Best New Balance Shoes for Kids Who Wear AFOs

March 26, 2025 AFOs Juan Valenzuela 2 - Comments

Have you been advised to buy New Balance extra-wide (XW) shoes and size up to fit your child’s AFOs? Before you order, know that not all New Balance XW shoes accommodate AFOs properly. With a wide range of models, some offer more width and depth than others. A well-fitting shoe is essential for AFO support and function. In this guide, I’ll help you find the best New Balance shoes to ensure comfort, stability, and the perfect fit for your child’s AFOs.

My Experience Fitting Shoes for Children Who Wear AFOs

Throughout my career as a shoe fitter, I have dedicated myself to helping children find the perfect pair of shoes that cater to their unique needs. work closely with physical and educational therapists to find the best solution for kids’ feet. Collaborating with these professionals helps me understand the specific needs of each child and offer personalized shoe recommendations that cater to their unique requirements.

Why New Balance Shoes for AFOs?

New Balance shoes are often recommended for children who wear AFOs. These shoes offer stability, support, and adjustability, making them an ideal choice for accommodating orthotic devices. Furthermore, New Balance’s dedication to wide-ranging sizes and widths ensures that even children with unique foot shapes or conditions can find a comfortable fit.

1. Stable Base of Support: A stable base of support is essential for children who wear AFOs. New Balance shoes often feature a wide and stable base, providing the necessary support for balance and movement. Shoes with a stable base of support also help hold the AFOs securely in place.

supportive-shoes-for-children-with-flat-feet
A side-by-side comparison showcasing the difference in support between a New Balance and a Saucony shoe.

2. Flexible and Lightweight: The perfect balance—shoes should be supportive yet lightweight and flexible to keep your child’s feet energized. But beware of overly flexible shoes, as they won’t provide the stability needed for all-day comfort

children's-shoes-with-the-correct-amount-of-flexibility
A striking comparison of flexibility—one New Balance shoe bending naturally at the toes for proper support, while a Nike shoe twists into a spiral, showing excessive flexibility that may lack stability.

3. Firm Heel Counter: Firm heel counters are another critical feature, as they help stabilize the foot and ankle, offering the support needed for children who wear AFOs. This feature helps maintain alignment and prevent unwanted movement. A firm heel counter ensures that the heel remains secure, which is essential for children who rely on AFOs for proper gait and posture.

children's-shoes-with-heel-support
A side-by-side look at heel support—comparing the sturdy, well-cushioned heel of a New Balance shoe to the softer, less structured heel of a Nike shoe.

New Balance shoes are a game-changer for AFOs! With extra-wide widths and added depth, they offer the perfect combination of comfort, support, and a secure fit for your child’s orthotics.

Extra Wide New Balance Shoes – Best and Worst Styles

Not all New Balance shoes are created equal! Some offer sturdy outsoles and firm heel counters for excellent support, while others are too flimsy to provide the stability AFOs require. Below, you’ll see two extra-wide (XW) New Balance shoes—each with a very different level of support.

A clear comparison of heel support—when I press on the heel counter of the New Balance shoe on the left, it bends easily, offering little stability. But the shoe on the right stays firm and sturdy, providing the strong support needed for AFOs.

In this case, it’s best to avoid the RaveRun style, as it doesn’t offer the support your child needs when wearing AFOs.

Difference Between Two New Balance Shoes in Extra Wide Widths

I’ve heard countless parents recommend any New Balance extra-wide shoe for AFOs, but that’s a mistake. Not all New Balance XW shoes accommodate AFOs properly. Check out how the fit varies between two size 12 1/2 XW New Balance shoes below.

New Balance RaveRun shoe in a size 12 1/2 (XW):

Notice how the AFO pushes against the side of the shoe? Despite being size 12 1/2 extra wide, it’s not deep or wide enough, causing discomfort and potentially leading to faster wear and tear.

New Balance990V5 shoe in a size 12 1/2 (XW):

The AFO fits perfectly inside this New Balance shoe with no pressure points, thanks to its extra width and depth—making it one of the best options for AFOs.

Check Out These Videos for a Clearer View!

I created a video to help you better visualize how the AFO footplate is pressing against the side of the RaveRun shoe:

The 990v6 shoe below offers a superior fit for AFOs, providing the support and comfort your child needs:

New Balance shoes fit differently when accommodating AFOs. After testing various styles, I’ve compiled a list of the deepest, most supportive New Balance shoes for kids with AFOs, all available in extra-wide widths (XW). Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

My Top New Balance Shoe Recommendations for AFOs in 2025

Shoes with shoelaces are the best choice for kids wearing AFOs, offering superior support and stability. Plus, the laces allow you to open the shoe wide, making it easier to slide your child’s feet and AFOs in with ease.

990v6 by New Balance with Laces

The 990v6 model is one of the best New Balance shoes for AFO braces. Available in wide and extra wide widths means that you won’t have to get the shoes overly large to accommodate the AFOs.

990v6 New Balance shoe with laces in black for kids.
New Balance 990 for kids with laces in purple color.
990v6 New Balance shoe with laces in black for kids.

Key Features

  • Available for toddlers, little, and big kids
  • You can order the 990v6 with laces on the New Balance website, Amazon, or Zappos
  • Also available in pink and navy blue
  • Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than the end of the AFO/SMO footplate

990 Series with Velcro

New Balance 990v6 toddler shoe in black and grey and with velcro closure.
Durable 990 New Balance Kids' Shoes in Pink and Velcro.
  • You can order the 990v6 with velcro on the New Balance website, Amazon, or Zappos
  • Also available in grey and black
  • Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than the end of the AFO/SMO footplate

If you’ve opted for shoes with laces, here’s a helpful shoe lacing technique technique that will ensure your child’s feet are securely in place and keep their AFOs from shifting around too much.

Contact Me for Additional Recommendations

If you need further assistance in finding the best shoes for your child with AFOs, feel free to contact me. I am always here to help families navigate the complexities of shoe fitting and provide personalized recommendations based on your child’s foot shape and condition. My goal is to ensure that every child has access to footwear that meets their specific needs and enhances their daily life.

How to Order the Correct Size for Your Child’s AFOs?

One of the most common mistakes that I see parents make is to buy bigger shoes to accommodate their child’s AFOs. Shoes that are too big cannot support your child’s gait or weight transition and will compromise your child’s stability. 

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. My method shouldn’t take you longer than a minute to do, and you will have the peace of mind that you are ordering the correct shoe size for your child’s AFOs.

Family Feedback on New Balance Shoes for AFOs

Families who have tried New Balance shoes for their children wearing AFOs have reported positive experiences. The shoes’ durable construction, comfortable fit, and supportive features have made a noticeable difference in their children’s daily activities and overall comfort. Parents have observed improvements in their children’s mobility and confidence, attributing these changes to the enhanced support provided by New Balance shoes.

Bonus Resource: Additional Shoe Recommendations for AFOs

As a dedicated shoe fitter, I’ve developed a variety of resources to help parents find the best footwear for children who wear AFOs. Along with New Balance, there are numerous shoe brands and styles specially designed to provide comfort and support for kids wearing AFOs, ensuring they have the perfect fit for active lifestyles.

There is a psychological aspect for children who need to wear AFO braces. They need to understand the function of the device, and they also have to be willing to accept it. If in addition to having to wear a brace on their leg they are not able to wear the shoes that they like, they will have a much harder time accepting the brace.

My hands-on experience and passion for fitting children’s shoes have allowed me to develop a deep understanding of the concerns and challenges faced by parents. By offering practical advice and creating free resources, I aim to empower families to make informed decisions about their children’s footwear.