This post has been republished as of March 2022 and updated to reflect current styles. Please note that the post includes affiliate links that offer a very small commission when used. Using my links does not cost you anything, The small commission I receive from links used helps me offset some of our website expenses and pays for an occasional Starbuck’s skinny vanilla latte.
INTRO:
If you wear AFOS (or orthotics) like I do, then you know how hard it can be to find shoes in general, let alone ones that are actually stylish. Believe me, I get it.
After becoming a full time AFO wearer, I would get depressed at the beginning of each new season & feel sorry for myself because I thought my days of wearing cute shoes & clothing were over. I actually wrote an entire post on the subject filled with tips for coping with self-pity when you wear afos/leg braces.
Trend-Able evolved from my own struggles with disability and self-esteem. I’ve made it my personal mission to help empower other people who wear leg braces and/or have disabilities to look and feel their best. After years of wearing different types of AFOS (including the white hard plastic kind), I found that with a little creativity & resourcefulness, I can wear cute shoes, sandals, and even some kitten style wedges. You can read more about this here.
In my last post on cute AFO friendly transition booties, I gave winter the bootie. Now, I’m all about Spring. What follows are 4 Spring 2022 Shoe Trends and links to many AFO and orthotic friendly styles I’m loving this season.
Please keep in mind that not all AFOS & abilities are the same. I am neither a doctor nor an orthotist (eg. don’t sue me) and the shoes below are just my own personal recommendations. If they do not work for you, please keep trying until you find ones that do. As my mom used to tell me, “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.”
I can’t wait to hear what you think of these trends. Click on the photos below & be sure to scroll to the very bottom of this post for links to all of the trendy Spring shoes we’ve curated for you.
#1 HIGH TOPS
Ok, You may wanna get that cc out of your wallet & have it on standby with this hot shoe trend. When fashion, comfort, & stability actually coalesce in an on-trend shoe style, it’s time to celebrate!
High top sneakers are an ideal shoe style for people with disabilities. They provide an extra layer of ankle support and foot stability for people with foot-drop, weak ankles, and/or balance related challenges. Plus, they are comfortable to wear pretty much anywhere and just look cool without even trying.
The high-tops we’ve curated for you this season (scroll to the bottom of this post for all shopping links) all have orthosis friendly features like easy access (side zippers, removable insoles etc) and are available in wide width sizes.
#2 MARY-JANE STYLE FLATS
Another 2022 shoe trend that works well for people who wear leg braces and have disabilities like neuropathy & hand weakness, is Mary-Jane style shoes.
A Mary-Jane style is typically a flat shoe with a strap across the widest part of the foot. The straps on Mary Jane style flats add security & help prevent both a person’s foot and leg brace from slipping..or, even worse…falling out of the shoe completely. If your AFO tends to slip in shoes, check out our AFO Shoe Tips Post Here.
#3 RETRO INSPIRED SNEAKERS
It’s true, everything comes back…Even Tretorns & New Balance have been re-branded in 2022 and are even being paired with high-end couture fashion on NYC & Paris runways.
Most of the AFO friendly pairs we’ve found are available in wide and extra wide width sizes and/or have removable insoles or footbeds. Although clean white sneakers are another big trend this season, I love all of the 80’s inspired pairs with fun spring colors.
#4 TEVAS (STRAPPY SPORTY SANDALS)
Sporty, Teva like sandals are all the rage again this season! Although they are still showing the old school Tevas and platform/flatform styles, this style sandal has been kicked up a notch (like several notches) with multiple embellishments & many high end designers making their own versions. I love the pearl embellished designer sandals, the sporty chain link sandal & of course the gorgeous Fendi velcro embellished velcro sandal. No one will be looking at your leg braces when you’re wearing those that’s for sure!
Shop All The Spring Shoe Trends:
What do you think of the Spring 2022 Trends? I can’t wait to hear what you think of these trends. Which ones do you plan to try? Which trend is your favorite? Let us know in the comments section below.
XOXO
Lainie
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I have a pair of Teva sandals which my orthotist was able to adapt with a shoe lift and made every strap Velcro. Toe ankle and heel were expanded by Velcro.
Sounds like you have an awesome orthotist!
Who is your orthotic? I need one like that?
Hi, the braces I’m wearing in the photo are either the blue rocker by Allard, or I also have a pair of custom carbon fiber braces by kinetic called the noodle. I did have them change the straps so that it is in the front. I hope this helps thanks for reading. Lainie
Lainie can you tell me your Facebook site name. My daughter is standing up in her sisters wedding wears AFOs on both feet the hard plastic kind. I am really struggling trying to find a pair of shoes that would look good with a bridesmaids dress . Any suggestions .
Hi Roxanne,
The Facebook page is http://www.Facebook.com/LainieIsh
Please email me at info@trend-able.com and I can send links to dress shoes.
I also just found and ordered these. They have a removable insole and come in wide and extra wide! https://www.propetusa.com/pc_product_detail.asp?key=B0C361A04EAB4D42960D0FACF99A5B1A
I love your blog! I can’t wear anything wit a heel am I the only one?
Lisa,
Thanks for your comment??. You are definitely not the only one. I wear mostly flats and only kitten type wedges with just the right slant & a rubber bottom. Have you ever tried a flatform shoe? It’s my favorite style. You can see some examples in all my shoe posts by searching “shoes” on homepage. Lmk . ?Lainie
I started wearing AFOs a couple of months ago and because of one of your other posts, went out and found some boots that accommodated the braces. Like you, I’m *almost* sad to see the warmer weather come meaning I can’t hide behind my boots anymore! But, I hit the second hand shops and found 3 maxi dresses and had planned to wear sneakers with them, but thanks to this post, was inspired to see if I could find sandals that worked. Thanks to a very helpful salesperson at Ronsons I found a couple of pairs that would do, and one pair that was perfect. They’re not my normal style, but they’re cute, accommodate my AFOs (Allard ToeOff 2.0), and provide support. (https://www.ronsons.ca/products/womens-earth-lehi-150?color=BLACK). They weren’t cheap, but I think they’ll be worth it. They’re strappy enough that I don’t think anyone will even notice the braces when I wear them with my ‘new’ maxi dresses. Your blog has been a life-saver for my self-esteem and confidence. THANK YOU!
Jennifer,
I’m not sure why I didn’t get notice of this comment so sorry for delayed response. Your amazing and wonderful comment really made my day! It’s been a rough one as we had to put one of our dogs done unexpectedly. But, I love that you’ve embraced the maxi dress & found a couple of pairs of shoes that work. I hope to see photos via Messenger when you wear them this summer. I’m a thrift store girl too btw. If you get a chance please copy & paste this comment to Facebook . I’m starting to ask so that my Page gets more views & people can find us. ????
I am so, so sorry to hear about your dog. It’s crazy how much joy and heartbreak these animals can bring to our lives.
(I’m the only person in the world not on FB, but I’m being worn down so I may surprise myself and sign up yet.)
I often wear Mary Jane style shoes which are more open and cooler forsummer and spring. Just the one strap is enough to hold the shoe in place.
I always buy extra wide and 1/2 size bigger with removable insole.
Hi Jennifer,
Maryjane styles are great for people who wear afos. I’m glad they work for you.
Proof that you can still look trendy. I love the little flowery boots.
Hi,
I’m so excited I just found this page. After five years of sneakers I’m desperate for more options. It’s great reading the comments and responses and knowing others are struggling with the same issue.
Hi Lisa,
I’m so excited you found this page as well! I hear you when it comes to wanting more options than sneakers & I’m happy to share my finds. I would love to get to know you. If you haven’t already liked our Facebook page, please do as we are all a group of positive people sharing tips and hacks for looking & feeling good despite our various physical challenges. Happy New Year!
Thanks so much for your information. I have one braces for 14 years and it’s been a nightmare. I recently moved to California and one would think that there would be good orthotist here but I have not been successful in finding any.. Your blog helps to know that there are other people out here struggling.
Hi Sandee,
Thanks for reading. Are you on our Facebook page? I am sure other people can help. Feel free to reach out to me if you want any help. ?
Thank you so much Lainie, always a pleasure to read your blog, I love it al lot 🙂 !
Thanks Nicky. I can’t tell you how much that means to me. Thanks for reading ?
Hi,
I do understand Deirdra as I used to have the same plastic kind. There was a company (I can help find) who sold afo covers and They allowed me yo wear sandals. Many of the shoes I listed come in EEE width. You never know until you try right? Please reach out if you have any questions ?
Love your blog! Do you have any recommendations for shoes that will fit the lovely thick, hard plastic AFO’s that are molded for your foot? I wore ToeOffs for many years and had a pretty easy time finding shoes that fit them, but I have ‘graduated’ to the thick plastic ones and have not been able to wear anything but sneakers since. The thick molded foot area is a real problem.
Deirdra,
Check out the new 16 Candles post today ?
Hi on those Lowe’s sneakers, does you brace stay flat in there. I always assumed I needed a lace up shoe to keep the brace in place?????
I don’t think laces are necessary if the foot is secure in the shoe. The stripe ones come up high enough so they don’t slip. Thanks Tina
I take all or most of my new shoes to a shoe repair shop. They extend the straps, cut away and insert leather/nylon where needed, stretch them, they are very creative. They can also put a zipper in cowboy boots.
Hi Jo,
Those are great tips for others. Thanks!
Thanks for this advice on the insoles Lainie!! I never thought to ask about having one put on the afo itself…DUH!! I get new AFO’s in a couple of weeks and that’s the first thing I am asking for!! I’m with Donna, I am so done with sneakers all the time!! Thanks again hon?
Hi Charlotte,
It’s amazing that the Orthotists do not automatically do this for people. Anyhow, I’m so excited for you .
I like a few of these…my questions is, how do you wear the AFO plate right under your bare foot? Isn’t that extremely uncomfortable?? I put the AFO under the shoes insole or take it out and use mine…Please let me know as I am soooooo over wearing sneakers and would love to get some cute sandals! Thanks!
Hi Donna,
All of these questions are great but depend upon your afo brand/style and your physical condition. I wear the Allard Blue Rocker brace. My orthotist glues a very thin foam insole to the bottom and cuts it to fit. The sandals do not have insoles and the shoes above I ordered in double wide. I did not have to remove the insoles as they were wide & deep enough . In other shoee, I do.
Great question that I ask every time I attempt to buy another pair of shoes – will my AFO fit inside the shoe? After over a year of searching, and going through 3 braces, I’ve found that the Step Smart brace works great. It has a shorter foot plate, is very low profile to go over my pants, and fits nicely inside boots and shoes from Anodyne (double wide width). I too, slide the brace under a pair of insoles and custom inserts without issue. I am also in search of a pair of sandals and canvas flats for the upcoming summer months. Wish me luck on my search!
I buy thin, nude, no-show socks to wear on my AFO foot in the summer. My current sandals are not full open toe, just closed toe but with slits/openings. The nude sock doesn’t stand out but would be more noticeable in a full open toe. But then the entire heel would show too.
My AFO is blue snakeskin. Prettier than black. It shows anyway. I tend to wear Capri pants instead of shorts now and have a couple of ankle length summer dresses.
Thanks for reading & commenting Jennifer! It sounds like you have a great system that works for you. ?