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

July 14, 2025 SMOs Juan Valenzuela 2 - Comments

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

Does your child need to wear a Supra-Malleolar Orthosis (SMO), and you’re struggling to find shoes that actually accommodate it? Tired of ordering shoes in multiple sizes just to return them all? To help parents get this right, I’ve created a free step-by-step process.

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

Step 1: Measure Your Child’s SMO Footplate (If Applicable)

You only need to do this step if your child’s SMO has a footplate that extends over the toes. If it does, measure from the back of the heel cup to the longest front point of the brace. Make a note of that measurement, or email me a photo showing the measurement to avoid any confusion.

Step 2: Measure Your Child’s Foot Length

Measure your child’s feet while they’re standing, since the foot lengthens slightly under weight-bearing. Measure both feet to the tip of the longest toe, and note the longest measurement in inches or centimeters — or email me a photo showing the measurement. You can follow the instructions in this video for better visualizations purposes.

Step 3: Take Photos to Determine Foot Shape (Narrow, Medium, Wide, Extra Wide)

Take two clear photos of your child’s feet so I can help determine their exact foot shape. For a more accurate assessment, you can record a video of your child’s feet as shown here: Sample Video

Step 4: Send Everything to Me by Email

As a final step, email me your child’s foot and SMO measurements, and I’ll tell you exactly what shoe size to order. I respond within 24 hours of receiving your information.

With accurate measurements of both your child’s feet and their SMO in hand, you’ll have a reliable reference point for shopping online. That said, even with the right measurements, you may still need to order more than one size — there’s always some trial and error when fitting shoes over orthotics, since shoes fit differently from brand to brand.

Is This Service Free?

Yes, completely. 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 to their feet during childhood can affect the rest of their body as they grow.

If you’d like to support the work of Fitting Children’s Shoes, you can donate here. Your support helps the community as we strive to assist families around the world in finding the correct shoes for their children, regardless of foot shape or condition.

What Is a Supra-Malleolar Orthosis (SMO)?

An SMO supports the foot just above the ankle bones, or malleoli. It’s mainly used to control alignment at the subtalar joint — the joint located at the heel bone. In simple terms, an SMO is a foot and ankle brace.

Unlike AFOs, SMOs don’t extend much higher than the ankle, and they’re far less visible once a shoe is worn over them. Most SMOs don’t have a footplate that extends over the toes, though some do — which one your child needs depends on the degree of their foot or leg condition.
Some SMOs are designed with a footplate that extends over the toes, providing extra support and stability.

If your child is fitted into the wrong pair of shoes, they won’t get the full benefit of the brace — even if you’ve invested in a high-quality SMO or AFO.

Key Points on Using SMOs

How to Fit the SMO

  • Fasten the ankle strap first, then the calf strap, making sure all straps are secure before putting the shoe on over the brace.
  • Cotton socks under the SMO can help reduce rubbing.
  • If your child wears an SMO on each foot, double-check they’re on the correct sides.

How to Remove the SMO

  • Check your child’s skin after removing the brace. A faint red line around the edge is normal for SMOs (similar to AFOs) and should fade within about 30 minutes. If pain or skin marks persist beyond that, or your child develops blisters, contact your medical professional promptly for evaluation.

Caring for the SMO

  • Clean regularly with a damp cloth and mild soapy water, and let it dry completely before reapplying. Avoid direct sunlight, hair dryers, and tumble dryers.

Just because a shoe fits over the SMO doesn’t mean it’s the best option for your child’s feet. It’s also worth noting that letting your child walk around in oversized shoes can compromise their stability and increase the risk of falling. One of the main purposes of an SMO is to provide stability — a shoe that’s too large works directly against that goal.

Additional Resources for Kids Who Wear SMOs

Everyday sneakers are the single most important pair of footwear for a child who wears an SMO — kids should wear sneakers with their ankle braces most often for the brace to be as effective and comfortable as possible. If you’re also looking for warm-weather options, check out my guide to the best sandals for SMOs.

Contact Me for Personalized Help

If you’d like help figuring out the right shoe size for your child’s SMO, reach out by email with your child’s measurements — I’m happy to help.