Best Ikiki Shoes for Kids with AFOs – Are They a Good Choice for Everyday Wear?

August 22, 2025 AFOs Juan Valenzuela 0 - Comments

Looking for the best Ikiki shoes for kids who wear AFOs? Finding the right fit can be tricky, but Ikiki shoes are a top choice among parents and fitters alike. As a shoe fitter with years of experience, I’ve found that Ikiki shoes work exceptionally well with AFOs—they open wide, are deep enough to accommodate braces, and provide the comfort and stability kids need for daily wear. If someone recommended Ikiki shoes to you, they’re likely on the right track!

Main Drawback of Ikiki Shoes

While Ikiki shoes are fun and easy to wear, they lack one key feature: heel stabilization. The soft heel counter doesn’t provide the structured support children need for everyday wear.

Soft Heel Counter. Notice how easily the heel counter on the Ikiki shoe presses in—it’s soft and lacks structure. While Ikiki shoes work well with AFOs, I typically recommend shoes with firmer heel counters for added heel and ankle support and better stability.

That’s why I recommend using Ikiki shoes mainly indoors or for limited outdoor play (up to 4–5 hours a day), and choosing other options with firmer heel support for better all-day stability.

Are Ikiki Shoes Still a Good Choice for Kids Who Wear AFOs?

Absolutely! Many families of children who wear AFOs rave about Ikiki shoes—not just for their functionality but for how fun and kid-friendly they are. These shoes feature playful designs, breathable materials, and a wide, deep fit that works well with AFOs. One standout feature is the optional squeaker, which encourages proper heel-to-toe walking and can be turned off when needed. Best of all, Ikiki shoes are budget-friendly compared to most AFO-compatible options.

The Ikiki Advantage: Fun Designs and Easy On and Off

Wider Openings and Long Velcro Closure. One of the most significant challenges parents face when fitting shoes over AFOs is getting the shoes on and off easily. Ikiki shoes have wider openings and long Velcro closures, allowing for a more adjustable fit. This design makes it easier to slip the shoe over the AFO and secure it comfortably without compromising support.
Extra Depth: This feature allows AFOs to sit comfortably inside the shoes without squeezing or rubbing against the top of your child’s feet. It also means you won’t have to size up just to make the AFOs fit—comfort and proper fit in one!
Rounded Toe-Boxes: These provide extra space to keep your child’s toes from rubbing or overlapping, while also protecting the front of the shoe from AFO footplate damage.

Keep in mind that Ikiki shoes are not available in half sizes so I suggest rounding up. I also wanted to mention that Ikiki allows families to pick each shoe and size individually. Some children need mismatched shoe sizes as one shoe may need to be larger to fit the AFOs. Disclosure: Some links may be affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Best Ikiki Shoes for AFOs for Easy On and Off

Here are my top shoe recommendations of Ikiki shoes for kids with AFOs, which include their most AFO friendly designs.

Ikiki shoes for toddlers with wide feet.
Ikiki shoes for kids who wear AFOs.

Key Features

  • Order this shoe by Ikiki on Amazon
  • Not available in wide or extra wide widths but fits naturally wide
  • Wide opening to make it easy to put on and take off shoes
  • Synthetic Vegan Leather
  • Squeaks can be turned on/off with a switch
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than the end of the AFO/SMO footplate
Ikiki shoes for girls.
Ikiki shoes for AFOs.

Key Features

  • Order this shoe 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 your child’s AFO footplate
Ikiki sandals for kids.
Ikiki sandals for boys.

Key Features

  • Order this shoe by Ikiki on Amazon
  • Fits medium and wide feet
  • Oversized openings
  • Sandal
  • Squeaker can be turned on/off
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than the end of your child’s AFO footplate

When your Ikiki shoes arrive, start by trying them on with the original insoles in place. If the AFOs feel too tight, push against the fabric, or don’t sit low enough inside the shoe, go ahead and remove the insoles to create extra space.

Keep in mind that the effectiveness of Ikiki shoes depends on the type of AFO your child wears—some AFOs are bulkier and take up more room than others. Just remember: choosing shoes that are too big can actually reduce the effectiveness of the AFOs and compromise your child’s stability.

Measure Accurately

I came up with a system to help those families who are unsure about what shoe size they need to order for their child’s AFOs. All you need to follow my method is a measuring tape to measure your child’s AFOs. I will then input those measurements in the Brannock Device (you can do this yourself if you have one at home), and this will retrieve the shoe size that you need to order.

Step 1: Measure Your Child’s AFO Footplate. Measure from the back of the heel to the longest point at the front of the brace. Make note of the measurement, or email me a photo like the example to ensure clarity. You can follow the instructions in this video for better visualizations purposes.
Step 2: Measure Your Child’s Foot Length. With your child standing, measure both feet from the back of the heel to the tip of the longest toe (which might not be the big toe). Record the measurements or email a photo to avoid any confusion.

By comparing both sets of measurements—the foot and the footplate—I can better assess the size of the shoe needed.

Step Number 3: Video or Images to Determine Foot Width

Create a short video to determine whether your child has narrow, medium, wide, or extra wide feet. Below you can find a sample of how the video should look like:

Recap – What to Include in Your Email

Email me your child’s feet and AFO measurements along with a video of your child’s foot shape so I can tell you exactly what shoe size you should order for your child. Once I receive your child’s measurements I will respond in less than 24 hours:

customerservice@fittingchildrenshoes.com

How Do Ikiki Shoes Compare to Other Brands?

While there are several shoe brands offering AFO-compatible shoes, Ikiki stands out due to its focus on child-friendly designs and user-centric features. The combination of functionality and fun design makes them a popular choice among parents and children alike.

With that said, if you are looking for more supportive options with firmer heel counters, I invite you to access my comprehensive resource. This guide provides detailed recommendations and tips on choosing the right footwear for your child’s AFOs.

Why Standard Shoes Often Fall Short

Standard shoes are typically not designed with the extra space and adjustability required to comfortably fit over AFOs. This can lead to a host of issues, including discomfort, pressure points, and difficulty in putting the shoes on or taking them off. This is where specialized shoes come into play.

Reach Out for Specific Shoe Recommendations

If you have any questions or need specific shoe recommendations, please feel free to reach out. I’m here to help you find the best fit for your child’s needs and ensure they have the support they need for a happy and active life.