Shoe Shopping with Orthotics

Are you shopping for children's shoes that need to fit with orthotics? Heather Willets, a certified pediatric orthotist, has listed some tips and suggestions to help find the perfect fit! 

Shoe Tips:

• Wait until you have your child’s brace(s) in hand to go shoe shopping.
• Wider shoes work well, as do shoes with tongues that open up wide, and have longer straps to accommodate the extra width of the brace(s).  
  • You may need to go up 1/2 – 1 shoe size depending on the additional bulk of your child’s orthotics.
• Shoes that have an insole that can be removed will help provide extra space for your child’s brace(s) as well.
• Look for shoes with high, sturdy heel counters (the back of the shoe), as these will soften with time.  
  • Too low, or too soft of a heel counter may create slipping in the shoe.  
  • When choosing between different styles, always select the one with the taller/sturdier heel counter.  
  • High tops also work well for this reason.
• Need different shoe sizes for each foot?
  • Nordstrom will split shoe sizes for free (for kiddos who wear just one brace), and they have an excellent return policy.
• Prefer to shop from home?  
  • Zappos has an excellent return policy – order multiple styles you’re interested in and return what you don’t like. Adaptive shoes at Zappos: https://www.zappos.com/e/adaptive​

Shoe Brand Suggestions:

• Keen
• ​Merrell
• ​New Balance
• Vans
• Converse
• Stride Rite
• Target Cat & Jack
• Targer Surprize
• Billy
• Sketchers
• Tsukihoshi
• Plae
• Puma

Boot Tips for AFOs & SMOs:

• Pick boots that are extra wide and deep, this will help accommodate orthotics. 
  • ​A large opening or zippers on the side won’t hurt either.
• Avoid the temptation to go up multiple sizes. 
  • ​This can be especially difficult if you fall in love with a specific set, but remember that big boots can be a tripping hazard.
• Check out the size chart when shopping online. 
  • ​Compare it to shoes or boots you already know fit your child’s AFOs or SMOs.
• Buy multiple pairs in differing sizes when you find ones that work. 
  • You’ll be happy to have them in the future!
• ​Make sure you know the return policy.

Boot Brand Suggestions:

• Plae
• Butler Boots
• Keen Kids
• Keeping Pace
• Koolway Sports

Shoes for Extra Tiny Feet: 

• Twisted X
  • Only appropriate in braces that will provide support as these shoes have hard soles but not a lot of stability otherwise https://twistedx.com/shop/infant-shoes/
• These come as small as a toddler size 1:
  • https://www.striderite.com/en/deckfin-crib-jr/31362B.html?dwvar_31362B_color=PB59849
  • https://www.striderite.com/en/deckfin-crib-jr/31362B.html?dwvar_31362B_color=PB59301#cgid=boy-shoes-sneakers&prefn1=littleKidShoeSize&prefv1=1&start=1

Helpful Online Resources:

• https://www.friendshipcircle.org/blog/2014/09/17/17-tips-for-finding-the-right-shoes-for-your-child-with-special-needs/
• https://chasa.org/living/shoes/
• http://www.abilityhacker.com/how-to-hack-cute-shoes-for-afos-part-1/
• http://surestep.net/blog/ultimate-guide-find-shoes-for-afos-smos/
• https://cascadedafo.com/patient-and-family-resources/shoe-shopping-tips
• https://www.facebook.com/groups/PLAEwithOrthotics/
• https://www.facebook.com/groups/plaeshoesbst/
• https://www.facebook.com/groups/1917054228359811/​

EXAMPLE SHOE MODELS:
These have worked well for other children.

• Surprize by Striderite

$25-$30, available at Target
Works well with SMOs
https://www.target.com/s?searchTerm=toddler+stride+rite+shoes&category=0%7CAll%7Cmatchallpartial%7Call+categories&tref=typeahead%7Cterm%7C2%7Ctoddler+stride+rite+shoes%7C%7C%7Cservice&searchRawTerm=stride+rite+shoes
 

• Billy Footwear

$45-$55, available online and at Nordstrom
Toddler size 10 – big kid 6 (toddler sizes 5-9 will be available Fall 2019)
Works well with AFOs and SMOs
https://billyfootwear.com/collections/kid-sizes-available-via-billy-footwear-e-commerce
 

• Wonder Nation

Approximately $10, available at Walmart
Toddler sizes 7-11
Works well with orthotic inserts, may also work well with SMOs
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Wonder-Nation-Toddler-Boys-Casual-Canvas-Play-Sneaker/544988317
 

• Hatchbacks

Approximately $70, available online                
Toddler size 5 – big kid 3
Works well with KAFOs, AFOs and SMOs
https://www.hatchbacksfootwear.com/
 

• Plae “Ty” Model

$55
Toddler size 5 - big kid 9
https://www.plae.co/collections/adaptive-orthotics-afo
 

• Nike Fly Ease Lebron

$110 full price, but I’ve seen on Zappos for $40-60 (works well on patients of all ages)
Works well with KAFOs, AFOs, and SMOs
https://www.nike.com/t/lebron-soldier-11-flyease-little-kids-shoe-4z3YDj/AJ6987-600
https://www.nike.com/t/lebron-soldier-11-flyease-big-kids-basketball-shoe-nqJ93o
 

• Sketchers Super Z

Approximately $55.  Check DSW, Amazon, & Kohls
Works well with KAFOs, AFOs and SMOs
https://www.kohls.com/product/prd-2571105/skechers-super-z-boys-athletic-shoes.jsp
https://www.dsw.com/en/us/product/skechers-super-z-toddler-and-youth-light-up-sneaker/413288
 

• Tsukihoshi Storm & Dash models

$60.  Try Zappos, Amazon
Works well with KAFOs, AFOs, and SMOs
https://www.zappos.com/tsukihoshi-kids-sneakers-athletic-shoes/CK_XARC81wE6ArknWgLaCuICBAECCwc.zso
 

• Puma AC Toddler shoes

$30
Works will with AFOs and SMOs
https://us.puma.com/en/us/pd/suede-ac-toddler-shoes/356274.html?dwvar_356274_color=02

Blog written by: Heather Willets, MPO, CPO
Certified Prosthetist-Orthotist, Pediatric-Focused
​
Hanger Clinic
300 Exempla Circle
Suite 100
Lafayette, CO 80026
(p) 303-604-0160
(f) 303-666-1302