Shoes for Toddlers Who Wear AFOs – Extra Deep, Removable Insoles, and Oversized Openings!

June 22, 2025 Shoes for AFOs Juan Valenzuela 0 - Comments

Is your toddler wearing AFOs and you’re unsure which shoes will fit properly? You’re not alone — many parents feel overwhelmed when it comes to finding the right shoes to accommodate ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs). As a children’s shoe fitter with over a decade of experience helping families navigate this process, my first recommendation is to wait until you receive the AFOs before shopping for shoes. Once you have them, you’ll be ready to find the best-fitting shoes and socks. In this guide, I’ll share my top shoe recommendations for toddlers who wear AFOs, all based on years of hands-on experience.

What Works for One Child May Not Work for Another

Be cautious about buying shoes for your toddler’s AFOs based on recommendations from friends or online groups. While well-meaning, many suggestions don’t account for the fact that every AFO and foot shape is different. I’ve seen cases where shoes “worked” simply because they were sized up too much—something you want to avoid. The goal is to find shoes that properly accommodate the AFOs while staying as close to your child’s actual foot size as possible for the best support and comfort.

Young boys and girls wearing cute colorful shoes for toddlers who wear AFOs.
An image of children wearing comfortable shoes with their AFOs.

My Favorite Shoe Brands for Toddlers Who Wear AFOs

Several brands have recognized the unique needs of children with AFOs and offer suitable footwear options. Here are my top recommendations for shoe brands that cater specifically to toddlers with AFOs. Keep in mind that not all shoes from a recommended brand will work with your toddler’s AFOs—only specific models within each brand are suitable.

Stride Rite

This brand offers a specialized “Adaptable Line” designed specifically for children with unique foot needs—whether they have foot conditions, wear orthotics, or have hard-to-fit feet. These shoes feature oversized openings for easy on and off, come in extra wide widths, and provide a customizable fit to keep your child comfortable and supported.

See Kai Run

This brand also offers a standout option called the “Dean Adapt High Top,” specifically designed to accommodate orthotics like AFOs, SMOs, and custom insoles. These sneakers open extra wide for easy on and off, feature adjustable straps for a secure fit, and are made with sensory-friendly materials to keep kids comfortable and supported all day long.

Billy Footwear

These shoes feature a unique zipper design that wraps around the outside and toe area, allowing them to open extra wide—making it much easier for children to put them on and take them off independently. While Billy shoes offer great convenience and accessibility, it’s worth noting that they weren’t specifically designed for AFO use, but rather to provide an inclusive and easy-entry solution for all children.

New Balance

New Balance offers select models that combine extra wide widths with added depth—an ideal combination for accommodating AFOs comfortably and securely. These features make it easier to fit orthotics without having to size up excessively, ensuring better support and a more natural fit for your child.

Ikiki

Ikiki is a shoe brand known for its extra-deep designs and oversized openings, making it incredibly easy for little ones to get their shoes on and off—perfect for kids who need a more accommodating fit.

Pink HEYDUDE brand shoes on a kid wearing Ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) splints.
An image of a toddler wearing a pair of pink shoes with her AFOs.

Let’s Find Out What Shoe Size You Should Order for the AFOs

Before diving into the best shoes for toddlers who wear AFOs, let’s make sure you’re ordering the right size! If you already know your child’s shoe size, feel free to scroll down to the handpicked list I’ve created. But if you’re unsure, I highly recommend trying my free virtual fitting tool — it’s designed to save you time and money by helping you get the perfect fit the first time around.

I’ve handpicked the top shoe models from each of the brands mentioned above to make your search for the perfect pair easier! Disclosure: Some links are affiliate links, and we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Best Shoes for Toddlers Who Wear AFOs in 2025

Based on my experience and understanding of what works best for toddlers with AFOs, here are my top shoe recommendations for 2025.

1. 990v6 by New Balance with Laces

This is one of the deepest and most supportive New Balance shoes for AFO braces. Available in wide and extra wide widths means that you won’t have to get the shoes overly large to accommodate the AFOs.

990v6 New Balance shoe with laces in black for kids.
New Balance 990 for kids with laces in purple color.
990v6 New Balance shoe with laces in black for kids.

Key Features

  • Available for toddlers, little, and big kids
  • You can order the 990v6 with laces on the New Balance website, Amazon, or Zappos
  • Also available in pink and navy blue
  • Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than the end of the AFO footplate

990 Series with Velcro

New Balance 990v6 toddler shoe in black and grey and with velcro closure.
Durable 990 New Balance Kids' Shoes in Pink and Velcro.
  • You can order the 990v6 with velcro on the New Balance website, Amazon, or Zappos
  • Also available in grey and black
  • Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than the end of the AFO footplate

2. Dean Adapt II by See Kai Run

These See Kai Run AFO friendly shoes for toddlers provide extra long straps and extra depth to allow the AFOs to sit deeply inside the shoes. These shoes have a lightweight design.

See Kai Run kids adapt for kids who wear AFOs.
See Kai Run kids adapt for girls who wear AFOs.

Key Features

  • Available for toddlers and little kids
  • Order the shoe style Dean Adapt II by See Kai Run on Zappos or Amazon
  • Not available in wide or extra wide widths but fits naturally wide
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than the end of the AFO footplate

3. Shoe style Holly Mary Jane by Stride Rite

These Stride Rite AFO shoes are part of an adaptable line. Parents love this stylish Mary Jane because their children can use it for casual wear or dressier occasions.

Stride Rite Holly Mary Jane in gold for girls.

Key Features

  • Available for toddlers and little kids
  • Order the shoe style SR Holly by Stride Rite on Zappos or Amazon
  • Available in extra wide widths
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than the end of the AFO footplate

4. Ikiki Shoes

These Ikiki shoes for AFOs are designed with a focus on functionality and fun. They feature a wide toe box that supports natural foot movement, and many of their designs include playful characters and bright colors that toddlers love.

Ikiki shoes for toddlers with wide feet.
Ikiki shoes for kids who wear AFOs.

Key Features

  • Available for toddlers and little kids
  • Order the shoe style by Ikiki on Amazon
  • Not available in wide or extra wide widths but fits naturally wide
  • Wide opening to make it easy to put on and take off shoes
  • Synthetic vegan leather
  • Squeaks can be turned on/off with a switch
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than the end of the AFO footplate

5. Shoe Style M2P Journey 3.0 Adapt by Stride Rite

These AFO shoes for toddlers are part of the Stride Rite adaptable line and come with extra long velcro straps and are available in extra wide widths.

Stride Rite M2P Journey 3.0 Adapt in pink for toddler girls.
Stride Rite M2P Journey 3.0 Adapt in grey for toddler boys.

Key Features

  • Available for toddlers and little kids
  • Order the shoe style M2P Journey Adapt by Stride Rite on Zappos or Amazon
  • Available in extra wide widths
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than the end of the AFO footplate

6. Billy Shoes

These Billy AFO friendly shoes for toddlers have become a favorite among families. Their unique zipper design allows for easy on-and-off, making them a convenient choice for both parents and children.

Pink Billy shoes for girls who wear AFOs.
Black-Billy-shoes-for-kids-who-wear-AFOs

Key Features

  • Available for little and big kids
  • Order the shoe style Classic DR High II by Billy on Zappos or Amazon
  • Available in extra wide widths
  • Leather upper
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than the end of the AFO footplate

Keep in mind, finding the perfect fit for AFOs often means ordering several sizes—it’s all part of the trial-and-error journey to get it just right!

Contact Me for Specific Shoe Recommendations

If you’re struggling to find the right shoes for your toddler’s AFOs, don’t hesitate to reach out. I am here to provide personalized shoe recommendations based on your child’s specific needs and preferences. Together, we can find the perfect pair that will support your child’s mobility and comfort.

Feedback from Families! – Get Inspired!

Hearing from other families can provide valuable insights and encouragement. Many parents have shared their experiences in finding the right shoes for their children with AFOs:

AFO-review
indoor-shoes-for-AFOs-review
indoor-shoes-for-AFOs-review

Why These Shoes Are Perfect for Toddlers with AFOs

Let’s highlight the necessary features for AFO-compliant footwear.

Oversized Openings. Ease of use is a significant factor for both parents and children. Shoes with oversized openings make it significantly easier to put on and take off, especially when dealing with bulky orthotics.
Extra Deep. Shoes with extra depth are a game-changer for children who wear AFOs. The additional room allows for more comfortable accommodation of the orthotic device.
Removable Insoles: Taking out the original insoles creates extra space inside the shoes, making room for your child’s AFOs to fit comfortably.

What Socks Work Best for Toddlers Who Wear AFOs?

I’ve found and fitted special socks designed just for kids who wear AFOs—these socks provide crucial comfort and protect your child’s skin from direct contact with the orthotics, as many medical professionals recommend. Look for seamless socks that reach at least as high as the AFOs to prevent irritation. Thinner socks work best, ensuring a snug fit inside the brace without adding bulk.

Are Shoes with Laces Better Compared to Shoes with Velcro Closure?

The debate between laces and Velcro closures depends largely on the needs and preferences of the child and the parents. Each option has its pros and cons, and understanding them can help make the right choice:

Laces

Laces offer a snug and secure fit, which can be adjusted to accommodate changes in the foot or AFO. This adjustability is beneficial for growing children, ensuring a consistent fit over time. However, laces may be challenging for young children to manage independently, requiring assistance from parents. I love using a special shoe-lacing technique tailored just for kids who wear AFOs to ensure the perfect fit and added comfort.

Velcro Closures

Velcro closures are incredibly easy to adjust and fasten, promoting independence for toddlers. They are ideal for children who are learning to dress themselves, offering a sense of accomplishment and empowerment. However, Velcro may not offer as snug a fit as laces, and the Velcro can wear out over time. Despite this, the convenience often outweighs these drawbacks for many families.