The Best Kids’ Boots for AFOs and SMOs – Extra Deep and Wider Openings
As a shoe fitter with years of hands-on experience, I understand the challenges of finding supportive AFO winter boots that are wide and deep to accommodate the extra space orthotics take. I have found certain winter boots that provide enough room without being too bulky and have adjustable fastenings (like Velcro) for a snug fit. The boots should also have oversized openings so you can easily slide your child’s feet inside the boots. Based on my experience and feedback from parents, I have put together a list of the best kids’ boots that accommodate AFOs and SMOs effectively.
Taking Feedback From Other Families
By the way, I belong to several groups of families of children with AFOs and SMOs who sometimes share the shoes that they find work well with their child’s braces, but most of the time they are buying the boots too big. Don’t buy the boots overly large as this can defeat the whole purpose of wearing orthotics. You can fit any boot over your child’s braces if you buy them too big, but the idea is to stay as close to your child’s actual foot size as possible.
Stop Buying Your Kids’ Boots Overly Large
One of the main benefits of providing children with AFOs and SMOs is to improve their stability. However, if the shoes are fitted way too big, you’re stealing that stability right back. Instead of buying bigger shoes, I suggest buying shoes that are wider and deeper.
Can My Child Wear Winter Boots Without AFOs or SMOs?
Whether your child must wear winter boots with orthotics directly depends on the severity of your child’s foot or leg condition. Your medical professional should be the one to tell you whether your child must absolutely wear winter boots with the orthotics. Some of the factors that determine whether AFOs must be worn with snow boots are:
- Whether you have very snowy/long winters with plenty of below freezing temperatures
- The degree of your child’s foot or leg condition
- The number of hours a day your child plans to wear the snow boots
Best Boot Brands for Children Who Wear AFOs and SMOs
It’s hard to recommend specific boot brands for children who wear braces as there are styles among each shoe brand that work a lot better than others. With that said, some of my go-to shoe brands that manufacture winter boots that work well for children who wear AFOs and SMOs are:
- See Kai Run
- Dream Pairs
- Memo
- Princepard
I have also found a couple of generic shoe brands that work well with AFOs and SMOs. I will show you the boots from these brands shortly.
You will notice that the boots I recommend either have Velcro straps or laces to help adjust the boot for a secure fit over the braces. These features allow for a customized fit that can accommodate varying sizes and shapes of orthoses, ensuring that the boot stays in place throughout the day.
Key Features to Look for in AFO and SMO-Friendly Boots
Material matters more than you’d think. The winter chill needs combating, but bulk is enemy number one. Go for lightweight insulation materials that keep those toes warm without adding too much weight or stiffness.
1. Extra Depth: This feature allows the AFOs to fit deeply inside the boots and prevent the top part of your kids’ feet from rubbing against the top part of the boots. Take a look at the image below for better visualization purposes:
2. Round Toe-Boxes: This feature helps prevent the AFO from poking a hole in the front of the shoes and prevents your kids’ toes from rubbing against the side of the boots. This feature is particularly important if your child wears an AFO with a footplate that extends over the toes.
3. Wider Openings: Boots with wider openings make a huge difference when trying to fit an AFO or SMO inside the boots, as your child won’t have to struggle to get the boots on and off.
Most of the boots that I describe below are snow boots for AFOs but they can also be used in the rain.
Top Picks for AFO Winter Boots – Supportive and Easy On and Off
For winter boots, insulation and waterproofing are key to keeping feet warm and dry. These features are crucial for maintaining comfort during cold and wet weather, ensuring that children can enjoy outdoor activities without discomfort. Moreover, all of the boots I recommend below are available in a variety of colors and styles, allowing children to express their personal style.
1. Littleplum Snow Boots
This is one of my go-to snow boots for AFOs as it’s a very versatile boot with triple velcro straps for a secure fit and easy on and off. Parents appreciate that the boots are budget-friendly and do not compromise on comfort or durability.
Key Features
- Order the boot style Winter Waterproof by Littleplum on Amazon.
- This is a snow boot that can be used in the snow and rain as well.
- Rubber outsole with ice cleats to help prevent slips and falls.
- Waterproof.
- Removable insoles.
- Triple velcro straps for easy on and off.
- I suggest that you get this boot a whole size larger than the end of the AFO/SMO footplate.
2. UBFEN Kids Snow Boots
These affordable boots for AFO braces don’t compromise on comfort or durability and offer a wide fit and a lightweight design, making them ideal for everyday winter wear. Known for their lightweight design, these boots provide excellent support without compromising on comfort.
Key Features
- Order the boot style UBFEN on Amazon.
- This is a snow boot.
- The fluffy lining provides warmth.
- I suggest that you get this boot a whole size larger than the end of the AFO/SMO footplate.
3. Skye Adaptable by See Kai Run
See Kai Run’s Skye Adaptable boots are specifically designed for kids who wear orthotics. They feature a wider opening and adjustable straps, making them easy to wear with AFOs or SMOs. These are definitely some of the best kids’ boots for AFOs or SMOs.
Key Features
- Order the shoe style Skye Adapt Waterproof by See Kai Run on Amazon or Zappos.
- Waterproof-treated textile and synthetic upper.
- Adjustable extra-long straps fit around AFOS.
- Rubber toe cap adds durability.
- Thermoplastic rubber outsole with a rugged tread pattern built for maximum grip on wet and snowy terrain.
- I suggest that you get this boot a whole size larger than the end of the AFO/SMO footplate.
4. Snow Boot by Dream Pairs
These snow boots feature double velcro straps with a side zipper for easy on and off.
Key Features
- Order the shoe style Ducko Ankle Winter Snow by Dream Pairs on Amazon.
- Double velcro straps with a side zipper closure for oversized openings and easy on and off.
- Waterproof and Insulated.
- I suggest that you get this boot a whole size larger than the end of the AFO/SMO footplate.
It’s important to emphasize that when it comes to fitting shoes for AFOs or SMOs what works well for one child might not always work as well for another. 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.
Additional Boot Recommendations
For more guidance on finding the right winter boots for your child, consider reaching out for personalized boot recommendations. Feel free to email me for personalized shoe recommendations or to access additional resources tailored to kids who wear AFOs or SMOs. My goal is to ensure that every child finds footwear that supports their unique mobility needs and personal style.
Find Out What Boot Size to Order for Your Child’s AFOs/SMOs
Determining the correct boot size for children wearing AFOs or SMOs can be tricky, especially when shopping online. To assist families in this process, we have developed a virtual sizing resource that simplifies the task.
If you are investing your time and money in a pair of AFOs, your child might as well get the full benefits that the AFOs have to offer. My tool can provide a more personalized sizing recommendation based on your child’s measurements.
How Feedback from Other Families Can Add Value
Families who have navigated the journey of finding suitable boots for their children with AFOs or SMOs often have valuable insights to share.
Can Children Wear These Boots in the Rain?
Yes, your child can wear these boots in the rain. However, if you live in an area where it gets really warm, then you might want to consider looking for a pair of actual rain boots that can fit AFOs.
Kids’ Boots for AFOs and SMOs: How Big Is Too Big?
This depends on whether your child needs to wear SMOs or AFOs. I have noticed that for SMOs you don’t have to get the shoes bigger than a whole shoe size of your child’s foot length, as SMOs don’t have a footplate that extends over the toes. If you have to go beyond a full shoe size bigger, you may be better off with a different shoe style.
For AFOs that have footplates that extend over the toes, you will most likely have to get shoes that are a full shoe size and a half bigger than your child’s actual foot size. If you have to go beyond a full shoe size and a half bigger, you may be better off with a different shoe style.
Can Your Child Wear Orthopedic Boots Instead of AFOs?
Some children do, and some children don’t. Again, this is a question that your medical professional should be able to answer. I can provide you with a list of orthopedic boots but first, you must know whether your child can wear them instead of the orthotics.
Most families are not able to invest in a pair of orthopedic boots for children who wear braces, as orthopedic boots can range anywhere from $100 to $150. Let’s keep in mind that these are growing children, and parents will find themselves having to replace the boots every 5 to 6 months. One of my go-to orthopedic boots for kids who wear AFOs or SMOs is made by the shoe company Memo.
What Are the Best Winter Socks for Kids Who Wear AFOs/SMOs?
When it comes to socks, you need to make sure that they are taller than the braces themselves. I wrote a different article that describes a selection of the best socks for AFOs that are seamless, soft, and tall enough to prevent the AFO’s plastic and strapping from rubbing against your child’s skin.
AFO Winter Boots for Kids – Watch Video!
I created a video that will help you better visualize what features your kids’ winter boots should provide to accommodate the braces. You will also be able to watch how easy is to fit AFOs and SMOS inside the boots I recommend.
How to Easily Slide Your Child’s AFOs/SMOs Inside the Boots
- Remove the original insoles from the boots to allow for extra room for the braces.
- Open up the velcro straps all the way.
- Rock the boot heel back and forth to help it gradually slide on.
What Are the Best Sneakers for Children Who Wear AFOs or SMOs?
There is a different resource that has a list of deep and supportive sneakers that are capable of accommodating AFOs and SMOs.
The Challenges of Finding Boots for AFOs and SMOs
AFOs and SMOs can make a tremendous difference in helping treat and improve your child’s foot conditions, but they also create several challenges. The most common one is finding shoes that can fit the braces. It’s not easy to find a pair of affordable winter boots that are capable of fitting your child’s AFOs or SMOs. Most traditional boots are simply not deep or wide enough to accommodate braces, but I have found a couple of styles that can.
It is a fact that some AFOs and SMOs take more space than others, meaning that what might work for one child won’t necessarily work for another. Don’t hesitate to ask any questions in the comments section below. I am happy to provide you with a different pair of kids’ boots for AFOs and SMOs.
