Soccer Cleats for Kids Who Wear AFOs
Parents often reach out asking whether a soccer cleat exists that can actually accommodate their child’s AFO (Ankle-Foot Orthosis). Before shopping for cleats, it’s worth checking with your child’s medical provider on one question first: does their AFO actually need to come off, or on, for soccer specifically? Not every child needs to wear their AFO during sports — it depends on the severity of the condition, and that’s a call for their healthcare provider, not a shoe article. Once that’s settled, here’s what actually helps.
Why Soccer Cleats Are Hard to Fit Over an AFO
Soccer cleats are typically built snug by design — that’s what gives a player the ball control and precision the sport demands. But that same snug fit is exactly what makes fitting an AFO’s bulkier profile so difficult. The two design goals are somewhat at odds, which is why most standard cleats simply don’t work.
What AFOs Add to a Child’s Game
AFOs provide support and alignment for children who might otherwise struggle with balance and movement. They stabilize the ankle and foot, help reduce injury risk, and let kids participate with more confidence and control than they’d have without one.
Two Features That Actually Matter
1. Extra depth — this lets the AFO fit deeper inside the cleat, which improves overall fit and comfort rather than forcing the foot and brace to compete for the same limited space.
2. A round toe box — this accommodates the AFO and prevents the front edge of the footplate from wearing through the front of the cleat over time. Most soccer cleats have narrow, pointed toe boxes, which makes a genuinely round one hard to find.
Do Any Soccer Cleats Come in Wide or Extra Wide Widths?
Yes — and this matters more than it might seem, since a genuinely wider cleat distributes pressure more evenly across the foot and AFO, reducing the risk of pressure sores. Some brands claim their cleats “run wide” without actually offering a labeled wide width; the picks below are a true wide and extra wide.
Disclosure: some links below are affiliate links — I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you click and purchase.
Best Soccer Cleats for Children Who Wear AFOs
Remove the cleat’s original insole before fitting the AFO — this creates the extra space needed for a proper, comfortable fit.
Zephz. Currently the only soccer cleat I’ve found offering a genuine extra wide width, which makes real room for an AFO’s added bulk.
Key Features
- Order on Amazon
- Available in extra wide widths
- Extra padding around the ankles
- Size up a full size beyond the end of your child’s AFO footplate
442 V2 Academy by New Balance. A naturally wider fit with a durable leather upper that molds comfortably to the foot over time — a good balance of support, comfort, and affordability.
Key Features
- Order on the New Balance website or Amazon
- Available in wide widths
- Durable leather upper that adapts to the foot shape
- Soft lining for improved comfort from the first wear
- Size up a full size beyond the end of your child’s AFO footplate
How much either helps still depends on how much space your child’s specific AFO takes up — some are built bulkier than others, so results vary child to child.
Not Sure What Size to Order?
AFOs typically add more width than length, so a wider cleat with extra depth means you won’t need to size up as dramatically in length. Sizing up too much in length can compromise stability and make a child more prone to falling — the opposite of what the AFO itself is trying to prevent. My virtual shoe fitting guide for AFOs helps you determine the correct size to order.
A Lacing Technique Built for Orthotics
I use a specific lacing technique — one I originally learned from a coworker with over 20 years of shoe-fitting experience — for children who wear orthotics. It secures the foot inside the shoe and helps prevent the AFO from shifting excessively during play.
Don’t Forget Socks
A thick, well-padded pair of soccer socks helps protect your child’s foot and leg from irritation or rubbing against the AFO — a small addition that makes a real difference in comfort.
Bonus Resource: Sneakers for Kids Who Wear AFOs
Cleats aren’t the only challenge — everyday sneakers for kids with AFOs need similar features: extra depth and oversized openings to accommodate the brace comfortably.
Have You Found a Cleat That Works?
If you’ve found a soccer cleat that fits well over your child’s AFO, share it in the comments below — your experience could help another family find the right fit for their child.
Frequently Asked Questions
This is a question for your child’s medical provider, not something to decide based on what other families do online. Every child’s foot or leg condition is different, and the right answer depends on the specific reason the AFO was prescribed.
Usually both matter — width alone doesn’t solve for an AFO’s added bulk on top of the foot, which is why depth and a round toe box are just as important as the width label.
Start by trying the 442 V2 Academy first if you haven’t already, since its wide (not extra wide) fit may still work depending on your child’s AFO bulk — some kids do fine in a wide cleat while others genuinely need Zephz’s extra wide room. If neither works, reach out with details about your child’s specific AFO and foot shape; a modified lacing technique or a slightly larger size than usual can sometimes bridge the gap.
