Best Sandals for Kids Who Wear Orthotics: AFOs, SMOs, and Regular Inserts (2026)

July 2, 2026 Adaptable Shoes Juan Valenzuela 0 - Comments

Finding sandals that actually accommodate your child’s orthotics is one of the most frustrating fitting challenges families bring to me. Most sandals are too shallow once an orthotic is placed inside, which pushes the foot up and causes the straps to dig into the instep. And if your child wears AFOs or SMOs, the options get even more limited — because those devices require not just extra depth but a fully opening heel entry that most sandals simply don’t have.

I’ve spent over a decade fitting children’s shoes at a specialized children’s shoe store, and I’ve tested every style below with orthotic devices in the store. Below I’ll explain which sandals work for which type of orthotic, and exactly what to look for so you don’t waste money ordering the wrong pair.

Disclosure: I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you when you click links and make a purchase.

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.

1. 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.

An image of Merrell sandals featuring three adjustable straps, offering a customized fit and excellent support—perfect for accommodating orthotics.

2. 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.
An image of Memo orthopedic sandals showcasing a supportive outsole designed to enhance stability and provide optimal foot alignment for children who need extra support.

3. 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.
An image of Keen adaptable sandals featuring a convenient Velcro strap on the back, allowing for effortless on and off while ensuring a secure and adjustable fit for kids who wear orthotics.

I typically avoid recommending specific brands, as families often assume all sandals from that brand will work well. However, since many parents request brand suggestions, here’s a helpful list:

Keen: Recently introduced an adaptable sandal that fits orthotics and allows kids to put them on and off independently.

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: Provides sandals in wide and extra-wide widths to accommodate orthotics.

Memo: Specializes in orthopedic sandals designed for orthotics. While pricier, many parents find the investment worthwhile for superior support, comfort, and durability.

My Top Picks of Adaptable Sandals for Kids Who Wear Orthotics

The sandals I recommend have been personally fitted at my store and have worked for many children with orthotics. However, fit isn’t guaranteed, as some orthotics require more space than others. Check the descriptions below each sandal to see if they accommodate 3/4 or full-length orthotics, AFOs, or SMOs.

Betti and Pedro by Memo

These orthopedic sandals are the best summer shoes for orthotics as they are equipped with a robust support system, including a firm heel counter and arch support. These features work together to guide the foot towards a healthier walking pattern, making them an excellent choice for children with foot issues who need corrective footwear.

Key Features

  • Order on Amazon
  • Fits medium and wide feet
  • Orthopedic sandal
  • Thermoplastic asymmetric stiff heel counter for proper foot protection and support
  • Genuine leather lining
  • Fitting tip: size a full size up from your child’s current foot length

Footlogics Arch-Up Kids Orthotic Sandal

This is one of the few children’s sandals with a built-in orthotic footbed that provides real arch support and heel stability. Unlike most kids’ sandals with flat, unsupportive soles, this sandal features a contoured footbed, deep heel cup, and raised metatarsal support to help improve foot posture and balance. The three adjustable Velcro straps make it easy to keep the orthotic securely in place.

Footlogics Arch-Up Kids Orthotic Sandals in blue and pink shown side by side on a white background with triple adjustable Velcro straps and supportive orthotic footbeds.

Key Features

  • Order on Amazon
  • Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (fits high insteps)
  • Built-in orthotic footbed with biomechanical arch support
  • Deep heel cup and metatarsal support improve stability and foot alignment
  • Triple adjustable Velcro straps for a secure and customized fit
  • Lightweight cushioned outsole for all-day comfort
  • Fitting tip: size a full size up from your child’s current foot length

Seaturtle by Kamik

These regular open-toe sandals for orthotics provide a cushioned footbed and three adjustable straps. Their lightweight and flexible design makes it ideal for children with foot conditions, while the durable outsole ensures long-lasting wear.

Key Features

  • Order on Amazon
  • Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (fits high insteps)
  • Triple Velcro straps for easy on and off
  • Quick-drying, moisture-wicking lining Vegan-friendly
  • Fitting tip: size a full size up from your child’s current foot length

Hurricane by Teva

These open-toe kids’ sandals for orthotics offer a lightweight, water-friendly design with an adjustable fit. Its contoured footbed provides excellent support and the stable base of support helps distribute weight evenly.

Key Features

  • Order on Amazon
  • Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (fits high insteps)
  • Easy hook-and-loop closure comes on and off quickly and gets the fit just right
  • Rubber outsole for durability and traction
  • Fitting tip: size a half size up from your child’s current foot length, since the strap pattern runs slightly snug

Boundless by Keen

The adaptable Keen sandals combine innovative design with high-quality materials, making them an ideal choice for parents seeking both functionality and style.

Key Features

  • Order on Amazon
  • Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (fits high insteps)
  • Adjustable back-strap
  • Lace-lock bungee closure can be secured and released with one hand
  • High abrasion rubber tip for added durability and protection
  • Fitting tip: size a full size up from your child’s current foot length

Agnes by Memo

These orthopedic sandals for orthotics offer orthopedic support with their anatomically shaped footbed and firm heel counters that aid in maintaining the foot’s correct position.

Key Features

  • Order on Amazon
  • Fits medium and wide feet (fits high insteps)
  • 100% leather made
  • Ability to adjust the Hook and Loop strap length to the different foot width
  • I suggest that you get this sandal a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

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. Disclosure: I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you when you click links and make a purchase.

Get Personalized Shoe Recommendations

As a shoe fitter, I understand that every child’s foot is unique. To help you find the perfect pair of sandals, I offer personalized shoe recommendations tailored to your child’s unique foot shape and foot problem. By considering your child’s specific needs, we can ensure they get the support and comfort they deserve. Personalized recommendations take into account factors such as foot width, arch height, and any specific conditions that might affect shoe fit and comfort.

Are the Velcro Straps of the Sandals Not Long Enough?

If your child’s orthotics are taking up extra space, you might find the Velcro straps on some sandals a bit too short. No need to worry! There’s an affordable Velcro extension I recommend that can easily solve this problem and ensure a secure, customized fit for your child’s sandals.

Velcro extenders for kids' shoes to accommodate orthotics.
A Velcro extension designed to provide extra length for children’s shoes, ensuring a secure fit when wearing orthotics.

The Importance of Ordering the Correct Shoe Size

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. You can use my virtual shoe fitting service to order the correct shoe size online.

Bonus Resource: List of Supportive Shoes for Orthotics

To further assist you, I’ve compiled a comprehensive list of supportive and adaptable sneakers for orthotics. This resource includes detailed information on shoe features, pricing, and where to purchase them.

Watch: Best Sandals for Kids in Orthotics

In this video I walk through the sandals above, demonstrate how to insert an orthotic correctly, and show how to check whether the fit is right once the sandal is on.

Feel free to drop any questions you have in the comments below! It’s a great place for other families to share their experiences and offer helpful advice too.