Shoes with Double Velcro Straps for Kids with AFOs
Last updated: August 2026 | By Juan Valenzuela, Certified Children’s Shoe Fitter
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 creates 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 foot more securely, helping keep the AFO firmly in place. This added hold improves comfort and 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 AFO. Look for shoes that also offer extra depth, a rounded toe box, and removable insoles — these features create the space an AFO actually needs. Good heel stability and a firm heel counter matter too, helping guide the foot and AFO smoothly into place while offering better overall control.
Key Features of Double Velcro Shoes for Kids with AFOs
Extra Depth — This allows space for the AFO and maintains comfort. Adequate room reduces pressure points and improves overall fit.
Round Toe Boxes — These 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 — Crucial for support, a rigid heel counter stabilizes the heel and aids in proper alignment. This feature can significantly enhance mobility and helps keep the AFO in place.
Removable Insoles — These create extra room for the AFO, making it easier to get the brace into the shoe and ensuring a more comfortable, customized fit.
Oversized Openings — These make life easier for parents, letting the AFO slide in smoothly so you’re not struggling every time you put the brace on or take it off.
Flexible Tongues — A flexible tongue opens wide, giving you plenty of room to slide the AFO in easily without fighting the shoe.
Be Careful About Fitting Your Child’s Shoes Too Long
When it comes to AFOs, it’s better to go wider and deeper — not longer. One of the main goals of an AFO is to improve your child’s stability, and putting them in shoes that are too long actually works against that. Extra length lets the foot slide around inside the shoe, reducing the brace’s effectiveness and making walking less stable.
Getting the right size is essential for comfort, support, and proper alignment. I created a virtual shoe fitting guide to help you find the correct shoe size for your child’s AFOs — no guesswork needed.
Best Shoes with Double Velcro Straps for Kids with AFOs
Some of the shoes below come in wide or extra wide widths. For those that don’t, it’s because they’re designed to fit naturally wide, offering plenty of room even without a specific width option. Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Gabi and Alvin by Memo (Orthopedic Shoe)
Thoughtfully designed to support better foot posture and all-day comfort, while easily accommodating an AFO.
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 the end of your child’s AFO footplate. Refer to Memo sizing chart
Dean Adapt II by See Kai Run
Extra-long straps and extra depth let the AFO sit deeply inside the shoe, with a lightweight design throughout.
Key Features
- Order on Amazon
- Available for toddlers and little kids
- Not available in wide or extra wide widths but fits naturally wide
- Extra long Velcro straps
- Sizing tip: Order a half size larger than the end of your child’s AFO footplate
If you find yourself needing to go more than two full shoe sizes beyond your child’s current foot length, that’s a sign to try a different shoe. Going too long compromises fit and support, so finding the right shoe from the start is key to your child’s comfort and stability.
Are You Willing to Try Shoes with Laces Instead of Velcro?
Laced shoes often provide superior support and a snugger fit for kids with AFOs. Check out my curated list of lace-up shoes that work great with AFOs and keep little feet comfortable and secure.
Contact Me for Personalized Recommendations
If you’re struggling to find the right shoe for your child’s AFO, reach out by email — I’m happy to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A double strap alone isn’t enough — the shoe also needs extra depth, a rounded toe box, removable insoles, and a firm heel counter to properly accommodate an AFO. Always check these features before assuming a double-strap shoe will work.
Generally, yes — laces typically provide a snugger, more customizable fit and better overall support than Velcro. That said, Velcro (especially double-strap designs) is a strong second choice, particularly for kids who need to get shoes on and off quickly or independently.
