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

Has a friend or family member recommended Ikiki shoes for your child’s AFOs? Are you looking for a pair of shoes that are easy to get on and off but provide good support and stability at the same time? Ikiki shoes work great with AFOs as they are deep and open up widely, making it easy to slide your child’s feet and the AFOs inside the shoes. AFOs are essential for improving mobility and stability, but they also necessitate specific considerations when it comes to footwear.

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.

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

Several families of children who wear AFOs love Ikiki shoes. The shoes come with fun designs, breathable fabrics, a roomy fit, and a squeaker switch that encourages walking heel to toe (this switch can be turned on and off). The shoes are also affordable compared to other shoes for AFOs.

I suggest wearing these shoes as indoor shoes because they lack one important feature which is heel stabilization. The shoes don’t provide a firm heel counter (back part of the shoe), so for everyday wear, other shoes will provide your child with better support and stability. If you press on the heel counter of an Ikiki shoe you will notice that it doesn’t feel firm or sturdy. I always suggest shoes with firm heel counters as they help provide better heel and ankle support as well as heel stabilization.

This doesn’t mean that your child can’t wear these shoes with AFOs, I will just limit the wear to a maximum of 3 to 4 hours a day. They make a great pair of indoor shoes to have something easy to put on and off.

The Ikiki Advantage: Fun Designs and Easy On and Off

1️⃣ Wider Openings: The shoes open up really wide, which allows for easier insertion of the foot and AFO into the shoe, reducing the struggle often associated with getting dressed.

2️⃣ Extra Depth: Shoes that provide extra depth allow the AFOs to sit deeply inside the shoes which increases your child’s comfort. In addition, deep shoes help prevent the top part of your child’s feet (instep) from rubbing against the top part of the shoes. This is an awesome feature as you won’t have to get shoes too big to accommodate the AFOs.

3️⃣ Rounder Toe-Boxes: This feature helps prevent your child’s toes from overlapping or rubbing against one another or the side of the shoes, and also prevents the front part of the AFO footplate from destroying the shoes.

4️⃣ Long Velcro Closure: The velcro straps usually go easily all the way across the shoe. This means that you won’t have to buy a velcro extension for the shoe.

Kids love fun and colorful designs, and Ikiki shoes deliver on that front. The appealing aesthetics make them a hit with children, encouraging them to wear their shoes with confidence. 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.

Best Ikiki Shoes for AFOs for Easy On and Off

Keep in mind that these 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.

Once you order a pair of Ikiki shoes, you should try fitting the AFOs with the original insoles of the shoes first. If you feel like the AFOs are pushing on the fabric of the shoe or are not sitting deeply inside the shoe, then I suggest removing the original insoles of the shoes.

How effective these shoes will be for your child’s AFOs directly depends on the type of AFO your child wears. It’s a fact that some AFOs take up more space than others. Please don’t forget that shoes that are too big can make your child’s AFOs become virtually worthless.

Measure Accurately

Before purchasing, it’s essential to measure your child’s foot with the AFO on. This provides a more accurate size that accounts for the extra space needed. 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 Number 1: Measure Your Child’s AFO Footplate

Measure your child’s AFO brace from the back of the heel up to the front part of the brace as shown in the image below. You can either use a measuring tape or a ruler. Make note of that measurement and proceed to step number 2.

➡️ Step Number 2: Measure Your Child’s Foot Length

Make sure that your child is standing straight and measure both feet, as one foot might be bigger than the other one. You should measure up to the tip of your child’s longest toe, which doesn’t necessarily have to be the big toe — it may in fact be the second or even the third toe. Make sure that your child is not curling the toes.

Make a note of that measurement in centimeters or inches or email me the image showing the measurements (such as you see below) to avoid confusion with the measurements.

➡️ Step 3: Email Your Child’s Measurements 

Email me your child’s AFO and foot measurements 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:

fittingchildrensshoes@gmail.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.

Real-Life Success Stories with Ikiki Shoes

Parents and pediatricians alike have shared positive experiences with Ikiki shoes. For instance, a mother of a child with cerebral palsy noted how the adjustable straps and wide opening significantly reduced the time and effort needed to put on her child’s shoes. Similarly, a pediatrician recommended this shoe brand to a family, and they reported back with appreciation for the ease and comfort these shoes provided.

Orthotists can offer valuable insights into the type of shoes that work best with specific AFOs. Their recommendations can guide you toward features that will complement the orthotic device. If you have any questions or need further assistance in selecting the right footwear, don’t hesitate to reach out. Your child’s comfort and mobility are paramount, and with the right shoes, you can make a significant positive impact.