Last updated: August 2026 | By Juan Valenzuela, Certified Children’s Shoe Fitter Wondering which socks work best with AFOs? When wearing AFOs (Ankle-Foot Orthoses), your child can usually wear any type of sock — as long as it’s tall enough to cover the top edge of the brace and protect the skin. That said, it’s […]
AFO braces are designed to help children walk more comfortably and confidently by stabilizing the joints and correcting the gait. However, despite their benefits, AFO braces can sometimes lead to skin issues such as blisters, especially if not worn with the right shoes and socks. The first step is always to take the brace back […]
Finding rain boots for kids with AFOs can feel almost impossible. Most traditional rain boots aren’t wide or deep enough to fit over orthotics, leaving parents frustrated after trying multiple sizes and styles. As a shoe fitter with years of experience helping children who wear AFOs, I’ve tested several options and found a couple of […]
Has your child been prescribed AFOs, only for you to struggle finding shoes that fit over them? Are you ending up buying shoes that are way too big just to accommodate the braces? If you’re needing shoes more than a size and a half larger than your child’s actual foot size, it’s a red flag […]
Are you having a hard time finding a pair of Mary Jane shoes for your daughter’s AFOs? Have you already found a pair of sneakers but your daughter needs something dressier or simply wants to wear a different shoe that is not a sneaker? Finding a pair of Mary Jane shoes that accommodates AFOs can […]
As a shoe fitter with years of hands-on experience, I understand the challenges of finding supportive AFO winter boots that are wide and deep to accommodate the extra space orthotics take. I have found certain winter boots that provide enough room without being too bulky and have adjustable fastenings (like Velcro) for a snug fit. […]