Best Shoes for Kids Who Wear AFOs with Wedges
Last updated: August 2026 | By Juan Valenzuela, Certified Children’s Shoe Fitter
Does your child wear ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) with wedges, and you can’t seem to find a single pair of shoes that actually fits? AFOs with wedges play a critical role in helping children with lower limb conditions achieve better stability, improved gait, and greater overall mobility. But because the wedge takes up extra internal space, finding shoes that can accommodate them is often frustrating and time-consuming. Based on years of hands-on shoe and orthotic fitting experience, here’s my selection of the best shoes for kids who wear AFOs with wedges — and everything else you need to know to get the fit right.
Physical and occupational therapists regularly refer families to the shoe store where I work to be fitted for supportive shoes and orthotics. Families bring their AFOs with them, and every time there’s a wedge involved, finding the right shoe gets a bit more challenging. Over the years, I’ve learned exactly which brands and styles consistently work — and which ones don’t.
Want to skip straight to the shoes? Jump to my top recommendations.
What Are AFOs with Wedges?
Ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) are among the most commonly prescribed lower-limb orthoses for children. They’re often custom-made and typically encompass the foot, ankle, and lower leg, ending just below the knee.
AFOs with wedges take this a step further by building a wedge-shaped sole or insole directly into the orthosis. That wedge serves a specific purpose: it helps correct or accommodate leg length discrepancies, limb alignment issues, and foot positioning problems.
4 Key Things to Know About AFOs with Wedges
1️⃣ Leg Length Discrepancy Correction — Leg length differences can cause back pain and gait abnormalities. A wedge added to the shorter leg’s AFO helps create a more balanced, comfortable gait.
2️⃣ Improved Gait — The wedge promotes a more natural, efficient gait pattern. This matters a lot for children with conditions like cerebral palsy, since it helps with proper foot clearance during the swing phase of walking.
3️⃣ Shoe Compatibility — Choosing shoes specifically suited to accommodate AFOs with wedges is essential for a comfortable, supportive daily fit.
4️⃣ Regular Follow-Ups — Kids who wear AFOs with wedges typically need regular check-ins with their healthcare provider to monitor how well the orthosis is working and make adjustments as needed.
Must-Have Features in AFO-Friendly Shoes
Most of the shoes I recommend feature a soft, flexible mesh upper with minimal seams to avoid irritation. Beyond that, here’s what to look for specifically:
➡️ 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.
➡️ Extra Depth — The deeper the AFO sits inside the shoe, the more comfortable your child will feel. Extra depth also prevents unnecessary friction and pressure points.
➡️ Oversized Openings for Easy On & Off — This lets you slide the AFO into the shoe without a daily struggle.
➡️ Adjustable Closures — Extra-long Velcro straps or laces allow for a truly customized fit. Several of the shoes below come with extra-long straps that can be trimmed for a secure, custom fit.
➡️ 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 Kids Who Wear AFOs with Wedges
Below each shoe, you’ll find the materials it’s made from and the size I recommend ordering to properly accommodate the wedge. 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.
Keep in mind: while these shoes have worked well for many families, there’s no single guarantee they’ll work for your child. Not all AFOs with wedges are built the same way, and finding the right shoe usually takes some trial and error. I strongly recommend visiting your local specialized children’s shoe store to try on multiple pairs — and to support a local business while you’re at it.
990v6 by New Balance
One of the deepest, most supportive New Balance shoes for AFO braces. Available in wide and extra wide widths, so you won’t need to size up excessively just to accommodate the AFO.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers, little, and big kids
- Order with laces on the New Balance website or Amazon
- 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
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 on 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
Holly Mary Jane by Stride Rite
Part of Stride Rite’s Adaptable line — a stylish Mary Jane parents love because it works equally well for casual wear or dressier occasions.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers and little kids
- Order on Amazon
- Available in extra wide widths
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than the end of the AFO footplate
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 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
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 on Amazon
- Accommodates wide or extra wide feet
- APMA approved
- Leather upper
- Ideal for mild cases of pronation
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than the end of the AFO footplate
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 toddlers, little, and big kids
- Order on 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
Get in Touch for a Personalized Recommendation
Every child’s shoe needs vary depending on their age, activity level, and specific foot condition. If you have questions or need help finding the right pair for your child’s AFOs with wedges, reach out by email — I’m happy to help you find a fit that actually works.
Why Getting the Right Size Matters So Much
Choosing the correct shoe in the correct size is the only way your child gets the full benefit of their AFOs. If the shoes aren’t comfortable, the AFOs are more likely to end up in the closet instead of on your child’s feet — which wastes both time and money.
One of the most common mistakes I see is buying oversized shoes to “make room” for the AFO. Letting your child walk around in shoes that are too big can make the AFO virtually ineffective. That’s why I created a free sizing resource to help you figure out exactly what size will work best.
AFO Care: Putting Them On, Taking Them Off, and Cleaning
Putting AFOs On
- Have your child wear knee-high cotton socks under the AFO to reduce rubbing.
- If your child wears an AFO on each foot, double-check they’re on the correct feet.
- Fasten the ankle strap first, then the calf strap, and make sure every strap is secure before putting the shoe on over the orthosis.
Taking AFOs Off
- Always check your child’s skin after removing the AFO. A faint red line around the edge of the orthosis is normal and usually fades within about 30 minutes. If pain, marks, or blisters don’t resolve in that time, contact your medical professional promptly.
Cleaning AFOs
- Wipe them down regularly with a damp cloth and mild soapy water, and let them air dry completely before your child wears them again. Avoid direct sunlight, hair dryers, or tumble dryers.
I always encourage parents to ask their orthopedist or physical therapist for feedback on how a child’s shoes are fitting — they can offer guidance specific to your child’s medical needs. I’ve also put together a separate guide on which socks work best with AFOs, if you’re looking for that next step.
Frequently Asked Questions
As a general rule, order a whole size larger than the end of the AFO footplate — not your child’s bare foot size. Since the wedge adds extra bulk, going too small will crowd the brace, while going too large can compromise the AFO’s effectiveness entirely.
The wedge adds extra internal volume that most standard shoes simply aren’t built to accommodate. You need a shoe with genuine extra depth and width — not just a longer shoe — along with an adjustable closure that can secure the brace properly.
New Balance, See Kai Run, Stride Rite’s Adaptable line, Ikiki, and Billy Footwear are the brands I recommend most consistently. Not every style from these brands works for AFOs — it comes down to the specific model, which is why I always recommend by style rather than by brand alone.
If your child’s foot is sliding around inside the shoe, or the AFO isn’t sitting snugly against the footbed, the shoe is likely too large. Oversized shoes can undermine the entire purpose of the AFO by allowing the foot to shift instead of staying properly supported.
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