Mary Jane Shoes for Older Girls Who Wear AFOs

March 3, 2025 AFOs Juan Valenzuela 0 - Comments

Are you having a hard time finding a pair of Mary Jane shoes for your daughter’s AFOs? Have you already found a pair of sneakers but your daughter needs something dressier or simply wants to wear a different shoe that is not a sneaker? Finding a pair of Mary Jane shoes that accommodates AFOs can be challenging, given the structural requirements of the orthotics. Fortunately, there are Mary Janes available that combine style with the necessary features to support AFO. Your daughter will be able to wear most of the Mary Jane shoes that I recommend in this article as long as she wears a kids’ shoe size 3 (women’s shoe size 4) or above.

My Experience Fitting Shoes for Children Who Wear AFOs

My name is Juan Valenzuela and I work for a specialized children’s shoe store, but we also carry a small selection of women’s shoes as we get many older children who are already wearing women’s or men’s shoe sizes.

about-me
Juan Valenzuela fitting children’s shoes at a local shoe store in Potomac, Maryland.

Most of the women’s shoe brands and styles that we carry are capable of accommodating different foot shapes (narrow, medium, wide, extra wide, high instep), as well as orthotic devices (3/4 and full length orthotics as well as AFOs/SMOs). My mission now is to help families from all over the world find the perfect pair of shoes for their children online.

Mary Jane Shoes for Older Girls Who Wear AFOs

If your child 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 for a helpful breakdown!

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 AFOs without compromising on 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 size in length and width. However, do you notice how the Mary Jane shoe on the right is a lot deeper compared to the Mary Jane shoe on the left?

2. Round Toe Boxes: Look for shoes with a round toe-box, offering ample room for the toes and the AFOs, preventing any pinching or discomfort. Mary Jane shoes with round toe boxes help prevent the front part of the AFO footplate from poking a hole in the front part of the shoes. This feature helps in avoiding pressure points that can lead to blisters or calluses, ensuring long-term comfort.

These Mary Jane shoes are also the same size in length and width. However, do you notice how the Mary Jane shoe on the right has a rounded toe-box compared to the Mary Jane shoe on the left?

3. Oversized Openings: Wearing footwear with AFOs requires a shoe that has a wider opening to easily slide the foot in with the brace on.

You will notice that all of the Mary Jane shoes that I recommend open up nice and wide.

4. Supportive Outsoles: Some parents might think that AFOs provide all the support needed, but the right shoes are just as important! Your child’s Mary Jane shoes should offer a stable, supportive base to securely hold the AFO in place while also giving your child’s feet the support they need.

Shoes with a reinforced base ensure that the foot remains in a neutral position, aiding in balance and posture.

5. Removable Insoles: This feature allows you to make extra space for the AFOs.

Mary Jane shoe with removable insoles to fit orthotics.
This is crucial as it allows for the accommodation of the AFOs without compromising on space within the shoe. 

Mary Jane shoes are not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional, making them suitable for a wide range of occasions, from school settings to more formal events. 

Most of the Mary Jane shoes listed below are women’s styles starting at a size 5, which means they’re a great fit for children wearing shoe sizes 3 and up. Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, so if you click through and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Your support helps us continue to bring you helpful content!

Best Mary Jane Shoes for Older Girls Who Wear AFOs

Selecting the right pair of Mary Janes for girls who wear AFOs can significantly impact their comfort, mobility, and confidence. Here are my top recommendations for 2025.

1. Shoe Style Maria by SAS

These Mary Jane shoes for AFOs are available in both wide and extra wide widths. They provide a stable base of support to hold the AFO in place and a firm heel counter to prevent the AFOs from moving inside the shoe.

Deep and supportive Mary Jane shoes for older girls who wear AFOs.
  • Order the shoe style Maria by SAS on Zappos or Amazon or Zappos
  • Available in wide and extra wide widths
  • This is a woman’s shoe that can fit children who wear a kids’ shoe size 3 or above
  • 100% leather
  • Extra deep
  • Made in the U.S.A.
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than the end of your child’s AFO footplate

2. Travel Activ by Propet

With its roomy toe box and soft, non-binding fit, this extra deep Mary Jane is perfect for older girls who wear AFOs.

Supportive Mary Jane shoe for older girls who wear AFOs.
  • Order the shoe style TravelActiv by Propet on Amazon or Zappos
  • Available in wide and extra wide widths
  • This is a woman’s shoe that can fit children who wear a kids’ shoe size 3 or above
  • 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
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than the end of your child’s AFO footplate

3. Golda by Propet

This is a versatile and stylish Mary Jane shoe that offers exceptional comfort and support, making it an ideal choice for older girls who wear AFOs.

Extra wide Mary Jane shoe that accommodates AFOs.
  • Order the shoe style Golda by Propet on Zappos or Amazon
  • Available in wide and extra wide widths
  • This is a woman’s shoe that can fit children who wear a kids’ shoe size 3 or above
  • Velcro closure
  • 100% leather
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than the end of your child’s AFO footplate

Princessa and Anna by Memo

Memo is a well-known brand specializing in orthopedic footwear, and their Princessa and Anna styles are top choices for children with AFOs. These shoes are designed with a wider width and a deep toe box, accommodating the AFO comfortably.

Orthopedic black dress shoe for girls.
Orthopedic Memo Mary Jane for AFOs.
  • Order the shoe style Princessa and Anna by Memo on Amazon
  • Fits medium, wide, or extra wide feet
  • Extra depth and width for orthotics
  • Rigid heel counter
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than the end of the AFO footplate

5. Drew Rose

This Mary Jane shoe is available in multiple colors and its flexible, shock-absorbing sole helps reduce foot strain and supports natural movement, making it ideal for pairing with AFOs.

Mary Jane shoe for older girls who wear AFOs.
  • Order the shoe style Drew Rose on Amazon
  • Available in wide and extra wide widths
  • This is a woman’s shoe that can fit children who wear a kids’ shoe size 3 or above
  • 100% leather
  • Extra deep
  • Two removable footbeds for added and double depth
  • Firm heel counter and tempered steel shank 
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than the end of your child’s AFO footplate

The Importance of Removing Original Insoles

One of the most critical steps in fitting shoes for AFOs is the removal of the original insoles. Removing the original insoles creates additional space within the shoe, allowing for the correct fit of the AFOs without causing discomfort or pressure on the foot. This extra space is vital to ensure that the foot is not cramped, which can lead to various foot problems

Contact Me for Personalized Shoe Recommendations

Every child’s foot is unique, and finding the right shoe can make a significant difference in their comfort and mobility. A personalized approach can address specific concerns and preferences, leading to a more satisfying experience. If you’re struggling to find the perfect pair of Mary Jane shoes for your child who wears AFOs, contact me for specific recommendations tailored to your child’s unique foot shape and orthotic needs.

Finding the Right Shoe Size

Determining the correct shoe size is essential for comfort and effectiveness, particularly when AFOs are involved. Wearing the wrong size can lead to discomfort and even hinder the effectiveness of the orthotics. Here is a virtual resource that will help you retrieve exactly what shoe size you should order to accommodate your child’s AFOs. I know how frustrating it is to order several shoes online in multiple sizes just to end up empty-handed.

Shoes for AFOs for boys in men's shoe sizes.
An image of older children wearing sneakers with their AFOs.

Bonus Resource: Sneakers for AFOs

While Mary Jane shoes are a great option for dressier occasions, everyday sneakers are often better for everyday wear. Sneakers provide the necessary support for active lifestyles and are designed to withstand the rigors of daily activities.

I hope you find this resource helpful! If you have a favorite shoe style or brand that’s been a game-changer for your daughter’s AFOs, I’d love to hear about it in the comments below. Your recommendations could make a big difference for other parents!