Best Children’s Shoes for AFOs and SMOs – Top 5 Shoes for Every Occasion
Many families struggle to find shoes to accommodate their children’s AFOs or SMOs, especially when looking for seasonal shoes or shoes for dressier occasions. I have been fitting children’s shoes and orthotics for many years, so I will be able to show you a list of the best children’s shoes for AFOs and SMOs that include regular sneakers, boots, sandals, dress shoes, and school shoes.
I want to start by mentioning that the most important pair of footwear for a child who wears AFOs or SMOs is everyday sneakers. Children should wear sneakers most often with their ankle braces for them to be most effective and comfortable.
Stop Getting Your Child’s Shoes Too Big to Accommodate Their AFO
I know how excited parents get when they find a new shoe that seems to fit well with their child’s AFOs or SMOs. However, if the shoe purchased is bigger than two full shoe sizes than your child’s actual foot size, then the ankle brace is no longer able to help your child. Your child’s shoes must be large enough to fit their orthotics but still snug enough to support your child’s feet.
Remember that stability is one of the most important features your child’s shoes should provide when wearing AFOs or SMOs. Use this shoe fitting service to determine exactly what shoe size you should order for your child’s AFOs.
Parent’s Favorite Shoe Brands for AFOs/SMOs
Some of the most popular shoe brands parents like for their children who wear ankle braces are BILLY Footwear, PLAE, Ikiki, Converse, See Kai Run, Stride Rite, and New Balance. I can tell you that not all of these shoe brands provide the correct type of shoes for a child who wears AFOs or SMOs.
For example, one of my go-to shoe brands for children who wear AFOs or SMOs is New Balance. However, this does not mean that all New Balance shoe types are appropriate for children who wear ankle braces. There are specific shoe styles within New Balance that work a lot better than others.
I believe that BILLY shoes are great, but they should be used as an alternative to your child’s everyday sneakers. BILLY shoes are great fashionable alternatives; I just recommend limiting their wear to no more than 4 hours a day.
Top Shoe Recommendations for AFOs and SMOs
Let’s now take a look at the best children’s shoes (everyday and seasonal shoes) for AFOs and SMOs. 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.
Everyday Sneakers
As they are the most important piece of footwear for children to wear with their AFOs/SMOs, I wanted to start by recommending the best everyday sneakers your child can wear. These sneakers are available in different widths such as Medium (M), Wide (W), and Extra Wide (XW). wide width.
Toddler Sizes (0 to 10)
- Order the shoe style 990V6 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Lace-up closure
- Strong rubber outsole and cushioned midsoles
- Synthetic/mesh upper provides durability and breathability
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than the end of the AFO/SMO footplate
- Order the shoe style 990V6 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Lace-up closure
- Strong rubber outsole and cushioned midsoles
- Suede/mesh upper provides durability and breathability
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than the end of the AFO/SMO footplate
- Order the shoe style Dean Adapt by See Kai Run on Amazon
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet
- Adjustable extra-long straps
- Opens super wide which makes in and out easy
- Breathable mesh
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than the end of the AFO/SMO footplate
- Order the shoe style Dean Adapt by See Kai Run on Amazon
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet
- Adjustable extra-long straps fit around AFOS but can also be cut to fit
- Opens super wide which makes in and out easy
- Breathable mesh
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than the end of the AFO/SMO footplate
- Order the shoe style Ryder Adapt by See Kai Run on Zappos
- Fits medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Extra-long straps can be cut for a secure and custom fit with AFOs
- Mesh lining and removable mesh-lined sock liner deliver comfort
- Breathable mesh upper provides maximum durability and ultra-flexibility
- Velcro closure
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than the end of the AFO/SMO footplate
- Order the shoe style Ryder Adapt by See Kai Run on Zappos
- Fits medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Extra-long straps can be cut for a secure and custom fit with AFOs
- Mesh lining and removable mesh-lined sock liner deliver comfort
- Breathable mesh upper provides maximum durability and ultra-flexibility
- Velcro closure
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than the end of the AFO/SMO footplate
- Order the shoe style Squeaker Switch by Ikiki on Amazon
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Removable insoles
- Velcro closure
- Squeaks encourage heel-to-toe walking
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than the end of the AFO/SMO footplate
- Order the shoe style Squeaker Switch by Ikiki on Amazon
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Oversized openings
- High-top style
- Squeaker can be turned on/off
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than the end of the AFO/SMO footplate
- Order the shoe style M2P Journey 3.0 by Stride Rite on Zappos
- Available in extra wide widths
- Oversized opening for easy on and off
- Breathable textile lining is effective in protecting your child’s feet from micro-organisms
- Hook and loop closure
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than the end of the AFO/SMO footplate
- Order the shoe style M2P Journey 2 by Stride Rite on Zappos
- Available in extra wide widths (accommodates high insteps)
- Oversized opening for easy on and off
- Breathable textile lining is effective in protecting your child’s feet from micro-organisms
- Hook and loop closure
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than the end of the AFO/SMO footplate
- Order the shoe style SR Holly by Stride Rite on Zappos
- Available in extra wide widths
- Oversized openings
- Antimicrobial linings for odor prevention
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than the end of the AFO/SMO footplate
Little/Big Kid Sizes (10.5 to 7)
- Order the shoe style Squeaker Switch by Ikiki on Amazon
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Removable insoles
- Velcro closure
- Squeaks encourage heel-to-toe walking
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than the end of the AFO/SMO footplate
- Order the shoe style Squeaker Switch by Ikiki on Amazon
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Oversized openings
- High-top style
- Squeaker can be turned on/off
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than the end of the AFO/SMO footplate
- Order the shoe style Dean Adapt by See Kai Run on Zappos
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet
- Adjustable extra-long straps fit around AFOS but can also be cut to fit
- Opens super wide which makes in and out easy
- Breathable mesh
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than the end of the AFO/SMO footplate
- Order the shoe style Dean Adapt by See Kai Run on Zappos
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet
- Adjustable extra-long straps fit around AFOS but can also be cut to fit
- Opens super wide which makes in and out easy
- Breathable mesh
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than the end of the AFO/SMO footplate
- Order the shoe style 990V6 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Lace-up closure
- Strong rubber outsole and a cushioned midsole
- Suede/mesh upper
- Removable insoles
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than the end of the AFO/SMO footplate
- Order the shoe style 990V6 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Lace-up closure
- Strong rubber outsole and a cushioned midsole
- Suede/mesh upper
- Removable insoles
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than the end of the AFO/SMO footplate
- Order the shoe style Ryder Adapt by See Kai Run on Zappos
- Fits medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Extra-long straps can be cut for a secure and custom fit with AFOs
- Mesh lining and removable mesh-lined sock liner deliver comfort
- Breathable mesh upper provides maximum durability and ultra-flexibility
- Velcro closure
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than the end of the AFO/SMO footplate
- Order the shoe style Ryder Adapt by See Kai Run on Zappos
- Fits medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Extra-long straps can be cut for a secure and custom fit with AFOs
- Mesh lining and removable mesh-lined sock liner deliver comfort
- Breathable mesh upper provides maximum durability and ultra-flexibility
- Velcro closure
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than the end of the AFO/SMO footplate
- Order the shoe style M2P Journey 3.0 by Stride Rite on Zappos or Amazon
- Available in extra wide widths (accommodates high insteps)
- Oversized opening for easy on and off
- Breathable textile lining is effective in protecting your child’s feet from micro-organisms
- Hook and loop closure
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than the end of the AFO/SMO footplate
- Order the shoe style M2P Journey 3.0 by Stride Rite on Zappos or Amazon
- Available in extra wide widths
- Oversized opening for easy on and off
- Breathable textile lining is effective in protecting your child’s feet from micro-organisms
- Hook and loop closure
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than the end of the AFO/SMO footplate
- Order the shoe style 990V6 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Strong rubber outsole and a cushioned midsole
- Suede/mesh upper
- Velcro closure
- Removable insoles
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than the end of the AFO/SMO footplate
- Order the shoe style Classic DR by Billy on Amazon
- Available in wide and extra wide widths
- Two removable insoles
- Upper opens completely allowing for unobstructed entry and visual sizing confirmation.
- Wrap-around zipper closure provides fun and easy entry.
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than the end of the AFO/SMO footplate
- Order the shoe style DR Short Wrap by Billy on Zappos
- Available in wide and extra wide widths
- Two removable insoles
- Upper opens completely allowing for unobstructed entry and visual sizing confirmation.
- Wrap-around zipper closure provides fun and easy entry.
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than the end of the AFO/SMO footplate
- Order the shoe style Classic DR II by Billy on Zappos
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Two removable insoles
- Upper opens completely allowing for unobstructed entry and visual sizing confirmation.
- Wrap-around zipper closure provides fun and easy entry.
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than the end of the AFO/SMO footplate
Also, I highly recommend that you remove the original insoles of the sneakers and apply this specific shoe lacing technique (if you choose a shoe with laces) to best fit your child’s AFOs.
Sandals
When it comes to summer shoes you should consult your medical professional to see whether your child needs to wear ankle braces when going to the beach. I mention this because if your child is stable enough, there is no reason why they shouldn’t be able to spend a couple of hours at the beach without wearing the AFOs/SMOs.
Regular Supportive Sandals
- Order the shoe style Wander 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 a whole size larger than the end of your child’s AFO footplate
- Order the shoe style Wander 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 a whole size larger than the end of your child’s AFO footplate
- Order the shoe 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 a half size larger than the end of your child’s AFO footplate
- Order the shoe 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 a half size larger than the end of your child’s AFO footplate
Orthopedic Sandals
- Order the shoe style Agnes Corrective Orthopedic by Memo on Amazon
- 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
- I suggest that you get this sandal a whole size larger than the end of your child’s AFO footplate
- Order the shoe style Michael Corrective Orthopedic by Memo on Amazon
- 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
- I suggest that you get this sandal a whole size larger than the end of your child’s AFO footplate
- Order the shoe style Betti Corrective Orthopedic by Memo on Amazon
- Fits medium and wide feet
- This is an orthopedic sandal
- Thermoplastic asymmetric stiff heel counter for proper feet protection and support
- Genuine leather lining
- I suggest that you get this sandal a whole size larger than the end of your child’s AFO footplate
- Order the shoe style Pedro Corrective Orthopedic by Memo on Amazon
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Thermoplastic asymmetric stiff heel counter for proper feet protection and support
- This is an orthopedic sandal
- Genuine leather lining
- I suggest that you get this sandal a whole size larger than the end of your child’s AFO footplate
- Order the shoe style Mammal Collection Orthopedic by Memo on Amazon
- 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
- I suggest that you get this sandal a whole size larger than the end of your child’s AFO footplate
- Order the shoe style Mammal Collection Orthopedic by Memo on Amazon
- 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
- I suggest that you get this sandal a whole size larger than the end of your child’s AFO footplate
Boots
For boots, I also recommend consulting your medical professional to see whether your child needs to wear ankle braces all of the time. If your child is stable enough, they can also likely go a couple of hours walking in the rain or snow without their AFOs/SMOs.
- Order the shoe style Skye Adapt Waterproof by See Kai Run on Zappos
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet
- Waterproof-treated textile and synthetic upper
- Adjustable extra-long straps fit around AFOS
- Rubber toe cap adds durability
- Thermoplastic rubber outsole with a rugged tread pattern built for maximum grip on wet and snowy terrain
- I suggest that you get this boot a half size larger than the end of the AFO footplate
- Order the shoe style Ducko Ankle Winter Snow by Dream Pairs on Amazon
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet
- Double velcro straps with a side zipper closure for oversized openings and easy on and off
- Waterproof and Insulated
- I suggest that you get this boot a half size larger than the end of the AFO footplate
- Order the shoe style Ducko Ankle Winter Snow by Dream Pairs on Amazon
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet
- Double velcro straps with a side zipper closure for oversized openings and easy on and off
- Waterproof and Insulated
- I suggest that you get this boot a half size larger than the end of the AFO footplate
- Order the shoe style Waterproof Antiskid by Littleplum on Amazon
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet
- This is a snow boot
- Integrated heel support structure
- Waterproof
- Removable insoles
- Triple velcro straps for easy on and off
- I suggest that you get this boot a half size larger than the end of the AFO footplate
- Order the shoe style Snow Boots Outdoor Waterproof by Bodatu on Amazon
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet
- Extra depth to accommodate orthotics, AFOS, and internal modifications
- Waterproof and insulated
- Soft thick faux fur lining provides comfort while sealing in warmth
- I suggest that you get this boot a half size larger than the end of the AFO footplate
- Order the shoe style Snow Boots by Ubfen on Amazon
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet
- Double velcro straps for easy on and off
- Waterproof and Insulated
- I suggest that you get this boot a half size larger than the end of the AFO footplate
- Order the shoe style Snow Boots by Ubfen on Amazon
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet
- Double velcro straps for easy on and off
- Waterproof and Insulated
- I suggest that you get this boot a half size larger than the end of the AFO footplate
- Order the shoe style Toddlers Orthopedic Corrective by Princepard
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Made of leather and breathable mesh
- Integrated heel support structure
- Removable insoles
- Triple velcro straps for maximum support and stability
- I suggest that you get this boot a half size larger than the end of the AFO footplate
- Order the shoe style Chinook Hi by Kamik on Zappos
- Fits medium and wide feet (accommodates high insteps)
- Waterproof and insulated
- Triple velcro straps
- I suggest that you get this boot a half size larger than the end of the AFO footplate
School Shoes
- Order the shoe style 650v1 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- The ABZORB midsole absorbs impact through a combination of cushioning and compression resistance
- Padded collar for comfort
- Velcro closure
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style 574 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- The ABZORB midsole absorbs impact through a combination of cushioning and compression resistance
- Padded collar for comfort
- Lace-up closure
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style 990v6 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Available in medium and wide widths
- The ABZORB midsole absorbs impact through a combination of cushioning and compression resistance
- I suggest that you get this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style 650v1 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- The ABZORB midsole absorbs impact through a combination of cushioning and compression resistance
- Padded collar for comfort
- Velcro closure
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style 650v1 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- The ABZORB midsole absorbs impact through a combination of cushioning and compression resistance
- Padded collar for comfort
- Lace-up closure
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style 480 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Available in medium and wide widths
- The ABZORB midsole absorbs impact through a combination of cushioning and compression resistance
- I suggest that you get this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
Dress Shoes
Toddler Sizes (0 to 10)
- Order the shoe style SR Holly by Stride Rite on Zappos
- Available in extra wide widths
- Upper, insole, and lining made of textile material
- Oversized openings
- Two removable insoles
- Traction-enhanced rubber outsoles help with grip and grounding
- I suggest that you get this dress shoe a whole size larger than the end of your child’s AFO footplate
- Order the shoe style DR Short Wrap High II by Billy on Zappos
- Available in wide and extra wide widths
- Rear pull-tab giving kids a fun and easy way to put on and take off their shoes
- Zipper closure
- I suggest that you get this dress shoe a whole size larger than the end of your child’s AFO footplate
- Order the shoe style Mary Jane Flat by Stride Rite on Amazon
- Available in extra wide widths
- Patent leather upper
- Oversized openings
- Two removable insoles
- I suggest that you get this dress shoe a whole size larger than the end of your child’s AFO footplate
- Order the shoe style Classic DR High II by Billy on Amazon
- Available in wide and extra wide widths
- Rear pull-tab giving kids a fun and easy way to put on and take off their shoes
- Zipper closure
- I suggest that you get this dress shoe a whole size larger than the end of your child’s AFO footplate
- Order the shoe style Princessa Corrective by Memo on Amazon
- Fits wide and extra wide feet
- Extra depth and width for orthotics
- Rigid heel counter
- I suggest that you get this dress shoe a whole size larger than the end of your child’s AFO footplate
- Order the shoe style Malmo Corrective by Memo on Amazon
- Fits wide and extra wide feet
- Extra depth and width for orthotics
- Double velcro straps for a secure fit
- Rigid heel counter
- I suggest that you get this dress shoe a whole size larger than the end of your child’s AFO footplate
- Order the shoe style Dr High Ii by Billy on Zappos
- Available in wide and extra wide widths
- Rear pull-tab giving kids a fun and easy way to put on and take off their shoes
- Zipper closure
- I suggest that you get this dress shoe a whole size larger than the end of your child’s AFO footplate
Little/Big Kid Sizes (10.5 to 7)
- Order the shoe style SR Holly by Stride Rite on Zappos
- Available in extra wide widths
- Upper, insole, and lining made of textile material
- Oversized openings
- Two removable insoles
- Traction-enhanced rubber outsoles help with grip and grounding
- I suggest that you get this dress shoe a whole size larger than the end of your child’s AFO footplate
- Order the shoe style DR Short Wrap High II by Billy on Zappos
- Fits medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Rear pull-tab giving kids a fun and easy way to put on and take off their shoes
- Zipper closure
- I suggest that you get this dress shoe a whole size larger than the end of your child’s AFO footplate
- Order the shoe style Dr High Ii by Billy on Amazon
- Fits medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Rear pull-tab giving kids a fun and easy way to put on and take off their shoes
- Zipper closure
- I suggest that you get this dress shoe a whole size larger than the end of your child’s AFO footplate
- Order the shoe style Classic DR High II by Billy on Amazon
- Available in wide and extra wide widths
- Rear pull-tab giving kids a fun and easy way to put on and take off their shoes
- Zipper closure
- I suggest that you get this dress shoe a whole size larger than the end of your child’s AFO footplate
- Order the shoe style Chicago Corrective by Memo on Amazon
- Fits medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Extra depth and width for orthotics
- Rigid heel counter
- I suggest that you get this dress shoe a whole size larger than the end of your child’s AFO footplate
- Order the shoe style Malmo Corrective by Memo on Amazon
- Fits medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Extra depth and width for orthotics
- Double velcro straps for a secure fit
- Rigid heel counter
- I suggest that you get this dress shoe a whole size larger than the end of your child’s AFO footplate
- Order the shoe style Classic DR High II by Memo on Amazon
- Available in wide and extra wide widths
- Rear pull-tab giving kids a fun and easy way to put on and take off their shoes
- Zipper closure
- I suggest that you get this dress shoe a whole size larger than the end of your child’s AFO footplate
- Order the shoe style Princessa Corrective by Memo on Amazon
- Fits medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Extra depth and width for orthotics
- Rigid heel counter
- I suggest that you get this dress shoe a whole size larger than the end of your child’s AFO footplate
- Order the shoe Cinderella by Memo on Amazon
- Fits medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Extra depth and width for orthotics
- Rigid heel counter
- I suggest that you get this dress shoe a whole size larger than the end of your child’s AFO footplate
Looking for Other Shoe Recommendations?
Do not hesitate to contact me if you are having trouble finding a pair of shoes to accommodate your child’s AFOs/SMOs. I am happy to provide you with specific shoe recommendations:
fittingchildrensshoes@gmail.com
What Makes the Shoes I Recommend Effective for AFOs/SMOs?
1️⃣ Stable Base of Support: This feature provides a stable and supportive base for the medial arch and forefoot. Shoes with substantial outsoles help to minimize the impact your child’s feet feel when they come in contact with the ground and hold the AFO/SMO securely in place.
2️⃣ Firm Heel Counters: This feature provides additional heel and ankle support as well as heel stabilization.
3️⃣ Wider Openings for Easy On & Off: This feature allows parents to easily slide the AFO inside the shoes so they don’t have to struggle every time they have to put on the AFOs.
Shoes with Zippers on the Sides – Are They Helpful?
I wanted to touch base on this topic because some parents assume that shoes with zippers better accommodate their children’s ankle braces than shoes without them. However, this is not always the case. One example of this is the shoe brand BILLY Footwear, which provides “lace-up zip-on” shoes with zippers on their sides. BILLY Footwear is a popular choice for children who wear ankle braces as they manufacture fashionable and functional shoes for children.
However, my issue with providing children who wear AFOs with zippered shoes is the lack of lateral support they provide. The zippers definitely make it easier to slide the ankle braces inside a child’s shoes, but these shoes do not give the same level of support that other sneakers do.
Let me know in the comment section below if you have found a specific shoe brand or shoe style that worked well for your child’s AFOs. Other families will benefit from learning about your experiences!
I can’t tell you how helpful your website is!!! I am so thankful to you for providing this important information that is found nowhere else on the internet! My 3yo daughter has hypermobility that requires her to wear SMOs pretty constantly, and it has been such a struggle finding the right shoes, even with a team of physical therapists and orthotists making recommendations. We have had bad luck with so many different shoe styles/brands, but everything you’ve laid out in this post makes so much sense as to why things haven’t worked for us. Based on this post, I ordered the Stride Rite Holly shoes for my little girl, and…. they fit! Amazing! I am especially grateful that you include where to order specific shoes. Please keep up the wonderful work; you’re making such an impact on parents who really need the help! Thank you!
Hello Kim,
Thank you for your kind words.
It’s so challenging to find shoes for these orthotic devices that take so much extra space, but the fact is that if the shoes don’t fit the orthotics correctly, the child won’t end up getting the whole benefits that the orthotics have to offer.
I hope your daughter enjoys her new shoes and I will be here in case you have any questions.
Thank you so much you are God sent. My Girl is 11. If only you knew the struggle to get shoes fit for the AFO. I’m going to try your method. And update. Can’t wait for school to finish so I can measure her splint length. Thank you.
Hello Lizzie,
I am happy to help and ready to answer any questions that might come up.