Fitting Children's Shoes

Replacement Pringles for Your Child’s AFOs or SMOs – Find Out Where to Get New Ones

I have gotten several emails from families asking where they can get a replacement “Pringle” or “Instep Pad” (I don’t think there is an official term) for their child’s AFOs/SMOs. The Pringle is a little foam chip that goes under the straps of the AFOs or SMOs to keep the orthotics from pinching or placing too […]

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Shoes for SMOs – Extra Deep, Supportive, Flexible, and with Wider Openings!

Has your child been diagnosed with a foot condition that requires wearing SMOs and you are having the hardest time finding comfortable shoes? SMOs help provide additional support and heel stabilization and are usually prescribed for children who need extra support and stability. I have been fitting children’s shoes and orthotics for over a decade, […]

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The Best Kids’ Boots for AFOs and SMOs – Extra Deep and Wider Openings

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. […]

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Adaptive Sandals for Kids Who Wear AFOs or SMOs

Does your child wear AFOs or SMOs and you can’t seem to find a single pair of sandals that can accommodate the braces? These orthotic devices provide support and correct alignment for children with various foot conditions, but standard sandals usually often don’t accommodate them well. Whether your child must wear braces during the summer […]

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How to Order the Correct Shoe Size for Your Child’s SMOs – Follow These 4 Simple Steps

Does your child need to wear Supra-Malleolar Orthosis (SMOs) and are you having a hard time finding shoes to accommodate their SMOs? Are you frustrated about buying shoes in multiple sizes and having to return them all? Before we dive into how to order the correct shoe size for your child’s SMOs, I would like […]

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The Best Baseball Cleats for Kids Who Wear SMOs

Do you have a child who wears SMOs and your child’s doctor confirmed that your child must absolutely wear the braces while playing sports? If you were told that your child must wear SMOs while playing baseball, you came to the right place. I am going to show you which are the best baseball cleats […]

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Find Out the Right Shoe Size for Kids Who Wear a SMO on One Foot and an AFO on the Other Foot

Is your child required to wear one SMO (supramalleolar orthoses) on one foot and an AFO (ankle foot orthoses) on the other foot? Are you having a hard time figuring out what shoe size you should buy to make up the difference? It can be quite confusing to figure out whether your child should wear […]

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Should You Bring Shoes to Your Child’s AFO/SMO Appointment?

A lot of families are unsure about whether they should bring shoes to their child’s AFO/SMO appointment. Some of their most common questions are: Let’s dig into these questions to clarify any doubts you might have. Keep in mind that I have worked for a specialized children’s shoe store for the last 10 years, and […]

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