Best Shoes for Kids with AFOs – Stop Buying Bigger Shoes to Accommodate the AFOs!

AFOs can enhance your child’s mobility by keeping the feet and legs in proper alignment, correcting abnormal walking patterns, and reducing the risk of falls. However, fitting your child’s AFOs in the wrong pair of shoes can make your child’s AFOs virtually worthless. The best shoes for kids with AFOs provide a stable base of support, extra depth, and they are lightweight and flexible at the same time.

Please Don’t Get Your Kids’ Shoes Too Big

Did you know that a properly-fitting shoe is critical to the proper functioning of AFOs? Shoes that are too big can defeat the whole purpose of wearing AFOs, so we must find shoes that stay as close to your child’s actual foot size as possible. Medical professionals get frustrated when children’s functional mobility is compromised because the shoes don’t fit the AFOs correctly. In most cases, the shoes are fitted too big.

My Experience Helping Children Find Shoes for AFOs

I have been fitting children’s shoes and orthotics for the last 10 years, working for a specialized children’s shoe store that focuses in helping children with foot and leg problems. Physical and occupational therapists refer families to the shoe store I work for to be fitted for shoes and orthotics. We get a lot of families who bring their AFOs with them and we need to help them find the correct type of shoe.

Footwear options are not as limited as you think, but it takes time and experience to understand what shoes work best with AFOs. By the way, I am not here to restrict the type of shoes your child should wear with the AFOs. I understand how important it is for children to be able to wear shoes that they like, but at the same time, I feel I have a responsibility to tell you if a shoe is doing more damage than good. You are investing money and time in an AFO so you might as well get the full benefits that the AFOs have to offer.

Two Common Mistakes Parents Make When Fitting Shoes for AFOs

I have seen a lot of misinformation regarding to what shoes work best with AFOs. One of the most common mistakes that I see parents make is to assume that shoes that fit over the AFOs automatically become a good choice. Just because you found a specific shoe that fits the AFOs doesn’t make it the ideal shoe for your child to wear.

Another common mistake I see parents make is to increase the child’s shoe size by a whole size and a half or bigger. Shoes that are bigger than a whole size and a half will compromise your child’s stability and defeat one of the main purposes of the AFOs: to improve the child’s stability.

Be Careful About Taking Advice from Other Families

As I mentioned before, shoes that are the wrong size can make your child’s AFO virtually worthless. I know how excited parents get when they find a pair of shoes that are capable of fitting their child’s AFOs. However, I have noticed how most families fit their children in shoes that are too big for their feet.

Sometimes I see parents recommend specific shoe brands or specific shoe styles just because they found a shoe that fits over their child’s AFO braces. The issue is that these parents got the shoes two shoes bigger than their child’s current foot size. You will probably fit any shoe in the AFOs if you are getting the shoes that big!

Six Key Features of AFO Shoes for Kids

AFO friendly shoes for kids are not easy to find. These six key features will help increase the chances of your kids’ shoes fitting the AFOs:

1. Extra Depth: This feature allows the child’s AFO to fit deeply inside the shoes. The deeper the AFO sits inside the shoes, the more comfortable your child will feel. Shoes with extra depth can drastically increase your child’s comfort and prevent your child from getting the impression that his/her feet are coming out of the shoes.

2. Round Toe-Boxes: This feature helps prevent the front part of the AFO from destroying the front part of the shoes.

3. Wider Opening 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. Substantial Outsoles: The shoes must provide a substantial outsole to hold the AFO in place and support your child’s feet at the same time.

5. Firm Heel Counters: Shoes with firm heel counters help provide additional heel and ankle support as well as heel stabilization.

6. Removable Insoles: By removing the original insoles of the shoes you will allow for extra room for the AFOs.

I know this might sound like a lot, but don’t worry! Several shoes provide these 6 important features and I will provide you with a list of these shoes to make things easier for you. By the way, high top shoes are not necessarily better when it comes to fitting AFOs.

The shoes below will work for children with solid ankle-foot orthosis, hinged ankle-foot orthosis, and dynamic ankle-foot orthosis. Most importantly, because of their extra depth design, you will be able to choose a shoe size that closely matches the length of your child’s foot. Disclosure: Some links in this post may be affiliate links and we may receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) when you click our links and make purchases.

Best Shoes for Kids with AFOs – Deep and Supportive

These specialized AFO shoes are designed with deep shoe beds and oversized openings, making it easier to insert and wear the orthosis comfortably. Parents appreciate the ease with which their children can put on and take off the shoes, as well as the durability and style options available.

1. 990v6 by New Balance with Laces

The New Balance 990v6 model is the deepest and most supportive New Balance shoe. 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.
• 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 half size larger than the end of the AFO/SMO footplate.

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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 half size larger than the end of the AFO/SMO footplate.

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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 half size larger than the end of the AFO/SMO footplate.

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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 half size larger than the end of the AFO/SMO footplate.

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4. Ikiki Shoes

Ikiki 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 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 half size larger than the end of the AFO/SMO footplate.

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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 half size larger than the end of the AFO/SMO footplate.

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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.

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 half size larger than the end of the AFO/SMO footplate.

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7. Shoe Style Gabi by Memo (Orthopedic Shoe)

These orthopedic shoes 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.
• You can order the shoe style 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.

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Get in Touch for a Personalized Shoe Recommendation

I am happy to provide you with specific shoe recommendations based on your child’s unique foot shape and AFO type, so don’t hesitate to contact me and I will show you some alternatives: fittingchildrensshoes@gmail.com

Please include in your email what shoe size your child needs for the AFOs and the country that you are contacting me from so I can check what specific shoes you might be able to order.

How to Lace Your Kids’ Shoes to Secure the AFOs

If you decide to get your child a pair of shoes with shoelaces, there is a specific shoe lacing technique that I strongly recommend doing as it will secure and support your child’s heels and prevent them from slipping off the shoes. This shoe lacing technique also works great for children who always try to kick their AFOs off.

Feedback from Families and Successful Stories

Many families have shared their positive experiences with the AFO shoes I recommended, noting the significant improvements in their children’s comfort and mobility. I feel very lucky to be able to help all of these families find the correct pair of shoes for their children’s AFOs.

The Problem of Getting Shoes That Are Too Big

Shoes that are too big cannot support your child’s gait or weight transition and will compromise your child’s stability. I understand how dealing with your child’s AFO can be an extremely time-consuming and frustrating experience, but every quarter-inch of improvement is worth fighting for. Let me ask you this: How steady would you feel walking and running around in oversized shoes?

How to Order the Correct Size for Your Child’s AFOs?

I have noticed how most families simply increase the shoes they normally buy by two or more sizes, which can defeat the whole purpose of investing your time and money in an AFO. One of the most common reasons why children need to wear AFOs is to improve their stability. However, if you provide your child with shoes that are way too big, you’re stealing that stability right back.

I came up with a system to help those families who are unsure about what shoe size they need to order for their child’s AFOs. My method shouldn’t take you longer than a minute to do, and you will have the peace of mind that you are ordering the correct shoe size for your child’s AFOs.

➡️ Step Number 1: Measure Your Child’s AFOs

Measure your child’s AFO brace from the back of the heel up to the front part of the brace as shown in the image below. You can either use a measuring tape or a ruler. Make note of that measurement and proceed to step number 2.

➡️ Step Number 2: Measure Your Child’s Foot Length

Measure your child’s feet while standing, as on weight-bearing the foot becomes longer. Make sure to measure both feet up to the tip of your child’s longest toe.

Make a note of that measurement in centimeters or inches or email me the image showing the measurements (such as you see below) to avoid confusion with the measurements.

➡️ Step 3: Email Your Child’s Measurements 

Email me your child’s feet and AFO measurements so I can tell you exactly what shoe size you should order for your child. Once I receive your child’s measurements I will respond in less than 24 hours.

How Do I Retrieve What Shoe Size Your Child Should Wear with the AFOs?

So, for example, let’s say your child’s AFOs measure 6 1/2 inches. I will then place a measuring tape in the Brannock Device (see image below) and that will retrieve the shoe size that you should order to accommodate the AFO. In this case, 6 1/2 inches end at the shoe size 10 mark, which means that is the size we want to order. Not an inch longer or shorter.

What Are the Best Socks for Kids Who Wear AFOs?

I have been told by many medical professionals that AFOs should not come into direct contact with the child’s skin. While some children may be able to wear any type of socks underneath their AFOs, others may find short socks or socks with ribs and seams to be uncomfortable. It’s important to frequently check your child’s feet as the seams may rub and cause irritation, while short socks may allow plastic and strapping to rub against bare skin.

Always choose socks that are at least as tall as the AFOs with few or no seams. Thinner socks usually work the best, since thicker ones may not fit easily within the brace. I have fitted socks that are made specifically for children who wear AFOs in their shoes, and these socks help provide your child with protection and comfort under their orthotics.

The chart below will help you figure out your child’s correct sock size:

Best Resources for Children Who Wear AFOs

I have created many shoe and AFO resources over the years but some of the ones parents found most helpful are the ones that describe the best dress shoes, sandals, and boots for children who wear AFOs.

Are All New Balance Shoes in Extra Wide a Good Choice for AFOs?

You should be skeptical when you hear “Try New Balance shoes in extra wide”. The New Balance kids’ shoe line is quite extensive, and models differ greatly in terms of fit and support. Not all New Balance shoes in extra wide widths are capable of accommodating AFOs and some styles provide better support and stability than others.

Another example is the shoe brand Billy. Some families love this shoe brand for their children who wear AFOs while some parents who have tried them didn’t have the same luck. This is simply because not all Billy shoes are capable of accommodating AFOs.

Myths and Facts About the Best Shoe Brands for Kids Who Wear AFOs

I have seen many children wear Crocs with their AFOs. Now, I want you to think about it this way. AFOs help provide stability. Do you think about stability when you think of Crocs? I mention Crocs because I have seen parents recommend them because of how convenient and easy they are to put on and off. However, they are probably the most unstable piece of footwear there is.

How Long Does Your Child Need to Wear the AFOs?

The length of time your child should wear the AFO will vary depending on the degree of your child’s condition. Some children need to wear them constantly, while others only for a few hours.

In my experience, how often your child should wear the AFOs with his or her shoes depends on the severity of your child’s condition and the treatment goals, and this is a question your medical professional will be able to answer.

Velcro Extenders for Kids Who Wear Velcro Shoes with AFOs

If you fit your child’s AFOs in a pair of velcro shoes that I recommend it’s highly likely that you won’t have to use a velcro extender. However, if you already have a pair of shoes and the velcro straps are not going all the way across, you might have to add a velcro extender.

You can ask your orthotist to add extenders to your kids’ shoes as your medical professional will do it free of charge. If you are having trouble getting an appointment with your orthotist you can always buy the velcro extender and do it yourself: Velcro Extender

AFO Friendly Shoes for Kids Who Wear AFOs – Watch Video!

I created a video that will help you better visualize what features your kids’ shoes must provide to work well with AFOs.

Final Thoughts About Finding Shoes for AFOs

Every child is different, and it is essential to consider your child’s specific needs when choosing AFO shoes. I always suggest parents ask their orthotist or physical therapist about the shoes the child is wearing and how they fit. Let me know in the comment section below if you have found a specific shoe style that has worked well for your child’s AFOs.