Best House Shoes for AFOs – Wearing Supportive Shoes at Home
Are you struggling to find comfortable and practical house shoes for your child who wears Ankle-Foot Orthoses (AFOs)? The right footwear at home is just as important as outdoor shoes—especially for children with foot conditions who rely on AFOs for stability and support. While some regular shoes can work with AFOs, choosing the right pair for indoor use requires a bit more insight. With years of hands-on experience fitting and testing children’s shoes, I’m passionate about helping families find the perfect match—and I can guide you toward the specific shoes that work best with AFOs.
What Are Ankle-Foot Orthoses (AFOs) and Why Are They Important?
AFOs are designed to support children with a range of conditions, such as joint instability, muscle weakness, and high muscle tone. Their primary role is to provide stability and improve mobility—but that support only works if the shoes worn with the AFOs fit properly.
What Types of House Shoes Work Well with AFOs?
While everyday sneakers are the most important and effective footwear for children who wear AFOs, many families also look for a convenient indoor option. That’s where house shoes come in. Shoes with wide openings, easy slip-on designs, or adjustable sandals can make life much easier—especially for quick on-and-off wear around the house—without compromising comfort or support.
Below are my top recommendations for house shoes that are compatible with AFOs. Disclosure: We may earn a commission when you shop through our links, helping us provide free content.
Best House Shoes for AFOs – Wearing Supportive Shoes at Home
Be sure to click on the specific model you like—regardless of whether it’s shown in a boy’s or girl’s color—as most styles are available in a wide variety of colors you might not see at first glance!
House Slippers by Ditont. These indoor shoes are a practical and comfortable option for children who wear AFOs. These slippers open wide for easy on and off and provide enough depth and space to accommodate most braces—making them ideal for indoor wear.
- Order the House Slippers by Ditont on Amazon
- Fits AFOs and children with medium or wide feet
- Smooth and elastic knitted top line allows for easy on and off
- Anti-slip flexible TPE rubber outsole
- The knitted upper is breathable and moisture-wicking
- Removable insoles
- I suggest that you get this house shoe a whole size larger than the end of your child’s AFO footplate
2. Seaturtle by Kamik. These open-toe sandals with triple points of adjustability are an ideal choice to be worn as indoor shoes for AFOs.
- Order the sandal Wander by Kamik on Amazon or Zappos
- Fits wide and extra 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. Adventurous Light-Weight by Dream Pairs. These sandals are ideal for wearing as indoor shoes for AFOs as they provide a stable base of support and multiple points of adjustability.
- Order the sandal Adventurous Light-Weight by Dream Pairs on Amazon
- Fits 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 whole size larger than the end of the AFO/SMO footplate
4. Hurricane by Teva. This lightweight and supportive sandal is a great option for children who wear AFOs and need a comfortable house shoe.
- Order this sandal by Teva on Zappos or Amazon
- Fits wide and extra 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
While these indoor shoes have worked really well for most children who wear AFOs, there is no guarantee that they will work well for your child’s feet and AFOs. Our feet are like snowfalls, no two are alike.
Just because a shoe can fit over an AFO doesn’t mean it’s the right one. In fact, if the shoes are too big, it can cancel out the benefits of the AFO altogether. Oversized shoes can throw off your child’s balance, reduce stability, and increase the risk of falls—making it even more important to find the right fit.
Reach Out for Personalized Shoe Recommendations
Every child is unique, and so are their shoe needs. If you need specific shoe recommendations tailored to your child’s AFOs, please feel free to reach out. I’m here to help guide you to the best choices for your child.
How to Order the Correct Size for Your Child’s AFOs?
To assist you further, I’ve created a virtual guide that walks you through the process of measuring your child’s feet with AFOs. This guide can be a game-changer in helping you order shoes online confidently.
Feedback from Families Who Already Tried These Indoor Shoes
Hearing from families who have navigated the same challenges can be invaluable. Here are some insights from parents who have tried these indoor shoes.
Bonus Resources for AFO Users: Sneakers and Sandals
In addition to house shoes, I’ve compiled resources for selecting the best sneakers and sandals for children who wear AFOs.
Tips and Recommendations for Wearing AFOs at Home
How to Fit AFOs
Have your child wear knee-high cotton socks to reduce rubbing. If using AFOs on both feet, double-check they’re on the correct sides. Fasten the ankle strap first, then the calf strap, ensuring all straps are secure before putting on shoes over the braces.
How to Remove AFOs
Check your child’s skin after removing the AFOs. A faint red line is normal and should fade within 30 minutes. If there’s pain, lingering marks, or blisters, contact your medical provider promptly.
AFO Care Instructions
Clean AFOs regularly with a damp cloth and mild soap. Let them air dry completely before use—avoid direct sunlight, hair dryers, or tumble dryers.
