Best Shoes for AFO Braces (2026 Guide)

Child independently putting on BILLY adaptive shoes over an AFO brace.

Best Shoes for AFO Braces

Community-Tested Recommendations from Parents, Therapists, and AFO Users

Last updated: June 2026

Why Finding Shoes for AFO Braces is So Challening

Finding shoes that fit AFO braces isn't always straightforward.

Unlike standard shoes, AFO-friendly shoes need enough width, depth, and flexibility to accommodate a brace while still providing comfort, support, and stability. Many families find themselves ordering multiple pairs, sizing up, removing insoles, or returning shoes that simply don't work.

As parents of a child who wears SMO orthotics, we've spent years learning what makes a shoe work with braces. While our family's experience is with SMOs rather than AFOs, we know the challenge is similar: finding shoes that fit well, feel comfortable, and don't look overly medical.

To create this guide, we reviewed recommendations from parents, therapists, orthotists, and adults who wear AFO braces. We analyzed discussions across disability communities, foot drop groups, cerebral palsy groups, and other online communities to identify the shoes, features, and fitting tips that were recommended most often.

The result is a community-informed guide designed to help you spend less time guessing and more time finding shoes that work.

How We Built This Guide

Reviewed recommendations from parents of children who wear AFOs
Reviewed experiences from adults with foot drop, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries, and Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease
Included feedback from therapists and orthotists where available
Looked for patterns across recommendations from parents, therapists, orthotists, and AFO users rather than relying on a single opinion.

What Makes a Shoe AFO-Friendly?

Across dozens of recommendations, one theme appeared repeatedly: the specific shoe brand mattered less than finding a shoe with the right combination of width, depth, stability, and ease of entry.

Wide or Extra-Wide Sizing
Parents and AFO users consistently recommended trying wider widths before sizing up, as additional width often provides the extra room needed for a brace.
Removable Insoles
Removing the factory insole to create extra depth was one of the most common fitting tips we found.
Deep Toe Box
A deeper toe box can help reduce pressure and improve comfort for bulkier braces.
Lightweight Construction
Many families reported that heavier shoes increased fatigue, particularly for children with hypotonia.
Easy Entry Design
Zippers, adaptive closures, and wide-opening designs can make shoes easier to put on independently.
Brace Compatibility
Different AFO styles require different shoe features. A shoe that works for a lightweight carbon fiber brace may not work for a hinged or bulkier AFO.

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Top Shoe Recommendations for AFO Braces

A quick note before we dive in: No single shoe works for every AFO. Brace type, width, depth, and individual fit can all affect which shoes work best. The recommendations below were mentioned most often by parents, therapists, orthotists, and AFO users, but your experience may vary depending on the type of brace you wear.

Most Consistently recommended

New Balance

New Balance was the most frequently recommended shoe brand across parents, therapists, orthotists, and adults who wear AFO braces. Community members consistently highlighted wide and extra-wide sizing, removable insoles, and durable construction. Specific models varied by brace type, but New Balance was recommended more often than any other brand we reviewed.

Why it was recommended

✓ Wide and extra-wide options available
✓ Frequently recommended by therapists and orthotists
✓ Works with many AFO styles
✓ Durable construction
✓ Available for both kids and adults

Shop New Balance Shoes for AFOs

Most recommended adaptive shoe

BILLY

BILLY Footwear was one of the most frequently recommended adaptive shoe brands we found. Parents, therapists, and AFO users consistently praised the full-wrap zipper design, which makes it easier to put shoes on over braces and encourages greater independence. However, BILLY was also the most polarizing brand in our research, with some families reporting durability concerns, broken zippers, or difficulty fitting bulkier braces.

Why it was recommended

✓ Full-wrap zipper provides wide opening access
✓ Designed specifically with orthotics and braces in mind
✓ Encourages independent dressing
✓ Frequently recommended by parents and therapists
✓ Available in wide and extra-wide options

Shop BILLY Shoes for AFOs

MOST FREQUENTLY RECOMMENDED LIGHTWEIGHT SHOE

See Kai Run

See Kai Run's Adaptive Collection was frequently recommended by parents of children who wear AFOs and SMOs. Families consistently highlighted the lightweight construction, wide-opening design, and ease of getting braces into the shoe. Several parents specifically mentioned switching from heavier shoes and noticing less fatigue during daily activities.

Why it was recommended

✓ Lightweight construction
✓ Wide-opening adaptive design
✓ Easy for parents and caregivers to put on
✓ Frequently recommended for children with AFOs and SMOs
✓ Available in styles that look similar to typical children's shoes

Shop See Kai Run Shoes for AFOs

MOST FREQUENTLY MENTIONED ADULT RUNNING SHOE

Brooks

Brooks was one of the most frequently recommended brands among adults who wear AFOs for foot drop, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, and other mobility conditions. Community members frequently mentioned the availability of wide widths, comfortable cushioning, and durability. Several users specifically cited Brooks as their preferred everyday walking or running shoe when wearing an AFO.

Why it was recommended

✓ Available in wide width options
✓ Frequently recommended by adult AFO users
✓ Comfortable cushioning for daily wear
✓ Durable construction
✓ Popular for walking, exercise, and everyday use

Shop Brooks Shoes for AFOs

MOST FREQUENTLY MENTIONED EVERYDAY SNEAKER

Converse

Converse was one of the most commonly mentioned non-adaptive shoes in our research. Parents and adults alike reported success fitting certain AFOs into Converse, particularly when using wide sizes, longer laces, or removing the factory insoles. While they may not work for every brace type, many users appreciated that Converse look like a typical sneaker and help wearers blend in with their peers.

Why it was recommended

✓ Familiar, everyday sneaker design
✓ Available in wide sizes
✓ Often works with lightweight or lower-profile AFOs
✓ Frequently recommended by both parents and adults
✓ Helps avoid a "medical shoe" appearance

Shop Converse Shoes for AFOs

Why AFO Type Matters

While the recommendations above were frequently mentioned across many different AFO users, brace type can significantly impact which shoes work best. A shoe that fits a lightweight carbon fiber AFO may not provide enough room for a hinged or bulkier brace.

Hinged AFOs
Often require additional depth and width to accommodate the hinge mechanism and allow comfortable movement.

Carbon Fiber AFOs
Typically fit into a wider variety of shoes because they are lower profile and less bulky than many plastic AFO designs.

DAFOs and Bulkier AFOs
May require extra-wide widths, deeper shoe designs, removable insoles, or adaptive openings to achieve a comfortable fit.

Honorable Mentions

Other Brands Frequently Mentioned by AFO Users

Kizik — Frequently recommended for hands-free entry and convenience.
Ikiki — Popular among parents of younger children and toddlers who wear braces.
PLAE — Often praised for durability and easy on/off access.
Friendly Shoes — Mentioned as an adaptive alternative with wide-opening designs.
Hoka — Frequently recommended by adult AFO users looking for cushioning and comfort.
Keen — Mentioned for roomy toe boxes and hiking or outdoor use.
Orthofeet — Frequently cited for wide, extra-wide, and extra-depth options.

Common Fitting Tips from AFO Users

Try Wide Widths Before Sizing Up

Many AFO users reported better results by choosing wide or extra-wide widths rather than simply buying longer shoes. Additional width often creates the extra space needed for a brace while maintaining a better overall fit.

Remove the Factory Insole

Removing the shoe's factory insole was one of the most common recommendations we found. This can create additional depth inside the shoe and help the AFO sit more comfortably.

Consider Longer Laces

For traditional lace-up shoes, longer laces can make it easier to fully open the shoe and fit the brace inside before tightening.

Pay Attention to Shoe Weight

Several families noted that heavier shoes increased fatigue, particularly for children with hypotonia or individuals who wear AFOs for extended periods.

Remember That Brace Type Matters

A shoe that works well for a carbon fiber AFO may not provide enough depth or width for a hinged or bulkier brace. Always consider the specific type of AFO when evaluating shoe options.

Expect Some Trial and Error

Unfortunately, finding the right shoe often takes experimentation. Even highly recommended shoes may fit differently depending on brace design, foot shape, and personal preference.

Helpful Related Guides

New to adaptive shoe shopping? Start with our guide to adaptive shoes.
Looking for shoes for SMO orthotics? Read our parent-tested SMO shoe guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best shoes for AFO braces?

Based on the recommendations we reviewed, New Balance, BILLY Footwear, See Kai Run, Brooks, and Converse were among the most frequently mentioned brands. The best option for you will depend on your brace type, width requirements, and personal preferences.

Do I need wide shoes for an AFO?

Not always, but many AFO users reported having the most success with wide or extra-wide widths. Wider shoes often provide the additional room needed for a brace without requiring excessive sizing up.

Should I size up when buying shoes for an AFO?

Many families size up slightly, but width is often more important than length. Before purchasing shoes several sizes larger, consider trying a wide or extra-wide option first.

Are BILLY shoes good for AFO braces?

BILLY Footwear was one of the most frequently recommended adaptive shoe brands in our research. Many users appreciated the full-wrap zipper design, though some families reported durability concerns or difficulty fitting bulkier braces.

Can Converse work with AFOs?

Yes, many parents and adults reported success using Converse, particularly wide sizes. Removing the factory insole and using longer laces may help improve fit for some AFO users.

What shoes work best for hinged AFOs?

Hinged AFOs often require additional depth and width. Many users reported success with New Balance wide or extra-wide models, BILLY Footwear, and See Kai Run Adaptive shoes.

What shoes work best for carbon fiber AFOs?

Because carbon fiber AFOs are typically lower profile, users often reported being able to wear a wider variety of shoes, including New Balance, Brooks, Converse, and other traditional sneaker styles.

Can I remove the insole when wearing an AFO?

Many AFO users do remove the factory insole to create additional depth and improve fit. However, consult your orthotist if you have questions about how removing the insole may affect your specific brace setup.

A Quick Note on Affiliate Links

Some links on this page help support Bolster at no extra cost to you.

Every product listed here was either recommended by our family or consistently recommended by parents, therapists, orthotists, and AFO users.

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