Stylish Shoes for AFO Braces – Mary Jane’s Shoes, Boots, Dress Shoes, and Casual Sneakers!

March 2, 2025 AFOs Juan Valenzuela 0 - Comments

Selecting the right footwear is crucial for children who wear AFOs. Shoes that are too tight or too loose can cause pressure points, blisters, or even skin breakdown, which could exacerbate existing mobility issues. As someone specializing in children’s footwear, I know that the right pair of shoes can significantly enhance the benefits of AFOs. That’s why I’m excited to share with you a selection of stylish shoes that are specifically designed to accommodate AFOs—helping your child move with ease and confidence.

Shoes for kids with AFOs don’t have to be dull or bulky! While many kids end up in basic sneakers due to limited stylish options, children who wear AFOs still want to look as fashionable as their friends. It’s possible to find trendy, functional shoes that combine style with the support they need!

Functional and Stylish Shoes for AFOs

AFOs are essential for many children, aiding in their mobility and independence. They help stabilize the foot and ankle, allowing for more natural and comfortable movement.

Pink HEYDUDE brand shoes on a kid wearing Ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) splints.
An image of a toddler girl wearing a pair of casual pink sneakers with her AFOs.

The Challenges of Finding Stylish Shoes for AFOs

Most off-the-shelf shoes are not created for children who need to wear AFOs. Parents feel heartbroken when they see the disappointment on their kids’ faces when not a single pair of the fashionable and cute shoes that they want to wear can accommodate the shape of the AFOs.

My Experience Helping Kids Who Wear AFOs

As a shoe fitter, my goal is to help families find the correct pair of shoes for their children. While I may not have medical certification, my hands-on experience allows me to offer personalized recommendations based on a child’s foot shape and condition.

I have noticed that many parents who are new to AFOs wear have the same questions and concerns. Moreover, they have the same worries and frustrations, but I will share with you what I have learned over all my years of professional shoe fitting.

A list of stylish Mary Jane shoes for kids who wear AFOs.
Stylish Mary Jane shoes that work well with AFOs.

Shoe Brands Specializing in AFO-Friendly Styles

Several brands have made it their mission to provide stylish and functional shoes for children wearing AFOs. These brands understand the unique needs of children who require braces and have developed footwear that meets both practical and aesthetic requirements. Two such brands stand out:

Memo Shoes

Memo shoes are designed with orthopedic needs in mind. They offer a range of styles that are both fashionable and functional. The brand prioritizes design, offering a variety of colors and styles that appeal to children, allowing them to express their individuality through their footwear.

Stride Rite

Stride Rite is a well-known name in children’s footwear and has developed an “Adaptable” line specifically for children with AFOs. These shoes feature extra-long Mary Jane Velcro straps that ensure a secure fit while accommodating the brace. With a range of styles and colors, Stride Rite combines functionality with fashion.

Over the years, I’ve developed a deep understanding of how different shoes interact with AFOs, allowing me to provide informed and effective recommendations to parents seeking the best footwear for their children. 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.

The Best Stylish Shoes for AFO Braces – Trendy Shoe Choices

Here are my top recommendations for stylish AFO-compatible shoes.

Mary Jane Shoes and Dress Shoes

Mary Jane sneakers offer a classic look that many children love. Their design often includes a strap across the top of the foot, which can help secure the shoe over an AFO. This style combines the elegance of traditional Mary Janes with the comfort and practicality of sneakers, making them a popular choice for both everyday wear and special occasions.

Holly by Stride Rite

These extra wide Mary Jane shoes by Stride Rite are a stylish option. With its roomy toe box and supportive design, these cute shoes for AFOs are an ideal choice for girls needing a bit more width and depth in their shoes.

Stride Rite Holly Mary Jane in gold for girls.
Stride Rite adaptable silver Mary Jane for girls.

Key Features

  • Order the shoe style SR Holly by Stride Rite on Zappos or Amazon
  • Available in extra wide widths
  • Awarded the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA)
  • Padded tongue and collar for added comfort
  • Supreme comfort care of Ortholite memory foam footbeds
  • I suggest that you get this Mary Jane shoe a whole size larger than the end of the AFO footplate

Princessa and Anna by Memo

Memo is a well-known brand specializing in orthopedic footwear, and their Princessa and Anna styles are top choices for children with AFOs. These stylish shoes for AFO are are designed with a wider width and a deep toe box, accommodating the AFO comfortably.

Orthopedic black dress shoe for girls.
Orthopedic Memo Mary Jane for AFOs.

Key Features

  • Order the shoe style Princessa and Anna by Memo on Amazon
  • Fits medium, wide, or extra wide feet
  • Extra depth and width for orthotics
  • Rigid heel counter
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than the end of the AFO/SMO footplate

Boots and Dress Shoes

Boots and dress shoes can also be adapted for children with AFOs. These types of shoes can be particularly beneficial during colder months or for formal occasions. They offer a more structured fit that can provide additional support and stability, making them a practical choice for children who need extra ankle support.

Billy Shoes

These cute shoes for AFOs have an unique zipper design allows for easy on-and-off, making them a convenient choice for both parents and children.

Pink Billy shoes for girls who wear AFOs.
Black-Billy-shoes-for-kids-who-wear-AFOs

Key Features

  • Available for little and big kids
  • Order the shoe style Classic DR High II by Billy on Zappos or Amazon
  • Available in extra wide widths
  • Leather upper
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than the end of the AFO footplate

Malmo by Memo

The Malmo by Memo is a stylish and functional shoe designed with both comfort and support in mind, making it an excellent choice for children who wear AFOs.

Stylish brown high-top shoes for kids who wear AFOs.
Stylish pink girl's high-top shoes for AFOs.

Key Features

  • Order the shoe style Malmo Corrective by Memo on Amazon
  • Extra depth and width for AFOs
  • Double velcro straps for a secure fit
  • Rigid heel counter
  • I suggest that you get this dress shoe a whole size larger than the end of your child’s AFO footplate

Please note that fashionable shoes are not meant to be worn as everyday shoes. Your children should wear everyday supportive shoes with their AFOs for most of the day and wear their fashionable shoes for no more than four to five hours a day.

Get in Touch for Personalized Suggestions

Every child’s foot is unique, and finding the right shoe can sometimes require a more tailored approach. I offer personalized shoe recommendations tailored to your child’s foot condition and AFO requirements. This personalized service involves assessing the child’s foot shape, size, and specific needs, ensuring that the selected shoes provide optimal support and comfort. Feel free to reach out for advice, whether you need help selecting a shoe brand or determining the correct size and style.

Tips for Choosing the Right Socks for AFO Braces

Socks play a crucial role in ensuring comfort when wearing AFOs. They act as a barrier between the skin and the brace, reducing friction and preventing blisters. The right socks can significantly enhance the overall comfort of wearing AFOs, making them an essential consideration for parents.

Tall, durable, and seamless socks for kids who wear AFOs.
An image of a pair of tall, seamless, and comfortable socks for AFOs.

Here are some tips for choosing the right socks for AFOs:

  • Seamless Socks: Seamless socks help prevent pressure points that can lead to sores or discomfort, particularly important for children with sensitive skin.
  • Moisture-Wicking Fabrics: These help keep feet dry and comfortable. Moisture-wicking socks draw sweat away from the skin, reducing the risk of fungal infections and keeping the feet feeling fresh throughout the day.
  • Proper Length: Choose socks that are long enough to cover the area of the leg where the brace sits. Ensuring that the socks cover the entire area in contact with the AFO protects the skin and provides a comfortable buffer against the brace.

Several parents have explained to me how for little girls, cute boots and shoes are such a big thing and how they never thought that shoe shopping would be such an emotionally charged (and usually tear-driven) event. The myth that cute shoes for a child who wears AFOs are hard to come by has been dispelled!