The Best Alternative to AFOs – Recommendations from a Shoe Fitter

July 13, 2025 AFOs Juan Valenzuela 0 - Comments

Is your child uncomfortable wearing AFOs? Are you tired of constantly sizing up shoes just to make room for bulky braces? There’s good news—there are effective alternatives to AFOs that can still provide the support your child needs. One of the best options is insertable foot orthotics, which offer stability and comfort without the bulk of traditional AFOs. The first seven years of a child’s life are critical for foot and leg development, and early intervention with the right support can make a big difference. That’s where littleSTEPS orthotics come in—designed specifically for growing feet, they’re a lightweight, child-friendly alternative that promotes healthy foot alignment and mobility.

My Experience Fitting Children’s Shoes and Orthotics

Please note that I am not a medical professional, but I have been fitting children’s shoes and orthotics for the last 10 years. The best orthotic for your child might not be one that is perfectly suited for your child, it might be the one that actually gets worn! I have seen several cases of children who refuse to wear their AFOs due to the following reasons:

  • Self-conscious about looking different than their peers
  • Pain and discomfort
  • A limited selection of shoes
  • Difficulties putting AFOs on and off

This resource is here to empower families of children who wear AFOs by letting them know there may be alternatives worth exploring. However, it’s essential to remember that every child’s needs are unique. If your medical professional believes AFOs remain the best solution for your child’s foot issues, it’s important to follow their expert guidance. Your child’s health and comfort always come first!

What Are AFOs?

“AFOs” or ankle-foot orthoses are commonly used braces to support the foot and ankle. They have a wide range of shapes and sizes, however, they often encapsulate a patient’s entire foot and lower leg to completely stabilize them.

Image of a child wearing Velcro shoes with AFOs.
Typically, AFOs are made with sturdy plastic that is both supportive and comfortable, and some sort of closure method to firmly secure the AFOs to the patient’s legs.

AFOs can be used to treat a variety of foot issues however, they are often used to treat neurological and musculoskeletal disorders. Some common conditions AFOs help treat in children include:

  • Cerebral palsy
  • Foot drop
  • Low muscle tone (Hypotonia)
  • High muscle tone (Hypertonia)
  • Joint hypermobility
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Foot or leg injury

*Be sure to talk with your child’s doctor if you think they might need an AFO and to determine which AFO is best for them.

Difficulties Fitting Shoes with AFOs

While AFOs can be great devices for treating and supporting different foot problems, they can also pose issues of their own. Most notably, some parents end up buying shoes that are too big for their child’s feet in order to compensate for the large size of many AFOs.

Other Difficulties with AFOs

Aside from shoe-fitting struggles, AFOs can sometimes cause other issues. Potential problems children and families face with AFOs include:

  • Skin irritations (blisters, redness, sores)
  • Improper fit
  • Bulky/uncomfortable feeling
  • Difficulties putting AFOs on and off
  • Expensive AFO prices

*All this being said, please consult with your child’s doctor before stopping your child’s AFO use or trying out an AFO alternative. AFOs can be and often are the best way to treat certain foot/leg issues.

What Makes These Orthotics the Top Alternative to AFOs?

LittleSTEPS orthotics are specially designed inserts for kids’ shoes. They offer support and aid in correcting common foot issues. Unlike other bulky options, these orthotics easily fit into children’s footwear.

Deep heel cups that ensure your child’s weight is being equally and properly dispersed throughout their heels. These heel cups also help control the alignment of their heel and lower leg. Even without a full AFO, these deep heel cups will make sure your child’s feet are adequately and actively stabilized.
Deep medial and lateral flanges provide significant medial and lateral flanges to adequately stabilize all parts of your child’s feet, specifically cradling the sides of your child’s feet (medial plantar and lateral plantar).
Medial rearfoot posting provides a slight elevation to the heel to help properly align your child’s feet. This posting also helps to secure the orthotics inside your child’s shoes, reducing potential side-to-side movement of the orthotics.

Before and After: Real Results for Flat Feet

Seeing transformation firsthand is powerful. Before-and-after images vividly demonstrate the impact of littleSTEPS orthotics. These visuals showcase the clear changes in foot alignment.

Before image of a child with flat feet and weak ankles standing barefoot. The child’s feet are collapsing inwards and their weak ankles are further impeding their proper foot alignment.
After image of the same child standing on littleSTEPS orthotics. The child’s feet are much straighter. The orthoticʼs deep heel cups, medial and lateral flanges, and rearfoot posting help align the child’s feet comfortably to the proper position.

The Best Alternative to AFOs: littleSTEPS Orthotics

littleSTEPS® orthotics are my top recommendation as an alternative to AFOs. I suggest them for kids with flat feet, weak ankles, overpronation, low muscle tone, hypermobility, toe walking, or knocked knees. Unlike bulky braces, these orthotics offer support without restricting natural movement. They gently guide the foot into better alignment, easing discomfort and promoting healthy foot development.

littleSTEPS orthotics for kids with flat feet and overpronation.

1. Order littleSTEPS® Orthotics from their official website. You must submit a Referral Code to complete your order: JVFCS100121

2. It’s not necessary to remove the original insoles of the shoes when fitting this orthotic.

3. The 3/4 length design makes it easier to fit into various shoe styles.

4. Take a look at this chart to figure out what size to order based on your child’s shoe size.

You won’t have to order your children’s shoes bigger than a half size or a full size of your child’s longest foot size.

Are You Unsure of What Orthotic Size to Order?

It’s crucial to choose the right size orthotics for your child so they can enjoy the full benefits and ensure a comfortable fit inside their shoes. Check out the chart below to find the perfect size of littleSTEPS orthotics based on your child’s shoe size.

size-orthotics

*For these orthotics you do not need to remove the original insoles of your child’s shoes first. Just put the orthotics directly into their shoes!

What Shoes Work Best with Orthotics?

Finding the right shoes can make a significant difference. Your child’s shoes work in tandem with their orthotics to treat and support their feet. You can access a list of my favorite children’s shoes for orthotics and what shoe features are important to search for when buying orthotic-accommodating shoes.

If your medical professional recommends that your child needs AFOs, don’t worry—I’ve got you covered. Check out the special resource I created with a carefully curated list of the best shoes designed to comfortably and securely fit AFOs, making daily life easier for both you and your child.

References:

https://nolaro24.com/ls.html

What Are AFOs and How to Use Them? | Align Clinic – Align Clinic (align-clinic.com) Professional Guide for Everyone wearing an Ankle-Foot Orthosis (AFO) (alcammedical.com)

Ankle-Foot Orthosis (AFO) Types (verywellhealth.com)

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC644959