Best Kids’ Boots for AFOs and SMOs: Extra Deep with Wide Openings
Finding winter boots that fit over AFOs or SMOs is one of the hardest parts of shoe shopping for kids who wear braces. Most boots simply aren’t deep or wide enough, so families end up sizing way up. After years of fitting kids with AFOs and SMOs, I’ve found a handful of boots that make room for the braces without being bulky, with adjustable Velcro straps for a snug fit and wide openings that make getting them on much easier.
Stop Buying Your Kids’ Boots Too Big
I belong to several groups for families of kids with AFOs and SMOs, and the most common mistake I see is buying boots much too big. You can fit almost any boot over braces if you size up enough, but that works against the reason your child wears them.
AFOs and SMOs help improve stability. When the boots are too big, the foot and brace move around inside, and that stability is lost. Instead of buying bigger boots, look for boots that are wider and deeper, and stay as close to your child’s actual size as you can.
Can My Child Wear Winter Boots Without AFOs or SMOs?
It depends on your child’s condition, so check with your child’s doctor, physical therapist, or orthotist. The answer usually depends on:
- How snowy and long your winters are, and how often temperatures drop below freezing
- The severity of your child’s foot or leg condition
- How many hours a day your child will wear the boots
Best Boot Brands for Kids Who Wear AFOs and SMOs
Every brand has some styles that work much better with braces than others, so it’s hard to recommend a brand as a whole. That said, See Kai Run and Dream Pairs make some of my go-to winter boots for AFOs and SMOs. I’ve also found a couple of budget-friendly brands, Littleplum and UBFEN, that fit braces surprisingly well.
Every boot I recommend has Velcro straps, laces, or a zipper, so you can open it wide around the braces and keep the boot secure all day.
Key Features to Look for in AFO and SMO-Friendly Boots
1. Extra depth. Extra depth lets the brace sit deep inside the boot and keeps the top of your child’s foot from rubbing against the top of the boot.
2. Round toe box. A round toe box keeps the AFO from wearing a hole in the front of the boot and keeps your child’s toes from rubbing against the sides. This matters most if your child’s AFO has a footplate that extends past the toes.
3. Wide openings. A wide opening makes a huge difference when fitting a brace inside the boot, so your child won’t have to struggle to get the boots on and off.
4. Lightweight insulation. Boots need to keep toes warm, but bulk is the enemy when there’s a brace inside. Look for lightweight insulation that adds warmth without adding weight or stiffness.
Top Boots for AFOs and SMOs
Every boot below is waterproof or water-resistant and works in both snow and rain. Most also come in several colors, so your child can pick a style they like. Disclosure: some links in this post are affiliate links — I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Littleplum Snow Boots
A versatile, budget-friendly boot with triple Velcro straps for a secure fit and easy on and off. Parents love that it doesn’t compromise on comfort or durability.
Key Features
- Available for little and big kids
- Order on Amazon
- Waterproof, for snow and rain
- Rubber outsole with ice cleats to help prevent slips and falls
- Removable insoles
- Triple Velcro straps for easy on and off
- Sizing tip: order a whole size larger than the end of the AFO/SMO footplate
Skye Adaptable by See Kai Run
Designed specifically for kids who wear orthotics, the Skye Adaptable has a wide opening and extra-long adjustable straps that wrap around AFOs and SMOs. It’s one of the best boots for braces I’ve found.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers and little kids
- Order on Amazon
- Waterproof-treated textile and synthetic upper
- Adjustable extra-long straps
- Rubber toe cap adds durability
- Rugged thermoplastic rubber outsole for grip on wet and snowy terrain
- Sizing tip: order a whole size larger than the end of the AFO/SMO footplate
UBFEN Kids Snow Boots
An affordable, lightweight boot with a wide fit and a cozy lining, ideal for everyday winter wear.
Key Features
- Available for little and big kids
- Order on Amazon
- This is a snow boot
- Waterproof
- The fluffy lining provides warmth
- Sizing tip: order a whole size larger than the end of the AFO/SMO footplate
Snow Boot by Dream Pairs
A front zipper opens this boot up wide, so braces slide in easily, and the removable liner makes it simple to dry out between wears.
Key Features
- Available for little kids and big kids
- Order on Amazon
- Waterproof
- Removable liner
- Zipper closure
- Insulated
- Sizing tip: order a whole size larger than the end of the AFO/SMO footplate.
Need a Specific Boot Recommendation?
Some AFOs and SMOs take up more space than others, so a boot that works for one child may not work for another. Email me or leave a comment below if you’re struggling to find a boot that fits your child’s braces, and I’ll suggest a style.
Find Out What Boot Size to Order for AFOs and SMOs
Getting the size right is tricky, especially online. My virtual sizing guide for AFOs gives you a personalized size recommendation based on your child’s measurements, so your child gets the full benefit of their braces.
How Big Is Too Big?
It depends on whether your child wears SMOs or AFOs.
- SMOs: SMOs don’t extend past the toes, so you usually don’t need more than one whole size larger than your child’s foot length.
- AFOs with a footplate that extends past the toes: you’ll likely need about one and a half sizes larger than your child’s foot size.
If you have to go bigger than that, try a deeper, wider style instead.
How to Slide AFOs and SMOs Inside the Boots
- Remove the original insoles to make extra room for the braces.
- Open the Velcro straps all the way.
- Rock the boot heel back and forth to help it gradually slide on.
Watch: AFO Winter Boots for Kids
This video shows the features that make a boot work with braces, and how easily AFOs and SMOs fit inside the boots I recommend.
Feedback from Families
Families who’ve already been through the search for boots that fit braces often have the most useful insights.
Can Your Child Wear Orthopedic Boots Instead of AFOs?
Some children can and some can’t, so ask your child’s medical provider first. Orthopedic boots usually cost $100 to $150, and since kids often outgrow them in 5 to 6 months, many families can’t justify the cost. If your child’s provider says they’re an option, one of my go-to orthopedic boots is made by Memo.
Best Winter Socks for Kids with AFOs and SMOs
Socks should be taller than the braces so the plastic and straps don’t rub against your child’s skin. See the best socks for AFOs for seamless, soft picks.
Rain Boots and Sneakers for AFOs and SMOs
All of the boots above work in the rain, but if you live somewhere warm, a true rain boot that fits AFOs may be a better choice. For everyday shoes, see these deep, supportive sneakers for AFOs and SMOs.
FAQ
Yes. Every boot on this list is waterproof or water-resistant, so they work in both snow and rain.
First, ask your child’s provider whether your toddler needs to wear SMOs with rain boots. For short, occasional wear, some toddlers can go without them. If SMOs are needed, look for a rain boot with extra depth and a wide opening.
Yes, in most cases. Removing the original insole gives the brace more room without needing to size up as much.
Hello! Do you have rainboot suggestions for an 18 month old in SMO’s.
Hi Ashley! Have you been told by your child’s medical professional that your toddler needs to wear the SMOs with rain boots, or is your toddler allowed to go without the SMOs for short periods of time?
For footwear that is worn only occasionally and for very short periods, it may be okay to go without the SMOs, but I would suggest confirming this with your child’s physical therapist, orthotist, or doctor first.
If your toddler does need to wear the SMOs with rain boots, this specific model by Bogs might work, as it provides more room and depth than many other rain boots: Bogs Rain Boots
I hope this helps!