Top 4 Shoe Brands for Kids Who Wear AFOs
Last Updated: August 2026 | Juan Valenzuela, Certified Children’s Shoe Fitter
Finding the perfect shoes for kids with AFOs can be tough, but expensive orthopedic options aren’t your only choice. Many everyday brands offer excellent support, fit, and comfort for ankle-foot orthoses. In this guide, I’ll walk through the top 4 shoe brands for kids who wear AFOs — including a couple of standout styles you won’t find covered anywhere else on this site.
Biggest AFO Shoe Mistake: Choosing Overly Large Shoes
One of the most common mistakes parents make when buying shoes for children with AFOs is choosing shoes that are too large. While it might seem like a good idea to size up to fit the brace, this can actually compromise your child’s stability and increase the risk of falls. The primary function of an AFO is to provide support and stability — if the shoes are too big, you’re undermining the very purpose of the orthotic device.
What Makes the Shoes I Recommend Ideal for AFOs?
1. Extra depth — lets the AFO sit deeply inside the shoe, for a secure, comfortable fit. The deeper the AFO sits, the more comfortable your child will feel, and the less likely they are to feel like their foot is coming out of the shoe.
2. Round toe boxes — helps protect the front of the AFO from wearing through the shoe, for a more durable, longer-lasting fit.
3. A stable base of support — a substantial outsole secures the AFO in place while providing essential support for your child’s foot.
4. A firm heel counter — provides enhanced heel and ankle stabilization for a more secure, comfortable fit.
5. A wider opening for easy on and off — lets you slide the AFO into the shoe without a daily struggle.
Top 4 Shoe Brands for Kids Who Wear AFOs
There’s no one-size-fits-all brand that meets every need — one brand might offer the perfect everyday sneaker but fall short on dress shoes or boots. Even within a recommended brand like New Balance, not every model suits AFOs; fit, support, and stability vary from style to style.
New Balance
New Balance is my top choice for everyday sneakers, and the 990v6 is my go-to recommendation across the board — deep, supportive, available in wide and extra wide widths, with removable insoles built in. I’ve covered the full details, sizing, and color options in my dedicated New Balance AFO guide, including real side-by-side photo proof of why certain New Balance styles work and others don’t.
See Kai Run
See Kai Run shoes aren’t labeled wide (W) or extra wide (XW), but they’re some of the deepest, widest AFO-friendly shoes I’ve fitted. Dean Adapt II and Ryder Adapt are both covered in detail in my dedicated See Kai Run AFO guide.
Stride Rite
Stride Rite’s Journey line is fully adaptable, designed specifically to accommodate orthotics and braces. Holly Mary Jane and M2P Journey are both covered in my dedicated Stride Rite AFO guide.
Billy
Billy shoes use a zipper along the outside and around the toe, letting the shoe open up widely — genuinely convenient for kids to get on and off independently. Worth noting: Billy wasn’t originally built specifically for AFO use; it was designed as an alternative, easier way to access shoe entry generally, which happens to work well for AFOs too. Classic DR is covered in my dedicated Billy AFO guide.
My Top Picks from Each Brand
Rather than just tell you which brands are worth trying, here are the specific styles I actually recommend from each one — the models I’ve personally fitted and confirmed deliver the depth, support, and width your child’s AFO needs. Not every shoe within these four brands works equally well, so treat this as your shortlist, not a starting point for guesswork.
Disclosure: some links below are affiliate links — I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you click and purchase.
990v6 by New Balance
The New Balance 990v6 model is the deepest and most supportive New Balance shoe. Available in wide and extra wide widths means that you won’t have to get the shoes overly large to accommodate the AFOs. Parents report positive feedback on how these shoes accommodate AFOs and are durable.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers, little, and big kids
- Order with laces on the New Balance website or Amazon
- Velcro version also available on the New Balance website or Amazon
- Accommodates medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Firm heel counters, stable base of support, and semi-straight lasts
- Ideal for moderate to strong cases of pronation
- Removable insoles
- Sizing tip: Measure from the end of your child’s AFO or SMO footplate, then order a half size larger than that measurement — not just your child’s regular foot size
Dean Adapt II by See Kai Run
See Kai Run offers an adaptable line for kids who wear AFOs with shoes that provide extra long straps and extra depth to allow the AFOs to sit deeply inside of the shoes. These shoes have a lightweight design.
Key Features
- Order on Amazon
- Available for toddlers and little kids
- Not available in wide or extra wide widths but fits naturally wide
- Sizing tip: Measure from the end of your child’s AFO or SMO footplate, then order a half size larger than that measurement — not just your child’s regular foot size
Holly Mary Jane by Stride Rite
Stride Rite has an adaptable line and one of its most popular shoes for AFOs is a stylish Mary Jane that parents love because their children can use it for casual wear or dressier occasions.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers and little kids
- Order on Amazon
- Available in extra wide widths
- Sizing tip: Measure from the end of your child’s AFO or SMO footplate, then order a whole size larger than that measurement — not just your child’s regular foot size
M2P Journey 3.0 Adapt by Stride Rite
These sneakers are part of the Stride Rite adaptable line and come with extra long velcro straps and are available in extra wide widths.
Key Features
- Order on Amazon
- Accommodates wide or extra wide feet
- APMA approved
- Leather upper
- Ideal for mild cases of pronation
- Sizing tip: Measure from the end of your child’s AFO or SMO footplate, then order a half size larger than that measurement — not just your child’s regular foot size
Billy Shoes
Billy Shoes have become a favorite among families with children who wear AFOs. Their unique zipper design allows for easy on-and-off, making them a convenient choice for both parents and children.
Key Features
- Available for little and big kids
- Order on Amazon
- Available in extra wide widths
- Leather upper
- Sizing tip: Measure from the end of your child’s AFO or SMO footplate, then order a half size larger than that measurement — not just your child’s regular foot size
Did You Choose a Shoe with Laces?
If you opt for laces, you’re choosing better support and stability over Velcro or other closures. A special lacing technique — taught to me by a coworker with 20+ years of shoe-fitting experience — works wonders for kids with AFOs, keeping their feet secure and the AFO in place.
Contact Me for Personalized Recommendations
Every child’s AFO and foot shape are a little different. Email me with your child’s shoe size and AFO type, and I’m happy to recommend specific shoes tailored to their needs.
Ordering the Correct Size for Your Child’s AFOs
Getting the right size is essential for your child to get the full benefit of their AFOs. I’ve put together a dedicated step-by-step sizing resource covering exactly what to measure and how to send it to me — I respond with the correct shoe size within 24 hours.
What Socks Should Children Wear with Their AFOs?
Choose thick, soft, seamless, and tall socks to protect your child’s skin from AFO straps and plastic. If your child sweats a lot, changing socks once or twice a day can help. Some socks offer breathability and antimicrobial technology for added freshness.
Could you tell me what shoes are good for teenagers who wear afo‘a.
Hello Jesta,
If you tell me your son’s/daughter’s shoe size I am happy to recommend specific shoes that might work with the AFOs.