Best New Balance Shoes for Kids Who Wear AFOs

August 12, 2026 AFOs Juan Valenzuela 2 - Comments

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

Have you been advised to just 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 such a wide range of models, some offer far more width and depth than others. A well-fitting shoe is essential for the AFO to actually do its job. In this guide, I’ll show you exactly why some New Balance styles work and others don’t — with real side-by-side proof — and share the ones I recommend.

My Experience Fitting Shoes for Children Who Wear AFOs

Throughout my career as a shoe fitter, I’ve dedicated myself to helping children find shoes that genuinely work for their unique needs. I work closely with physical and occupational therapists to find the best solution for each child’s feet — collaborating with these professionals helps me understand each child’s specific requirements and offer recommendations tailored to them.

Why New Balance Shoes for AFOs?

New Balance is often recommended for kids who wear AFOs, and for good reason: stability, support, and adjustability, plus a genuinely wide range of sizes and widths that accommodate unique foot shapes.

1. A stable base of support — essential for kids who wear AFOs. A wide, stable base supports balance and movement, and helps hold the AFO 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 right balance keeps a child’s feet from tiring, but a shoe that’s too flexible won’t provide the stability AFOs need.

children's-shoes-with-the-correct-amount-of-flexibility
A New Balance shoe bending naturally at the toe (left) versus a Nike shoe twisting into a full spiral (right) — a sign of excessive flexibility without enough underlying structure.

3. A firm heel counter — stabilizes the foot and ankle, helps maintain alignment, and keeps the heel secure, all of which matter for a child relying on an AFO 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.

Not All Extra Wide New Balance Styles Are Built the Same

This is the most important thing to understand before you buy: two different New Balance shoes, both labeled extra wide (XW), can perform completely differently for an AFO.

When I press on the heel counter of the shoe on the left, it collapses easily — offering little real stability. The shoe on the right stays firm. In this case, I’d avoid the RaveRun style specifically, since it doesn’t offer the support an AFO needs.

Here’s the same comparison from a different angle — two size 12½ New Balance shoes, both labeled XW:

RaveRun, size 12½ XW: notice the AFO pushing against the side of the shoe? Despite the extra wide label, it isn’t deep or wide enough — which causes real discomfort and faster wear.
990v6, same size 12½ XW: the AFO sits with no pressure points at all, thanks to genuine extra width and depth — one of the best options I’ve found for AFOs.

I’ve fitted enough kids in both to say confidently: the label alone doesn’t tell you enough. This is exactly why I don’t just recommend “any New Balance in extra wide” — the specific model matters as much as the width.

Watch: The Difference in Action

These two videos show the AFO footplate pressing against the RaveRun’s side wall, and then the same AFO sitting properly inside the 990v6.

My Top New Balance Recommendation for AFOs in 2026

Laced shoes are the best choice for kids wearing AFOs — they offer more support and stability than Velcro, and let you open the shoe wide enough to slide the foot and AFO in without a fight. Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links — I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you click and purchase.

990v6 by New Balance

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.

Key Features

  • Available for toddlers, little, and big kids
  • Order with laces on the New Balance website or Amazon
  • Velcro version also available on the New Balance website or Amazon
  • Accommodates medium, wide, or extra wide feet
  • Firm heel counters, stable base of support, and semi-straight lasts
  • Ideal for moderate to strong cases of pronation
  • Removable insoles
  • Sizing tip: Measure from the end of your child’s AFO or SMO footplate, then order a half size larger than that measurement — not just your child’s regular foot size

Do You Need a More Affordable Option?

The 990v6 delivers the deepest, most supportive fit for AFOs in the New Balance lineup — but it’s also the priciest. If cost is a concern, the Fresh Foam 625 is a lighter-weight, more budget-friendly alternative that still offers solid depth and support for many kids’ AFOs.

Fresh Foam 625 by New Balance

A reliable, lightweight shoe capable of supporting a range of everyday and sport activities. It doesn’t offer quite the same depth as the 990v6, but it’s a genuinely solid AFO-friendly option at a more accessible price point.

Navy and lavender New Balance lace-up kids sneakers displayed side by side. Available in wide and extra wide widths, these lightweight sneakers provide a comfortable, supportive fit for children with wider feet.
Navy and lavender New Balance kids sneakers with Velcro straps displayed side by side. Available in wide and extra wide widths, these supportive sneakers provide a comfortable fit for children with wider feet.

Key Features

  • Order on Amazon or the New Balance website
  • Available in extra wide widths
  • Fresh foam midsole cushioning provides an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
  • Padded collar and tongue
  • Sizing tip: Measure from the end of your child’s AFO or SMO footplate, then order a whole size larger than that measurement — not just your child’s regular foot size

If you go with a laced pair, I recommend a specific lacing technique that keeps the foot securely in place and helps prevent the AFO from shifting during play.

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

One of the most common mistakes I see: buying bigger shoes to accommodate the AFO. Shoes that are too big can’t properly support your child’s gait or weight transitions, and they compromise the exact stability the AFO is meant to provide.

I built a simple system to help you figure out the correct size — it takes about a minute and gives you real confidence in what you’re ordering.

Family Feedback on New Balance Shoes for AFOs

Families who’ve tried New Balance for their kids’ AFOs consistently mention the durable construction, comfortable fit, and supportive features — several have noted real improvements in their child’s mobility and confidence as a result.

For toddlers just starting to walk, the NEW-B First Hook & Loop is also worth a look, offering the same wide, accommodating fit in a design built specifically for early walkers.

Contact Me for Additional Recommendations

Every child’s foot and AFO are a little different. If you need help beyond what’s here, contact me — I’m happy to provide recommendations tailored to your child’s foot shape and condition.

Bonus Resource: More Shoe Brands for AFOs

New Balance isn’t the only option — I’ve put together a full guide to shoe brands and styles for kids who wear AFOs, including See Kai Run, Stride Rite, Billy, and Memo, for more choices beyond New Balance.

It’s worth remembering there’s a real psychological side to this too — kids need to understand and accept why they’re wearing the brace, and if they also can’t wear shoes they actually like, that acceptance gets harder. Fit matters, but so does giving your child some say in the process where you can.