How to Order the Correct Shoe Size for Your Child’s Orthotics: 3 Simple Steps

August 18, 2026 Orthotics/Insoles Juan Valenzuela 2 - Comments

Are you having a hard time finding a pair of shoes to accommodate your child’s orthotics? A proper shoe fit is essential for orthotics to work effectively, helping correct foot issues early on. Ill-fitting shoes can negate the benefits of the orthotic entirely, leading to discomfort and potentially worsening the underlying condition. One of the most common mistakes I see parents make is buying shoes that are too long in an attempt to accommodate the orthotic — which can cause blisters, calluses, and other foot problems of its own.

My Experience Fitting Children’s Shoes and Orthotics

One of the most rewarding parts of my job is helping families navigate the complexities of orthotic shoe fitting. By providing personalized recommendations based on a child’s unique foot shape and condition, I aim to take the guesswork out of a process that trips up a lot of parents. Over the years, I’ve learned which shoes work best for children who wear ¾-length or full-length orthotics, AFOs (ankle-foot orthoses), and SMOs (supramalleolar orthoses).

Juan Valenzuela, certified children’s shoe fitter, standing in a children’s shoe store surrounded by supportive kids’ shoes, orthotics, and insoles.
Juan Pablo Valenzuela fitting children’s shoes and orthotics at a local children’s shoe store in Maryland.

I truly believe the right shoes and orthotics can be life-changing. Children’s feet are constantly developing, and what happens to them during childhood affects how a person’s body carries itself for years to come.

How to Order the Correct Shoe Size for Your Child’s Orthotics

All you need is a measuring tape or ruler to take your child’s foot and orthotic measurements. Comparing your child’s foot measurement against the orthotic length is how I determine the shoe size that comfortably accommodates both.

Step 1: Measure Your Child’s Orthotic Length

If your child wears a full-length orthotic or an AFO with a footplate that extends over the toes, I’ll need the orthotic’s measurement. You can skip this step if your child wears a ¾-length orthotic.

This photo shows how to measure your child’s full-length orthotic — flip it over so the flat underside is facing up (this gives a more accurate measurement than measuring over the raised arch on top), then measure from the back edge (the heel) to the front tip.
The AFO footplate should be measured from the inside, not the outside. This means placing your tape measure along the inner surface of the footplate — the part that would sit directly under your child’s foot — rather than around the outer edge of the plastic.

Email me the measurement, or a photo of it, to avoid any confusion.

Step 2: Measure Your Child’s Exact Foot Length

With your child standing straight and their weight evenly distributed, measure both feet — one is often slightly larger than the other.

Measure to the tip of your child’s longest toe, and make sure their toes aren’t curled.

Note the measurement in centimeters or inches, or email me a photo showing the measurement. This video walks through the process visually if that’s easier to follow.

Step 3: Send Photos of Your Child’s Foot Width

If you already know your child’s foot width (narrow, medium, wide, or extra wide), you can skip this step. Otherwise, email me two photos of their feet so I can determine it for you.

This image helps determine your child’s foot shape and instep height.
An image that helps determine your child’s foot shape and instep height.

This video walks through this step visually as well.

Recap: What to Include in Your Email

  • Your child’s orthotic length measurement (or a photo of it)
  • Your child’s foot length measurement (or a photo of it)
  • Two photos of your child’s feet (to determine foot shape)
  • If you’d like specific shoe recommendations, let me know which country you live in, so I can recommend styles that are actually available where you are

I’ll respond within 24 hours with the correct shoe size to accommodate your child’s orthotics. Once you have everything ready, email it to customerservice@fittingchildrenshoes.com.

Types of orthotics and insoles for children fitted by an experienced shoe fitter.

I’m passionate about fitting children’s shoes because I truly believe the right pair can be life-changing. Children’s feet are constantly developing, and what happens during those early years shapes how their bodies carry themselves as they grow older.

Support This Resource

If you’d like to support the work of Fitting Children’s Shoes, you can donate here. Your support helps ensure families around the world can find the correct shoes for their children, regardless of foot shape or condition.