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.

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.


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.


School Shoes


Dress Shoes

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.

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2️⃣ Firm Heel Counters: This feature provides additional heel and ankle support as well as heel stabilization.

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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!