Replacement Pringles for AFOs and SMOs: Where to Find New Instep Pads

January 9, 2026 Shoes for AFOs Juan Valenzuela 2 - Comments

I’ve gotten several emails from families asking where to get a replacement “Pringle” or “instep pad” for their child’s AFOs or SMOs (I don’t think there’s an official term for it). A Pringle is a small foam chip that sits under the strap of the AFO or SMO to keep the brace from pinching or putting too much pressure on your child’s skin. Your child can technically continue wearing their braces without one, but it makes a real difference for comfort and helps prevent blisters and pressure sores.

What’s the Main Purpose of the Pringle — Is It Actually Necessary?

Some families assume the Pringle is mainly about comfort, and it definitely helps with that. But it also cushions the top of the foot and keeps the orthotic from putting excess pressure directly on your child’s skin, which is what actually prevents blisters and pressure sores in the first place.

Some kids do fine without one; others will refuse to wear their brace at all without it.

If you notice red marks on the top of your child’s foot (the instep), I’d recommend holding off on the AFO or SMO until either the marks clear up or your medical professional makes an adjustment to prevent it from happening again.

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 to Order Replacement Pringles

Step 1: Contact the clinic or specialist who provided your child’s AFOs or SMOs. They usually have direct access to replacement parts and can send you the correct size for free — no appointment necessary. If they tell you an appointment is required, move on to Step 2.

Step 2: Contact the manufacturer directly. The two most common are:

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

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

Both companies handle replacement requests through their customer service pages linked above.

Pringles Have Numbers on Them — What Do They Mean?

Most Pringles are labeled with a size number for easy reordering. If you’re not sure what size your child’s Pringle is, contact your orthotist or the manufacturer directly — they’ll be able to tell you based on the specific AFO or SMO your child wears.

What to Use While You Wait for the New One to Arrive

In the meantime, moleskin or craft foam can work as a temporary substitute to get you through until the replacement arrives.

Can Pringles Be Sewn or Glued In?

Yes — if your child’s Pringle keeps sliding down into the toe of the shoe, ask your orthotist about having it sewn in or glued down directly to the AFO or SMO. This keeps it from getting lost or shifting out of place, and many parents find it genuinely simplifies putting the brace on each day. Reduced risk of losing the pad, plus more consistent placement every time.

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

If you’d rather do this yourself, Cascade Dafo has instructions for sewing or gluing the pad in place.

Watch: What Are Pringles, and Where Do You Find Replacements?

I walk through what these pads are, why they matter for comfort, and exactly where to find replacements in this video.

Watch for Signs of Discomfort

Keep an eye out for redness, blisters, or your child suddenly resisting wearing their brace — these are all signs of a poor fit or a Pringle that needs replacing. Catching this early prevents bigger issues and keeps your child more consistently in their AFO or SMO, which matters for how well the brace does its job overall.

Without a properly fitted pad, the brace can’t distribute pressure evenly, which raises the risk of skin irritation. Every child is different — some genuinely don’t mind going without a Pringle, while others won’t tolerate the brace at all without one. It’s worth keeping that in mind and staying patient through a few adjustments if needed; it’s not uncommon to need a couple of trips back to the orthotist before everything fits comfortably.

Need More Help?

If you’re still having trouble finding a replacement Pringle for your child’s AFOs or SMOs, reach out — I’m happy to help point you in the right direction.

Additional Shoe Resources for AFOs and SMOs

Finding footwear that actually accommodates AFOs or SMOs is its own challenge. I’ve put together several resources over the years for kids who wear AFOs or SMOs.

Frequently Asked Questions

My orthotist’s office is slow to respond — is there a faster way to get a replacement?

Contacting the manufacturer directly (Surestep or Cascade Dafo, linked above) is usually faster than waiting on a clinic appointment, since neither requires one for a straightforward replacement request.

Can I buy a generic instep pad instead of going through the manufacturer?

I’d recommend sticking with a manufacturer-matched replacement or your orthotist’s recommendation rather than a generic substitute — the size and shape need to match your child’s specific brace to actually relieve pressure in the right spot, not just add generic padding.

Is it normal for my child to need a different size Pringle as they grow?

Yes — as your child’s foot grows or the AFO/SMO itself is adjusted or replaced, the Pringle size may need to change too. If a previously well-fitting pad starts causing pressure marks again, it’s worth checking with your orthotist rather than assuming it’s still the right size.

Join a Community of Families Who Understand

If you’d like to connect with other parents navigating these same AFO and SMO challenges — including questions like this one about replacement parts — I run a Facebook group called Shoes for Kids Who Wear AFOs or SMOs. It’s a space to share what’s worked, ask questions, and hear from families going through the exact same search. Feel free to join if you’d find that kind of support helpful.