Mary Jane Shoes for Older Girls Who Wear AFOs

August 26, 2026 AFOs Juan Valenzuela 0 - Comments

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

Are you having a hard time finding a pair of Mary Jane shoes for your daughter’s AFOs? Maybe you’ve already found a pair of sneakers, but she needs something dressier or simply wants a shoe that isn’t a sneaker. Finding a pair of Mary Janes that accommodates AFOs can be challenging, given the structural requirements of the orthotics — but the good news is that Mary Janes exist that combine style with everything an AFO needs. Your daughter will be able to wear most of the styles I recommend below as long as she wears a kids’ shoe size 3 (women’s size 4) or above.

My Experience Fitting Shoes for Children Who Wear AFOs

I work at a specialized children’s shoe store, but we also carry a small selection of women’s shoes, since we get many older children who are already wearing women’s or men’s shoe sizes.

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

Most of the women’s shoe brands and styles we carry can accommodate different foot shapes (narrow, medium, wide, extra wide, high instep), as well as orthotic devices (3/4-length and full-length orthotics, along with AFOs and SMOs). My mission is to help families around the world find the perfect pair of shoes for their children, even from home.

Sizing: Kids’ vs. Women’s Shoes

If your daughter wears a shoe size 3 or larger, she’ll be able to wear all the Mary Jane styles I recommend below. Since most of the shoes I’ve selected start at a women’s size 5, that corresponds to a kids’ size 3. To make the size conversion clearer, check out the chart below.

Kids and women shoe size conversion chart.

Key Features of Mary Jane Shoes to Accommodate AFOs

1. Extra Depth — Shoes with extra depth accommodate the bulk of the AFO without compromising fit or style. This additional space is crucial for maintaining circulation and avoiding undue pressure on the foot.

These Mary Jane shoes are the same length and width. Notice how the shoe on the right is noticeably deeper than the one on the left.

2. Round Toe Boxes — A round toe box offers ample room for the toes and the AFO, preventing pinching or discomfort. It also helps stop the front of the AFO footplate from poking a hole through the front of the shoe, avoiding pressure points that can lead to blisters or calluses.

These Mary Jane shoes are also the same length and width. Notice how the shoe on the right has a rounder toe box than the one on the left.

3. Oversized Openings — Wearing footwear with an AFO requires a wider opening so the foot can slide in easily with the brace already on.

All the Mary Jane shoes I recommend open up nice and wide.

4. Supportive Outsoles — AFOs don’t provide all the support your child needs on their own — the shoe matters too. Look for a Mary Jane with a stable, supportive base that securely holds the AFO in place while also supporting the foot.

A reinforced base helps keep the foot in a neutral position, supporting balance and posture.

5. Removable Insoles — This feature lets you create extra internal space for the AFO without compromising the shoe’s fit.

Mary Jane shoe with removable insoles to fit orthotics.
Removable insoles make it easier to accommodate an AFO without sacrificing space inside the shoe.

Mary Jane shoes are not only stylish but genuinely functional, making them suitable for everything from school to more formal occasions. Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you make a purchase through them.

Best Mary Jane Shoes for Older Girls Who Wear AFOs

Most of the styles below are women’s shoes starting at a size 5, which corresponds to a kids’ size 3 and up.

Shoe Style Maria by SAS

Available in wide and extra wide widths, with a stable base of support and a firm heel counter that keeps the AFO from shifting inside the shoe.

Deep and supportive Mary Jane shoes for older girls who wear AFOs.
  • Order on Amazon
  • Available in wide and extra wide widths
  • Runs in women’s sizing — fits kids’ size 3 and up
  • 100% leather
  • Extra deep
  • Made in the U.S.A.
  • Sizing tip: order a full size larger than the end of the AFO footplate

Travel Activ by Propet

A roomy toe box and soft, non-binding fit make this extra-deep Mary Jane a strong pick for older girls who wear AFOs.

Supportive Mary Jane shoe for older girls who wear AFOs.
  • Order on Amazon
  • Available in wide and extra wide widths
  • Runs in women’s sizing — fits kids’ size 3 and up
  • Elastic mary jane strap with a hook-and-loop closure
  • Flexible and cushioned EVA footbed for added support
  • breathable and stretchy mesh uppers with a reinforced toe
  • Sizing tip: order a full size larger than the end of the AFO footplate

Golda by Propet

A versatile, stylish Mary Jane with exceptional comfort and support — a solid choice for older girls who wear AFOs.

Extra wide Mary Jane shoe that accommodates AFOs.
  • Order on Amazon
  • Available in wide and extra wide widths
  • Runs in women’s sizing — fits kids’ size 3 and up
  • Velcro closure
  • 100% leather
  • Sizing tip: order a full size larger than the end of the AFO footplate

Drew Rose

Available in multiple colors, with a flexible, shock-absorbing sole that reduces foot strain and supports natural movement — a great pairing for AFOs.

Mary Jane shoe for older girls who wear AFOs.
  • Order on Amazon
  • Available in wide and extra wide widths
  • Runs in women’s sizing — fits kids’ size 3 and up
  • 100% leather
  • Extra deep
  • Two removable footbeds for added and double depth
  • Firm heel counter and tempered steel shank
  • Sizing tip: order a full size larger than the end of the AFO footplate

The Importance of Removing Original Insoles

One of the most critical steps in fitting shoes for AFOs is removing the shoe’s original insoles. This creates additional internal space, allowing the AFO to fit correctly without discomfort or pressure on the foot. That extra room matters — a cramped fit can lead to a range of foot problems over time.

Finding the Right Shoe Size

Getting the correct shoe size is essential for comfort and effectiveness, especially with AFOs involved. Wearing the wrong size can cause discomfort and even reduce how well the orthotic actually works. I’ve put together a virtual resource to help you figure out exactly what size to order. I know how frustrating it is to order several shoes online in different sizes and still come up empty-handed.

Contact Me for Personalized Shoe Recommendations

Every child’s foot is unique, and finding the right shoe can make a real difference in comfort and mobility. If you’re struggling to find the perfect pair of Mary Janes for your child’s AFOs, reach out by email for recommendations tailored to your child’s specific foot shape and orthotic needs.