Best Shoes for Kids with Rolled Ankles – Straighten Ankles and Prevent Pain
By Juan Valenzuela | Certified Children’s Shoe Fitter with 10+ Years of Experience | Last updated: June 2026
Finding the right shoes for a child with spina bifida is one of the most challenging fitting tasks I encounter — and one of the most important. These children often need footwear that can accommodate orthotics or AFOs, offer extra depth, protect feet that may have reduced sensation, and provide a stable base for a range of mobility levels. Getting it wrong creates real risk; getting it right can meaningfully improve comfort, posture, mobility, and independence.
This guide explains what to look for in a shoe for a child with spina bifida, which orthotics work best at different levels of need, and which specific shoe styles I recommend based on the type of orthotic your child wears.
No Two Children with Spina Bifida Are the Same
Spina bifida affects children differently depending on the type and level of the spinal lesion. Some children walk independently with little or no orthotic support. Others use ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs), supramalleolar orthoses (SMOs), or other bracing. Some use crutches or wheelchairs for mobility. And some children have no sensation in parts of their feet, which makes pressure injury prevention a critical concern alongside support and fit.
This variability means there is no single “best shoe” for all children with spina bifida. The right shoe depends on:
- Whether your child walks independently or uses assistive devices
- Whether your child wears orthotics, and if so, which type (insole, SMO, AFO)
- Whether your child has reduced or absent sensation in the feet
- Your child’s foot shape — width, instep height, and any asymmetry between feet
Your child’s physical therapist and orthotist are your most important guides. The shoe recommendations in this article are organized by orthotic type so you can find the right match for your child’s specific situation.
Why Foot Protection Is Especially Important in Spina Bifida
Children with spina bifida who have reduced or absent sensation in their feet face a specific risk that other children don’t: they cannot feel blisters, pressure sores, or friction injuries forming. A blister that a typical child would notice and address immediately can go undetected for days in a child with limited sensation — and can progress to a serious skin breakdown or infection.
This is why proper shoe fit is not just about comfort and support for children with spina bifida — it’s a medical necessity. Shoes that are too tight, too loose, or that create friction or pressure points cause injuries that the child cannot feel happening.
Key protective features to prioritize:
- Seamless or low-seam interiors — seams create friction points that can cause pressure injuries in insensate feet
- Rounded, roomy toe boxes — prevents toe compression and the pressure injuries that result
- Soft, non-abrasive linings — reduces friction on skin that cannot signal discomfort
- Snug but not tight fit — enough room to prevent pressure without allowing the foot to slide
If your child has reduced sensation, check their feet at the end of every day for red marks, blisters, or areas of unusual skin pressure. Any persistent mark that doesn’t resolve within 20 minutes of removing the shoe indicates a fit problem that needs to be corrected.
Before and After: What the Right Shoe Does
Even for children with significant foot weakness or muscle imbalance from spina bifida, the right combination of orthotics and shoes can produce dramatic improvements in foot alignment and posture.
The right shoe doesn’t just accommodate the orthotic — it works together with it to hold the foot in the correct position, reduce compensatory gait patterns, and improve stability and confidence.
What to Look for in a Shoe for a Child with Spina Bifida
Five features matter most:
1. Extra Depth. This is the most critical feature for children who wear any type of orthotic. A standard-depth shoe cannot accommodate an AFO, SMO, or even a thick insole without the foot riding too high inside the shoe. Extra depth means there is enough internal vertical space for the orthotic to sit fully inside the shoe without compressing the foot.
The New Balance 990v6 is the gold standard for extra depth in a children’s shoe and can accommodate full-length orthotics, 3/4-length orthotics, AFOs, and SMOs.
2. Oversized Opening. A wide opening at the top of the shoe — particularly important for children who wear AFOs — makes it possible to insert the brace and foot without forcing or distorting the orthosis. For children with limited foot flexion (who cannot point their toes to slide the foot in), a large opening is not a convenience feature — it’s a requirement.
For children with very limited foot flexion, the Billy Footwear brand deserves special mention. Their shoes have a zipper that runs along the outside and wraps around the toe, allowing the shoe to open fully flat — making them one of the only options for children who genuinely cannot flex the foot at all.
3. Round, Roomy Toe Box. A rounded toe box gives the toes natural spread room and avoids creating pressure points at the toe tips or sides. For children with reduced foot sensation, this is especially important — a toe box that’s too narrow or tapered can cause pressure injuries that go unnoticed until they become serious.
4. Firm Heel Counter. A firm heel counter holds the heel in the correct position inside the shoe and prevents the foot from shifting and creating friction. For children wearing orthotics, a firm heel counter also keeps the orthotic seated properly — a soft heel counter allows the entire setup to shift during walking, reducing the corrective benefit.
5. Stable Base of Support. A wide, dense outsole provides a stable platform that resists rolling and reduces the risk of falls — particularly important for children with muscle weakness or reduced proprioception (the ability to sense foot position). Thin, flexible outsoles offer no stability for children who already have compromised lower limb control.
The Best Shoes for Kids with Spina Bifida
These options have been carefully selected based on their ability to meet the unique needs of these children. Disclosure: Some links in this article are affiliate links. Any commission earned comes at no extra cost to you and helps keep this resource free.
1. Shoe Style 990v6 by New Balance. The 990v6 is the deepest and most structurally capable shoe on this list. It can accommodate full-length insoles, 3/4-length insoles, SMOs, and AFOs — making it the most versatile choice for children with spina bifida across a wide range of mobility and orthotic needs. The ENCAP midsole technology provides excellent support and durability, and the heel counter is among the firmest available in a mainstream children’s shoe.
This is the shoe I recommend first when a child with spina bifida needs to fit an AFO. Nothing else on this list matches its depth and opening capacity for full ankle-foot bracing.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers, little, and big kids
- Order with laces on the New Balance website or Amazon
- Velcro version also available on the New Balance website or Amazon
- Accommodates medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Firm heel counters, stable base of support, and semi-straight lasts
- Ideal for moderate to strong cases of pronation
- Removable insoles
- Sizing tip: Order a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
2. Shoe Style Gabi and Alvin by Memo (Orthopedic Shoe). The Memo Gabi is a purpose-built orthopedic shoe for children whose ankle rolling requires more structural correction than a standard athletic shoe provides. The reinforced heel counter, rigid outsole, and double velcro strap system hold the foot and ankle in correct alignment more aggressively than any mainstream sneaker. This is the shoe to consider when supportive footwear alone hasn’t been sufficient, or when a physical therapist or orthopedist has specifically recommended orthopedic footwear.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers and little kids
- Order the model Gabi or Alvin on Amazon
- Also available in a Mary Jane style and a version for older kids called Memo Polo
- Accommodates medium and wide feet
- Ideal for moderate to strong cases of pronation
- High-top design with stiff heel counters
- Sizing tip: Order a half size larger than your child’s current foot size. Refer to Memo sizing chart
3. Shoe Style Elliott by Stride Rite. The Elliott’s high-top bootie design provides ankle coverage and a firm, stable base that works well for toddlers with spina bifida who wear 3/4-length insoles. The high-top wraps the ankle and reinforces alignment, making it particularly valuable for young children whose ankles are still developing. It is not deep enough for full-length insoles, SMOs, or AFOs — if your toddler uses any of these, the 990v6 or Memo Gabi is the correct choice.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers
- Order on Amazon
- Accommodates medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Ideal for mild to moderate cases of pronation
- 100% leather construction
- High-top design provides extra ankle support
- APMA Seal of Acceptance
- Sizing tip: Order a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
4. Shoe style 574 by New Balance. The 574 offers solid depth, a firm heel counter, and wide width options at a meaningfully lower price than the 990v6. It can accommodate full-length insoles and SMOs but is not deep enough for AFOs. For families managing tighter budgets whose child uses insoles or SMOs rather than AFOs, this is a capable and reliable choice.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers, little, and big kids
- Order on Amazon or the New Balance website
- Also available with laces on the New Balance website or Amazon
- Accommodates medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Ideal for mild to moderate cases of pronation
- Firm heel counters
- APMA Seal of Acceptance
- Sizing tip: Order a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
5. Shoe Style Tracks by Timberland. The Tracks is built for rugged outdoor use — water-friendly, high-topped, and structurally robust. The high-top design adds ankle support and the outsole handles uneven terrain well. It can accommodate full-length and 3/4-length insoles, but is not deep enough for SMOs or AFOs.
The trade-off is weight — the heaviest shoe on this list, which may be a factor for children with leg weakness or limited endurance.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers and little kids
- Order on Amazon
- Accommodates medium or wide feet
- Ideal for mild to moderate cases of pronation
- High-top design for extra ankle support
- Water-friendly construction
- Sizing tip: Order a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
6. Shoe Style Cohesion by Saucony. The Cohesion offers a firm heel counter and solid cushioning at the most accessible price on this list. It is not deep enough for full-length insoles, SMOs, or AFOs — only 3/4-length insoles. For children who wear 3/4-length insoles and whose families need a budget-friendly option, this is the strongest value available.
Key Features
- Available for little and big kids
- Order on Amazon
- Also available with laces on Amazon
- Accommodates medium or wide feet
- Ideal for mild to moderate cases of pronation
- Firm heel counters and stable base of support
- Sizing tip: Order a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
7. Shoe Style Fresh Foam Arishi v4 by New Balance. The Arishi v4’s Fresh Foam platform provides a noticeably softer ride — particularly useful for children with spina bifida who may experience discomfort from firmer shoes due to foot sensitivity or skin fragility. It can accommodate full-length and 3/4-length insoles but is not deep enough for SMOs or AFOs.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers, little, and big kids
- Order on the New Balance website or Amazon
- Also available with laces on Amazon or the New Balance website
- Accommodates medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Ideal for mild to moderate cases of pronation
- Semi-firm heel counters
- Sizing tip: Order a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
8. 002/1906 by New Balance. The 2002 model by New Balance is another great option for children with Spina Bifida who wear orthotics at a more affordable price point than the 990v6. However, this shoe won’t accommodate AFOs or SMOs, only full or 3/4 length orthotics.The 2002 sits between the Arishi and the 990v6 in both price and depth. It’s a dependable all-round pick for families who want New Balance quality without the 990v6 price tag and whose child uses insoles rather than SMOs or AFOs.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers, little, and big kids
- Order the 2002 or 1906 on the New Balance website
- Accommodates medium or wide feet
- Ideal for moderate to strong cases of pronation
- Firm heel counters, stable base of support, and semi-straight lasts
- Sizing tip: Order a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
9. Shoe Style Cross Em Up by Adidas. The basketball-inspired high-top delivers excellent ankle support and lateral stability — particularly relevant for children with spina bifida who are active in sports and need dynamic ankle support alongside their insoles. It can accommodate full-length and 3/4-length insoles, but is not deep enough for SMOs or AFOs.
Key Features
- Available for little and big kids
- Order on Amazon
- Accommodates medium or wide feet
- Ideal for mild to moderate cases of pronation
- High-top design for additional ankle support
- Versatile — suitable for sports and everyday wear
- Sizing tip: Order a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
10. Fresh Foam 650 by New Balance. The 650 offers a wide toe box, plush cushioning, and enough depth to accommodate SMOs — making it a practical alternative to the 990v6 for families who need SMO compatibility at a lower price. The soft interior is also gentle on sensitive feet, which makes it a good fit for children with reduced sensation.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers, little, and big kids.
- Order the shoe style 650 by New Balance on the New Balance website or .
- Available in medium and wide widths.
- Also available with laces on Amazon.
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size.
Do You Need Specific Shoe Recommendations?
For personalized guidance based on your child’s specific foot shape, mobility level, and orthotic type, reach out at customerservice@fittingchildrenshoes.com.
Getting the Right Shoe Size with Orthotics
Sizing shoes for children with spina bifida who wear orthotics requires a different approach than sizing standard shoes. The orthotic takes up space inside the shoe — both vertically (depth) and laterally (width). If you fit the shoe to your child’s bare foot measurement and then insert the orthotic, the fit will be too tight.
The correct approach is to fit the shoe around the orthotic:
For insoles: Order one full size larger than your child’s bare foot measurement to accommodate both growing room and the orthotic volume.
For SMOs: Order one to one and a half sizes larger than your child’s bare foot measurement. SMOs add significant width, so also consider going up one width (from medium to wide, or from wide to extra wide).
For AFOs: Order one and a half to two sizes larger than your child’s bare foot measurement. AFOs add the most volume of any orthosis and require the most shoe accommodation. Only the New Balance 990v6 and Memo Gabi on this list are consistently deep enough for AFOs.
For a detailed step-by-step guide, see How to Order the Correct Shoe Size for Orthotics.
The Role of Physical Therapy
Your physical therapist plays a central role in determining the right footwear and orthotic combination for your child. They can assess your child’s specific gait pattern, muscle strength, and mobility goals — and provide guidance on which orthotic type is appropriate and which shoe features will work best alongside it.
One practical point your therapist may not always address: children with reduced foot sensation need seamless socks in addition to well-fitted shoes. Seamless socks eliminate a common source of pressure and friction that can cause skin breakdown in insensate feet. They’re a small addition that makes a meaningful difference in foot health.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Billy Footwear brand makes shoes with a zipper that runs along the outside of the shoe and wraps around the toe area, allowing the shoe to open completely flat. This is one of the very few options for children who cannot flex the foot at all. For winter use, the Keen winter boot with multiple velcro straps is another practical option that allows the boot to open very wide.
Yes. Foot protection remains important even for children who are primarily wheelchair users. The feet are still subject to pressure and friction from footrests, positioning, and transfers. Properly fitted shoes protect the skin, maintain foot position, and can make transfers and supported standing easier for caregivers.
More frequently than for typically developing children. Children with asymmetric gait patterns or muscle imbalances often wear shoes unevenly, which can compromise the shoe’s structural integrity before the child has grown out of the size. Check the outsole wear pattern every three months — if one side shows significantly more wear than the other, the shoe is no longer providing correct support. Replace when the structural features are compromised, not just when the child grows out of the size.
I am looking for a pair of winter boots for a student (boy) with spina bifida. I think he would take a size 4 in a boot. He cannot flex his foot, so he needs a boot that can open almost to the toe in order to get them on as well as a boot that offers support. Any suggestions?
Hello Pat,
There is a high top shoe that comes with a zipper that goes along the outside and around the toe, which allows the shoe to open up widely. This is not a waterproof boot, but it’s the only shoe that opens around the toes: Billy Shoe
There is an actual winter boot that comes with 3 velcro straps that will allow you to open the boot nice and wide: Keen Boot