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

March 1, 2025 AFOs Juan Valenzuela 0 - Comments

As a shoe fitting expert with over 10 years of experience, I’ve heard from many heartbroken parents to see the disappointment on their children’s faces when they realize that none of the cute and stylish shoes they love will fit over their ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs). The truth is, most off-the-shelf Mary Jane shoes aren’t designed to accommodate AFOs, leaving parents with limited options. That’s why I’ve put together a carefully curated selection of the best Mary Jane shoes for kids who wear AFOs, so you can find the perfect pair that combines both style and function.

Stop Buying Bigger Shoes to Accommodate Your Child’s AFOs

One of the most common mistakes I see parents make is to provide their children with longer shoes to accommodate their AFOs. Wearing shoes that are too long will compromise your child’s stability and make your child more prone to developing foot issues.

Key Features of Mary Jane Shoes for AFOs

1. Extra Depth: Extra depth in shoes is crucial for accommodating the bulk of the AFOs. It ensures that the foot and the orthosis can fit comfortably inside the shoe without causing pressure points

The difference in depth between two pairs of kids’ Mary Jane shoes.

2. Rounder Toe-Boxes: Round toe-boxes provide ample space for the toes, which is essential for children wearing AFOs. This design feature helps prevent pinching and discomfort, allowing for better toe alignment and movement. A round toe-box not only accommodates the orthosis but also supports healthy toe splay, which is important for balance and stability.

The difference in toe-boxes between two pairs of kids’ Mary Jane shoes.

3. Wider Opening: Oversized openings are a game-changer for kids wearing AFOs. They simplify the process of putting on and taking off shoes, reducing frustration for both children and parents.

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

4. Removable Insoles: Removable insoles offer flexibility in terms of fit. By removing the insoles, you can create additional space inside the shoe, which is particularly useful when accommodating AFOs.

An image of a pair of adaptable Stride Rite shoes with removable insoles.

What Shoe Companies Manufacture Mary Jane Shoes for AFOs?

Several shoe companies cater to the needs of children wearing AFOs by offering Mary Jane styles that are both functional and fashionable. Notable brands include:

  • Stride Rite: Offers adaptable styles specifically for orthotic use. Their range is designed to meet the diverse needs of children, ensuring there’s a suitable option for every child. Stride Rite adaptable Mary Jane shoes are available in extra wide widths and have extra long Velcro straps.
  • Memo: Known for orthopedic designs that accommodate AFOs. Their commitment to quality and functionality makes them a preferred choice for many parents. Memo sandals tend to be on the higher end due to their orthopedic features.

Mary Jane shoes are a popular choice for children due to their classic design, versatility, and ease of wear. Each child’s needs are unique, and taking the time to find the right pair can make a significant difference in their comfort and mobility. 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.

My Top Mary Jane Shoes for Kids Who Wear AFOs in 2025

As a passionate shoe fitter, I am here to assist you in finding the perfect pair of shoes for your child. Here are my top Mary Jane shoe options that accommodate AFOs effectively:

1. Shoe style Holly Mary Jane by Stride Rite

These extra wide Mary Jane shoes are a stylish option and provide extra depth to accommodate AFOs. With its roomy toe box and supportive design, it’s an ideal choice for children who wear orthotics.

Stride Rite Holly Mary Jane in gold for girls.
Stride Rite adaptable silver Mary Jane for girls.

Key Features

  • Order the shoe style SR Holly by Stride Rite on Zappos or 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 care of Ortholite memory foam footbeds
  • I suggest that you get this Mary Jane shoe a whole size larger than the end of the AFO footplate

2. Shoe Style Princessa and Anna by Memo

Memo is a well-known brand specializing in orthopedic footwear, and their Princessa and Anna styles are top choices for children with AFOs. These shoes are designed with a wider width and a deep toe box, accommodating the AFO comfortably.

Orthopedic black dress shoe for girls.
Orthopedic Memo Mary Jane for AFOs.

Key Features

  • Order the shoe style Princessa and Anna by Memo on Amazon
  • Fits medium, wide, or extra wide feet
  • Extra depth and width for orthotics
  • Rigid heel counter
  • I suggest that you get this Mary Jane shoe a whole size larger than the end of the AFO footplate

Best Socks to Wear with AFO Braces – Soft and Seamless 

Finding the right socks for kids wearing AFO braces is key to preventing blisters and red spots. Unlike traditional socks, these specially designed socks offer extra thickness to protect your child’s feet from discomfort. Made from ultra-soft materials, they feature a non-binding Halo Top that eliminates irritating indentations and minimizes slippage, ensuring a snug and comfortable fit all day long.

Bonus Resource: A List of Deep Sneakers for AFOs

In addition to Mary Jane shoes, deep and supportive sneakers can also be a great option for children with AFOs. Deep sneakers are particularly beneficial for active children who need robust footwear that can handle various terrains. These shoes often feature reinforced soles and additional grip, which are crucial for outdoor activities.

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

Contact Me for Personalized Shoe Recommendations

Every child’s foot is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. Some AFOs also take up more space than others. If you need personalized shoe recommendations for your child’s AFOs, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I am here to assist you in finding the best footwear solution that meets your child’s specific needs.

What Are the Best Sandals and Boots for Kids Who Wear AFOs?

When it comes to warm-weather fun, supportive sandals designed for AFOs allow children to enjoy summer activities while maintaining the support and comfort they need. The right pair of AFO-friendly sandals ensures your child can explore outdoors with confidence, offering both style and functionality for all-day wear.

For the colder months, winter boots made specifically for AFOs keep children warm, safe, and comfortable. These boots provide essential protection against the elements, offering the right fit and support for kids with AFOs, so they can enjoy winter adventures without limitations.

Several parents have told me how for little girls, being able to wear a pair of cute Mary Jane shoes is such a big deal and how they never thought that shoe shopping would be such an emotionally charged (and usually tear-driven) experience.