Shoes for AFOs for Boys in Men’s Shoe Sizes – Supportive, Deep, and Cool Looking Shoes

Has your child graduated from kids’ shoe sizes to adult sizes and you are lost as to what shoes to buy for his AFOs? Maybe your son was recently diagnosed with AFOs and you have no idea what shoes to buy. We have a couple of challenges ahead, as in addition to finding a shoe that can properly fit and support the AFOs, we probably also need a “cool” looking shoe that is going to make your son feel confident and express his personal style. Taking all this into consideration, I have put together a list of the best shoes for AFOs for boys in men’s shoe sizes.

I understand that your son might be at an age where aesthetics matter too, so I am going to do my best to provide you with a list of shoes that don’t compromise on looks. You’re going to find out about shoes that are as stylish as they are practical.

First Things First – The Need of Extra Wide Widths

You might wonder, do shoes really need to be available in wide or extra wide widths to fit over AFOs? Well, the answer is a resounding yes. Orthotic devices like AFOs require additional space not just for comfort, but for the device to function effectively without causing damage to the shoes or, more importantly, the child’s feet.

There might be some shoes that even though they are not available in wide or extra wide widths, they fit naturally wide. We will explore those options as well. With that said, you will notice that most of my shoe recommendations are available in extra wide widths.

Common Question: Do Extra Wide Shoes in Kids Fit the Same as in Men’s?

Yes, you will still need the extra wide, which might be labeled as 4E or EEEE. Some men’s shoes are also labeled as XX-Wide (6E), but don’t worry I will help you decide which width will be most appropriate for your son.

We need to stay away from shoes that provide narrow toe boxes, limited openings to slide a foot with an AFO into, and rigid uppers, as these can all signal trouble. These design features can not only make it tough to wear the shoes with AFOs but can also lead to pressure points and discomfort.

Shoe Durability – Reinforced Stitching and Sturdy Outsoles

When it comes to AFO-compatible footwear, durability is key. The shoes that I recommend provide reinforced stitching, extra padding around the heels, and sturdy outsoles that can handle the extra wear. Pro tip: Making sure that your son properly undo the laces or velcro straps of the shoes before inserting his feet inside the AFOs will go a long way on the durability of the shoes.

3 Top Brands for AFO Shoes: A Guide for Boys in Men’s Sizes

Certain shoe brands reliably provide comfort, support, and the right kind of accommodation for orthotic devices. A good shoe brand for AFOs should offer a range of sizes, including those hard-to-find extra wide widths, and have designs with oversized openings that allow for easy insertion and removal of the AFO.

My go-to shoe brands are New Balance, Brooks, and Saucony. They all have shoes that are supportive and provide extra depth ideal for AFOs. New Balance is particularly noteworthy for its variety of wide and extra wide widths. Brooks shoes are praised for their cushioning and sturdy support, while Saucony has a line of supportive and wide shoes at an affordable price-range. I also like Billy shoes but depending on the degree of your son’s foot condition they might not be supportive enough.

It’s important to clarify that there are only a few shoe styles among these shoe brands that work well with AFOs, and I will describe those models shortly.

Shoe Recommendations for Boys in Men’s Shoe Sizes – My Top 8 Choices

Take a look at the description below each shoe to check if it is available in wide or extra wide widths, as well as other important information such as the materials the shoes are made of. Disclosure: Some links in this post may be affiliate links and we may receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) when you click our links and make purchases.

Expert Insights: My Role as a Professional Shoe Fitter

You don’t have to worry too much about figuring it all out on your own. I am here to not only help your son find everyday sneakers that fit, I can also provide you with recommendations for all his footwear needs, including seasonal must-haves or specific activities.

The idea is to save you time, money, and hassle in the long run, so please don’t hesitate to contact me if you would like specific shoe recommendations tailored to your child’s foot shape and specific AFOs: fittingchildrensshoes@gmail.com

I suggest that you apply this shoe lacing technique to help keep the AFOs in place and for your son to get the full support and stability that the AFOs have to offer.

How to Order the Correct Shoe Size for Your Son’s AFOs?

I have noticed that many families simply increase the shoes they normally buy by two or more sizes, which can defeat the whole purpose of investing your time and money in an AFO. One of the most common reasons why children need to wear AFOs is to improve their stability. However, if you provide your child with shoes that are way too big, you’re stealing that stability right back.

Take advantage of a virtual shoe fitting service I provide for free that will help you figure out exactly what shoe size you should order for your child’s AFOs.

Don’t forget to remind your son to always undo the laces of the shoes before inserting his feet with the AFOs, since that will help preserve the support and life of the shoe.