Best Stride Rite Shoes for AFOs – Extra Deep and Available in Extra Wide Widths!
Stride Rite has recently introduced a new line of shoes specifically designed to accommodate orthotics, including AFOs and SMOs. After testing these shoes myself, I can confidently say they offer excellent adaptability, with features like extra depth, sturdy outsoles, and firm heel counters. Available in wide (W) and extra-wide (XW) widths, these shoes ensure a comfortable and supportive fit for children. Based on my years of shoe fitting experience, I’m excited to share my top recommendations for the best Stride Rite shoes for AFOs.
My Experience Helping Children Find Shoes for AFOs
With 10 years of experience fitting children’s shoes and orthotics, I specialize in helping kids with foot and leg issues at a dedicated children’s shoe store. I work closely with physical and occupational therapists who refer families to me for expert shoe and orthotic fittings.
While it’s important for kids to enjoy their shoes, I also feel responsible for ensuring the shoes are providing the proper support. After all, you’re investing time and money in AFOs, and it’s crucial to maximize their benefits for your child’s comfort and well-being.
Be Careful About Getting Shoes That Are Too Big
Many families of children with AFOs struggle to find shoes that fit properly, often resorting to purchasing shoes that are too big for their child’s AFOs. This can severely compromise your child’s stability, undermining the primary goal of the AFOs—to enhance mobility and support.
Medical professionals frequently express frustration when shoes are not properly fitted, as this can significantly impact a child’s functional mobility. In most cases, the issue stems from shoes being too large, which defeats the purpose of the AFOs.
This new Stride Rite line of shoes will allow you to find shoes to accommodate the AFOs without getting the shoes too big.
What Makes Stride Rite Adaptable Sneakers Ideal for AFOs?
Beyond size and width, Stride Rite shoes often incorporate specific features that enhance their suitability for AFOs. These include reinforced seams and sturdy yet flexible materials that provide the necessary support without compromising on comfort.
1. Effortless On and Off: With wide openings, these shoes make it a breeze for parents to slide their child’s feet in with AFOs, offering a hassle-free experience.
2. Extra Depth for Added Comfort: Designed with extra depth, these shoes ensure your child’s AFOs sit comfortably inside, boosting stability and overall comfort.
3. Supportive Heel Counter: The firm heel counter enhances ankle support, providing essential stabilization for your child’s feet and improving posture.
4. Durable Outsoles for Better Stability: The substantial outsoles secure the AFOs in place, delivering robust support while protecting your child’s feet during movement.
5. Customizable Fit with Removable Insoles: Remove the original insoles for extra space, giving your child a snug and supportive fit for their AFOs without sacrificing comfort.
Choosing the right shoes for children with AFOs involves more than just finding a pair that fits. It’s about ensuring the shoes provide the necessary support and comfort to enhance the child’s mobility and overall well-being. Disclosure: Some links in this post are affiliate links, and we may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you make a purchase.
Best Stride Rite Shoes for AFOs – Extra Deep for Easy On and Off
When considering Stride Rite shoes for children with AFOs, there are several models that stand out in 2025 for their design and functionality.
Shoe style Holly Mary Jane by Stride Rite
These Stride Rite Mary Jane shoes for AFOs can be worn for casual wear or dressier occasions.
Key Features
- Order the shoe style SR Holly by Stride Rite on Zappos or Amazon
- Available for toddlers and little kids
- Available in extra wide widths
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than the end of the AFO/SMO footplate
Shoe style M2P Journey 3.0 Adapt by Stride Rite
These sneakers for AFOs are part of the Stride Rite adaptable line and come with extra long velcro straps and are available in extra wide widths.
Key Features
- Order the shoe style M2P Journey Adapt by Stride Rite on Zappos or Amazon
- Available for toddlers and little kids
- Available in extra wide widths
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than the end of the AFO/SMO footplate
Shoe style Cosmic Light-Up by Stride Rite
This light-up shoe by Stride Rite is specially designed for children who wear AFOs, offering an extra-wide fit for comfort and support. Featuring fun, vibrant light-up details, this shoe ensures a secure and stylish fit while accommodating AFOs.
- Order the shoe style Cosmic Light-Up by Stride Rite on Amazon or Zappos
- Available for toddlers and little kids
- Available in extra wide widths
- Oversized openings
- Light-up technology illuminates every step
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than the end of the AFO/SMO footplate
Shoe style Journey by Stride Rite
These Stride Rite shoes for AFOs are durable and available in extra wide widths, making them ideal for children wearing AFOs.
- Order the shoe style Journey by Stride Rite on Amazon
- Available for toddlers and little kids
- Available in extra wide widths
- Lace-up closure
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than the end of the AFO/SMO footplate
How to Determine the Right Shoe Size for Your Child’s AFOs
I offer a free service to help parents determine the correct shoe size for their child’s AFOs. This service is designed to take the guesswork out of ordering shoes online, ensuring a perfect fit every time. By using this service, parents can avoid the common pitfalls of ordering incorrect sizes, which can lead to unnecessary returns and exchanges.
Contact Me for Personalized Recommendations
As a shoe fitter with extensive experience, I’m here to help you navigate the challenges of finding the right shoes for your child’s AFOs. If you need personalized recommendations or have questions about fitting shoes over AFOs, feel free to reach out to me via email. I can provide tailored advice that considers your child’s specific requirements.
Bonus Resources: Everyday Sneakers and Socks
I’ve put together additional resources that you might find helpful! For instance, choosing the right socks can significantly improve comfort when wearing AFOs. Plus, there are other shoe brands that offer everyday sneakers designed to work perfectly with AFO.
What Are the Best Socks for Kids Who Wear AFOs?
Many medical professionals recommend that AFOs should never come into direct contact with your child’s skin. While some children can comfortably wear any type of socks under their AFOs, others may struggle with short socks or those with seams and ribs. It’s important to regularly check your child’s feet to ensure they’re free from irritation, as seams can rub and cause discomfort, and short socks may expose their skin to plastic and straps, leading to potential chafing.
What Other Shoe Brands Work Well with AFOs?
I know parents feel heartbroken when they see the disappointment on their kids’ faces when not a single pair of shoes they want can accommodate the shape of the AFOs. Supportive everyday sneakers provide a balance between support and casual comfort, ensuring that children can wear them for various activities without compromising on the fit.
My goal is to empower parents with the knowledge and tools they need to make informed decisions about their child’s footwear. By providing personalized support and recommendations, I aim to alleviate the stress and uncertainty that often accompanies the process of finding the right shoes for AFOs. Your child’s comfort and mobility are my top priorities, and I’m committed to helping you achieve the best possible outcomes.
