Should Children Wear AFOs with Their Soccer Cleats? – Find Out Now!

February 28, 2025 AFOs Juan Valenzuela 0 - Comments

Parents often reach out to ask if there’s a soccer cleat that can accommodate their child’s AFOs (Ankle-Foot Orthoses). The first thing I always ask is whether their child’s medical professional has specifically recommended wearing AFOs during soccer. This is important because not every child needs to wear their AFOs while playing sports—it often depends on the severity of their foot condition. So, before shopping for soccer cleats, it’s essential to check with your child’s healthcare provider to determine if wearing AFOs during soccer is truly necessary.

The Challenges of Finding Soccer Cleats for AFOs

While AFOs offer numerous benefits, finding suitable soccer cleats to accommodate them can be challenging. Soccer cleats are typically designed to be snug-fitting to provide optimal control and performance on the field. This design can make it difficult to find cleats that comfortably fit over AFOs. The snug nature of cleats, intended to enhance foot-to-ball contact, can sometimes conflict with the bulkier profile of AFOs.

An image of a family who found soccer cleats for their child’s AFOs.

The Benefits of AFOs in Sports

AFOs can provide the necessary support and alignment for children who might otherwise struggle with balance and movement. They help stabilize the ankle and foot, reduce the risk of injury, and allow children to participate in sports with greater confidence.

Key Considerations for Soccer Cleats and AFOs

When selecting soccer cleats for children who wear AFOs, there are two critical features to look for:

1. Extra Depth: Cleats with extra depth allow the AFOs to fit deeply inside of the shoes which provides a better overall fit and increases comfort.

wide-soccer-cleats-for-kids-with-high-insteps
Do you notice how the soccer cleat on the right image is deeper compared to the soccer cleat on the left image?

2. Round Toe-Boxes: This feature helps accommodate the AFOs inside of the cleats and prevents the front part of the AFO footplate from destroying the front part of the cleats. Most soccer cleats have narrower and pointier toe-boxes, and it’s really hard to find one that provides a rounded one. Take a look at the image below for better visualization purposes.

soccer-cleats-for-kids-with-wide-feet
Do you notice how the cleat on the right has a rounded toe box compared to the cleat on the left?

Are Soccer Cleats Available in Wide or Extra Wide Widths?

Yes, the soccer cleats I recommend are available in wide and extra wide widths. These options can be particularly beneficial for children wearing AFOs, as they provide additional room for the orthotic device. Wider cleats allow for better distribution of pressure across the foot, reducing the likelihood of discomfort or pressure sores.

Some families are told that some cleats “run” or “fit” wider than others, but the style that I recommend is actually available in extra wide widths. Disclosure: Some links in this post may be affiliate links and we may receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) when you click our links and make purchases.

Best Soccer Cleats for Children Who Wear AFOs

Make sure that you remove the original insoles of the cleats to allow for extra space for the AFOs.

Zephz red soccer shoe for kids with wide or extra wide feet.
Zephz soccer shoe for kids with wide or extra wide feet.

Key Features

  • Order the shoe style by Zephz on Amazon
  • Available in extra wide widths
  • Extra padding around the ankles
  • Removable insoles
  • I suggest that you get this soccer shoe a whole size larger than the end of your child’s AFO footplate

Keep in mind that how effective these soccer shoes will be for your child’s AFOs directly depends on how much space your child’s AFOs take, as some AFOs are built differently and take more space than others.

Are You Unsure About What Shoe Size You Should Order for the AFOs?

AFOs add more width than length, so if you get wider shoes that provide extra depth you won’t have to size up as much. Allowing children to play soccer in shoes that are too long can compromise their stability and make them more prone to falling. I created a virtual shoe fitting service for families from all over the world that helps them retrieve the exact shoe size they should order to accommodate their child’s AFOs.

Try This Amazing Shoe Lacing Technique

My coworker who has over 20 years of shoe fitting experience taught me the best way to tie shoes for children who wear orthotics. This shoe lacing technique is really effective because it secures the foot inside the shoes and prevents the AFOs from moving excessively inside the shoes.

Bonus Resource: Sneakers for Children Who Wear AFOs

In addition to soccer cleats, many parents seek suitable sneakers for everyday wear. Sneakers for children who wear AFOs should have similar features to cleats, such as extra depth and oversized openings.

Before I forget, I highly recommend giving your child a pair of thick, well-padded socks to help protect their feet and legs from any irritation or rubbing against the AFOs. These socks can make a big difference in keeping them comfortable and preventing unwanted chafing.

I have noticed that many families ask in online forums such as Reddit or Quora whether their children should wear AFOs when they play soccer. Remember that this is a question for your medical professional, and you shouldn’t rely on what other families do, as each child’s foot or leg condition is different.

Have you discovered a soccer cleat that works perfectly with your child’s AFOs? Share your experience in the comments below—your tips could help other families find the ideal fit for their kids!