How to Choose School Shoes for a Child Wearing AFOs
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How to Choose School Shoes for a Child Wearing AFOs
Finding suitable school shoes for a child wearing ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) can be difficult. Standard school shoes often lack the width, depth and opening needed to accommodate an AFO comfortably.
At Keeks, we specialise in adaptive footwear from brands including BILLY Footwear and Friendly Shoes. This guide explains what to look for and how to use our sizing process before ordering.
What to look for in school shoes for AFOs
Suitable school shoes should provide:
- A wide opening for easy access
- Enough internal width and depth
- Removable insoles to create additional room
- Adjustable and secure fastenings
- A practical colour that meets school requirements
- A durable sole for everyday use
A shoe described as “wide fitting” is not necessarily suitable for an AFO. It may be wider around the toes but still too shallow or restrictive around the ankle.
BILLY Footwear
BILLY Footwear features a wraparound zip that allows the upper of the shoe to open fully. The foot and AFO can be placed directly into the open shoe before the zip is closed around them.
This can make dressing easier for children, parents, carers and school staff.
Depending on the style, BILLY shoes may include:
- A full wraparound zip
- Functional, adjustable laces
- Removable insoles
- Medium and wide-fitting options
- High-top designs suitable for many AFOs
Selected BILLY CS High styles contain two removable 3 mm insoles. Removing one or both may provide additional depth, depending on the child’s measurements and AFO.
Keeks stocks black and darker BILLY styles suitable for many school uniform policies. Available colours, styles and sizes may vary.
Friendly Shoes
Friendly Shoes are designed with easy-access zip openings and removable insoles. Some styles may also accommodate AFOs or orthotics.
As every AFO is different, we recommend sending your measurements to Keeks before choosing a size or style.
Use the Keeks sizing guide
Before ordering: Follow the first half of the Keeks Sizing Help guide and take the child’s A, D and E measurements.
If the shoes will be worn over AFOs, take the relevant measurements with:
- The AFOs being worn
- The child’s normal school socks
- Both feet measured separately
Email the measurements to info@keeks.ie and include:
- The child’s usual shoe size
- Their current footwear brand
- Whether they wear AFOs or orthotics
- The BILLY or Friendly Shoes style being considered
- Any school colour requirements
We can then help identify the most suitable size, width and style.
Avoid buying several sizes larger
It is sometimes necessary to choose a larger shoe to accommodate an AFO. However, buying a shoe that is excessively long can make it less secure and may increase the risk of tripping.
The aim is to provide enough width and depth without adding unnecessary length.
An adaptive shoe with a wide opening and removable insoles will generally accommodate an AFO more effectively than a standard shoe bought several sizes too large.
Check the fit carefully
Try the shoes indoors with the child’s AFOs and normal school socks.
Check that:
- The AFO sits fully inside the shoe
- The heel is correctly positioned
- The zip closes without being forced
- The shoe is not excessively long
- There is no pressure around the toes or ankle
- The AFO does not press tightly against the shoe
- The child can walk or move safely
If the zip is difficult to close, do not force it. Recheck the position of the AFO, the removable insoles and the shoe size.
After a short period of wear, check the child’s feet for redness, rubbing or pressure marks. Children who cannot easily communicate discomfort may need more frequent checks.
Seek advice from the child’s orthotist, physiotherapist or another healthcare professional if redness persists or the child experiences pain or broken skin.
Consider the full school day
School shoes may be worn for several hours and used for walking, standing, playing and moving across different surfaces.
Before ordering, consider:
- The school’s colour and uniform requirements
- How easily the shoes can be cleaned
- Whether staff can put them on correctly
- Whether a separate pair is needed for PE
- Whether toe or heel dragging could cause additional wear
- How the shoes interact with mobility equipment
For wheelchair users, check that the shoes sit comfortably on the footplates and do not repeatedly rub against the chair.
Recheck sizing when AFOs change
New or adjusted AFOs may have a different shape or require more room inside the shoe.
Shoes that fitted the previous AFOs may not fit a replacement pair correctly. Repeat the Keeks A, D and E measurements whenever the child’s AFOs change significantly.
School-shoe checklist
Before ordering, make sure that:
- You have followed the Keeks sizing guide
- The A, D and E measurements have been taken
- Both feet have been measured
- The AFOs and normal socks were worn while measuring
- The shoe provides sufficient width and depth
- The opening is wide enough for easy access
- Removable insoles are available if needed
- The colour complies with the school uniform policy
- You have contacted Keeks if you are uncertain about sizing
Need help choosing?
Keeks is a family-run Irish business specialising in adaptive footwear. We understand how challenging it can be to find practical school shoes that fit comfortably over AFOs.
Follow our Keeks Sizing Help guide and email the A, D and E measurements to info@keeks.ie.
Please include the child’s usual shoe size, current footwear brand and details of their AFOs. We will help you compare the available BILLY Footwear and Friendly Shoes options before you order.