Best Sandals for AFOs – The Only Sandal Styles that Will Accommodate Your Child’s AFOs!
As a dedicated and experienced shoe fitter, I know that the right footwear is essential for your child’s comfort, mobility, and foot health. Whether your child should wear sandals with AFOs depends on the severity of their condition, so it’s always best to consult the doctor who prescribed the AFOs. I am going to show you a list of supportive sandals that can be worn with or without AFOs. These sandals offer key features like a stable base of support and firm heel counters to help improve alignment and stability.
Common Mistakes Parents Make When Buying Shoes for AFOs
Many parents make the mistake of ordering their child’s sandals two sizes larger than their child’s actual foot size to accommodate AFOs. This can significantly compromise stability, increasing the risk of trips and falls. A poor fit can also reduce the effectiveness of both the sandals and the AFOs.
The goal is to find sandals that fit as close to your child’s actual foot size as possible while still accommodating the AFOs. The styles I recommend are specifically designed with extra depth and a unique triple Velcro strap system, allowing them to open wide and provide a secure, comfortable fit—without the need to size up excessively.
Children who wear AFOs usually experience loss of balance, reflexes, and coordination, impaired muscle tone, irregular posture, and gait disturbance, that is the reason why it’s so important for them to wear sandals that provide good support and stability.
Key Features of Sandals for AFOs
Some of the sandals that I recommend are designed by European doctors of medicine, and they are specially built for children with foot conditions who need to wear AFOs.
1. Stable Base of Support: A stable base of support is essential for children with AFOs as it ensures the necessary balance and support. Look for sandals with a wide and flat sole, which helps in distributing weight evenly and provides a sturdy foundation.
2. Firm Heel Counter: Firm heel counters help in maintaining the foot’s position within the sandal, preventing unwanted movement that could lead to discomfort or injury. A strong heel counter provides necessary ankle stability, which is particularly important for children who require additional support due to AFOs.
3. Extra Depth: Extra depth in sandals allows for AFOs to fit comfortably inside the shoe without putting pressure on the foot. This feature ensures that the sandals accommodate the AFOs without compromising on comfort.
4. Oversized Openings: This feature helps prevent you from having to struggle every time you have to put on your kids’ water shoes.Some of the sandals I recommend come with a convenient Velcro strap on the back, allowing for easy entry and a secure fit over AFOs.
Can My Child Wear Regular Sandals Without the AFOs?
Parents often wonder if their child can wear regular sandals without the AFOs. While it might be tempting to give your child’s feet a break from the orthoses, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before making this decision. The absence of AFOs might compromise the support and alignment that your child’s feet need, potentially leading to discomfort or injury.
The sandals below are perfect for children who wear AFO, KAGO, DAFO and SMO braces. Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Best Kids’ Sandals for AFOS in 2025
Most off-the-shelf sandals are not designed for children who need to wear AFOs. Based on my experience as a shoe fitter, here are my top recommendations for 2025.
1. Betti and Pedro by Memo
These orthopedic sandals for AFOs 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 the sandal Betti and Pedro by Memo on Amazon
- Fits medium and wide feet
- This is an orthopedic sandal
- Thermoplastic asymmetric stiff heel counter for proper foot protection and support
- Genuine leather lining
- I suggest that you get this sandal a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
2. Seaturtle by Kamik
These regular open-toe sandals provide a cushioned footbed and three adjustable straps that make them ideal for AFOs. Their lightweight and flexible design makes it ideal for children with foot conditions, while the durable outsole ensures long-lasting wear.
Key Features
- Order the sandal Seaturtle by Kamik on Amazon or 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 a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
3. Hurricane by Teva
These open-toe kids’ sandals for AFOs 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 the sandal Newport H2 by Keen on Zappos or Amazon
- Fits medium and wide feet
- This internal support mechanism is anatomically engineered to provide excellent arch support
- Machine washable
- I suggest that you get this sandal a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
4. Agnes by Memo
These orthopedic sandals for AFOs offer orthopedic support with their anatomically shaped footbed and firm heel counters that aid in maintaining the foot’s correct position.
Key Features
- Order the sandal Michael Corrective Orthopedic by Memo 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
Different types of AFOs can affect how well sandals fit and function. The effectiveness of the sandals depends on your child’s specific AFO design. To ensure a secure fit and proper support, always fasten the straps snugly—this helps keep your child’s feet stable and prevents unnecessary movement inside the sandals.
Contact Me for Specific Shoe Recommendations
For specific shoe recommendations tailored to your child’s unique foot shape and foot problems, feel free to contact me via email.
Bonus Resources: Sneakers and Dress Shoes for AFOs
In addition to sandals, selecting the right sneakers and dress shoes for AFOs is equally important. Sneakers with similar features like a stable base, extra depth, oversized openings, and firm heel counters offer the same level of support and comfort. Dress shoes designed with these features are available as well, ensuring that your child has suitable footwear for every occasion.
Should Children Who Wear AFOs Walk Around in Crocs?
If your child wears AFOs, avoid summer shoes like Crocs. They lack the necessary support and stability, making walking difficult and increasing the risk of tripping. Plus, they tend to slip off easily, leading to frustration and discomfort.
If your child plans to wear AFOs in the water, I recommend using an older pair to avoid unnecessary wear and tear on their current ones. Afterward, be sure to dry them thoroughly to prevent any metal components from rusting and to keep them in good condition for future use.
I’ve tried just about every shoe and sandal out there and it does not fit my kids with afo on. The instep is high. She’s outgrown her Hatchback and the seem out of business. I think best that would fit is a sandals. There were other web sites but in the UK. ANy ideas?
Hello Sue,
I don’t have access to a full list of shoes available in the UK, but if you email me at: fittingchildrensshoes@gmail.com and tell me exactly what shoe size you need to accommodate your daughter’s AFOs I am happy to find you some options.