Best Shoes for Children Who Wear AFOs with Wedges – Extra Deep to Accommodate the Wedges
Is your child wearing Ankle-Foot Orthoses (AFOs) with wedges, but you’re struggling to find shoes that fit properly? AFOs with wedges are essential for improving stability, gait, and overall mobility for children with various lower limb conditions. However, the added space from the wedges often makes it challenging to find shoes that provide the right fit. If you’re feeling frustrated and overwhelmed by the search, I am here to help and make this process easier!
My Experience Fitting Shoes and AFOs
Physical and occupational therapists regularly refer families to our shoe store for expert fittings with supportive shoes and orthotics. Many families bring their children’s AFOs, and our goal is to find the perfect shoes to ensure a comfortable, secure fit.
What is Referred to as AFOs with Wedges?
AFOs with wedges are often a specialized type of orthopedic footwear designed to provide support and stability for children with certain medical conditions that affect their lower limbs. AFOs with wedges take this concept a step further by incorporating a wedge-shaped sole or insole into the design of the orthosis. This wedge serves a specific purpose – it can help correct or accommodate issues related to leg length discrepancies, limb alignment and foot positioning.
Four Key Things to Know About AFOs with Wedges
1. Leg Length Discrepancy Correction: Leg length discrepancies can cause a range of problems, including back pain and gait abnormalities. AFOs with wedges are often used to address these discrepancies by adding a lift wedge to the shorter leg’s AFO, allowing for a more balanced and comfortable gait.
2. Improved Gait: The wedge within the AFO can help promote a more natural and efficient gait pattern. This is especially important for children with conditions like cerebral palsy as it can assist in proper foot clearance during the swing phase of walking.
3. Shoe Compatibility: When using AFOs with edges, it’s essential to select compatible shoes, that are suited to accommodate AFOs making it easier for children to have comfortable and supportive options.
4. Regular Follow-ups: Children who wear AFOs with wedges typically require regular follow-up appointments with their healthcare providers to monitor the effectiveness of the orthosis and make necessary adjustments.
Must-Have Features to Look For in Your AFO-Friendly Shoes
When searching for shoes compatible with AFOs, several features can make a significant difference in fit and comfort. It’s not just about finding a shoe that fits but selecting one that complements the function and structure of the AFO.
1. Round Toe-Boxes: Shoes with a wide and deep toe box provide ample space for the AFO and allow the child’s toes to move freely. This prevents discomfort and potential pressure points. A spacious toe box also helps in preventing blisters and calluses, common issues for children wearing orthoses.
2. Extra Depth: This feature allows the child’s AFOs to fit deeply inside the shoes. The deeper the AFOs sit inside the shoes, the more comfortable your child will feel. Shoes with extra depth ensure a secure and comfortable fit, preventing unnecessary friction or pressure points.
3. Oversized Openings for Easy On & Off: This feature allows parents to easily slide the AFO inside the shoes so they don’t have to struggle every time they have to put on the AFOs.
4. Adjustable Closures: Shoes with adjustable closures, such as extra long velcro straps or laces, allow for a more customized fit. This feature is especially important for accommodating AFOs with wedges while ensuring a snug and secure fit.
5. Sturdy Construction: A durable shoe construction provides the necessary support and stability that children with AFOs need. A firm heel counter is particularly beneficial for maintaining foot alignment. The sturdiness of the shoe also ensures longevity, withstanding the wear and tear that comes with active play.
Best Shoes for Children Who Wear AFOs with Wedges
Based on my experience fitting children’s shoes, here’s a curated list of the best shoes for children who wear AFOs with wedges. These selections focus on comfort, support, and accommodating AFOs effectively, ensuring both functionality and style are addressed.
1. 990v6 by New Balance with Laces
This is one of the deepest and most supportive 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
- 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 whole size larger than the end of the AFO footplate
990 Series with 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 whole size larger than the end of the AFO footplate
2. Dean Adapt II by See Kai Run
See Kai Run offers an adaptable line for kids who wear AFOs with shoes that provide extra long straps and extra depth to allow the AFOs to sit deeply inside of the shoes. These shoes have a lightweight design.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers and little kids
- Order the shoe style Dean Adapt II by See Kai Run on Zappos or Amazon
- Not available in wide or extra wide widths but fits naturally wide
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than the end of the AFO footplate
3. Shoe style Holly Mary Jane by Stride Rite
Stride Rite has an adaptable line and one of its most popular shoes for AFOs is a stylish Mary Jane that parents love because their children can use it for casual wear or dressier occasions.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers and little kids
- Order the shoe style SR Holly by Stride Rite on Zappos or Amazon
- Available in extra wide widths
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than the end of the AFO footplate
4. Ikiki Shoes
Ikiki shoes for AFOs are designed with a focus on functionality and fun. They feature a wide toe box that supports natural foot movement, and many of their designs include playful characters and bright colors that toddlers love.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers and little kids
- Order the shoe style by Ikiki on Amazon
- Not available in wide or extra wide widths but fits naturally wide
- Wide opening to make it easy to put on and take off shoes
- Synthetic vegan leather
- Squeaks can be turned on/off with a switch
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than the end of the AFO footplate
5. Shoe Style M2P Journey 3.0 Adapt by Stride Rite
These sneakers are part of the Stride Rite adaptable line and come with extra long velcro straps and are available in extra wide widths.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers and little kids
- Order the shoe style M2P Journey Adapt by Stride Rite on Zappos or Amazon
- Available in extra wide widths
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than the end of the AFO footplate
6. Billy Shoes
Billy shoes for AFOs have become a favorite among families. Their unique zipper design allows for easy on-and-off, making them a convenient choice for both parents and children.
Key Features
- Available for little and big kids
- Order the shoe style Classic DR High II by Billy on Zappos or Amazon
- Available in extra wide widths
- Leather upper
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than the end of the AFO footplate
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Keep in mind that while these shoes have worked really well for some families of children with AFOs, there is no guarantee that they will work well for your child. Not all AFOs with wedges are built the same way, and it usually takes a lot of trial and error before finding a show that works. I strongly advise you to visit your local specialized children’s shoe store to try multiple pairs on and also to support local businesses.
Get in Touch for Personalized Shoe Recommendations
Each child’s needs are unique, especially when it comes to AFOs. As a dedicated shoe fitter, I’m here to help. If you need personalized shoe recommendations tailored to your child’s unique foot shape and AFO footplate, don’t hesitate to get in touch via email. With the right guidance and footwear, your child can enjoy both comfort and support. My goal is to make the shoe selection process as smooth and stress-free as possible, providing solutions that cater to your child’s specific requirements.
How to Order the Correct Shoe Size for AFOs
Choosing the correct type of shoes in the correct size is the only way your child will get the full benefits of the AFOs. The shoes need to be comfortable, otherwise, your child’s AFOs will spend more time in the closet than actually being worn, and you will be wasting time and money.
One of the most common mistakes that I see families make is to buy bigger shoes in an effort to accommodate the AFOs. Please be aware that allowing your child to walk around in shoes that are too big can make your child’s AFOs virtually worthless. For this reason, I created a free resource that will help you determine what shoe size will work best for your child’s AFOs.
Housekeeping of AFOs – Final Thoughts and Recommendations
On How to Fit AFOs
- I suggest that your child wears knee-high cotton socks under the AFOs as this can reduce the constant rubbing.
- If your child has an AFO for each foot, make sure that you are putting them on the correct feet.
- Make sure to fasten the ankle strap firmly, then the calf strap. Also, ensure that all the straps are fastened securely. Thereafter, your child’s shoe can be worn over the orthoses.
On How to Remove AFOs
Don’t forget to check your child’s skin when you remove their AFO. I say this because AFOs can cause a slightly red line around the edge of the orthosis, but this should usually disappear within half an hour approximately. Note, if your child has any pain or skin marks that do not disappear within half an hour or they develop blisters, please contact your medical professional at the earliest to make sure they can promptly evaluate the situation and advise accordingly.
On Care Instructions for AFOs
Bear in mind that the AFOs should be cleaned regularly by wiping them with a damp cloth and soapy water. Once the AFOs are clean, they should be completely dry before being reapplied. Please refrain from using direct sunlight or a hair dryer and tumble dryer to dry your AFOs.
I always suggest parents ask their orthopedist or physical therapist about the shoes the child is wearing and how they fit. They can offer guidance on finding the most suitable styles according to the kid’s medical needs.
This is a really useful article. Should I be getting a high top shoe? My son has really wide feet, is there a specific shoe you can recommend? Do you have anything that looks a bit more like a warmer shoe? Winter is coming in Washington DC and would like a shoe that will keep my son’s feet warm and dry.
Hello Michel,
You can get a high top shoe if you prefer, but it won’t necessarily provide better support or stability compared to a regular shoe. If your son has really wide feet I suggest looking into the New Balance shoe styles and choose the extra wide width. As far as winter shoes are concerned, I suggest that you look into these models:
The Best Kids’ Boots for AFOs – Extra Deep and Wider Openings