Replacement Pringles for Your Child’s AFOs or SMOs – Find Out Where to Get New Ones

December 13, 2024 Shoes for AFOs Juan Valenzuela 2 - Comments

I have gotten several emails from families asking where they can get a replacement “Pringle” or “Instep Pad” (I don’t think there is an official term) for their child’s AFOs/SMOs. The Pringle is a little foam chip that goes under the straps of the AFOs or SMOs to keep the orthotics from pinching or placing too much pressure on your child’s skin. Your child can continue to wear the braces without the Pringles, as you don’t “technically” need them, but they do help increase comfort and prevent foot issues such as blisters and other pressure sores.

What’s the Main Purpose of the Pringles? – Are they Necessary?

Some families believe that the main purpose of Pringles is to increase comfort, which they definitely do. However, they also help cushion the top part of the foot and prevent the orthotics from putting too much pressure on your child’s skin, which helps prevent blisters and pressure sores.

While some children can go without using the Pringle with their orthotics, others might refuse to wear their orthotics without it.

If you happen to notice red marks on the top part of your child’s feet (instep), then I suggest that you don’t have your child wear the AFOs or SMOs until it either goes away or your medical professional makes a modification to prevent it.

An image of a child with red marks on his feet from wearing AFOs without instep pads (Pringles).
An image of a child with red marks on the top of his foot from wearing AFOs without instep pads (Pringles).

Where Can You Order Extra Pringles for Your Child’s AFOs or SMOs?

You should start with step number one and if that doesn’t work proceed to step number two:

1. Your first point of contact should be the clinic or specialist who provided your child’s AFOs, as they should be able to send you a replacement for free. They often have direct access to replacement parts and can ensure that you receive the correct size and type of instep pad. Additionally, they can assist with the installation to ensure a proper fit. 

Some families are told that they need to make an appointment but please note that there is no need to make an appointment to get them, they should be able to mail them to you right away. If they insist that you need to make an appointment, I suggest moving to step number 2.

2. Contact the manufacturer, which might be Surestep or Cascade. Here are two links to their customer service:

Surestep: https://surestep.net/contact/

Cascade Dafo: https://cascadedafo.com/contact-us

Pringles Have Different Numbers On Them – What Do They Mean?

Most Pringles are labeled with a size number for easy re-ordering. If you are unsure about what size Pringle your child had, you need to contact your orthotist or manufacturer and they will be able to tell you based on the orthotics your child is wearing.

What Can You Do While You Wait for the New Pringles to Arrive?

While you wait for the new Pringles to arrive, you can use moleskin or craft foam to get through until you can get new ones.

Did You Know that Pringles Can Be Sewn-In to Your Child’s AFOs or SMOs?

Some families notice that the Pringle slides down into the toes of their child’s shoes. If this keeps happening you can ask your orthotist to have the Pringles either sewn-in or glued down to the AFOs or SMOs so they are not constantly falling out. Parents love the simplicity of this, and it definitely helps make the donning process easier. 

By sewing-in or glueing-down the Pringles to your child’s orthotics you can reduce the likelihood of them getting lost and you will facilitate proper placement.

An image of a pair of Pringles that were sewn-in to a child’s AFOs.

If you want to sewn-in or glue down the Pringles yourself you can definitely do so.

Monitor for Signs of Discomfort

Pay attention to any signs of discomfort your child may experience while wearing their AFOs. Redness, blisters, or reluctance to wear the orthosis can indicate a poor fit or the need for a replacement instep pad. Promptly addressing these issues can prevent more severe complications and encourage consistent use of the AFOs.

Personalized Shoe Recommendations for AFOs and SMOs

As a dedicated shoe fitter, I understand the challenges parents face when it comes to finding the right shoe for their child’s unique needs. For personalized shoe recommendations or further guidance on choosing the best shoes for AFOs or SMOs don’t hesitate to reach out: fittingchildrensshoes@gmail.com

Feel free to also reach out if you are still unclear on how to find replacement Pringles for your child’s AFOs or SMOs.

Additional Shoe Resources for AFOs and SMOs

Finding the right footwear to accommodate AFOs or SMOs can be challenging. I have created several shoe resources over the years for children who wear AFOs or SMOs.

With any new braces, it might take several trips to the orthotist to get things working right! It’s important to do everything in your power to make your child feel more comfortable when wearing their AFOs or SMOs. Just keep an open mind as every child is different, and while some children don’t mind wearing their orthotics without the Pringles, some others might have a harder time and refuse to wear the orthotics without them.

Keep in mind that without a properly fitting instep pad, children may experience discomfort, which can discourage them from wearing their AFOs consistently. In addition to providing comfort, instep pads play a crucial role in maintaining the orthosis’s effectiveness. They help distribute pressure evenly, reducing the risk of skin irritations and ensuring that the AFOs do not cause additional issues. Don’t hesitate to contact me directly if you are having trouble finding replacement Pringles for your child’s AFOs or SMOs.