If your child requires the use of AFOs, then you know how challenging it can be to find the perfect pair of shoes. Parents have spent countless hours trying to find shoes for their children that are both comfortable and stylish.
Now, there is more disability inclusion in fashion than ever! Many brands offer shoes designed to fit the needs of customers with disabilities. But how do you decide which shoe is best for your child?
We asked a group of parents about their insights, and here is what they shared.
Parent’s Choice: Top 3 Kids Shoes for AFOs
- BILLY Footwear Kids Classic Lace High is by far the best choice for kids with AFOs. Many parents said all the shoes were fantastic when asking which shoe was the best, but the classic high-lace are their kids’ favorite.
- New Balance 888 is the second most popular choice for kids’ shoes that fit AFOs. Even adults with disabilities love the New Balance brand. The 888 offers a durable material and a simple velcro strap. Parent pro tip: When you order an extra-wide pair, you often don’t need to order a size up.
- ikiki Squeaky Shoes for Toddlers with On/Off Squeaker Switch – Parents and kids love their squeaky shoes with adorable designs. One of the best features of the Ikiki is that it is designed to fit over AFOs. Now parents don’t have to remove the inside liner of the shoe.
Why Parents Picked Billy Footwear
- All-Inclusive Company: BILLY Footwear is famed for its Universal Design. Like adaptive designs, Universal Design means that anyone of any ability can enjoy their shoes’ comfort and style. It’s truly all-inclusive!
- Designed for Independence: Kids with disabilities often struggle to get their feet inside traditional shoes’ small openings. That’s why Billy Footwear created an all-around zipper that opens the top part of the shoe. Now, people who used to struggle putting on shoes can do so with ease.
- Fashion and Function: Parents of older kids who use AFOs know how clunky shoes used to be. And on top of that, kids who had to wear “special shoes” often felt left out when they saw their friends’ stylish shoes at school. Thanks to BILLY Footwear, comfortable shoes are fashionable. Their best-selling shoe, the Classic Lace High, is a favorite among kids.
Features to Look for in Quality Adaptive Shoes
- Supportive footbed. Some parents suggest buying shoes with a removable insole to fit AFOs.
- An easy-to-use tightening system. This can be a velcro strap or a zipper.
- Comfortably fits AFOs. Make sure the shoe is wide and deep enough to fit any necessary inserts.
Where To Buy Adaptive Shoes
While it’s generally best to try on shoes in stores, Zappos Adaptive is perfect for families who need custom shoe orders. Through Zappos, parents can order single shoes or a pair of shoes in two different sizes.
You can also find all of the shoes on Amazon.