wide feet
  • 3 points of adjustability so children can make the sandals as tight or loose as they want
  • Eva foam footbed cushions and softly supports for all day comfort 
  • Rigid at the toe box
  • I suggest that you get this sandal half a size larger than the end of your child’s orthotic footplate
  • Order the sandal style Hurricane by Teva on Zappos
  • Fits medium and wide feet
  • 3 points of adjustability so children can make the sandals as tight or loose as they want
  • Eva foam footbed cushions and softly supports for all day comfort 
  • Rigid at the toe box
  • I suggest that you get this sandal half a size larger than the end of your child’s orthotic footplate
  • Order the sandal style Newport Boundless by Keen on Zappos
  • Adjustable back strap
  • Durable dual density cushioning offers shock absorption on impact
  • Water-friendly and machine washable
  • Accommodates full-length and 3/4 length orthotics (not AFOs or SMOs)
  • Lace-lock bungee closure can be secured and released with one hand
  • I suggest that you get this sandal half a size larger than the end of your child’s orthotic footplate
  • Order the sandal style Newport Boundless by Keen on Zappos
  • Adjustable back strap
  • Durable dual density cushioning offers shock absorption on impact
  • Water-friendly and machine washable
  • Accommodates full-length and 3/4 length orthotics (not AFOs or SMOs)
  • Lace-lock bungee closure can be secured and released with one hand
  • I suggest that you get this sandal half a size larger than the end of your child’s orthotic footplate

Disclosure: Some links in this post may be affiliate links and we may receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) when you click our links and make purchases.

You will notice that the adaptable sandals I recommend have extra cushion and padding around the heels, to help prevent irritation and foot issues such as blisters.

Are the Velcro Straps of the Sandals Not Long Enough?

Depending on the size of your child’s orthotics you might have to add a velcro extension to the sandals. There is an affordable velcro extension I use that can help you resolve this issue.

Recommendations From a Shoe Fitter – Get a Personalized Suggestion

If you need help finding a different pair of sandals or sneakers for your child don’t hesitate to contact me, I am happy to send you specific shoe recommendations based on your child’s unique foot shape and orthotic requirements: fittingchildrensshoes@gmail.com

In the meantime, there is a different resource I created where I describe the best adaptable sneakers for kids who wear orthotics.

Best Sandals for Kids Who Wear Orthotics – Watch Video!

In this video, I help parents visualize how to fit orthotics inside their kids’ sandals. You will get a better idea of what features the sandals I recommend provide and watch real-life examples to help you find the perfect fit for your little one. I also highlight the comfort and support these sandals provide.

You can also use the comments section below to ask any questions you might have. This way other families can also respond to your questions and share their own experiences as well.