How to Get the Correct Shoe Size for Your Child’s AFOs – Follow These 3 Simple Steps!

An ill-fitting shoe can cause pressure points, blisters, and even alter the intended corrective function of your AFOs. A proper fit can enhance your child’s walking experience, providing the necessary support and stability that AFOs are designed to offer. Furthermore, the right shoe size can enhance the durability of both the shoe and the AFO, as a proper fit reduces unnecessary wear and tear on the materials involved.

My Experience Fitting Children’s Shoes and AFOs

My passion for fitting children’s shoes stems from the belief that proper footwear can be life-changing, especially during the formative years. Each child presents unique challenges and opportunities, making the process both rewarding and educational. Properly fitted shoes can significantly impact a child’s confidence and willingness to engage in various activities.

How to Get the Correct Shoe Size for Your Child’s AFOs

There are three steps you need to follow correctly for me to retrieve exactly what shoe size you should get for your child’s AFOs.

Step Number One: Measure Your Child’s AFO Footplate

Measure your child’s AFO footplate from the back of the heel up to the longest front part of the brace as shown in the image below. Make note of that measurement or email me the image showing the measurements (such as you see below) to avoid confusion with the measurements.

You can follow the instructions in this video for better visualizations purposes.

Step Number 2: Measure Your Child’s Foot Length

Make sure that your child is standing straight and measure both feet, as one foot might be bigger than the other one. Measure up to the tip of your child’s longest toe, which may not necessarily be the big toe, it may in fact be the second or even the third toe. Note your child’s foot measurements or email the image to avoid confusion.

By comparing both sets of measurements—the foot and the footplate—I can better assess the size of the shoe needed.

Step Number 3: Video or Images to Determine Foot Width

Create a short video to determine whether your child has narrow, medium, wide, or extra wide feet. Below you can find a sample of how the video should look like:

➡️ Recap – What to Include in Your Email

Email me your child’s feet and AFO measurements along with a video of your child’s foot shape so I can tell you exactly what shoe size you should order for your child. Once I receive your child’s measurements I will respond in less than 24 hours:

customerservice@fittingchildrenshoes.com

Shoe Sizing for AFOs Made Easy – Watch Video

In this YouTube video, I break down the entire process of selecting the perfect shoe size to fit your child’s ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs), making it easier than ever to get the support and comfort your child needs.

If you are investing your time and money in a pair of AFOs, your child might as well get the full benefits that the AFOs have to offer. Another reason why it’s important to order the correct shoe size for your child’s AFOs as when the AFOs don’t fit properly inside the shoes they can make the shoes fall apart faster.

Most Common Mistakes Parents Make When Buying Shoes for AFOs

One of the most common mistakes that I see parents make is to buy shoes that are one full shoe size and a half (or bigger) than their child’s foot size to accommodate the AFOs. If you get the correct type of shoes you should never go bigger than a whole shoe size and a half. Parents need to understand that AFOs add more width than length, and if you get the correct type of shoes you won’t need to order the shoes too long.

Additional Resource: Best Sneakers for AFOs

Choosing the best sneakers for AFOs can be overwhelming with so many options available. However, certain brands and models have stood out in terms of comfort, support, and design. Here are some top recommendations of the best shoes for AFOs.

Parents often express relief when their child feels comfortable and confident in their new shoes. I am passionate about creating resources that guide families in choosing the correct shoe size online or in-store. 

Should you wish to endorse the efforts of Fitting Children’s Shoes, you can Donate Here. Your support helps ensure that families around the world can find the correct shoes for their children, regardless of their foot shape or condition.