Shoes for Toddlers Who Wear AFOs: Extra Deep, Removable Insoles, and Oversized Openings
Last Updated: August 2026 | Juan Valenzuela, Certified Children’s Shoe Fitter
Is your toddler wearing AFOs and you’re unsure which shoes will fit properly? You’re not alone — many parents feel overwhelmed navigating this. As a children’s shoe fitter with over a decade of experience helping families through exactly this, my first recommendation is simple: wait until you actually have the AFOs in hand before shopping for shoes. Once you do, you’ll be ready to find the best-fitting shoes and socks. Here are my top recommendations, based on years of hands-on fittings.
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. Well-meaning as they are, many suggestions don’t account for the fact that every AFO and foot shape is different. I’ve seen shoes “work” simply because they were sized up dramatically — which is exactly what you want to avoid. The goal is a shoe that properly accommodates the AFO while staying as close to your child’s actual foot size as possible.
My Favorite Shoe Brands for Toddlers Who Wear AFOs
Several brands have recognized the unique needs of kids with AFOs. Keep in mind that not every shoe from a recommended brand will work — only specific models within each brand are actually suited to it.
Stride Rite offers a dedicated “Adaptable Line” for kids with unique foot needs — oversized openings, extra wide widths, and a customizable fit.
See Kai Run‘s standout is the Dean Adapt High Top, built specifically for orthotics like AFOs, SMOs, and custom insoles — extra-wide opening, adjustable straps, and sensory-friendly materials.
Billy Footwear uses a distinctive zipper that wraps around the outside and toe, opening the shoe extra wide for genuinely independent on-and-off. Worth noting: Billy wasn’t originally designed for AFO use specifically — it’s built for easy, inclusive access generally, which happens to make it a workable AFO option too.
New Balance offers select models that combine extra wide widths with real added depth, which helps you avoid sizing up excessively just to fit the AFO.
Ikiki is known for extra-deep designs and oversized openings — genuinely easy for little ones to get on and off.
Disclosure: some links below are affiliate links — I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you click and purchase.
Let’s Find Out What Shoe Size You Should Order
Before you look at the picks below, make sure you’re ordering the right size. If you already know your child’s shoe size, feel free to skip ahead. If you’re unsure, try my free virtual fitting tool — it’s designed to save you time and money by getting the fit right the first time.
Best Shoes for Toddlers Who Wear AFOs in 2026
I’ve personally fitted every shoe below on toddlers wearing AFOs, not just picked them off a spec sheet — each one delivers on the three things that matter most for this age group: real depth, an oversized opening, and a fit that doesn’t require sizing up dramatically to work.
990v6 by New Balance
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.
Key Features
- 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: Measure from the end of your child’s AFO or SMO footplate, then order a half size larger than that measurement — not just your child’s regular foot size
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.
Key Features
- Order on Amazon
- Not available in wide or extra wide widths but fits naturally wide
- Sizing tip: Measure from the end of your child’s AFO or SMO footplate, then order a whole size larger than that measurement — not just your child’s regular foot size
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.
Key Features
- Order on Amazon
- Available in extra wide widths
- Recycled twill linings to help reduce odor
- Sizing tip: Measure from the end of your child’s AFO or SMO footplate, then order a whole size larger than that measurement — not just your child’s regular foot size
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.
Key Features
- Order 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
- Sizing tip: Measure from the end of your child’s AFO or SMO footplate, then order a whole size larger than that measurement — not just your child’s regular foot size
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.
Key Features
- Order on Amazon
- Accommodates wide or extra wide feet
- APMA approved
- Leather upper
- Ideal for mild cases of pronation
- Sizing tip: Measure from the end of your child’s AFO or SMO footplate, then order a whole size larger than that measurement — not just your child’s regular foot size
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.
Key Features
- Order on Amazon
- Available in extra wide widths
- Leather upper
- Sizing tip: Measure from the end of your child’s AFO or SMO footplate, then order a whole size larger than that measurement — not just your child’s regular foot size
Keep in mind: finding the perfect fit for AFOs often means trying more than one size — it’s genuinely part of the trial-and-error process, not a sign you’re doing something wrong.
Contact Me for Specific Shoe Recommendations
If you’re struggling to find the right shoes for your toddler’s AFOs, reach out — I’m happy to provide recommendations tailored to your child’s specific needs and preferences.
Why These Features Matter for Toddlers with AFOs
Oversized openings — makes on-and-off significantly easier for both parents and kids, especially with a bulky orthotic involved.
Extra depth — the added room accommodates the AFO comfortably rather than forcing it against the top or sides of the shoe.
Removable insoles — pulling the factory insole creates the extra space the AFO actually needs.
What Socks Work Best for Toddlers Who Wear AFOs?
I’ve fitted special socks designed specifically for kids who wear AFOs — they add comfort and protect your child’s skin from direct contact with the orthotic, which many medical professionals recommend. Look for seamless socks that reach at least as high as the AFO to prevent irritation. Thinner socks tend to fit more easily inside the brace without adding bulk.
Laces or Velcro: Which Is Better?
It genuinely depends on your child and your family’s needs — both have real tradeoffs.
Laces offer a snugger, more adjustable fit, which helps as your child’s foot or AFO changes over time. The downside: young kids typically can’t manage them independently, so you’ll be tying them yourself. I use a specific lacing technique built for kids who wear AFOs to get the best fit and comfort.
Velcro is far easier for a toddler to manage independently, which builds real confidence and self-sufficiency. The tradeoff: it typically doesn’t secure the foot as snugly as laces, and the hook-and-loop material wears out over time. For many families, that convenience is still worth the tradeoff.
Feedback from Families
Hearing from other families navigating the same search can be genuinely encouraging.
Frequently Asked Questions
It varies, but don’t be discouraged if the first size you order isn’t quite right — this is genuinely common with AFOs given how much bulk and shape varies between braces. Two or three tries isn’t unusual.
Reach out with your child’s specific footplate measurement and foot shape. Some AFOs (particularly certain SMO or hinged designs) need more room than even these extra-deep options provide, and I can help point you toward an alternative.
For a toddler just starting out, Velcro is usually the more practical choice — it’s easier for you to manage quickly during a busy day, and your child will eventually be able to help with it themselves as they grow.
Join a Community of Families Who Understand
If you’d like to connect with other parents navigating the same shoe challenges, I run a Facebook group called Shoes for Kids Who Wear AFOs or SMOs. It’s a space to share what’s worked (and what hasn’t), ask questions, and hear from families going through the exact same search you are. Feel free to join if you’d find that kind of support helpful.
