Footwear tips and suggestions

Do you or your child wear AFOs (Ankle Foot Orthoses) or FOs (Foot Orthoses)? Have you spent hours scouring the shops to find shoes that fit?

We know this is an ongoing problem so the Cerebral Palsy Society has put together some tips and suggestions to make it easier for you to source supportive footwear – what features to look for and which footwear to avoid.

DISCLAIMER: The Cerebral Palsy Society of NZ provides this information in good faith and are general suggestions only. Please check with your Orthotist or Podiatrist for individual advice.

What to look for:

To ensure you or your child have the most support in their footwear, look for shoes with the following traits:

Image courtesy of DAFO-Cascade Dafo, Inc.

Shopping tips

• You may find it easier to shop for footwear without your child.
• Take the brace with you and try fitting it into the shoe. Depending on store policy, you can often buy shoes, take them home for a fitting session and return or exchange them if needed.
• For online shopping, consider ordering a couple of different sizes, then return the shoes that don’t work out. (Check the returns policy first.)
• Once you find a brand you like, go to that specific brand again for a dependable fit.

Trying the shoe on

• Remove the insole layer that comes with the shoe.
• Insert the brace into the smallest shoe that can hold it. You are looking for a snug fit. You may have to push the brace well into the shoe before the heel drops in. Use a fairly good push to get the brace down into the shoe. This extra work means the shoe will be only slightly longer than normal. If the brace slides into the shoe too easily, the shoe may be too large and your child may trip.
• Use a shoe horn to help slide the braced foot into the shoe.

Only one brace?

If you or your child wears a brace on only one foot, the brace will slightly increase the length (height) of the leg it’s on. Discuss with your practitioner the option of removing the cushion insole inside the shoe, flip it over, and add it to the un-braced side.

Or for a bulkier brace, you may need two different shoe sizes – one for the un-braced foot and a larger size for the braced foot.

Information courtesy of DAFO-Cascade Dafo, Inc.

General footwear suggestions

• Choose wide-fit footwear brands such as New Balance or Asics.
• Footwear comes with various fastening systems that make it easier to put on and take off, promoting independence. Examples include bungee elastic laces and Velcro. Ask your sports shop for recommendations, or take your shoes to a local cobbler to replace laces with Velcro fastenings or extend straps with additional Velcro or leather.
• Women: Can’t find wide enough sports shoes? Check out men’s sports shoes. They are the same design but made on a wider “last,” though you may need to go down a size.

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  Look for shoes that open as far down toward the toes as possible. This allows for a wider opening, making it easier to accommodate an AFO or foot orthoses.

• The back of the shoe (heel counter) should be firm to prevent it from collapsing when inserting or removing an AFO.
• Look for a forefoot rocker (a curved front section of the shoe). Most sports shoes have this feature, which helps create a smoother walking motion.
• If you have expensive shoes that still fit well but have worn-out soles, consider taking them to a local cobbler for a sole re-balance and repair using a durable top-sole. This can be a cost-effective alternative to buying new shoes.
• A wide heel base, such as those found in sports shoes or square-heeled shoes, provides increased stability while walking.
• Sandals:
  • Look for sandals with a closed back rather than just a strap. This provides better support when wearing an AFO or foot orthoses. Some adult sandals offer this feature.
  • For children, consider lightweight sports shoes with breathable mesh fabric. These provide support while allowing airflow.

Footwear to avoid when wearing AFOs and Foot Orthoses

The following types of footwear may not provide adequate support and should be avoided:

• Slip-on shoes: These lack adjustability, making it difficult to accommodate foot orthoses or AFOs.
• High-heeled footwear: Higher heels place excessive pressure on the ball of the foot (metatarsal area) and are unstable when walking.
• Low back-height footwear: This can cause the heel to slip when wearing foot orthoses or AFOs.
• Ballet flats or flexible shoes: Shoes that can be easily twisted in your hands provide little to no support. A stable shoe is essential for supporting foot orthoses or AFOs and ensuring proper walking mechanics.

By choosing the right footwear, you can improve comfort, stability, and ease of movement while ensuring proper support for AFOs and foot orthoses.