Best Shoes for Kids Who Wear Only One AFO – Save Time and Money

August 4, 2025 AFOs Juan Valenzuela 0 - Comments

Does your child wear an AFO on just one foot and you’re unsure how to find a pair of shoes that fits both feet properly? This is a common challenge for many families. As a dedicated children’s shoe fitter, I’ve helped many kids who wear only one AFO find the right shoes for their unique needs. In this guide, I’ll share a list of shoe styles that work well with AFOs and connect you with retailers—both local and online—that allow you to purchase two different sized shoes for the price of one. Let’s make finding the right fit a whole lot easier.

My Experience Helping Kids Who Wear AFOs

I work at a specialized children’s shoe store that partners closely with pediatricians, physical therapists, and occupational therapists to ensure kids receive the best-fitting shoes and orthotics. Many therapists have shared how often they see children with physical challenges wearing poorly fitted shoes, which can make managing their conditions even more difficult.

about-me
Juan Pablo Valenzuela fitting children’s shoes at a local children’s shoe store in Potomac, Maryland.

Over the years, I’ve met countless parents frustrated by the challenge of finding shoes that work with AFOs. That’s what inspired me to create resources and virtual fitting guides—to help families confidently find the right shoe size from home and take the guesswork out of shoe shopping for children who wear orthotics.

AFO and SMO Combinations – What to Do When Each Foot Needs Something Different

It’s more common than you might think for a child to need an AFO on one foot and a different orthotic—like an SMO—or no orthotic at all on the other. This often leaves parents unsure of what type of shoes to buy. Should both shoes be the same size? Should you size up for just one foot? I’ve worked with many families navigating this exact situation. Let’s explore the most common scenarios and how to find the right footwear solution for your child’s unique needs.

What to Do If Your Child Wears an AFO on Only One Foot?

Fitting a child who wears just one AFO isn’t as tricky as it may seem—and it’s not too different from fitting a child who wears braces on both feet. The key is to avoid creating any imbalance or leg length discrepancy, which could affect your child’s posture, gait, or comfort.

Scenario 1: AFO on One Foot, No Orthotic on the Other

If your child wears an AFO on one foot and nothing on the other, you’ll likely need to buy two different shoe sizes. The larger shoe will accommodate the brace, while the smaller one will fit the unbraced foot comfortably. This ensures proper support and alignment on both sides.

Scenario 2: AFO on One Foot, a Different Orthotic on the Other

In this case, whether you need two different shoe sizes depends on the type of orthotic on the other foot. If it’s an SMO or a full-length orthotic, you may still need two sizes—especially if the orthotics differ significantly in bulk or length. Each situation is unique, and getting the right fit is essential for your child’s comfort and mobility.

Best Shoes for Kids Who Wear AFOs in 2025

Now, let’s explore some of the best shoe options available for children who wear one AFO. These selections are based on my hands-on experience and feedback from parents. Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

1. 990v6 by New Balance with Laces. This is one of the deepest and most supportive New Balance shoe for AFOs. Available in wide and extra wide widths means that you won’t have to get the shoes overly large to accommodate the AFOs. Parents report positive feedback on how these shoes accommodate AFOs and are durable.

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

  • 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.
  • 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

2. Dean Adapt II by See Kai Run. These shoes for AFOs provide extra long straps and extra depth to allow the AFOs to sit deeply inside of the shoes. These shoes have a lightweight design.

See Kai Run kids adapt for kids who wear AFOs.
See Kai Run kids adapt for girls who wear AFOs.

Key Features

  • Order the shoe 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 half size larger than the end of the AFO/SMO footplate

3. Shoe style Holly Mary Jane by Stride Rite. These Stride Rite shoes for AFOs are loved by parents because their children can wear them for casual wear or dressier occasions.

Stride Rite Holly Mary Jane in gold for girls.

Key Features

  • Order the shoe SR Holly by Stride Rite on Zappos or Amazon
  • Available in extra wide widths
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than the end of the AFO/SMO footplate

4. Ikiki Shoes. These shoes 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.

Ikiki shoes for toddlers with wide feet.
Ikiki shoes for kids who wear AFOs.

Key Features

  • Order the shoe 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 half size larger than the end of the AFO/SMO 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.

Stride Rite M2P Journey 3.0 Adapt in pink for toddler girls.
Stride Rite M2P Journey 3.0 Adapt in grey for toddler boys.

Key Features

  • Order the shoe M2P Journey Adapt by Stride Rite on Zappos or Amazon
  • Available in extra wide widths
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than the end of the AFO/SMO footplate

6. Billy Shoes. Billy Shoes have become a favorite among families with children who wear AFOs. Their unique zipper design allows for easy on-and-off, making them a convenient choice for both parents and children.

Pink Billy shoes for girls who wear AFOs.
Black-Billy-shoes-for-kids-who-wear-AFOs

Key Features

  • Order the shoe 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 half size larger than the end of the AFO/SMO footplate

7. Shoe Style Gabi by Memo (Orthopedic Shoe). These orthopedic shoes for AFOs are specifically designed to improve foot posture and comfort. The higher price point is a common complaint parents have but the investment in orthopedic shoes is often justified by their specialized design and effectiveness in addressing flat feet.

Orthopedic shoe for kids made by Memo in grey and yellow with double velcro straps.
Orthopedic shoe for kids made by Memo in grey and pink with double velcro straps.

Key Features

  • You can order the shoe Gabi by Memo on Amazon
  • Also available in a Mary Jane style and a version for older kids called Memo Polo
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than the end of the AFO/SMO footplate

Where to Buy Shoes in Different Sizes?

Not all families can manage the cost of purchasing two separate pairs, which is why it’s incredibly helpful to know about retailers that offer split-size options for the price of one pair.

Below, you’ll find a list of online retailers that allow you to mix shoe sizes without paying double—a game changer for children who wear only one AFO. These retailers also make the shopping experience stress-free with easy return and exchange policies, so you can confidently find the right fit for your child.

1️⃣ Nordstrom’s

  • You will order two pairs of shoes (one in each size, but they must be at least 1½ sizes different).
  • You will be charged for each pair and will be asked to send back the shoes that you do not need. Your credit card on file will get credited for the price of a pair.
  • If you have the need for only one shoe, a whole pair will be sent to you, and you will be asked to return the unneeded shoe.
  • Contact number (888) 282-6060

2️⃣ Zappos

  • You can choose to buy one shoe or two shoes of different sizes or widths to create a pair
  • The brands that you can choose from are BILLY Footwear, Converse, Kizik, New Balance, Nike, Plae and Stride Rite
  • Contact number 1-800-927-7671 or email zappposadaptive@zappos.com

3️⃣ One Foot Two Shoes

  • You can send the company your new, unused pairs or unpairs, sample shoes and/or mismatched pairs. You can then trade them in or consign them for cash.
  • If you are looking for a specific size, right or left, you can let the company know and they will be on the lookout and notify you when they are available.
  • If you have a bunch of shoes but only one in the pair, you can ship the shoes to them.
  • Contact number (832) 460-0641 or email Info@onefoottwoshoes.com

4️⃣ Healthy Feet Store

  • This company offers a ”special discount program” for children who need mismatched, odd sized shoes.
  • Contact number 1.866.324.3338 or email cservice@healthyfeetstore.com

5️⃣ National Odd Shoe Exchange (N.O.S.E.)

  • To receive shoes, you need to send an email stating what sizes your child needs. Be sure to include your address.
  • Contact information: P.O. Box 1120 Chandler, AZ 85244-1120 480-892-3484.

6️⃣ Birkenstock Express Online

  • This company offers a special discount for people who need only one shoe.
  • You can buy any regularly priced pair of shoes and they will discount it by 40%.
  • Contact number 1-800-451-1459.

Reach Out for Specific Shoe Recommendations

If you’re feeling unsure about which shoes will work best for your child’s AFO setup and unique foot shape, don’t hesitate to reach out! I’m here to provide personalized recommendations and guide you toward the best-fitting, most supportive options for your child’s needs.

Be Aware of Fitting Your Child in Bigger Shoes to Accommodate the AFOs

Did you know that AFOs are used to control instabilities in the lower limb by maintaining proper alignment and controlling motion? It’s truly amazing what a difference the correct types of AFOs can make as long as they are fitted in the correct pair of shoes.

A child wearing Stride Rite Adaptable shoes with an AFO on one foot, showcasing how the shoe comfortably accommodates the brace while providing a secure fit on the non-braced foot.

Allowing children to walk in shoes that are too big might compromise their stability and make them prone to falling. One of the main benefits of wearing AFOs is to improve the child’s stability, but if the shoes are fitted too big, you are stealing that stability right back.

How to Figure Out What Shoe Size to Order for Your Child’s AFO?

One of the most common questions I receive is, “How do I figure out what shoe size to order for my child’s AFO?” To address this, I’ve developed a virtual guide that walks parents through the process.

Always Consider This Before Buying Your Children’s Shoes

Putting your child’s AFOs into the wrong shoes can completely undermine their purpose. If you’re already investing time, energy, and money into getting the right braces, it only makes sense to ensure your child gets the full benefit they’re designed to provide. That starts with choosing shoes that not only fit your child’s feet correctly in length and width, but also offer the structure and support needed to work with the AFOs—without causing discomfort or limiting mobility.