Many families have a very hard time finding shoes to accommodate their children’s AFOs. Most of the time the shoes are either not wide or deep enough. I have been fitting children’s shoes and orthotics for the last 10 years, working for a specialized children’s shoe store that focuses in helping children with foot and leg problems. In my experience, shoes with laces work best for AFOs as they provide the child with better support and stability, but many families prefer shoes with velcro rather than with laces. I will show you a list of the best shoes with double velcro straps for kids with AFOs based on my over 10 years of shoe fitting experience.
Are Shoes with Double Velcro Straps Better than Shoes with Single Velcro Straps?
Yes, they are in terms of support and stability. Shoes with double velcro straps can “hug” the child’s feet more effectively. This helps keep the AFO in place and also provides better support and stability compared to shoes with single velcro straps.
Do All Shoes with Double Velcro Straps Work Well with AFOs?
Buying a shoe with double velcro straps and hoping that will fit your child’s AFOs is simply not enough. You also need to make sure that the shoes provide extra depth, round toe-boxes, and removable insoles. It’s also important that the shoe provides good stability and control of the heel. A more rigid back (heel counter) also makes it easier for the foot and AFOs to go into the shoe.
What Makes the Double Velcro Strap Shoes I Recommend Ideal for Fitting AFOs?
You should look for shoes that provide these 6 important features to help increase the likelihood of the AFOs fitting correctly inside your child’s shoes:
1️⃣ Extra Depth: to allow your child’s AFOs to fit deeply inside of the shoes and prevent the top part of your child’s feet (instep) from rubbing against the top part of the shoes.
2️⃣ Round Toe-Boxes: to prevent the front part of the AFO footplate from destroying the shoes.
3️⃣ Removable insoles: to allow extra space for the AFOs.
4️⃣ Rigid back: to make it easier for the child’s feet and AFOs to go into the shoe.
5️⃣ Oversized Openings: to allow parents to easily slide the AFO inside the shoes so they don’t have to struggle every time they have to put the AFOs on and off.
6️⃣ Flexible Tongues: the shoes should have a tongue that moves far enough out of the way to easily insert an AFO into the shoes:
Be Careful About Fitting Your Child’s Shoes Too Long!
I am always emphasizing to families that it’s always better to go wider and deeper than to go longer. One of the main benefits of providing your child with a pair of AFOs is to improve his or her stability. However, when you fit the AFOs inside shoes that are too long, you are stealing that stability right back.
You will notice that some of the shoes that I recommend below are available in wide or extra wide widths. If the shoes are not available in wide or extra wide widths then it’s because the shoe fits naturally wide.
Best Shoes with Double Velcro Straps for Kids with AFOs
Take a look at the description below each shoe image to check what features that specific model provides, whether it is available in wide or extra wide widths, and the materials the shoes are made of. Disclosure: Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases.
- Available in wide and extra wide widths
- Oversized opening for easy on and off
- 100% Suede
- Hook and loop closure
- Order this shoe a half size larger than the end of the AFO/SMO footplate
- Available in wide and extra wide feet
- 2 removable insoles and cuttable, choose-your-size strap closure
- Machine washable
- Order this shoe a half size larger than the end of the AFO/SMO footplate
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet
- Adjustable extra-long straps fit around AFOS but can also be cut to fit
- Opens super wide which makes in and out easy
- Breathable mesh
- Order this shoe a half size larger than the end of the AFO/SMO footplate
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet
- Adjustable extra-long straps fit around AFOS but can also be cut to fit
- Opens super wide which makes in and out easy
- Breathable mesh
- Order this shoe a half size larger than the end of the AFO/SMO footplate
- Fits wide and extra wide feet
- Dual hook-and-loop straps allow for a secure fit and custom adjustability
- Removable, contoured, leather-lined footbed for breathability and comfort
- Lightweight and flexible
- Order this shoe a half size larger than the end of the AFO/SMO footplate
- Fits wide and extra wide feet
- Dual hook-and-loop straps allow for a secure fit and custom adjustability
- Removable, contoured, leather-lined footbed for breathability and comfort
- Lightweight and flexible
- Order this shoe a half size larger than the end of the AFO/SMO footplate
- Fits medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Extra-long straps can be cut for a secure and custom fit with AFOs
- Mesh lining and removable mesh-lined sock liner deliver comfort
- Breathable mesh upper provides maximum durability and ultra-flexibility
- Velcro closure
- Order this shoe a half size larger than the end of the AFO/SMO footplate
- Fits medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Extra-long straps can be cut for a secure and custom fit with AFOs
- Mesh lining and removable mesh-lined sock liner deliver comfort
- Breathable mesh upper provides maximum durability and ultra-flexibility
- Velcro closure
- Order this shoe a half size larger than the end of the AFO/SMO footplate
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Oversized openings for easy on and off
- Supportive outsole
- Order this shoe a half size larger than the end of the AFO/SMO footplate
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Supportive outsoles with firm heel counter
- Double velcro straps
- Lightweight EVA midsole with rubber outsole for ultimate traction and durability
- Order this shoe a half size larger than the end of the AFO/SMO footplate
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Supportive outsoles with firm heel counter
- 100% leather
- Lightweight EVA midsole with rubber outsole for ultimate traction and durability
- Order this shoe a half size larger than the end of the AFO/SMO footplate
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet
- This is an orthopedic shoe with triple velcro straps
- Upper and lining are made of high quality genuine leather
- Works well with orthotics
- Foam-padded elements in sensitive areas for better comfort
- Anti-slip rubber outsole
- Order this shoe a half size larger than the end of the AFO/SMO footplate
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet
- This is an orthopedic shoe with triple velcro straps
- Made of denim and breathable mesh
- Lightweight and breathable
- Provides arch and ankle support
- Works well with orthotics
- Order this shoe a half size larger than the end of the AFO/SMO footplate
If you have to go longer than a full shoe size and a half than your child’s current foot size, then I suggest that you try a different pair of shoes.
How to Order the Correct Size for Your Child’s AFOs?
It’s always best to visit your local specialized children’s shoe store to have your child’s feet properly measured and AFOs properly fitted. The issue is that after the pandemic most shoe stores have closed down, and parents are shopping for their children’s shoes online.
Before you decide to buy your kids’ shoes online, take a look at this resource I created where I showcase the best fitting children’s shoe store by state:
The Best Kids’ Shoe Stores in the United States – Where to go for Proper Fittings
If you don’t have a shoe store in your area then use the resource below as it helps families retrieve what shoe size they should order for their child’s AFOs in two simple steps:
How to Get the Correct Shoe Size for Your Child’s AFOs – Follow These 2 Simple Steps!
Are You Willing to Try Shoes with Laces Instead of Velcro Closure?
If you would like to see a list of shoes with laces that work well with AFOs I suggest that you take a look at the article below:
Best Shoes for Kids with AFOs – Stop Buying Bigger Shoes to Accommodate the AFOs!
Have you found a shoe with double velcro straps that worked well for your child’s AFOs? Please share your findings below so other families can benefit from your experiences!
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