Last updated: August 2026 | By Juan Valenzuela, Certified Children’s Shoe Fitter As a shoe fitting expert with over 10 years of experience, I’ve seen the disappointment on kids’ faces more times than I can count when they realize the cute, stylish shoes they love won’t fit over their ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs). Most off-the-shelf Mary […]
Last updated: August 2026 | By Juan Valenzuela, Certified Children’s Shoe Fitter Struggling to find shoes your child will actually wear? You’re not alone — this is one of the most common (and most emotionally exhausting) challenges I help families with. Kids with sensory sensitivities aren’t being difficult on purpose. What looks like a meltdown […]
Last Updated: August 2026 | Juan Valenzuela, Certified Children’s Shoe Fitter When preparing for your child’s AFO/SMO appointment, you might wonder if bringing shoes is necessary. This decision can affect the fitting process and, ultimately, the success of the orthotic treatment. The right footwear can significantly enhance the benefit of your child’s AFOs or SMOs, […]
Last Updated: August 2026 | Juan Valenzuela, Certified Children’s Shoe Fitter Finding the perfect shoes for kids with AFOs can be tough, but expensive orthopedic options aren’t your only choice. Many everyday brands offer excellent support, fit, and comfort for ankle-foot orthoses. In this guide, I’ll walk through the top 4 shoe brands for kids […]
Last Updated: August 2026 | Juan Valenzuela, Certified Children’s Shoe Fitter I’ve seen countless discussions on forums like Reddit and Quora where parents recommend shoes that actually rank among the worst options for kids who wear AFOs. There’s a lot of confusion around which shoes truly work with braces. As a children’s shoe fitter with […]
Last Updated: August 2026 | Juan Valenzuela, Certified Children’s Shoe Fitter Has your child misplaced an insole or worn theirs down until it’s falling apart? Don’t rush out to buy a brand-new pair of shoes just yet. There are affordable replacement insoles for kids’ shoes that can save you money and hassle. As a dedicated […]
Last Updated: August 2026 | Juan Valenzuela, Certified Children’s Shoe Fitter Have you taken your child to a medical professional and been told that toe walking will eventually stop on its own? I’ve helped several children who were walking on their toes learn to walk the correct way — heel to toe — and I […]
Last Updated: August 2026 | Juan Valenzuela, Certified Children’s Shoe Fitter Do you have a preference for the shoe brand Tsukihoshi, and are wondering whether their shoes can accommodate your child’s orthotics? Tsukihoshi has become a favorite among pedorthists looking to modify shoes for customized orthotics and AFOs. That said, not all Tsukihoshi shoes work […]
If you’ve read any of my other articles about children’s shoes and AFOs, you already know how critical a properly fitting shoe is to how well an Ankle Foot Orthosis actually works. I’ve noticed that most parents buy shoes that are way too large to accommodate the AFO, which compromises your child’s stability and makes […]
Last Updated: August 2026 | Juan Valenzuela, Certified Children’s Shoe Fitter Looking for toddler shoes with extra long Velcro straps? These specially designed shoes are perfect for little ones who need a more adjustable fit — especially those with AFOs, high insteps, or extra wide feet. The extended straps make it easier to get the […]