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 […]
An ill-fitting shoe can cause pressure points, blisters, and even undermine the corrective function your child’s AFOs are designed to provide. A proper fit enhances your child’s walking experience, giving them the support and stability the AFO is meant to offer — and it also extends the life of both the shoe and the AFO […]
Last Updated: August 2026 | Juan Valenzuela, Certified Children’s Shoe Fitter Stride Rite has introduced a line of shoes specifically designed to accommodate orthotics, including AFOs and SMOs. After testing these myself, I can confidently say they offer excellent adaptability — extra-long Velcro straps, sturdy outsoles, and firm heel counters, available in both wide (W) […]
Last Updated: August 2026 | Juan Valenzuela, Certified Children’s Shoe Fitter Many families struggle to find shoes that accommodate their child’s AFOs or SMOs, especially when it comes to sandals, boots, dress shoes, or sport cleats — not just everyday sneakers. Rather than overwhelm you with a long list of options, I’ve narrowed this down […]
Last Updated: August 2026 | Juan Valenzuela, Certified Children’s Shoe Fitter Looking for the best Ikiki shoes for kids who wear AFOs? Finding the right fit can be tricky, but Ikiki is a top choice among parents and fitters alike. As a shoe fitter with years of experience, I’ve found that Ikiki shoes work exceptionally […]
As a professional shoe fitter, I understand how overwhelming it can be for parents to find shoes that comfortably and securely fit over ankle-foot orthotics (AFOs). I’ve worked with countless families facing this exact challenge, and one of the most common recommendations I make is See Kai Run — but not just any pair. In […]
Last Updated: August 2026 | Juan Valenzuela, Certified Children’s Shoe Fitter With over a decade of experience fitting shoes for children who wear AFOs, I’ve developed a keen understanding of what actually works. One brand I frequently recommend is Billy Shoes — not because they were built specifically for AFOs, but because their easy on-and-off […]
Last Updated: August 2026 | Juan Valenzuela, Certified Children’s Shoe Fitter Have you been advised to just buy New Balance extra wide (XW) shoes and size up to fit your child’s AFOs? Before you order, know that not all New Balance XW shoes accommodate AFOs properly. With such a wide range of models, some offer […]
Last Updated: August 2026 | Juan Valenzuela, Certified Children’s Shoe Fitter 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. But fitting your child’s AFOs in the wrong pair of shoes can make the AFOs virtually worthless. The best […]
Parents often reach out asking whether a soccer cleat exists that can actually accommodate their child’s AFO (Ankle-Foot Orthosis). Before shopping for cleats, it’s worth checking with your child’s medical provider on one question first: does their AFO actually need to come off, or on, for soccer specifically? Not every child needs to wear their […]