Editor’s Note: This post has been updated and revised for accuracy on May 2022 and reflects an up-to-date selection of velcro extender for shoes.
There are many reasons why parents need to buy velcro extenders for their children’s shoes, but some of the most common ones are:
- Accommodate the child’s AFOs or SMOs.
- Accommodate extra wide feet with high insteps.
- Accommodate a specific foot conditions such as hemihypertrophy.
Children who fall into any of the three categories mentioned above have a common issue: The velcro straps of their shoes are never long enough to close all the way. Take a look at the image below, does it look familiar?
There is a specific type of velcro extender that works great for children’s shoes. You don’t have to go to a shoe store to get a velcro extension, you can probably find this at your local department or pharmacy store but you can also buy them online if you find it more convenient:
1′ Wide and 5′ LengthCheck Price
Keep in mind that before you try adding a velcro extension to your kids’ shoes I suggest making sure that your child is indeed wearing the correct types of shoes in the correct size. For example, some velcro shoes work a lot better than others when it comes to fit the shape of a child with extra wide feet or orthotics such as AFOs/SMOs.
Some shoes are available in extra wide widths (XW) and provide extra depth which allows the child’s feet and orthotics to fit deeply inside the shoes. This can make it easier for the velcro straps to go along the shoe.
I have a lot of experience when it comes to fitting children’s shoes as I have been working at a specialized children’s shoe store for over 10 years, where we focus on helping children with “complicated” foot shapes, foot conditions, and leg conditions.
As a shoe fitter, I handle approximately 100 shoe fittings/try-ons per week and have become very familiar with the best shoes for kids with extra wide feet or shoes for kids who wear AFOs/SMOs.
I have created several resources that you might find helpful. For example, take a look at the resource below to find the best selection of shoes for children who wear SMOs or AFOs:
Best Shoes for Kids with AFOs – Stop Buying Bigger Shoes to Accommodate the AFOs!
If your child has extra wide feet take a look at the resource below:
Extra Wide Shoes for Kids – The Best Everyday Shoes for Your Child with Extra Wide Feet!
Lastly, if your child is dealing with a foot condition such as hemihypertrophy, take a look at the resource below:
The Best Children’s Shoes for Hemihypertrophy – Extra Wide and Deep!
Velcro extenders are great if your child wants to wear a specific shoe style and the straps are not going over all the way.
Do not hesitate to contact me if you are having a hard time finding a specific pair of shoes for your child:
fittingchildrensshoes@gmail.com
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