Finding the right shoes to fit Ankle Foot Orthotics ( AFOs) can seem like an impossible task. Thankfully, we are here to help. We surveyed our community to find the best shoes that work with every kind of AFO on the market. The results are organized by age groups . If you learn updates for this list, please let us know by contacting us!
(Revised November 2024.)
All Ages
- Billy Footwear features “mainstream shoes that are functional, fashionable, and inclusive for everyone.” Shop on their website or find them at Target!
- Zappos Adaptive has various options for people with foot drop.
Toddler
Works with: Articulated AFO, Solid AFO, Fuzion AFO
Notes:
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- Entire back of shoe unzips
- Easy to put on and zip over AFO
- For narrow feet, buy one size up. For wide feet, consider sizing up 2-3 sizes
- Sell out quickly, check online frequently
Surprize by Stride Rite Tanner Sneakers
Works with: Solid AFO
- Notes:
- Take lining out of shoe for an easier fit
- Remove sole
Vans Mid-Ankle double velcro w/ insert removed
Works with: Solid AFO
- Notes: Remove sole
Works with: Solid AFO
IFME Kid’s Playa Venice Elastic Lace Mesh Hook and Loop Fisherman Style Sandal
Works with: Solid AFO
Notes: Breathable and machine washable.
Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Sneakers
Works with: Solid AFO, Knee AFO ( KAFO)
- Notes: Get longer laces and pull out the inner padding of the sole
Works with: Solid AFO
- Notes:
- Snug fit.
- Fits great for toddler sizes.
DaDaWen Baby’s Boy’s Girl’s Breathable Mesh Running Sneakers Sandals Water Shoe
Works with: Solid AFO
- Notes: These are technically water shoes.
Works with: Solid AFO braces as well as SMOs, KAFO, and DAFOs
These Fringe Mary Jane shoes for AFO Braces Feature:
- Genuine Leather
- Rubber Sole
- Adjustable Velcro Strap accommodates wide or skinny ankles
- Pull tab at the back for easy on and off
Child
Works with: Solid AFO, Ground Reaction AFO ( GR AFO), Knee AFO ( KAFO)
- Notes:
- Remove inserts
- Many new balance shoes come in wide and extra wide.
- The laces can be replaced with snap laces if needed.
Mt. Emey 3301-L – Children Orthopedic Shoes
Works with: Solid AFO
- Notes: They run a little small order wide and size up
Works with: Ground Reaction AFO (GR AFO), Knee AFO ( KAFO), Solid AFO, Articulated AFO, HKAFO
- Notes:
- Get the wide width
- Remove sole
- Wide toe box
Athletic Works Boys’ Lightweight Knit Athletic Shoe
Works with: Articulated AFO, Solid AFO
- Notes:
- Take insole out and open laces
- One of the few shoes with double Velcro in larger sizes
Skechers Kids’ Spektrix Wide Sneaker Preschool
Works with: Solid AFO
- Notes:
- Remove soles
- Remove insole
- They have super stretchy elastics and are very lightweight
- Size up
- They’re high top shoes with laces and a zipper on the side.
Keen Kids’ Oakridge Low-y-K Sneaker
Works with: Ground Reaction AFO ( GR AFO)
Works with: Solid AFO, SMO and DAFO braces
- Notes: extra wide and extra deep with additional features to make it easier to put the shoes on.
The North Face Jr Hedgehog Hikers Waterproof
Works with: Solid AFO
- Notes: -Rearrange the elastic shoelaces and secure them from a lower set of holes to make fitting easier.
Converse Chuck Taylor All Star High Street High Top Sneaker
Works with: Solid AFO, Articulated AFO, DAFO
- Notes:
- Wider and have flat soles
- They can be bought with zipper sides that make the shoes go wider so AFO’s fit easier
- Leave the top lace holes empty
Billy Kids Unisex Classic High Jersey
Works with: Noodle, Carbon Fiber AFO, Solid AFO
- Notes:
- High and low top style in various colors
- Zip opening along the seam which allows complete open access from the top. Allows for easy and independent fitting
Works with: Solid AFO
- Notes:
- XXW and XW work well
- Very durable
- Come in XXwide
- Go to one of their stores for a free fitting
- The insoles can be removed
Cat and Jack Toddler Girls’ Henley High Top Sneakers
Works with: Solid AFO
Works with: Solid AFO
- Notes: Extra wide and remove inserts. We buy about 4 sizes bigger than her normal shoe size without her braces
Works with: Solid AFO braces as well as SMOs, KAFO, and DAFOs
These Fringe Mary Jane shoes for AFO Braces Feature:
-
- Genuine Leather
- Rubber Sole
- Adjustable Velcro Strap accommodates wide or skinny ankles
- Pull tab at the back for easy on and off
Teen
Works with: Knee AFO (KAFO), Solid AFO
- Notes:
- The shoes have a zipper that goes around the back and your foot slips
- They have them in low and high tops
Works with: Knee AFO ( KAFO)
- Notes:
- Shoe may be a bit big in the toe area
- Zipper back helps with putting on
DC Little Kid & Big Kid Pure High Top Skate Shoes
Works with: Ground Reaction AFO ( GR AFO)
Works with: Ground Reaction AFO ( GR AFO), Rear Entry AFO
Adults
Works with: Solid AFO, Knee AFO (KAFO)
- Notes:
- Extremely easy to put on and remove.
- Material is very flexible and feels comfortable, especially when standing upright with the use of crutches.
- These shoes may not offer as much support as other styles, but make up for it in comfort and ease of application/removal.
Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Lo Sneaker
Works with: Solid AFO, Ground Reaction AFO (GR AFO), Dafo Flexisport
- Notes:
- Buy longer shoestrings to cinch them tight
- Remove soles to accommodate lifts
- If the insole doesn’t easily come out, take a hairdryer to it to melt the adhesive. Then cover the inside with moleskin, so it’s not sticky.
Drew Shoes – Described as “The Drew brand specializes in shoes for feet that require special care, including diabetic, arthritic, and other types of medical conditions.”
- Athletic Shoe: Drew Force – Black Mens Athletic Shoes – 40960 – Free Shipping – Orthotic Shop
- Athletic Shoe: Drew Pulse – Men’s Orthopedic Athletic Shoes | Flow Feet
Easy Spirit Women’s Romy Sneaker
Works with: Solid AFO
Foam Trends
- Physician L2 Black Wool Women’s Slipper – Physician L2 Black Wool Women’s Slipper – Foamtreads
- Physician M2 Black Men’s Slipper – Physician M2 Black Wool Men’s Slipper – Foamtrends
- Physician M2 Black Women’s Slipper – Physician L2 Black Wool Women’s
- Physician L ( Ladies Slipper)
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- Notes: The velcro closures on the top and back of the shoes would accommodate braces
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K-Swiss Big Kid Classic VN Retro Sneaker
L.L. Bean Men’s Trail Model 4 Waterproof Hiking Shoes
Works with: Knee AFO (KAFO)
New Balance WW847V2 Women’s Walking Shoe
Works With: Solid AFO
- Notes: The double-wide width works well with AFOs.
Nike Tanjun Sneaker
- Men’s – Nike Tanjun Athletic Sneaker (Men) | Nordstromrack
- Women’s – Nike Tanjun Running Shoe (Women) | Nordstromrack
Ortho Feet Orthotic Slippers – Women’s House Slippers & Shoes with Arch Support – OrthoFeet
Rocket Dog Women’s Penwell Coast Fabric Railway Cotton Sneaker
Works with: Solid AFO
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- Notes: Come in wide width
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Works with: Solid AFO, Knee AFO (KAFO)
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- Notes: You might need a shoehorn to put them on when they are new, but they stretch.
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Skecher’s Women’s D’Lites Biggest Fan Memory Foam Sneaker
Works with: Solid AFO, Knee AFO (KAFO), Rear Entry AFO, Ground Reaction AFO ( GR AFO)
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- Notes:
- Wide enough and have enough support
- Size up
- Order wide width
- Take out insole
- Notes:
Works with: Solid AFO
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- Notes: These boots can be ordered in double-wide, making them fit over AFOs more easily.
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Other-Fits All Sizes
LL Bean Men’s Trail Model 4 Waterproof Hiking Shoes
Works with: Knee AFO (KAFO)
Works with: Solid AFO