AFO-Friendly Shoes: A Practical Guide for Parents and Carers
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AFO-Friendly Shoes: A Practical Guide for Parents and Carers
Finding shoes that fit comfortably over ankle-foot orthoses can be difficult. Standard shoes are often too narrow, too shallow or simply too difficult to open wide enough to accommodate an AFO.
The good news is that adaptive and AFO-friendly footwear is specifically designed to make dressing easier while providing the additional width, depth and adjustability that many AFO users need.
In this guide, we explain what AFO-friendly shoes are, which features to look for and how to choose the most suitable size.
What is an AFO?
An AFO, or ankle-foot orthosis, is a brace worn around the lower leg and foot. It may be prescribed to help support the foot and ankle, improve positioning or assist with mobility.
AFOs come in different shapes, materials and thicknesses. Some are relatively slim, while others require considerably more space inside a shoe. This means that two people who normally wear the same shoe size may need very different footwear when wearing their AFOs.
Always follow the advice provided by your orthotist, physiotherapist or other healthcare professional regarding how the AFO should be worn.
What makes a shoe AFO-friendly?
An AFO-friendly shoe is designed to provide easier access and more internal space than a conventional shoe.
Useful features can include:
- A wide opening that allows the foot and AFO to enter without being forced
- Wide or extra-wide fitting options
- Additional depth inside the shoe
- Removable insoles that can create more room
- Adjustable laces or straps
- A zip that opens around the side of the shoe
- A secure closure that helps hold the foot and AFO in place
- A choice of high-top and low-top styles
Not every adaptive shoe will suit every AFO. The shape and size of the brace, the person’s foot measurements and the amount of room required should all be considered.
Why can ordinary shoes be difficult to use with AFOs?
A standard shoe is designed around the shape and volume of a foot without an orthosis. Adding an AFO increases the space required, particularly around the heel, ankle and sides of the foot.
This can make an ordinary shoe:
- Too narrow across the foot or brace
- Too shallow to close securely
- Difficult to open sufficiently
- Hard to put on without excessive pushing or pulling
- Uncomfortable around the heel or ankle
- Much longer than necessary if you must increase the size substantially to obtain enough width
Simply buying a much larger standard shoe does not always solve the problem. It may provide additional width, but it can also leave unnecessary space in front of the toes. A purpose-designed wide or extra-wide shoe may offer a more appropriate combination of length, width and depth.
Features to consider when choosing AFO-friendly shoes
1. A wide and accessible opening
One of the most useful features is an opening that allows the upper of the shoe to move well out of the way.
BILLY Footwear, for example, uses a wraparound zip that opens the upper of the shoe. Instead of pushing the braced foot through a conventional opening, the foot can be placed into the open shoe before it is closed around it.
This can make the daily routine easier for parents, carers and wearers—particularly when ankle movement is limited.
2. The correct width
AFO-friendly shoes may be available in different widths. On Keeks.ie, footwear can be viewed by:
An AFO does not automatically mean that the widest option will be best. The appropriate width depends on the wearer’s measurements and the shape and volume of the particular brace.
3. Removable insoles
Removable insoles can provide valuable additional depth. Some shoes include more than one removable insole, allowing the internal space to be adjusted.
However, insoles should only be removed when necessary. Always check that the shoe still feels secure and that its internal surface remains suitable for the wearer.
4. Adjustable closures
Functional laces, straps or other adjustable closures help accommodate different foot and AFO shapes.
The shoe should close securely without needing excessive force. If a zip, strap or lace must be pulled very tightly to close the shoe, this may indicate that a different width, size or style is required.
5. A suitable style for the individual AFO
High-top footwear may work well for some AFO users, while others may find a low-top style easier. The most suitable option will depend on the height and shape of the brace and on any guidance provided by the wearer’s orthotist.
How do I choose the right size?
Choosing footwear for an AFO should be based on measurements rather than the wearer’s usual shoe size alone.
As a general starting point, people purchasing wide-fitting shoes for use with AFOs may need to go approximately 1.5 to 2 sizes above the shoe size worn without the AFO. This is only a rule of thumb—the correct size can vary significantly depending on the brace and shoe style.
We always recommend using the official sizing information rather than ordering solely on this estimate.
Visit the Keeks Size & Fit page and follow the first part of the sizing video to take the required A, D and E measurements. Measurements should be taken carefully and in accordance with the video instructions.
For help checking a size, email the following information to info@keeks.ie:
- The A measurement
- The D measurement
- The E measurement
- The shoe size currently worn in other brands
- Whether the shoes will be worn with AFOs
- Any other useful information about the brace or fitting requirements
Our team will be happy to review the information and help identify an appropriate starting size. As remote measurements cannot guarantee a perfect fit, the shoes should still be checked carefully when they arrive.
Should I measure with the AFO on?
Follow the instructions in the Keeks sizing video carefully, as the required measurements are intended to account for the space needed by the foot and brace.
If the person wears AFOs on both feet, check both sides. Feet and braces are not always exactly the same size, so the larger measurements may determine which size is needed.
If only one AFO is worn, both the braced and unbraced foot still need a secure and comfortable fit. Contact us if you are uncertain about which measurements to use.
How should the shoes fit when they arrive?
When trying the shoes:
- Put on the socks normally worn with the AFO.
- Fit the AFO correctly before putting on the shoe.
- Open the shoe fully rather than forcing the brace through a partially opened shoe.
- Make sure the heel and brace are seated properly inside.
- Close the shoe gently and check that the zip, laces or straps operate without excessive force.
- Check that there is appropriate room at the front without the foot sliding excessively.
- Look for pressure, rubbing or areas where the brace presses strongly against the shoe.
- Follow the wearer’s normal skin-checking and orthotist guidance.
Try the footwear indoors on a clean surface until you are satisfied with the fit. If you notice discomfort, persistent redness, pressure marks or a change in walking, stop using the shoes and seek advice from the appropriate healthcare professional.
Can the same shoes be used without the AFOs?
Some adaptive shoes can also be worn without AFOs, but a pair sized specifically to accommodate braces may feel too roomy when the braces are removed.
Removable insoles can sometimes help adjust the internal space, although this depends on the shoe and the difference in volume. If the wearer frequently alternates between wearing and not wearing AFOs, please contact us before ordering.
Are AFO-friendly shoes only for children?
No. Adaptive footwear can benefit children, teenagers and adults.
It may also be useful for people who:
- Wear other types of orthotics
- Have limited hand dexterity
- Experience swelling
- Have difficulty bending down
- Find conventional laces difficult
- Have reduced ankle movement
- Need a shoe that opens more widely
- Require additional width or depth
The important consideration is the individual’s particular fitting and mobility needs.
Choosing between different adaptive shoes
Keeks supplies adaptive footwear from BILLY Footwear and Friendly Shoes.
Different ranges and styles provide different combinations of access, width, depth and fastening. When comparing options, consider:
- Whether the footwear is intended for use with AFOs
- The available width
- The number of removable insoles
- The type and position of the opening
- Whether the closure can be adjusted
- The height and shape of the AFO
- The wearer’s individual mobility and dressing needs
Always read the description and sizing information on the individual product page. A shoe described as adaptive is not necessarily suitable for every brace.
A practical approach to finding the right pair
Finding AFO-friendly footwear can involve some trial and error, particularly when a person receives a new brace or changes AFO design.
The best approach is to:
- Measure carefully
- Use the relevant sizing chart
- Consider width and depth as well as length
- Read the individual product information
- Ask for help before ordering if you are uncertain
- Check the fit carefully when the shoes arrive
At Keeks, we understand how frustrating it can be to find footwear that works with AFOs while still looking like a pair the wearer will be happy to wear.
Explore our BILLY Footwear collection, or visit our Size & Fit guide to begin measuring.
If you would like help confirming a size, email your A, D and E measurements, together with the size currently worn in other shoe brands, to info@keeks.ie. We’ll be happy to help.