How to Measure for Shoes When Your Child Wears AFOs
How to Measure for Shoes When Your Child Wears AFOs
Finding shoes that fit comfortably over ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) can be challenging. Your child’s usual shoe size alone may not account for the additional length, width and depth required by their AFOs.
At Keeks, we use three simple measurements—A, D and E—to help identify a suitable size and style from our adaptive-footwear range.
Measure with the AFOs on
The most important step is to measure your child’s feet while they are wearing their AFOs.
They should also wear the socks they normally use with their AFOs. Measuring the feet without the orthoses will not show how much space is required inside the shoes.
Measure both sides, as the AFOs or feet may differ in size.
The three measurements we need
Please take all measurements in centimetres and label them using the corresponding letters:
- A – Length: The length from the back of the heel to the end of the longest toe, with the AFO on.
- D – Ball of the foot: The measurement around the widest part of the foot and AFO, usually across the ball of the foot.
- E – Heel and ankle: The measurement around the base of the ankle and underneath the heel.
These measurements help us assess the length, width and space needed around the heel and ankle.
How to take the measurements
1. Prepare your child’s feet
Put on the child’s usual socks and AFOs. Make sure the AFOs are correctly positioned and fastened as they normally would be.
2. Measure A: the length
Measure from the back of the heel to the end of the longest toe. Record the measurement in centimetres.
3. Measure D: around the ball of the foot
Measure around the widest part of the foot and AFO, across the ball of the foot. Keep the measuring tape secure, but do not pull it too tightly.
4. Measure E: around the heel and ankle
Bring the measuring tape around the base of the ankle and underneath the heel, following the area shown in our measurement image.
5. Repeat on the other foot
Measure both feet separately. If one side is larger, please send us both sets of measurements.
Watch our measuring video
For extra help, watch the BILLY Footwear measuring guide.
The video demonstrates where the A, D and E measurements should be taken.
Send your measurements to Keeks
Once you have taken the measurements, email them to info@keeks.ie in the following format:
Left foot:
A = ___ cm
D = ___ cm
E = ___ cm
Right foot:
A = ___ cm
D = ___ cm
E = ___ cm
Please also include:
- Your child’s usual shoe size
- Their current shoe brand, if known
- The type of AFOs or orthotics they wear
- The Keeks footwear style you are considering
- Any colour requirements, such as black shoes for school
We will review the information and help you choose the size and style that appears most suitable.
Why your child’s usual shoe size may not be enough
AFOs add width and depth as well as length. This means a standard shoe in your child’s usual size may not have enough internal space.
Simply buying a standard shoe several sizes larger is not always the best solution. It may provide extra width but can also make the shoe unnecessarily long.
Adaptive footwear from brands such as BILLY Footwear and Friendly Shoes offers features that can make fitting AFOs easier, including:
- Wide-access openings
- Removable insoles
- Adjustable fastenings
- Additional internal space
- High-top and low-top options
The most suitable option will depend on your child’s measurements and the size and shape of their AFOs.
Tips for accurate measurements
For the best results:
- Measure with the AFOs and usual socks on
- Use a flexible measuring tape
- Record all measurements in centimetres
- Measure both feet separately
- Do not pull the tape too tightly
- Repeat any measurement that does not look correct
- Re-measure when your child receives new or adjusted AFOs
Check the fit before wearing the shoes outside
When the shoes arrive, try them indoors with the AFOs and normal socks.
Check that:
- The AFO sits fully inside the shoe
- The heel is correctly positioned
- The shoe closes without being forced
- There is no obvious pressure or rubbing
- The shoe is not unnecessarily long
- Your child can move safely and comfortably
If you notice persistent redness, pressure marks, broken skin or discomfort, stop using the footwear and speak with your child’s orthotist, physiotherapist or another appropriate healthcare professional.
Need help finding shoes for AFOs?
Keeks is an Irish family-run business specialising in adaptive footwear for children and adults. We understand that every child and every AFO is different.
Take the A, D and E measurements, email them to info@keeks.ie, and we will help you compare the suitable options available from Keeks.