Best Sandals for Kids Who Wear AFOs

August 25, 2026 Shoes for AFOs Juan Valenzuela 2 - Comments

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

As a dedicated and experienced shoe fitter, I know that the right footwear is essential for your child’s comfort, mobility, and foot health. Whether your child should wear sandals with AFOs depends on the severity of their condition, so it’s always best to consult the doctor who prescribed the AFOs first. Below is a list of supportive sandals that can be worn with or without AFOs — each offering a stable base of support and firm heel counters to help improve alignment and stability.

Common Mistakes Parents Make When Buying Sandals for AFOs

Many parents make the mistake of ordering their child’s sandals two sizes larger than their actual foot size to accommodate the AFOs. This can significantly compromise stability, increasing the risk of trips and falls. A poor fit can also reduce the effectiveness of both the sandals and the AFOs themselves.

The goal is to find sandals that fit as close to your child’s actual foot size as possible while still accommodating the AFOs. The styles I recommend below are specifically designed with extra depth and a triple Velcro strap system, allowing them to open wide and provide a secure, comfortable fit — without the need to size up excessively.

Children wearing AFOs with Memo sandals for added support and stability.
An image of children wearing orthopedic sandals made by Memo.

Children who wear AFOs often experience loss of balance, reflexes, and coordination, along with impaired muscle tone, irregular posture, and gait disturbance — which is exactly why it’s so important for them to wear sandals that provide real support and stability.

Key Features of Sandals for AFOs

Some of the sandals I recommend are designed by European doctors of medicine, and are specially built for children with foot conditions who need to wear AFOs.

1. Stable Base of Support — Essential for children with AFOs, since it ensures the necessary balance and support. Look for sandals with a wide, flat sole that distributes weight evenly and provides a sturdy foundation.

Orthopedic sandal with a stable base of support.
An image of Memo orthopedic sandals designed with a sturdy, supportive base to enhance stability and promote proper foot alignment.

2. Firm Heel Counter — Helps maintain the foot’s position within the sandal, preventing unwanted movement that could lead to discomfort or injury. A strong heel counter provides the ankle stability that’s particularly important for children who need extra support due to AFOs.

Orthopedic sandal with firm heel counters.
A pair of orthopedic sandals with a thermoplastic asymmetric stiff heel counter for proper foot protection and support

3. Extra Depth — Allows the AFO to fit comfortably inside the sandal without putting pressure on the foot, ensuring the sandal accommodates the brace without compromising on comfort.

Orthopedic sandal for kids that fit orthotics.
An image of orthopedic sandals with extra depth, designed to comfortably accommodate AFOs.

4. Oversized Openings — This feature saves you from having to struggle every time you put your child’s sandals on. Several of the styles I recommend come with a convenient Velcro strap on the back for easy entry and a secure fit over the AFO.

Sandal with a velcro strap on the back for easy on and off.
An image of Keen adaptable sandals with a Velcro strap on the back.

Can My Child Wear Regular Sandals Without the AFOs?

Parents often wonder if their child can go without the AFOs for a bit. While it might be tempting to give your child’s feet a break from the orthoses, it’s crucial to consult with your child’s healthcare provider before making that call. The absence of AFOs might compromise the support and alignment their feet need, potentially leading to discomfort or injury.

The sandals below are suitable for children who wear AFO, KAFO, DAFO, and SMO braces. 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.

Best Kids’ Sandals for AFOs

Most off-the-shelf sandals aren’t designed for children who need to wear AFOs. Based on my experience as a shoe fitter, here are my top recommendations.

Betti and Pedro by Memo

Built with real depth and a firm heel counter that keeps the AFO properly seated inside the sandal, rather than letting the foot shift around the brace. The arch support also helps maintain healthy alignment on the days your child goes without the AFO — making this a strong option whether the brace is on or off.

Key Features

  • Order on Amazon
  • Fits medium and wide feet
  • Orthopedic sandal
  • Thermoplastic asymmetric stiff heel counter for proper foot protection and support
  • Genuine leather lining
  • Fitting tip: Order approximately 1/2 size larger than the length of your child’s AFO footplate to allow the correct amount of growing room.

Seaturtle by Kamik

The triple Velcro straps are what make this sandal work so well for AFOs — each one can be adjusted independently to fit snugly around the brace without the shoe needing to be sized up excessively. The open-toe design also gives the AFO room to sit without the sandal pressing down on it.

Key Features

  • Order on Amazon
  • Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (fits high insteps)
  • Triple Velcro straps for easy on and off
  • Quick-drying, moisture-wicking lining Vegan-friendly
  • Fitting tip: Order approximately one full size larger than the length of your child’s AFO footplate to allow the correct amount of growing room.

Hurricane by Teva

The adjustable hook-and-loop straps let you fine-tune the fit around the width of the AFO itself, and the stable, contoured footbed helps distribute weight evenly for kids whose gait is already affected by the brace. A dependable pick for AFO wear at the pool, the beach, or just around the yard.

Key Features

  • Order on Amazon
  • Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (fits high insteps)
  • Easy hook-and-loop closure comes on and off quickly and gets the fit just right
  • Rubber outsole for durability and traction
  • Fitting tip: Order approximately one full size larger than the length of your child’s AFO footplate to allow the correct amount of growing room.

Agnes by Memo

The adjustable hook-and-loop strap length is the key feature here for AFO wear — it lets you open the sandal wide enough to fit the brace, then cinch it back down to a secure width rather than settling for a sandal that’s either too tight or too loose. The firm heel counter keeps the foot from shifting inside the brace as your child moves.

Key Features

  • Order on Amazon
  • Fits medium and wide feet (fits high insteps)
  • 100% leather made
  • Ability to adjust the Hook and Loop strap length to the different foot width
  • Fitting tip: Order approximately 1/2 size larger than the length of your child’s AFO footplate to allow the correct amount of growing room.

Different types of AFOs can affect how well sandals fit and function, so the effectiveness of any sandal depends on your child’s specific AFO design. To ensure a secure fit and proper support, always fasten the straps snugly — this helps keep your child’s feet stable and prevents unnecessary movement inside the sandal.

Should Children Who Wear AFOs Walk Around in Crocs?

If your child wears AFOs, avoid summer shoes like Crocs. They lack the necessary support and stability, making walking more difficult and increasing the risk of tripping. They also tend to slip off easily, which can lead to frustration and discomfort.

If your child plans to wear their AFOs in the water, I recommend using an older pair to avoid unnecessary wear and tear on their current ones. Afterward, dry them thoroughly to prevent metal components from rusting and to keep them in good condition for future use.

Bonus Resources: Sneakers and Dress Shoes for AFOs

In addition to sandals, selecting the right sneakers and dress shoes for AFOs is just as important. Sneakers with the same key features — a stable base, extra depth, oversized openings, and firm heel counters — offer the same level of support and comfort. Dress shoes built with these features are available too, so your child has suitable footwear for every occasion.

Contact Me for Specific Shoe Recommendations

For specific shoe recommendations tailored to your child’s unique foot shape and foot problems, feel free to reach out by email.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my child wear Crocs with AFOs?

No, I’d recommend avoiding Crocs for AFO wear. They lack the support and stability an AFO needs to function properly, and they tend to slip off easily, which increases the risk of tripping.

What size sandal should I order for AFOs?

Order as close to your child’s actual foot size as possible — a full size larger is typical, though a few styles above only need a half size increase, so check the specific note for each sandal. Sizing up excessively to “make room” for the AFO can actually reduce stability and increase fall risk.