Light Up Shoes for Kids Who Wear AFOs – Extra Deep and Wider Openings!

August 21, 2025 AFOs Juan Valenzuela 0 - Comments

If your child wears AFOs and keeps asking for fun light-up shoes, you’re not alone—and you’ve probably noticed that most options from brands like Skechers, Stride Rite, and Geox simply don’t fit over the braces. The truth is, very few light up shoes work well with AFOs, but I’ve done the research and found the styles that do. Children who wear AFOs need shoes that offer extra depth, width, and structure—without compromising on comfort or style. I’ll guide you to the best light-up shoe options that combine AFO-friendly fit with the sparkle and fun your child is excited about.

The Struggle of Finding Light-Up Shoes for AFOs

Finding regular sneakers that fit over AFOs is tough—but finding light-up shoes that work? That’s an even bigger challenge. Most light-up styles simply don’t offer the depth or adjustability needed. The good news? There’s one shoe brand that actually gets it—they’ve created a specific light-up shoe designed to accommodate orthotics while keeping kids excited to wear them.

How Do I Know Which Light Up Shoes Work Best with AFOs?

At the specialized children’s shoe store where I work, we regularly collaborate with physical and occupational therapists to help fit kids in the right shoes and orthotics. After countless fittings and lots of trial and error, I’ve learned exactly what works—and what doesn’t—for children who wear AFOs. One light-up shoe has consistently stood out: it’s fully adaptable, orthotic-friendly, and even accommodates extra wide widths.

What Makes the Light Up Shoes that I Recommend Ideal for AFOs?

light-up-shoes-for-kids-with-wide-feet
Round Toe-Boxes: The rounded shape gives toes plenty of room to move, making it ideal for children wearing AFOs. It helps prevent cramping, improves circulation, and protects the front of the shoe from AFO wear and tear.
light-up-shoes-for-kids-with-high-insteps
Extra Deep. One of the most important features to consider when selecting shoes for AFOs is depth. Shoes with extra depth allow for the orthotic to fit comfortably within the shoe without causing pressure points or restricting movement. This feature ensures that the child can walk or move with ease, and it prevents the AFO from causing blisters or sores on the foot.
A See Kai Run shoe with oversized openings for children who wear orthotics vs a Tsukihoshi shoe that is not wide or deep enough to accommodate orthotics.
Oversized Openings. Shoes with oversized openings are essential for children who wear AFOs. These shoes make it easier to slide the foot and the orthotic into the shoe without struggle.

Before diving into the best light-up shoes for kids who wear AFOs, let’s talk about something just as important—getting the right shoe size. Fitting shoes over AFOs often involves trial and error, but knowing your child’s correct starting size can save you time, money, and frustration. A proper fit is the key to comfort and support!

Avoid Oversized Shoes for Better Support

Shoes that are too long can throw off your child’s balance, gait, and overall stability. I know how challenging it can be to manage AFO fittings, but every small adjustment makes a big difference. Think about it—how stable would you feel running in shoes that are a size too big? To ensure your child gets the full support from their AFOs, it’s essential to pair them with the right type of shoes in the correct size.

Here are my top recommendations for light-up shoes that cater to children wearing AFOs. These options provide the necessary features and the excitement of light-up designs. Disclosure: Some links may be affiliate links, meaning we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Best Light Up Shoes for Kids Who Wear AFOs – Extra Wide and Deep

All of the light-up shoes I recommend below come in extra wide widths, so be sure to select the correct width for your child. Keep in mind—it’s always better to choose shoes that are wider and deeper rather than going up a size in length, which can affect comfort and support.

1. Light Ups BILLY Classic D|R High. These extra wide light up AFO shoes for kids are available in wide and extra wide widths, designed to combine fun and functionality for kids with wide feet. Featuring a full wrap-around zipper closure, these high-top sneakers allow for easy on and off.

Billy light-up shoes for kids with wide feet.
Wide light-up Billy shoes for kids.
  • Order the shoe Light Ups BILLY Classic D|R High on Amazon or Zappos
  • Available in extra wide widths
  • Heel pull tabs for easy wear
  • Removable inserts for added ease
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than the end of the AFO footplate

2. SR Lighted Glimmer 2.0 – ADAPT. These extra wide light-up AFO friendly shoes for kids by Stride Rite provide extra long straps and oversized openings for easy on and off.

Extra wide light-up shoes for kids.
  • Order the shoe SR Lighted Glimmer 2.0 – ADAPT by Stride Rite on Zappos
  • Available in extra wide widths
  • American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) approved
  • Oversized openings
  • Padded heel collar of these shoes offers added comfort
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than the end of the AFO footplate

3. Lighted Cosmic 2.0 Sneaker by Stride Rite. These extra wide light-up AFO shoes for kids provide a stable base of support and oversized openings for easy on and off.

Wide light-up shoes for boys by Stride Rite.
Wide light-up shoes for kids.
  • Order the shoe Lighted Cosmic by Stride Rite on Amazon
  • Available in extra wide widths
  • Padded heel collar
  • Oversized openings
  • Lightweight EVA midsole
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than the end of the AFO footplate

Be sure to remove the original insoles before inserting the AFOs—this creates extra space and helps the braces fit more comfortably and securely inside the shoes.

Reach Out for Specific Recommendations

If you’re unsure which shoes would be best for your child’s AFOs, don’t hesitate to reach out for specific shoe recommendations. I can provide personalized advice based on your child’s foot shape, condition, and AFO type.

Can These Light-Up Shoes Be Used as Everyday Sneakers?

Absolutely! These light-up shoes are durable, supportive, and flexible—perfect for all-day play. That said, shoes with laces generally offer better support and stability than Velcro styles. For added versatility, consider getting your child a second pair of lace-up sneakers for extra structure when needed.

What Socks Work Best for Children Who Wear AFOs?

Not all socks are created equal—especially when it comes to pairing them with AFOs. The best socks for children who wear ankle foot orthoses are seamless, durable, and long enough to fully cover the brace. These specially designed socks help protect your child’s skin from irritation while keeping their feet comfortable and supported throughout the day.

Finding the right shoes for your child’s specific AFOs often involves some trial and error. What works perfectly for one child may not work for another, so don’t rely solely on recommendations from other families. Each child’s needs are unique—focus on what fits and supports your child best.