Your Child’s Equipment
Buying shoes to fit an ankle foot orthosis
It’s important to have shoes that fit your child’s ankle foot orthosis (AFO). Proper fitting shoes make putting on and taking off the shoe easier, and helps their AFO work correctly. Your child should not wear their AFO without a shoe unless they are wearing them at night. The AFO can be slippery to walk on.
Shoes need to be big enough to fit the AFO, but not so big that your child is tripping over them. Take your child’s AFO with you when buying shoes so you can make sure the AFO will fit comfortably.
Things to look for when choosing shoes
A wider shoe with a round, wide toe box gives more room for the AFO and your child’s foot than a bigger shoe size that’s just longer. Look for brands that make extra wide shoes.
Shoes that lace-up or fasten with Velcro usually work better than slip-on shoes or open-heeled shoes. Shoes with a large opening, or shoes with an opening that goes towards the toes, are easier to get on.
To fasten the shoes around the AFO, you might need strap extensions for Velcro shoes or longer laces for lace-up shoes. Velcro is quicker and easier to fasten, but lace-up shoes are more secure. If your child has trouble tying their shoes, you can use lace locks on either regular or elastic laces. You can find lace locks online or at stores where shoes are sold.
Choosing a shoe with a removeable insole gives more room in the shoe for your child’s AFO. When you’re shopping, remove the insole and put your child’s AFO on top of it. This will help you see how much space there is between the end of the AFO footplate and the shoe insole.
Choosing a deeper shoe gives more room for the AFO and your child’s foot. Sneakers and skateboarding shoes work well with AFOs. Shoes with a mesh top means the toe box can stretch a little to fit the AFO.
If your child has hinged AFOs, shoes with a lower profile around the ankle sometimes fit the AFO better. The hinge sits on top of the shoe, rather than having to fit the hinge inside the shoe.
Finding the right size shoe
If the AFO is slipping into the shoe easily, the shoe may be too big. Try to find the smallest shoe that will still fit the AFO. This means the shoe will be only slightly larger (longer) than a shoe your child would wear without the AFO.
Try a shoe 1 size bigger than your child’s regular shoes. If the fit isn’t right, try a half size bigger. If the AFO still doesn’t fit, this probably isn’t the right shoe. A bigger size will also be longer and your child could trip over the extra length.
If your child only wears the AFO on one foot, they may need a different size shoe for each foot.
Additional tips
- There are shoes made for AFOs. These may have a zipper on the side or back that opens up to make it easier to put them on. Ask your orthotist or physiotherapist for shoe brand recommendations.
- There are shoe stores in Alberta that carry this type of shoe. You can also search for AFO shoes online.
- Some shoe repair shops can alter shoes if you have trouble finding a pair. For example, they could add a zipper to your child’s winter boots.
- Your child will wear through shoes more quickly when wearing an AFO.
When should you call for help?
Contact your child’s physiotherapist if:
- You’re struggling to find a shoe that fits your child’s AFO.
- You notice changes in your child’s ability to walk or stand when wearing the AFO.
Contact the orthotist if:
- Parts of the AFO are broken or the straps aren’t holding well.
- Your child has red or dark marks that don’t go away within 30 minutes after removing the AFO.
- It looks like the AFO is too small.
To see this information online and learn more, visit https://MyHealth.Alberta.ca/health/aftercareinformation/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=custom.ab_childs_equip_buying_shoes_afo_inst.
Related to Ankle foot orthosis:
For 24/7 nurse advice and general health information call Health Link at 811.
Current as of: May 9, 2025
Author: Pediatric Rehabilitation Services, Alberta Health Services
This material is not a substitute for the advice of a qualified health professional. This material is intended for general information only and is provided on an "as is", "where is" basis. Although reasonable efforts were made to confirm the accuracy of the information, Alberta Health Services does not make any representation or warranty, express, implied or statutory, as to the accuracy, reliability, completeness, applicability or fitness for a particular purpose of such information. Alberta Health Services expressly disclaims all liability for the use of these materials, and for any claims, actions, demands or suits arising from such use.
