One of the most common questions we hear when fitting ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) is, “What kind of shoes should I get?”
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer, but Nicole Yeh, Certified Prosthetist-Orthotist (CPO) at Cornell O&P, shares her expert tips to help you make the best choice. These guidelines cover everything from volume and closures to materials and durability, and they apply to both kids and adults. Think of this as your roadmap to finding shoes that are comfortable, functional, and suited to your AFO needs.
1. Volume
Volume is often the biggest challenge when fitting shoes over AFOs, especially around the ball of the foot (the metatarsal heads).
What to look for:
- Choose shoes labeled extra width or extra depth.
- “Diabetic” shoes often have extra depth and, thankfully, modern designs are becoming less “medical” looking.
- Pro tip: Remove the sock liner to create a little more room inside the shoe.
2. Closure
Laces typically offer more adjustability but can be time-consuming or difficult to tie, depending on your hand function. Velcro straps are convenient but often too short.
Solutions:
- Ask your orthotist or cobbler to extend Velcro straps.
- Try elastic laces or adjustable options like Lock Laces.
- Consider magnetic closures such as Zubits.
- For kids, brands like Stride Rite Made2Play and Plae come with extra-long Velcro straps.
3. Material
Leather shoes are durable and supportive, while textile uppers stretch slightly and can accommodate more volume. If you or your child have toe deformities—such as crossing toes or hammertoes—a softer material can help improve comfort. Orthofeet has some adult size shoes with stretchable uppers.
4. Durability & Support
Modern running shoes are cushioned, which is great—unless your leg tends to deviate to the side. Those using AFOs often need good side-to-side stability.
The type of sole and foam cushioning directly affect both stability and durability, especially if toe scuffing is common.
5. Self-Donning (Ease of Putting On)
Independence matters! Tools like shoe horns, shoe clips, and other adaptive aids can make donning shoes easier.
Some great options include:
- Friendly Shoes – zipper opening at the heel for easy access
- Billy Footwear – zips fully open for effortless donning
- Shoes with collapsible heels for quick entry like Kizik, Zeba, or Skechers.
(Tip: Sometimes your orthotist can add a small heel strap to act as a shoe horn.)
6. Availability
Online shopping is often the easiest way to find AFO-compatible shoes. Just make sure to check return policies, since finding the right size and style often requires a bit of trial and error. In-person shoe stores can be helpful if they have experience. In our area, New Balance outlets, running shoe stores and family-owned shoe stores have been helpful for some of our patients. Remember to take the AFO with you to try on shoes.
7. Style
This is the hardest part. Sneakers typically work best with AFOs for both function and comfort.
Dress shoes, unfortunately, are quite difficult to fit, though some custom shoemakers can create options that work.
Sandals usually don’t accommodate AFOs well.
8. Socks
AFOs require tall socks to protect the skin.
Recommended options:
- SmartKnit from Knit-Rite – seamless and comfortable but more expensive (Thuasne Knit-Rite)
- Search online for “knee-high seamless socks”
- Soccer socks can work well
- In colder seasons, stores often have sales on tall socks
- Men and boys can easily wear dark, plain women’s knee-high socks—no one will notice!
- If you have challenges with skin breakdown from sweating, change socks once during the day.
Recommended Brands
Adults & Teens:
- Billy Footwear – extra depth and zipper entry (5 Toddler to 15 Men’s)
- Friendly Shoes – zipper heel opening, width options. Sizes range from 11 Little Kid up to 14 Men’s.
- New Balance – 800 series, 1540, and 1080 lines offer stability and width
- Orthofeet – width and extra-depth options with removable insoles
- Brooks, Skechers, Saucony, Kizik, and Zeba also work well
Kids:
- New Balance 990 series
- Stride Rite Made2Play
- Plae
- See Kai Run
- Tsukihoshi
- Target’s adaptive shoes
- Ikiki (for toddlers)
Local Stores (North Shore, Boston Area):
New Balance Outlets, Pennyworth’s, Nike Outlet (great for mismatched sizes), Target (their brand shoes are designed with adaptability in mind), Walmart, and New England Running Company.
Final Thoughts
Unfortunately, there is no perfect pair of shoes. But with the right approach, you can achieve both comfort and functionality and maybe even some style. Remember to focus on your priorities—whether that’s style, ease of donning, or support. With patience and a little creativity, you’ll find shoes that fit both your AFO and your lifestyle.
