Shoes for AFOs for Boys in Men’s Shoe Sizes – Supportive, Deep, and Cool Looking Shoes
Has your son outgrown kids’ shoe sizes and moved into men’s sizes, leaving you unsure what shoes to buy for his AFOs? Or perhaps he’s newly diagnosed and you’re overwhelmed trying to find the right footwear? Finding shoes that fit and support AFOs is one challenge—but for teenage boys, finding “cool” styles that boost confidence and reflect personal style can feel even trickier. That’s why I’ve put together a list of the best shoes for AFOs for boys in men’s sizes. These options combine function, comfort, and style, so your son can feel supported and look great at the same time. Let’s dive into the best choices that keep both feet—and self-esteem—happy.
First Things First – The Need for 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.
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 undos the laces or velcro straps of the shoes before inserting his feet inside the AFOs will go a long way towards 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.
My Top 6 Shoe Recommendations for Boys in Men’s Shoe Sizes
Check the descriptions below each shoe for details on available widths (wide or extra wide) and key info like materials and features. Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
1. 410 V8 by New Balance. These New Balance shoes for AFOs provide excellent cushioning, a durable outsole, and a supportive fit—making it a great choice for boys in men’s shoe sizes who wear AFOs.
- Order the shoe 410 V8 by New Balance on Amazon
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide feet
- Fresh Foam midsole provides extra cushion and support
- Mesh upper allows for breathability
- Rubber outsole for durability and traction
- I suggest that you order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s foot size
2. 990v6 by New Balance. These are the best New Balance shoes for AFO braces as they provide extra depth, rounded toe-boxes, and excellent support.
- Order the shoe 990v6 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Available in extra wide (4E) and extra extra wide (6E)
- ENCAP midsole cushioning
- Firm heel counters
- Padded collar and tongue for superior cushioning
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than the end of your son’s AFO footplate
3. Billy shoes. Billy shoes are ideal for boys who wear AFOs because they feature wide openings and wrap-around zippers that make it easy to slide AFOs in and out. Their stylish designs keep teens feeling confident, while the roomy interiors and flexible materials provide comfort and a secure fit around orthotic devices.
- Order the shoe by BILLY Footwear on Amazon
- Available in wide widths
- Functional laces for a custom fit and removable insoles for added depth
- Side zipper for easy on and off
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than the end of your son’s AFO footplate
4. Fresh Foam X 860 by New Balance
These supportive New Balance shoes for AFOs are designed for all-day comfort and support. They feature a dual-density midsole and oversized openings—making them ideal for boys in men’s shoe sizes.
- Order the shoe Fresh Foam X 860 by New Balance on the New Balance website or Amazon
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Foam midsole cushioning
- Mesh upper allows for breathability
- Rubber outsole for durability and traction
- I suggest that you order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s foot size
5. Arishi v4 by New Balance
These New Balance shoes for AFOs for boys in men’s shoe sizes offer a stable base, firm heel counters for added support, and enhanced cushioning in the heels and forefoot to reduce pressure and improve comfort.
- Order the shoe Arishi v4 by New Balance on Amazon or the New Balance website
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Fresh Foam midsole provides extra cushion and support
- Mesh upper allows for breathability
- Rubber outsole for durability and traction
- I suggest that you order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s foot size
6. FuelCell Propel v5 by New Balance
These New Balance extra wide shoes are built to ease foot pain, offering a stable, supportive base combined with plush cushioning and padding for all-day comfort and relief.
- Order the shoe FuelCell Propel v5 by New Balance on the New Balance website or Amazon
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet
- Structured upper for breathability and a lightweight fit
- Lightweight synthetic material
- I suggest that you order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s foot size
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.
I recommend trying this shoe lacing technique to help keep the AFOs securely in place, ensuring your son gets the maximum support and stability they’re designed to provide. It’s a simple trick that can make a big difference in comfort and fit!
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.
