Best School Shoes for Orthotics, SMOs & AFO Braces

Two children wearing backpacks and school shoes while standing on school steps before class.

Best School Shoes

Helping families find school shoes that support orthotics, braces, independence, and everyday school life.

Last updated: July 2026

Finding school shoes that truly work for your child can feel like a challenge before the school year even begins. Whether you're trying to fit orthotics, SMOs, or AFO braces, looking for shoes that are easier to put on independently, or simply have unique footwear needs, the right pair can make school mornings a little easier.

We've researched parent recommendations, reviewed adaptive shoe brands, and built on our own experience navigating SMO-friendly shoes to create this guide. Whether your child wears custom orthotics, SMOs, or AFO braces, or benefits from shoes that support greater independence, our goal is to help you find school shoes that are comfortable, easy to wear, and built for a full day of learning and play. The right pair can make busy school mornings a little smoother—for both kids and caregivers.

In this guide, you'll learn what features matter most, common mistakes to avoid, and our favorite school shoe recommendations. Because the best school shoe isn't always the one that's easiest to fit—it also needs to survive a school day. If you're looking for recommendations tailored to a specific type of brace or orthotic, we've included links to our more detailed guides throughout this page. Some links on this page are affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. We only recommend products we'd genuinely suggest to our own family and community.

What to Look for in School Shoes

Not every shoe that fits orthotics or braces is the right choice for school. Before you start comparing brands, here are the features we recommend looking for to help make school mornings—and the rest of the day—a little easier.

Opens Wide
Makes it easier to fit orthotics, SMOs, or AFO braces without forcing the foot into the shoe.
Easy Closures
Look for zippers, Velcro, or easy-to-manage laces that support greater independence.
Removable Insoles
Creates extra depth when needed and helps accommodate many orthotics.
Comfortable for All-Day Wear
A school shoe should stay comfortable through classroom learning, recess, PE, and everything in between.
Durable Construction
School shoes take a beating. Look for sturdy soles and reinforced materials that can handle daily use.
Stable Fit
A shoe should feel secure with orthotics or braces in place. Too much extra space can affect comfort, stability, and confidence throughout the school day.

The Shoes on This List

No single shoe is right for every child. Instead of looking for one "perfect" shoe, we focused on features that consistently matter to families navigating orthotics, braces, and greater independence.

Every shoe on this list:

Opens wide enough for many orthotics, SMOs, and AFO braces
Supports greater independence with easy-to-manage closures
Holds up to classroom wear, recess, and PE
Accommodates a variety of foot shapes, orthotics, and support needs whenever possible
Has been recommended by parents, therapists, and people who wear adaptive footwear

✦ ✦ ✦

Best Shoes for School by Need

Not every family is looking for the same thing. Here are the shoes we recommend based on the needs that matter most during the school year.

🏆 Best Overall
New Balance 574
Our top recommendation for families looking for one versatile school shoe that works well with many orthotics, braces, and everyday school activities.

✓ Fits many orthotics and braces
✓ Available in wide widths
✓ Removable insoles
✓ Durable for everyday school wear
View Our 574 Picks
⭐ Best Wide-Opening Shoe
BILLY Classic High Top
The wraparound zipper opens the shoe wide, making it much easier to get on over many braces and orthotics.

✓ Wraparound zipper for easy entry
✓ Adjustable laces for a customized fit
✓ Available in kids' and adult sizes
✓ Wide opening helps accommodate many braces
Shop BILLY Classic High Tops
👟 Best for AFO Braces
BILLY AFO-Friendly Collection
Instead of recommending a single shoe, we recommend starting with BILLY's AFO-Friendly Collection, which brings together styles specifically selected to accommodate many AFO braces.

✓ Collection designed for many AFO braces
✓ Extra depth in the toe box
✓ Removable insoles
✓ Adjustable laces and wraparound zipper
Shop AFO-Friendly Collection
⚡ Best for Independence
Friendly Shoes
Designed to help children put on and take off their shoes more independently with easy-access closures that simplify busy school mornings.

✓ Easy-open zipper design
✓ Supports greater independence with dressing
✓ Adjustable fit for many foot shapes
✓ Available in kids' and adult sizes
Shop Friendly Shoes
🪶 Best Lightweight Pick
See Kai Run
One of our favorite lightweight school shoes for families looking to balance comfort, flexibility, and everyday wear.

✓ Lightweight for all-day comfort
✓ Flexible sole for natural movement
✓ Removable insoles on many styles
✓ Wide openings on select models
Shop See Kai Run
🏃 Best for Active School Days
New Balance 574
Built to handle running, recess, and PE while still being a great choice for many orthotics and braces.

✓ Durable enough for everyday school wear
✓ Excellent traction for active play
✓ Supportive enough for long school days
✓ Available in wide widths
View Our 574 Picks

Meet Our Favorite School Shoe Brands

Every family has different priorities. Below are the brands we recommend most often for school shoes, including the brands behind many of our favorite school shoe recommendations for orthotics, SMOs, and AFO braces.

BILLY
BILLY's wraparound zipper opens the shoe wide, making it much easier to fit many orthotics, SMOs, and AFO braces. It's one of our top recommendations when fitting shoes over orthotics or braces is the biggest challenge.

✓ Wraparound zipper
✓ Wide opening
✓ Adult & kids' sizes

Best for families struggling to get braces into shoes.
Read our BILLY guide
New Balance
Our most versatile school shoe recommendation for families looking for one shoe that works across everyday school activities, orthotics, and growing feet.

✓ Multiple width options
✓ Removable insoles on many styles
✓ Built for active school days

Best for families wanting one shoe that does almost everything well.
Shop New Balance
Friendly Shoes
Designed to support greater independence, Friendly shoes combine accessible closures, removable insoles, and extra depth for everyday comfort.

✓ Easy-access zipper design
✓ Removable insoles
✓ Extra depth on many styles

Best for kids working toward dressing independently.
Read our Friendly Shoes guide
See Kai Run
A favorite for younger children who benefit from lightweight, flexible shoes with room for growing feet. Select models offer extra room and easy closures, making them a great choice for growing feet and everyday school wear.

✓ Lightweight construction
✓ Flexible soles
✓ Orthotic-friendly styles available

Best for toddlers and elementary-aged children who don't need an extra-heavy shoe.
Read our See Kai Run guide

Helpful Related Guides

New to adaptive shoe shopping? Start with our Adaptive Shoes Guide.
Need help finding shoes that fit orthotics? Browse our Shoes for Orthotics Guide.
Looking for shoes for SMO orthotics? Read our Parent-Tested SMO Shoe Guide.
Shopping for AFO braces? Explore our Best Shoes for AFO Braces Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What features should I look for in school shoes for orthotics, SMOs, or AFO braces?

Look for shoes with a wide opening, removable insoles, enough depth to accommodate braces or orthotics, and closures that are easy to adjust. Durable soles and comfortable cushioning are also important since school shoes need to hold up through classroom time, recess, and PE.

Are New Balance shoes good for orthotics?

Many New Balance models are popular because they often include removable insoles, multiple width options, and durable construction. Models like the 574 are frequently recommended by parents, therapists, and orthotic users because they balance comfort and everyday durability.

Can my child wear orthotics in regular school shoes?

Sometimes, yes. Many children wear custom orthotics in standard athletic shoes as long as the shoe has enough depth, removable insoles, and a secure fit. Shoes designed with wider openings often make fitting orthotics much easier.

Are adaptive shoes allowed at school?

In most cases, yes. Adaptive shoes function like regular shoes while offering features such as wraparound zippers, wide openings, or easier closures. If your child's school has a dress code or uniform policy, it's worth checking whether there are color or style requirements.

What shoes are easiest for children to put on independently?

Shoes with wraparound zippers, hook-and-loop closures, or other easy-entry designs often make dressing more independent. Brands like Friendly Shoes and BILLY Footwear are designed specifically to reduce the frustration of putting shoes on without assistance.

What if my child wears AFO braces?

Many children who wear AFO braces need shoes with extra depth and a wider opening than standard sneakers provide. Some families find success with wraparound zipper shoes like BILLY, while others prefer athletic shoes with removable insoles and generous toe boxes. For more detailed recommendations, see our complete guide to shoes for AFO braces.

Do school shoes need to be larger to fit orthotics?

Not necessarily. Instead of buying much larger shoes, look for styles with extra depth, removable insoles, and enough room to accommodate orthotics while still fitting securely. Shoes that are too large can reduce stability and comfort.

Getting Ready for School?

Shoes are just one piece of the puzzle. We've also rounded up our favorite adaptive backpacks, writing tools, and classroom essentials for families heading back to school.

→ Explore Adaptive Backpacks
→ Explore Writing Tools

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