Find Out If Your Child’s AFOs Are Too Long (Full Footplate AFOs)

September 12, 2026 AFOs Juan Valenzuela 0 - Comments

Last updated: August 2026 | By Juan Valenzuela, Certified Children’s Shoe Fitter

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 that the AFO footplate may be too long — or that a different shoe option is needed. Remember, AFOs fitted into oversized shoes lose one of their key purposes: providing proper stability for your child’s feet and legs. Let’s make sure your child’s AFOs — and shoes — fit just right.

Examples of AFOs That Were Fitted Too Long

You might have noticed that AFOs are sometimes made longer than your child’s current foot size. Often, this is intentional — medical professionals may add extra length to allow for growth so your child can wear the AFOs longer. While a little growing room is perfectly fine, there’s a limit. If the AFO footplate is too long, it becomes nearly impossible to find shoes that fit properly, leading to discomfort and defeating the purpose of the braces in the first place.

How to Check If Your Child’s AFO Footplate Is Too Long

Keep in mind that this method is specifically for children whose AFOs have a footplate extending over the toes. If your child’s braces stop short of the toes, a different fitting approach is needed.

Image of a child standing on AFOs barefoot.
Step One. Have your child stand on the AFOs and check how much space there is between your child’s longest toe and the end of the AFO footplate. Make sure your child is standing straight, their heels are all the way back and sitting well in the heel cup against the AFOs, and they aren’t curling their toes.
Step Two. There should be 0.9 centimeters (3/8 inch) of space between your child’s longest toe and the end of the AFO footplate — that’s the right amount of growing room. If the footplate has more space than that, you’ll end up needing overly large shoes that compromise your child’s stability.
Here is an example in which the child is wearing AFOs that were fitted too long.

What Can You Do If the AFO Footplate Is Too Long?

If that’s the situation with your child’s AFOs, I strongly recommend taking them back to your medical professional to have the footplate trimmed — it’s the only real, reliable solution.

How Long Should Your Child’s AFOs Last?

This depends on each child’s growth rate, but AFOs typically last anywhere from 9 to 12 months. Make sure to examine your child’s skin regularly. If the skin looks sore or irritated, remove the AFO(s) and contact your medical professional.

What Shoes Work Best for Children Who Wear AFOs?

I’ve created several resources over the years for families of children who wear AFOs. The one families find most helpful describes the best sneakers for AFOs. If you’re specifically looking for house shoes, I’ve also put together a guide to the best supportive house shoes for AFOs, and for older girls who need something dressier, check out my Mary Jane shoes for AFOs guide.

While it’s possible to buy AFOs off-the-shelf, most children receive custom braces. I strongly suggest speaking with your medical professional before buying AFOs off-the-shelf. If your family is exploring options beyond AFOs entirely, I’ve also written about the best alternatives to AFOs.

Reach Out with Any Questions

If you’re unsure whether your child’s AFOs are too big, too small, or fit just right, you can send me a photo like the ones above and I’ll help you figure it out. Once you have your photos ready, you can send them via email.

Every child’s situation is unique, but you’re not alone in this journey. It’s not unusual for an AFO to feel uncomfortable at first, so I suggest having your child break it in slowly.