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

August 21, 2026 AFOs Juan Valenzuela 0 - Comments

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

Does your child wear an AFO on just one foot, and you’re not sure how to find a pair of shoes that fits both feet properly? This is a common challenge for a lot of families. As a shoe fitter who works with kids in AFOs every day, I’ve helped many families in this exact situation find the right shoes. In this guide, I’ll share the shoe styles that work well with AFOs and connect you with retailers — both local and online — that let you buy two different sized shoes for the price of one. Let’s make finding the right fit a 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 make sure kids get the best-fitting shoes and orthotics. Many of the therapists I work with have told me how often they see kids with physical challenges wearing poorly fitted shoes — which only makes managing their condition harder.

Juan Valenzuela, certified children’s shoe fitter, standing in a children’s shoe store surrounded by supportive kids’ shoes, orthotics, and insoles.
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 frustration is exactly what inspired me to build resources and virtual fitting guides — to help families confidently figure out the right shoe size from home and take the guesswork out of shopping for kids 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 nothing at all on the other. This often leaves parents unsure what to buy. Should both shoes be the same size? Should you size up for just one foot? I’ve worked with plenty of families navigating exactly this. Let’s walk through the most common scenarios and how to find the right footwear for your child’s specific 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 might seem, and it’s not too different from fitting a child who wears braces on both feet. The key is avoiding any imbalance or leg length discrepancy, since that can affect posture, gait, and 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 accommodates the brace, while the smaller one fits the unbraced foot comfortably. This keeps both sides properly supported and aligned.

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

Here, whether you need two different 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. Every situation is a little different, and getting the fit right is essential for your child’s comfort and mobility.

Best Shoes for Kids Who Wear One AFO

These are the shoe options I recommend most often, based on years of hands-on fitting experience and feedback from parents.

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.

990v6 by New Balance (Laces or Velcro)

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.

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

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.

Designed for children with wide feet or orthotics, these sneakers feature double Velcro straps, extra depth, and oversized openings for easy on and off.

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

These Stride Rite shoes for AFOs are loved by parents because their children can wear them 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

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.

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 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.

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

Gabi and Alvin 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.

Key Features

  • Available for toddlers and little kids
  • Order the model Gabi or Alvin on Amazon
  • Also available in a Mary Jane style and a version for older kids called Memo Polo
  • Accommodates medium and wide feet
  • Ideal for moderate to strong cases of pronation
  • High-top design with stiff heel counters
  • Sizing tip: Order a half size larger than your child’s current foot size. Refer to Memo sizing chart

Reach Out for a Personalized Recommendation

If you’re unsure which shoes will work best for your child’s specific AFO setup and foot shape, don’t hesitate to reach out by email. I’m happy to provide a personalized recommendation and help you find the best-fitting, most supportive option for your child.

Where to Buy Shoes in Two Different Sizes

Not every family can manage the cost of buying two full pairs of shoes just to get one matched set — which is exactly why it helps to know about retailers that offer split-size options for the price of one pair.

Below is a list of retailers that let you mix shoe sizes without paying double, along with easy return and exchange policies so you can shop with confidence.

A quick note: retail policies like these can change or vary by location, so it’s always worth calling ahead to confirm the current process before you place an order.

1. Nordstrom

  • Order two pairs of shoes (in two different sizes, at least 1½ sizes apart)
  • You’re charged for both pairs and asked to return the unneeded shoes; your card is credited for the returned pair’s cost
  • If you only need one shoe, a full pair is shipped and you return the one you don’t need
  • Contact: (888) 282-6060

2. Zappos

  • Buy one shoe, or two shoes in different sizes or widths, to build a matched pair
  • Brands available: BILLY Footwear, Converse, Kizik, New Balance, Nike, Plae, and Stride Rite
  • Contact: 1-800-927-7671

3. One Foot Two Shoes

  • Send in new, unused pairs, sample shoes, or mismatched pairs to trade in or consign for cash
  • If you need a specific size (right or left), they’ll keep an eye out and notify you when it becomes available
  • Contact: (832) 460-0641 or email info@onefoottwoshoes.com

4. Healthy Feet Store

  • Offers a special discount program for kids who need mismatched or odd-sized shoes
  • Contact: 1-866-324-3338 or email cservice@healthyfeetstore.com

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

  • Email them the sizes your child needs, along with your address
  • Contact: P.O. Box 1120, Chandler, AZ 85244-1120 | 480-892-3484

6. Birkenstock Express Online

  • Offers a 40% discount on any regularly priced pair for people who only need one shoe
  • Contact: 1-800-451-1459

Be Careful About Sizing Up Too Much to Accommodate the AFO

AFOs are designed to control instabilities in the lower limb by maintaining proper alignment and controlling motion. It’s genuinely remarkable what the right AFO can do — as long as it’s fitted inside the correct pair of shoes.

A child wearing Stride Rite Adaptable shoes with an AFO on one foot, showing how the shoe comfortably accommodates the brace while still fitting securely on the non-braced foot.

Letting your child walk in shoes that are too big can compromise their stability and make them more prone to falling. One of the biggest benefits of an AFO is improved stability — but if the shoe is fitted too large, you’re taking 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 get is: “How do I know what shoe size to order for my child’s AFO?” I put together a free sizing guide that walks you through the process step by step.

Always Consider This Before Buying Your Child’s Shoes

Putting your child’s AFO into the wrong shoe can undermine its entire purpose. If you’re already investing time, energy, and money into the right brace, it only makes sense to make sure your child gets the full benefit it’s designed to provide. That starts with a shoe that fits correctly in both length and width, and offers the structure and support the AFO needs to work properly — without causing discomfort or limiting mobility.

Related: Best Shoes for Kids with AFOs | Best Shoes for Kids Who Wear AFOs with Wedges