Should You Bring Shoes to Your Child’s AFO/SMO Appointment?
When preparing for your child’s AFO/SMO appointment, you might wonder if bringing shoes is necessary. This decision can impact the fitting process and ultimately the success of the orthotic treatment. The right footwear can significantly enhance the benefits of your child’s AFOs or SMOs, ensuring that your child experiences the greatest possible improvement in mobility and comfort.
With ten years of experience at a specialized children’s shoe store and close collaboration with physical and occupational therapists, I’ve gained expert knowledge on the best shoes for pairing with AFOs/SMOs. I’m excited to share everything I’ve learned to help you find the perfect fit for your child’s needs.
1. Can Your Child’s Current Shoes Fit the New AFOs/SMOs?
Bringing your child’s current shoes to the appointment can be helpful. This allows the orthotist to assess whether the existing footwear is compatible with the new orthotic devices. Additionally, assessing current footwear provides valuable insights into the wear patterns, which can inform the orthotist about your child’s gait and any potential issues.
With that said, be prepared for the likelihood that your child’s current shoes won’t fit. AFO devices often require additional space and specific features that standard shoes may not provide.
2. Should We Wait to Buy Shoes Until We Get the AFOs/SMOs?
Finding shoes that fit AFOs/SMOs is much easier when you have the braces with you. If your medical professional recommends bringing shoes to try on with the new braces, be sure to ask for the AFO measurements. With these measurements, you’ll be able to determine the correct shoe size for your child. Stay tuned as I explain exactly how to use these measurements to find the perfect fit!
3. How to Determine the Right Shoe Size for AFOs/SMOs?
If your medical professional asks you to bring shoes to the AFO/SMO appointment, be sure to request the AFO measurements. Having these measurements will allow you to begin shopping for the perfect shoes that will provide the best fit and comfort for your child. You can use the resource below to find out exactly what shoe size you should order for your child’s AFOs:
Next Step: Finding Shoes for Your Child’s AFOs/SMOs
I’ve come across a lot of misinformation about which shoes work best with AFOs, and one of the most common mistakes I see is parents asking other families for recommendations. The issue is that every child’s feet are unique, and AFOs/SMOs vary in size and shape—some take up more space than others. To help, I’ve created a helpful resource with a list of supportive and deep shoes that are specifically designed to work well with AFOs.
Be careful about trying the same shoes that your friend or relative recommends. I have noticed that some families recommend a specific shoe, but they actually fitted that shoe way too long to accommodate the AFO. For example, I have seen several posts saying how “these shoes worked great for my child’s AFOs, we only had two go two full sizes up from my child’s foot size”. If you need to buy your child’s shoes two full sizes too big, that’s not the right shoe for your child’s AFOs.
How Often Should Your Child Wear the AFOs/SMOs?
Make sure to consult with your child’s medical professional about how long they should wear the AFOs each day. Gradually increasing wear time can help prevent discomfort and ensure proper fit.
If this is your child’s first time wearing an AFO or SMO and they’re unable to express pain or discomfort, it’s crucial to keep a close eye on their feet and legs for any signs of irritation. Watch for redness, rubbing, or swelling, which can indicate pressure points.
Choosing the right shoes for your child’s AFOs is essential for both comfort and functionality. Without the right shoes, even the best AFOs won’t provide the support they need, potentially limiting their effectiveness.
