Shoes with Double Velcro Straps for Kids with AFOs

July 30, 2025 Double Velcro Strap Shoes Juan Valenzuela 0 - Comments

Struggling to find shoes that work with your child’s AFOs? Many families face the challenge of finding footwear that’s wide, deep, and supportive enough to comfortably fit Ankle-Foot Orthoses. With over 10 years of experience fitting shoes and orthotics at a specialty children’s shoe store, I’ve helped countless families find the right footwear for their kids’ unique needs. While lace-up shoes typically offer the best support for AFOs, shoes with double Velcro straps are the next best option. The extra strap ensures a more secure, adjustable fit, keeping the AFO in place and providing the support and stability your child needs throughout the day.

Double vs. Single Velcro Straps: Which Is Better for AFOs?

Double Velcro straps win when it comes to support and stability. They “hug” your child’s feet more securely, helping keep the AFOs firmly in place. This added hold not only improves comfort but also enhances overall support—something single-strap shoes often fall short on.

Do All Double Velcro Shoes Work with AFOs?

Not necessarily. Just because a shoe has double Velcro straps doesn’t mean it will work well with your child’s AFOs. To ensure a proper fit, look for shoes that offer extra depth, rounded toe boxes, and removable insoles—these features create the space AFOs need. It’s also crucial that the shoes provide good heel stability and a firm heel counter, which helps guide the foot and AFO smoothly into place while offering better overall support and control.

Key Features of Double Velcro Shoes for Kids with AFOs

^{First, consider extra depth. This allows space for the AFO and maintains comfort. Adequate room reduces pressure points and improves overall fit.}

^{Round toe-boxes are key for comfort and durability. They give your child’s toes—and the front of the AFO footplate—enough space, helping prevent pressure points and stopping the shoe from wearing out too quickly at the front.}

^{A rigid back is crucial for support. It stabilizes the heel, aiding in proper alignment. This feature can significantly enhance mobility and helps keep the AFO in place.}

^{Removable insoles create extra room for AFOs, making it easier to get the brace into the shoe and ensuring a more comfortable, customized fit for your child.}

^{Oversized openings make life easier for parents—they allow the AFO to slide in smoothly, so you won’t have to struggle every time you put the braces on or take them off.}

^{Flexible tongues make all the difference—they open wide to give you plenty of room to slide the AFO in easily, without fighting the shoe.}

Be Careful About Fitting Your Child’s Shoes Too Long!

I always remind families: when it comes to AFOs, it’s better to go wider and deeper—not longer. One of the main goals of AFOs is to improve your child’s stability, but putting them in shoes that are too long actually works against that. Extra length can cause the foot to slide around, reducing the effectiveness of the brace and making walking less stable.

Shoes that are too long can also interfere with how the AFO fits and functions. Getting the right size is crucial for comfort, support, and proper alignment. To make it easier, I created a virtual shoe fitting guide that helps you find the correct shoe size for your child’s AFOs—no guesswork needed.

I’ve narrowed down my top double Velcro shoe choices for 2025. These selections are tailored for children with AFOs, ensuring a blend of style, comfort, and functionality. Disclosure: Some links are affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Best Shoes with Double Velcro Straps for Kids with AFOs

You might notice that some of the shoes I recommend below come in wide or extra wide widths. For those that don’t, don’t worry—it’s because they’re designed to fit naturally wide, offering plenty of room and comfort even without a specific width option.

Shoe Style Gabi by Memo (Orthopedic Shoe). These orthopedic shoes with double Velcro straps are thoughtfully designed to support better foot posture and all-day comfort—while easily accommodating AFOs.

Key Features:

Order the shoe Gabi by Memo on Amazon
Available for toddlers and little kids
Also available in a Mary Jane style and a version for older kids called Memo Polo
I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than the end of the AFO/SMO footplate

Dean Adapt II by See Kai Run. These See Kai Run AFO friendly shoes with double Velcro straps 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 the shoe Dean Adapt II by See Kai Run on Zappos or Amazon
Available for toddlers and little kids
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

Ryder Adapt by See Kai Run. These See Kai Run adaptive shoes are lightweight and feature an extra-wide, deep toe box to accommodate AFOs. The removable insoles help provide extra space, and an easy-open design for hassle-free wear.

Key Features

Order the shoe Ryder Adapt by See Kai Run on Zappos or Amazon
Available for toddlers
Extra long straps can be cut for a secure and custom fit with AFOs
Mesh lining and removable insoles
I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than the end of the AFO footplate

If you find yourself needing to go more than two full shoe sizes beyond your child’s current foot length, it’s a sign to try a different shoe. Going too long can compromise fit and support, so finding the right shoe that fits well from the start is key to your child’s comfort and stability.

Are You Willing to Try Shoes with Laces Instead of Velcro Closure?

Open to trying shoes with laces instead of Velcro? Laced shoes often provide superior support and a snugger fit for kids with AFOs. Check out this carefully curated list of lace-up shoes that work great with AFOs and keep little feet comfortable and secure.