Best Mary Jane Shoes for Kids Who Wear AFOs – Stylish and Easy to Get On & Off

August 20, 2026 AFOs Juan Valenzuela 0 - Comments

Last updated: August 2026 | By Juan Valenzuela, Certified Children’s Shoe Fitter

As a shoe fitting expert with over 10 years of experience, I’ve seen the disappointment on kids’ faces more times than I can count when they realize the cute, stylish shoes they love won’t fit over their ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs). Most off-the-shelf Mary Jane shoes simply aren’t built to accommodate an AFO, which leaves parents with frustratingly few options. That’s why I put together this list of the Mary Jane shoes that actually work — shoes that combine the style your child wants with the depth and structure their AFO needs.

Stop Buying Bigger Shoes to Accommodate Your Child’s AFOs

One of the most common mistakes I see parents make is sizing up in length to make room for an AFO. Shoes that are too long compromise your child’s stability and make them more prone to tripping and developing foot issues. The fix isn’t a longer shoe — it’s a shoe built with more internal depth and width to begin with. Keep that distinction in mind as you shop, because it’s the difference between a shoe that actually works and one that just looks bigger.

5 Must-Have Features in Mary Jane Shoes for AFOs

1. Extra Depth: Extra depth is what makes room for the bulk of the AFO itself. It lets the foot and orthosis sit comfortably inside the shoe without creating pressure points.

See the difference! This side-by-side comparison shows the added depth in one of the Mary Jane styles I recommend versus a more standard design

2. Rounder Toe Boxes: A round toe box gives the toes room to move and splay naturally, which prevents pinching and supports better balance and stability — on top of making space for the orthosis itself.

Toe-box comparison: Notice how the pair I recommend offers a roomier, more rounded toe-box compared to the other model.

3. Extra-Long Velcro Straps: Extended straps wrap comfortably over both the foot and the brace, making fastening far easier for both you and your child.

Mary Jane shoe with extra long Velcro straps.
Check out the extra-long Velcro strap on this Mary Jane shoe

4. Wider Opening: An oversized opening is a genuine game-changer for kids in AFOs — it turns a daily struggle into a quick, frustration-free routine for putting shoes on and taking them off.

An image of a mother showing a Mary Jane shoe with oversized openings.

5. Removable Insoles: Pulling the insole gives you extra internal space when the AFO takes up more room than expected — a simple adjustment that can be the difference between a shoe fitting or not.

An image of a pair of adaptable Stride Rite extra wide Mary Jane shoes with removable insoles.

What Shoe Companies Make Mary Jane Shoes for AFOs?

In my experience, only two brands consistently get this right:

  • Stride Rite — Their Adaptable line is purpose-built for orthotic use, with extra wide widths and extra-long Velcro straps that accommodate a brace without fighting it.
  • Memo — Known for orthopedic construction that accommodates AFOs well. Memo styles sit at a higher price point, which reflects the orthopedic engineering that goes into them.

Mary Jane shoes remain a favorite for a reason — the classic design is versatile and easy to wear, and taking the time to find a pair that actually fits your child’s AFO makes a real difference in their comfort and confidence. Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you make a purchase through them.

My Top Mary Jane Shoes for Kids Who Wear AFOs in 2026

Here are the two styles I recommend most often in fittings, based on years of hands-on experience with families navigating AFOs.

Holly Mary Jane by Stride Rite

A stylish, extra wide option with real depth built in to accommodate an AFO. The roomy toe box and supportive design make this one of my go-to recommendations for kids in orthotics.

Key Features

  • Order on Amazon
  • Available in extra wide widths
  • Awarded the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA)
  • Padded tongue and collar for added comfort
  • Supreme comfort courtesy of Ortholite memory foam footbeds
  • Removable insoles
  • Watch my full YouTube review to see this shoe in action and find out why it’s a great fit!
  • Order a whole size larger than the end of your child’s AFO footplate

Princessa and Anna by Memo

Memo specializes in orthopedic footwear, and the Princessa and Anna styles are built with a wider fit and a deep toe box specifically to accommodate an AFO comfortably.

Memo orthopedic dress shoes for girls in black and gray with adjustable Velcro straps.

Key Features

  • Order Princessa and Anna on Amazon
  • Fits medium, wide, or extra wide feet
  • Extra depth and width for orthotics
  • Rigid heel counter
  • Removable insoles
  • Order a whole size larger than the end of your child’s AFO footplate

Contact Me for Personalized Shoe Recommendations

Every child’s foot is unique, and AFOs vary quite a bit in how much space they take up. If you’d like a personalized recommendation for your child’s specific AFO, reach out by email — I’m happy to help you find the right fit.

Watch My YouTube Video to See These Shoes in Action

Want a quick visual breakdown before you buy? In this short video, I walk through my top Mary Jane picks and point out exactly what makes them work with AFOs — extra wide widths, deep toe boxes, and easy-on designs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to buy a longer shoe to fit my child’s AFO?

No — this is the single biggest mistake I see. What you need is more depth and width, not more length. A shoe that’s too long compromises stability and increases the risk of tripping. Instead, choose a style built with extra internal depth from the start, and size based on the end of the AFO footplate rather than your child’s bare foot.

How much bigger should I size for an AFO?

As a general rule, order a whole size larger than the end of your child’s AFO footplate, not their bare foot length. This gives the orthosis room to sit properly without cramming the foot forward.

Which brands actually make Mary Jane shoes that fit AFOs?

Stride Rite and Memo are the two brands I recommend most consistently. Stride Rite’s Adaptable line offers extra wide widths with extra-long Velcro straps, while Memo’s orthopedic styles provide added depth and a rigid heel counter.

What socks work best under an AFO with a Mary Jane shoe?

Look for socks designed specifically for AFO wear — slightly thicker than standard socks, with a non-binding top that won’t leave indentations or slip during the day. I cover my full recommendations in the best socks for AFOs guide.

Bonus Resource: Deep Sneakers for AFOs

Mary Janes aren’t the only option. For more active kids, deep and supportive sneakers offer the same depth and width benefits with reinforced soles and better grip for outdoor play.

Shoes for AFOs for boys in men's shoe sizes.
An image of children wearing comfortable sneakers with their AFOs.

Best Sandals and Boots for Kids Who Wear AFOs

For warm weather, supportive sandals built for AFOs let your child join in on summer activities without sacrificing support. For colder months, AFO-friendly winter boots keep feet warm and protected while still fitting properly over the brace.

Several parents have told me how much it means for their daughters to finally wear a pair of Mary Janes they actually love — and how surprised they were that shoe shopping could feel like such an emotional (and often tear-filled) milestone. If you’re in that place right now, know that the right pair is out there, and I’m happy to help you find it.