Disclaimer:
The following hacks for AFOs (ankle foot orthosis) and orthotics are based on my opinion and experience as a longtime wearer. I am not a doctor, physical therapist, orthotist, or a rule follower. Everything I recommend (including all of the shoes for AFOs & orthotics in other posts), work for me, or my daughter, and our orthosis and abilities. So please take my recommendations as just that, recommendations. In other words, I’m just trying to help people, so please don’t sue me! Oh and there are a few affiliate links used in this post that pay a small commission (wouldn’t cover a Starbuck’s latte) if used.
7 HACKS FOR AFOS & ORTHOTICS
I have a love/hate relationship with my leg braces. On the one hand, they help me walk and balance (not minor things) and allow me to be independent, explore the world, and have an awesome life. But, they can also be super annoying, stifling, and controlling. So controlling in fact, that I’m now completely dependent on and lost without them. If you read my Tips About Neuropathy post, then you know that I take an extra set of braces and straps with me on vacation in case they break (and they have) because I am unable to walk in shoes without them.
Being a full-time leg brace wearer can be inconvenient and frustrating at times, but I’m grateful for them as I would not be able to do all that I can do without their help. So when it comes to AFOs, the good definitely outweighs the bad, especially when you know hacks to make them more tolerable. What follows are 7 tips for wearing orthotics and AFOs to put your best foot forward.
1. HOW TO STOP ORTHOTICS FROM SQUEAKING
I don’t know about you, but the last thing I want to do is draw additional attention to my feet. When my daughter got her first set of custom orthotics a few years ago, we noticed a squeaking sound as she walked. This would make almost anyone self-conscious, especially a teenager. So, we found a solution.
The squeaking sound is typically caused by friction when the orthotic rubs against the inside of a shoe. There are several easy hacks to stop an orthotic from squeaking. One quick fix is to apply a thin layer of Vaseline under the insole so that the shoe and orthotic rub together more smoothly. You can also put a dryer sheet (I’m a lavender girl) inside your shoe and underneath your orthotics. This creates a barrier and stops the squeak. Plus, it helps stop orthotics from smelling if that is a problem you have encountered.
2. WHEN YOUR BRACES OR ORTHOTICS RUB AGAINST YOUR SKIN
First, it should go without saying, your leg braces and/or orthotics should not cause you pain. If they do, take them back to your orthotist ASAP. There are many adjustments that a professional with the right equipment can make. If you’re the never return anything, suffer in silence kinda person, it’s time to get over it and advocate for yourself.
But sometimes, even after getting them padded and adjusted, your orthosis rub and chafe your skin. When you first notice rubbing, one easy solution is to use a blister balm like this one. You can also use this amazing product I recently discovered called Dr. Jill’s Gels. You can apply these removable gel sticky pads to your foot or, you can actually stick them directly on your AFO like I did when I noticed I was getting repeated callouses and corns under the ball of my foot. The gel pads are like magic and actually stay put. One of them has been on my AFO for a month already. (I should seriously buy stock in the company). They also make amazing gel tubing for problem toes.
3. WHEN YOU WANT TO GO SOCKLESS
This is the hack I’ve talked about many times, most recently in How To Wear Sandals With Orthotics or AFOs. The gist of it is this; If you wear any kind of braces and want to go sock-less, you first need to cover the footplates so you’re not walking directly on the brace material. Note for plastic AFO wearers: this involves getting or making covers that line the entire brace like a sock. To do this, you can try ordering through your podiatrist pre-made AFO liners like these. Or, you can have a seamstress make brace liners for you by purchasing thin non-wicking fabric from your local fabric store and having them made to fit your braces and attach with velcro over the tops.
If you wear carbon fiber braces, you can either ask your orthotist to cover the footplate, or you can DIY it like I did. To cover my footplates (shown in the photo above), I used a tiny bit of waterproof adhesive called ShoeGoo to attach a thin foam insole to the AFO footplates. The foam gives me enough cushion (without adding bulk) so that I can comfortably wear sandals all summer long.
4. WHEN YOU CAN’T KEEP YOUR SHOES ON
When it’s hard to keep your shoes on, it’s typically because your brace or orthotic requires more depth than your shoe provides. In many cases, this can be easily remedied by simply removing the padded insole. If that doesn’t work, or the insole cannot be removed, there are a few more tricks you can try.
I found these strappy heel grips worked to keep the worn down straps on my favorite platform leather Tevas from slipping off my heel allowing my shoes to fall off. The sticky straps made a huge difference! You can get them to cover an entire heel or in thin strip form, like the ones I used for my backstrap sandals.
5. WHEN YOUR LEG BRACE STRAPS WON’T STAY IN PLACE
After using many different types and brands of AFOs over the years, I find it surprising that none of the manufacturers provide direct customer access to strapping material and tabs to keep the straps from hanging. I’m a really active person; why should I have to go through a medical provider to replace worn out velcro straps every month? Well it took me a few years, but I no longer do.
Instead of paying for new sets of straps all the time (not cheap btw), I pay my orthotist’s office their cost to buy an entire roll of the same strapping material that’s used. This is a win-win since I’m pretty sure they’re happy not to have me calling and coming in all the time. Now when my straps start getting thin and worn down looking, I just cut a new set myself at home. FYI, those same rolls are not sold online…believe me, I’ve looked.
But I did find this material on Amazon that I use to hack tabs to keep the straps together and secure. Also, since I have fine motor/hand problems, the tabs make it easier to grab and open the straps to put them on. To make a tab, I cut the material into two identical shapes, like the ones above. I then glue them together so that it’s thick enough to grab (I have no pincher grip) and so that one side is soft (loop material) and the other is rough (hook material) and can attach to the soft straps. I then put a tab on the end of each strap so that I can adjust it and accommodate for swelling. Ta Da!
6. WHEN YOUR SHOE IS TOO BIG
Many of our Perfectly Imperfect Facebook and Instagram followers wear just one custom orthotic or AFO and have shared with me their challenges. In response to questions about where to buy shoes in two different sizes, I published a post called Odd Shoe Out. But if you want to wear the same size shoes with an orthosis, you can fill up the shoe without the brace with a shoe filler like these:
7. WHEN NO SHOES (EVEN THE ONE’S ON TREND-ABLE.COM) FIT
Perhaps you’ve read all my posts about shoes for AFOs and orthotics and ordered 20 + pairs but none of them fit. You feel sad, frustrated, and defeated…ready to give up and surrender to a life in bulky, orthopedic sneakers. … Ok, maybe that was a bit dramatic…but, PLEASE DON’T GIVE UP!
As the saying on one of our Trend-Able t-shirts reads, “When things Don’t Go Right, Go Left.” Seriously, where there’s a will there’s a way! You could buy a pair of inexpensive wide width shoes and take them to your local cobbler to be hacked. A good shoe cobbler can cut out the shoe tongue and add extended velcro. You can have the shoe completely opened up and turned into a Mary Jane style by adding an elasticized strap. There are options…
Conclusion:
I hope these hacks will help you to better EmBRACE your braces or orthotics. BTW, if you are new to AFOs or considering getting your first pair, you might want to download our Afo Fashion Guide and join our Perfectly Imperfect Tribe.
Do you have any hacks for AFOs or orthotics? Please share with us all in the comments section below. I can’t wait to hear from you.
Xoxo
Lainie
Skip to content
My name is Carol. I’m 84 years old and have worn carbon AFO’s for years. My problem is that my AFO’s wear out my pant legs at the knee because they must rub there. Any suggestions? Thank you!
I just ran across this, so I do’t even know if this is alive. However, I am 75ish and have been wearing AFOs since I was 22. My plastic afo’s normanlly fit great and have made my gait almost normal, I do not like the velcro that is used. It is harh, and scarred my leg and rubbed my pants. Burt I found a solution. I buy 3 or 4 inches of …. . It can be expensive and hard to find (use internet) so buy the least you can. I cut it at the length of my strap. Then when I see my otho guy I have the sew the …. to the strap. Have it extend ove th sides just a tiny bit, you don’t want to leave the sides of the velcro freee because it hurts. The ….will last for years and won’t hurt. I also wear Léggs or other short nylons instead of socks, and wrap them ove the top of the brace.
I also have a squeek solution….kind of wierd, ut it works. Buy a tube of female lubricant and put some on the edge of your shoe, or your brace. It work well and lasts longer than most other solutions.
But, ths year my ortho put me in carbon braces. This is not a change that is easy to make, but my ankles really don;t know where my feet should go, and this is to be a next step before wheelchair. But there is a spot that rubs..badly. It has stopped me from wearing them. I’ve tried everything I can think of, but I still get a divet and a bruise, so I just keep wearing my plastic AFOs. Can carbon braces be adjusted ?
Thanks
Hi Susan,
I’m so sorry for the delay. I am just seeing this now. Thanks for writing. I would definitely talk to in orthotist possibly one who specializes in CMt. You should not have pain.
Hi Lainie,
I have just found your website which I find extremely interesting. Like Susan I have been wearing splints for the past 55 years I wear one carbon brace and one polypropylene brace. I have a spot that rubs badly to and I simply wear a patch over that spot before I put the carbon one on and that seems to stop it from rubbing into the skin. The reason I was looking on the Internet was because I live in Cairns Australia which is a very hot place and I would really like to be able to wear to splints that match in colour. I think that there should be an option with the carbon splints in that you could have at least have a white one to match a plastic one. Additionally it would match light coloured clothes. A group like yours might have the power to attain this. Just my thoughts
You made such an interesting piece to read, giving every subject enlightenment for us to gain knowledge. Thanks for sharing the such information with us to read this…
Hi,
Nordstroms will sell you two different shoe sizes of the same shoe. Yup. If your left foot is an 8 and your right foot is an 8.5. They will sell you one of each. NO EXTRA CHARGE. Plus the service is superb!
That is because the first Mrs Nordstom was a polio survivor…and had two different sized feet like many polio survivors do…me being one and love getting shoes at Nordstroms!
That’s super interesting. Thx for sharing !
One “hack” I have with my carbon fiber AFO (it’s the same one as your’s). When they fit me for it I had them leave off the bottom strap so my AFO would fit into higher boots! I can’t wear heels so I’ve never experienced that whole “women love shoes” kind of thing because it was so hard to find ones that fit right. So, I’m not into heels, but I love boots, boots of all shapes and sizes, Doc Martins, ankle boots, mid-calf, knee high, you name it. But my old AFO (the traditional all encompassing plastic ones would never fit into them. I hated it, I hated being forced to wear sneakers. BUT my new AFO without the bottom strap fits into most pairs of boots. The higher style boots themselves keep my foot in the brace when tied tightly. I currently have my AFO in a pair of Frye motorcycle boots and I love it! I don’t know if that would help others or not, but I thought I’d mention it.
Hi,
Thank you so much for your awesome message and tip about the bottom strap. I’m so happy you are now able to wear cute shoes and that it works for you high need the bottom strap as the calf support for me is important. I guess it completely depends on the person and the style of AFos. Thank you so much though for taking the time to come in and read. XO Lainie
Does anyone else as an over 50 person get very hot with articulated AFO’s. It becomes unbearable in summer heat, any suggestions? I feel like I am at least 10 degrees hotter.
Thanks
Is it possible to drill holes to help vent…unsure if a few would work without damaging durability
I just got my first AFO and I think I have tried more than 70 pairs of shoes to get just 3 or 4 pairs of shoes I can wear. Most don’t accommodate the extra width and depth the AFO needs. I did manage to get some sandals made with extra straps on the sides to prevent the AFO from sliding around. Now I need to be brave enough to try them. In addition to the AFO I need soles built up as one leg is shorter than the other from a bad accident I had. My ankle is fused too. Talk about a nightmare trying to find shoes. I’m hoping for some good tips and hacks to get decent shoes.
Hi Merrie,
Welcome! I’m glad you found us. If you still have questions or want help after reading the posts on shoes for AFOs, please feel to reach out to me. Happy New Year! Lainie
Where can I go to have some sandals made for my brace.
Do your braces need custom sandals? What kind are they?
Hello! I have a problem that my left AFO always wears my shoes from one side only and ruins them. I buy at least two pairs of shoes every month. Is becoming very expensive for me. Please let me know what can i do.
Hi Wallace,
Wow! 2 pairs of shoes a month? I understand your frustration…That’s a lot of wasted money. Assuming you spoke to your orthotist about this ? Is the one AFO cutting into the shoe? Rubbing? If it’s one side only, what is the cause? Has your orthotist padded it with moleskin? Cut out areas that are rubbing? These are questions to answer for me to offer an opinion but your orthotist should be on it asap.
I have the same problem with my right AFO. Though I don’t go through quite that many shoes.
Hi Lainie,
I really enjoy getting and reading everything you post on your website! When you first posted fashionable shoes and boots to wear with afos it was a turning point.
I wear custom afos that have been a real game changer for me. The major con (if you can call it that since I don’t walk well without them) is that their foot print is 2 sizes larger than my feet since they are hinged molded plastic. I’ve tried a carbon fiber type but didn’t get the ankle support I need. Still searching for the perfect pair. I am 55 (scary!!) and still love cute shoes!
Anyways, I hope this is okay to post:
my father had CMT also and I have his new allard blue rockers that neither one of us can wear. They are size medium carbon fiber. If anyone needs them let me know and they are yours.
I have size 6.5 feet and these mediums could fit except that the shin guards hit my shins in such a way that they push me backwards in a strange way, which is the last thing I need. Moral to that story is I recommend that this pair go to someone who has used or been fitted for the allard blue rocker. I really want these to help one of you out there!
Luv Tracy
Hi Tracy,
Such a generous offer ! Feel free to let people know in any comments on my Facebook Page etc.
I am so happy to have finally found a place to share the very difficult challenge of finding shoes to fit AFO’s especially the molded plastic. Can I vent for a moment? First of all the AFO’s are uncomfortable to the point of causing sores and bruises and bumpy bumps where the straps go. Why in the world do they not make them padded all over for some bit of comfort? I just saw a special about a baby giraffe with braces and they were completely padded. Also why in the world does one have to walk on that hard plastic foot base? Can’t they come up with a padded addition layer-the inside of the shoe that is padded never touches your foot anymore just that hard piece of plastic. We have talked to 6 different providers and they all seem to think there is nothing they can do for comfort besides a little bit of padding stuck here or there. I wonder if we can’t just spray the interior of the brace with something or dip them in something that is soft all over but would not change the strength and structure. If you know of anything or have ideas please respond.
Hi Kim,
Thanks for your comment. I am totally with you on the need for these brace manufactures to add padding to them. It is absolutely ridiculous that they do not. A few suggestions, have you seen the AFO liners I post about? They do still sell them places. If you Google ” Afo liner” you will see stores that sell them. When I wore the plastic kind of braces, I use them as a template and had a seamstress make less expensive ones for mine. They basically slip on your brace like a sock & then fold over the the with velcro. You can purchase moisture wiking fabric and have someone line your brace with this removable sock that you can wash. I hope this helps. Feel free to reach out anytime and definitely follow our Facebook page because lots of people are in the same situation. Thanks, Lainie
Kim,I havethesame complaint with my custom afo; what I am going to attempt is to remove my sole plate entirely,then only utilize ashore portion of my afo to support the area from my ankle to my calf. With a good shoe with no instep support like the zero shoe,this will allow my arch and foot to gain strength. Then with no hard plastic around my calf, I should be able to build muscles in my calf.
Bing a 16 year stroke survivor,I am somewhat unconventional in my approach now to my rehabilitation;I am now 71 but remain an avid recumbent trike rider. My trike is also very unconventional. I switched to recumbent bikes about 35 years ago and would never consider a diamond frame bike again,albeit I am now restricted to a trike, so Now I always bring my chair with me!
Hi, i know this is a long shot, but I need the allard blue rocker for both feet size medium. Would you still have these and how much would you want?
You are simply the best! I found you several years ago when I was first diagnosed with MS and had to wear an AFO for one foot. I cried like a newborn with colic, teething, wet and hungry because I had an extensive shoe wardrobe. But you popped on my page with an array of shoes, outfits hacks and more I finally brought my head above the covers and its all because of you. Here today I needed straps for my brace and you’ve done it again! So thank you , thank you you are a godsend and truly appreciated.
Best regards
Jess
Hi Jessica,
Your beautiful email made me laugh & cry! Thank you so much for letting me know that this website & what I’m doing has helped you. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate it. I love the way you worded it so much that I’m gonna Post (without your last name) on Social media. Thank you & happy Thanksgiving to you. Please reach out to me anytime you ever have questions. Xo Lainie
I was so happy to read your hack for wearing AFOs with sandals! Another great tip! Now I just have to wait for Spring….. Thanks again!!!
I am so happy to read your hack about wearing sandals with AFOs! Genius! Now I just have to wait for Spring…. Thanks for another great tip!!
Hi Deb,
You’re so welcome & thanks for taking the time to comment ! Lainie
I feel so lucky to have finally found your site. I too am 50 – well 52 on Saturday. I have CMT and have bee in AFOs – custom for 6 years. I am moderate in severity and I have not found a Dr who truly understands CMT much less what it is like being a vain woman with this crazy disability. I need help with every thing ( new Afos, shoes, love the skinny jeans idea ect … ). This might sound crazy but I am not worried about costs anymore I just want to feel normal. Any suggestions you can give me I would be so thankful. I have a wedding coming up, my con graduates from high school this year and so many other exciting things to do. Thank you so much for your site.
Hi LeAnn,
I’m soooo happy you found me too! It sounds like we have a ton in common – Besides the age and CMT, my son is graduation from HS too. To start, be sure to follow our FB page and send me a message there & I’m happy to offer any ideas/help I can. Xo Lainie
Zappos has begun offering individual shoes so now people with only one AFO can order two shoes in custom sizes.
that’s great news! I wear an AFO on right leg and KAFO on left leg. I can usually find shoes that fit my right leg. The KAFO is thicker material -makes buying shoes a bit difficult.
You Nailed it, Thanks for share with us, it provides very useful information. Keep posts like these articles in the future.
https://www.picknhook.com/
I would not ever wear a sandal or open shoe with my afo but that is just me 🙂 Its great that some do and are happy with it.
I wear sneakers, usually the keen brand or new balance, sometimes asic works for me too.
I dont show my feet or my legs ever lol. I am too self concious to do that. So yes I stay hot in my closed shoes and long pants all year.
I like this site so much and so happy to have found it.
Hi Debbie,
I’m glad you found us! Thanks for sharing ?
Hi Lainie-
I’ve worn carbon AFOs with custom orthotics for CMT for about a year, and can’t tell you how delighted I was to find your site! The AFOs are a great boon for walking, but I’ve mourned the ability to wear even vaguely cute shoes. Between my wide feet, bunions and hammer toes, only sneakers feel comfortable and accommodate the AFOs. I routinely swap out the insoles for my orthotics, order extra wide and up a size or two, etc. I’m wondering whether you know of any companies which make custom shoes. Thanks so much for your positive, unapologetic outlook and the kindness you show to your readers!
Hi Leslie, I’m so so sorry for the delay. I don’t know why I didn’t get notified of this. Anyhow, I do know of a few companies but they are very very expensive & I think you’re better off taking a pair to your local shoe peddler to modify as needed. Have you tried Revere? They have removable footbeds & extra strapping. Several of our followers who “have tried everything” hive written me & are really happy. Use this link to get free return shipping & 15% off until end of June. https://bit.ly/30m7J2j. Lmk how it goes info@box2387.temp.domains
Wow! I am so happy to have stumbled on your site! I also have CMT and wear one AFO so far. Thanks for sharing your hacks. It makes a world of difference to find others who are thriving with the difficulties this disease presents.
Hi, I had a allard brace previously but just got this Victor custom made brace (which I hate) as it doesn’t have as much give but will work with it. Anyhow, on the hack for wearing no socks when you use the thin foam insole do you leave it on permanently or is it removable and you just add when wearing sandals? Thanks for your site it is great to know there are solutions out there and help with dealing with our insecurities of wearing an AFO 🙂
Hi Lynelle,
Sorry for the delay & thanks for reading ?. I leave the thin insole permanently on my braces as even without wearing sandals, it’s more comfortable in general. You shouldn’t walk directly on the metal. Hope this helps! Lainie ?
Hi, Lainei,
Somehow landed here. amazing write up, learned a lot about AFO from this blog. Actually my friend Jane is looking something like this blog, recommended her as she is facing squeaking problem recently and I also appreciate your effort. Visit me if you have queries for best shoes for wide feet toddler.
Thanks.
I just got an AFO back in November, and unlike the ones shown in your pictures, the bit that goes up to the brace part is in the back, but at an angle. Because of this, it’s eating through the back of my shoe. Is there any way to avoid this with that kind of AFO? I have flat feet to begin with, so I usually get stability shoes that have decent arch support, but it’s expensive to replace them after just a few months.
These tricks are very useful though! I too am annoyed by the squeaking, so I’ll have to try that first hack.
Hi Danielle,
When you say the “bit piece”, I am assuming you mean the bar on the brace runs along the back vs the side? Please email me at info@tend-able.com with a photo of your brace & I’ll try to help.
I line dance and my brace was very painful on one side of my heel in my dance sneakers. I used a blister bandage which helped, but would be very expensive over time. I found silicone heel cups on line and they solved the problem.
I am new to my AFO brace, and it is fine in sneakers, but I line dance and it rubbed and hurt the side of my heel in my dance sneakers. I tried a blister bandage on my heel and that worked fine, but I thought it would be expensive over time and found silicone heel cups on line. They work great!
The velcro on my AFO brace is no longer holding, after only 3 months. I bought stretchy hairbands, with rubber on both sides, in CVS. I double them over and put they hold the straps in place very well. They’re black, as is the wraps on my brace, so you can’t really notice them.
Wish I could edit! I double them over, put them over the straps and they hold everything in place very nicely. They are black, as are the straps on my brace.
Genius, thanks!
Thanks for reading! ??
Thanks for mentioning a pesky squeak in sandals.
The squeaking can sometimes occur with a removable foot bed, however, we at revere Shoes have found a solution which has proven very successful using self adhesive Felt.
Here are our instructions:
Felt Application for removable Footbed
Remove the Footbed from the Sandal and trace the shape of the exposed area of the footbed.
Using the traced outline, cut Felt to fit inside the sandal shell. Be sure to cut 1 right & 1 left piece.
Remove the backing paper from the felt to expose the adhesive.
Place the cut felt piece inside the Sandal shell, keeping in mind there is a right & left piece.
Replace the footbed or Orthotic device neatly back into the Sandal shell.
Hope this may help someone out there who is experiencing squeaks.
Cheers
Anne
revere Shoes
Thanks Anne & Revere Shoes! Great tip!
I’ve been an AFO wearer for almost 21 years, I have a custom plastic AFO and I always take the insole out of the shoe and ‘tape’ it to the AFO, give me extra cushion for my foot, I also found that the AFO rubs against my ankle and give me a callus so I put a callus pad inside my sock against my ankle to cushion my ankle!! In hot weather I spray the back of my leg and foot with spray deodorant to keep them from sweating!!! And use baby powder to cover the inside of my AFO. I have gotten used to wearing sneakers because I didn’t receive much support until I found the great pages on Facebook!! (I had to figure it out myself) and I am always happy to see someone else who wears an AFO, ( I live in a small town in southwestern Ontario Canada)
The Dryer sheet tip works!!!
I’m so glad it worked for you!
KT Tape can be a great help for specific areas where your AFOs rub. For some reason I occasionally find my AFOs rub one spot on my shin or my heels are sensitive. KT tape is fantastic. It comes in a variety of colors, you custom cut it to the size/shape you need, and it stays in place really well.
Thanks Jude! I use moleskin but definitely will try KT Tape.
I will be getting an AFO brace soon. I have been looking on-line for someone who makes anything other than black, white or gray liners. Flowers would be nice, solid colors would be good also. I haven’t been able to find anything and I don’t sew, so I can’t make my own.
I love the hacks! My teen son and adult son are in plastic AFOs and they are bulky. They cover all but the top of their feet. The toes are “free” other than the support going under them but the whole ankle bone is wrapped to keep them from rolling from deformity. They go up to almost the knee. They allow my boys to walk so I am thankful. I also live in AK and resources are limited. I went to both shoe sites mentioned in comments. They are for women or they don’t carry WIDE shoes LOL. Do you have any idea where I can get super wide shoes and sandals for men? This is our third year wearing AFOs and have always bought boots that are three sizes too big to get their feet/brace into them.
Hi Tracy,
Thank you for writing and following. Did you see this post I wrote for men ? https://www.trend-able.com/12-pairs-of-stylish-shoes-for-men-who-wear-afos-or-orthotics/ Let me know if you have any questions. Some of the shoes (Dunham) are available in EEE width which may work for your boys. Also, have you seen Billy Shoes? Fly Away by Nike?
I’m very new to AFOs, but my plastic AFOs were supplied with a normal pair of New Balance running shoes, just a half-size larger and with the insoles removed. It also helped a ton to replace the shoelaces with elastic ones so that the tongue can really get out of the way without having to practically re-lace every time I put my shoes on.
Even long before being an AFO wearer, I had wide feet and New Balance worked well for me because they tend to run a little wider.
Hi Anthony,
Thanks for reading ! Yes, New Balance is typically the brand recommended for wide feet/afos. I wish I had stock in it ?
Lainie, I sent you a comment about not understanding how to use my brace with the 16 Sandals you mention . You answered me..I followed your directions and had great luck. I ordered the soft sandal, but didn’t get wide as I have a narrow foot, I ordered glue, blister tape, soft soles.. I tried my brace in shoe everything works, I’m so excited. Thank you so much for taking the time to spell it all out for me. You are a sweetheart! Also I learned a new word from your site…hack I had no clue, looked it up. Can’t wait to try in my 70+ Marjongg friends!❤️
Sandra,
THIS WAS THE BEST email to wake up to today. I’m sooo glad you are able to wear those shoes and love that you learned a new word to boot! Your Maj girls will love it! I’m happy I was helpful & appreciate you telling me as this is why I’m doing this ?????????
I wear plastic AFOs. I always wear a pair of long socks underneathe my AFO and fold the top of the sock over the strap bit. It gives me a little more support and comfort. I then wear a normal sock over the AFO. For the most part no one knows I am wearing them. Great in winter by the way, not so great in summer!
Hi Brian,
Thanks for commenting!We do not get that many male Afo wearers so I appreciate you reading. Have you tried the AFO liners in the summer with your plastic afos?
Thank you, thank you, thank you for posting shoe hacks!! I struggled to figure out how you are able to wear your Tevas without feeling like you are going to fall or be standing on metal
Hi Mona ? I’m so glad you like & appreciate this Post. Thx for commenting ! ?
Thanks for all the ideas. This is my first summer with AFO’s, so sandals are a new challenge. I already tried the dryer sheet hack for squeaky shoes today. Worked great!
Hi Mary Jo,
Thanks for commenting! How cool that you put the heck into practice today?. Definitely check out the sandals for afos post & feel free to reach out anytime ?
How do I remove the plastic from adhesive side of velcro pads?
Hi,
It isn’t easy which is why I ask someone to help me with that part. 😀
Hi Lanie,
Orthotist here, thanking you for such an insightful post! My patient sent me a link to your site and I love it. So many of my patients want to wear normal shoes with their braces and It’s nice to know there’s a place I can send them for good information on troubleshooting. There’s only so much wisdom you can impart in a visit, and often the longtime users are more knowledgeable than I am! I’m a big fan of getting cobblers to adjust shoes, including adding zippers to boots and adjusting or adding velcro straps. There are a few shoe companies who make sandals with completely removable insoles, including Naot and Naturalizer. These can allow a brace user to sink the brace down inside the sandal and hold it in place, with a nice insole on top for carbon brace users. Softsoap also works pretty well for squeaking. Thanks again for the post and I’ll be sharing your site with my patients in the future!
Hi Marina,
You are the very first medical professional to take the time to read & comment here ??. Please give that patient a big thank you for letting you know about the website. Your suggestions are right on….I recommend a ton of Naot & Naturalizer styles with removable footbeds in Posts and I also love the Softsoap hack! Thank you so much ! Your patients are lucky to have an Orthotist who clearly cares.
Great post Lainie! I also wear noodles by Kinetics but with custom orthotics which makes finding shoes deep enough even more challenging. When I found black sandals I could wear, my heel kept slipping out the back so I cut out a piece of thin black foam and glued it to the back of the heel cup to extend it. Problem solved!
Hi Linda,
Thanks for reading? I know others who wear orthotics with their Afos & experience the same challenge. I wonder if shoes with removable footbeds (like Naot) work for you ? The foam hack is smart…It’s your own version of the strappy heel grips from the Post. ?
This is all well & good, but what if your feet are so disfigured the AFOs rub all the time & im always getting sores?!? They have not been able in the yr that I’ve had them to get them so I can walk without more discomfort from the braces than from walking without them, however , I cannot walk without them because my feet are so disfigured! Also I have yet to find a sandal that can fit over my AFOs. If you have some ideas I’d be most happy to hear them!!!! Thank you!!!
Hi Debra,
I do not have the same issue but I understand & feel your pain (not literally of course). They do make many different types of moleskin toe wraps and bandages for sore spots that help a lot of people. Your afo should not hurt you even with your “disfigured feet”. The orthotist shoukd pad & cut out areas that hurt as much as they can. In terms of sandals, some of the ones on my Post come in EEE width with adjustable velcro. If those don’t fit, than a good foot peddler can add strap extenders, extra velcro etc. I hope this helps. ?
If your custom AFOs are not fitting/ adjusting properly I recommend finding a new orthotist if can make a huge difference. I have been in orthotics/AFOs since the age of 9 and am now in my 30’s.
That’s a very smart suggestion! Thanks
My feet are not disfigured, but I think I have struggled much the same. My orthotist is great and very patient. We tried adjusting my orthotics and tried making new ones…nothing worked. Finally, kind of by mistake, we found that ankle braces instead of orthotics is the answer for me. Nothing molded for my feet ever fit, they always caused foot problems and blisters. The braces seem to make my feet happy and gives me the support I need.
Lainie,
You have hit another home run! Great Post! I just ordered the shoe goo and the inner sole! Thanks for that1. I was about to call the orthotist do do this for me. You save me a trip and some $$.
Question about the carbon fiber AFOs. Mine are new to me since the winter. I have notices that the back of the foot plate seems to be more elongated than the other. Think I could file this down? I realize you aren’t an orthotist but…
Thanks
Hi Cyndi,
Thank you once again for being my Trend-Able rock! I know if no one else reads, I can count on you ?. Good question, I have had my afos cut & re-sized many times by orthotists..I would hate for your diy filing to leave jagged edges..unless of course you have experience with this? Take it to him/her ??
Thank you so much, Lainie! This is such great real practical info. I definitely need some more inspiration this summer season. The sandals I bought aren’t working so well for me, so I am going to dive back in to look for new Teva-style (adjustable straps). I’m definitely trying the minipad for squeaks since my new Hokas are super noisy! Such a great community, sharing all these ideas. xo
Reeve,
You rock! Plus, doesn’t everyone wear Tevas out there in hippie land ?. I appreciate you reading & all your support. ?
Fantastic post, and so well-researched, thank you!! I need to make the leap to Allard. Lainie, you are a constant source of good mojo for this neurotic CMT-er! Julie
Julie,
Thank you for once again taking time out of your busy life to read & comment. I feel the same about you so thank you . ??
What are recommened brands of afo’s i am researching for my first pair..
I have carried a prescription around over a year…and its time. Balance issues are the worst. Thank you
I started out with off the shelf Allard Toe Offs, then progressed to off the shelf Allard Blue Rockers (both have the strut in the front), but am now wearing custom Kinetic Research Noodles (strut up the back of my leg), and they’re working well. I also highly recommend custom orthotics that have a cork footbed like seen on the kinetic research website.
Lanie I have the custom plastic AFOs with 2 different size feet, actually an 8.5 & 10.5! In order to by 1 pair of shoes my AFOs were extended and the mind doesn’t realize that made up difference. A great CMT mind game for once that actually saves $ alas if only better shoe options for the 6E width.
Thank YOU for your site/blog. ?
Christina, I am CMT with 8.5 left foot and 10.5 right foot. I am blown away that you don’t trip over your 8.5 foot being in a 10.5 shoe. I think I would fall flat on my face. Very impressive.
Hi, Lanie,
I used panty liners to stop squeaks. Built in tape. Worked great.
Kim
Hi Kim,
Such a great tip! I love it. Thanks for sharing !
Where do u put them is it under the afo
Do you mean the foam insoles? I can’t tell which hack you are referring to. If the foam, it gets gluid directly to the metal brace. If you mean the dryer sheet for squeaking, that goes under brace & between shoe. Thx for asking & reading!
Hi Lanie,
Great tips! I have two daughters who wear AFOs due to CMT and they wear the Helios. Although they help tremendously, yours look completely different and seem a bit more summer friendly with outfits. Something you have to think about with 18 year olds. Could you tell me the name of your braces and how well they work for you?
Thanks
Shannon
Hi Shannon,
Of course! I interchange between two kinds that work for me. The blue ones you see in my posts are the Allard Blue Rockers. I wear an off the shelf in those. The other pair is a custom carbon fiber by Kinetic Research (The Noodle). If you go with those, let them know you saw the ones they made for me.
We just discovered Billy Footware that makes fashionable shoes for kids and adults, including Ugg style boots and high tops. They do it by having a zipper that goes all the way around the shoe so the foot can drop in from the top. They also let you order different sizes (check their FAQs) Also Nike Fly-Ease and Plae shoes are great for AFOs.
Yes, all those are awesome. I have several more to show everyone in future post. Thanks for reading & Happy Holiday! Lainie
Can I add a few hacks that have worked for me?
#1 I wear the carbon fiber type afo. The brace goes down the back of my leg then wraps around my foot at the ankle. At the point where the brace meets the back of my sneaker( where the sneaker is made of fabric) used to wear through to the foam and shred due to the constant friction from the brace. Now I apply FRAY CHECK to the area and that stops the fabric from fraying. You can purchase FRAY CHECK in any fabric store such as Joann’s.
#2 My braces used to squeak where the brace rubs against the shoe itself, not the sole part. I apply a piece of sticky back VELCRO to the brace using only the hook side (not the fuzzy side) of the velcro at the point of friction. No more squeak.
Thanks Janice! These are FABULOUS tips that I’m sure others will appreciate. Thanks for taking the time to write them. ? Lainie
Thank you for Fray Check tip! I wear bilateral AFOs so both shoes for frayed on inside! Thanks again.
I can’t believe how lucky I feel to have found your website, I just got Afos & I didn’t know any of these things, I am crying I am so happy. Thank you ! Thank you! I will be a follower for sure,
Lisa, your comment made my morning and really is why this full time “job” is so rewarding. Thank you for writing & for following, feel free to reach out anytime. ?Lainie
My mother needs new leg braces. But does not want get because of everything you have just explained.. Thank you . maybe she will get some now..
I would like to see shoes and sandals worn with the AFO’s on the models. It is hard to picture AFO’s with sandals. I would appreciate it.
Thank you
Barb
Hi Barb,
This is Lainie. Unfortunately, it would be impossible (my husband would kill me) I bought every pair & photographed them. I have though taken many photos of me in sandals wearing afos that I regularly share on the FB page. Feel free to email me with fit questions if you are looking at specific pairs. Thanks, Lainie
Hi there I just stumbled upon your site and I am excited because I have not really embraced my brace, I have had to wear one since my second stroke, I have not been able to find shoes that do not look like old orthotic ones with velcro which I refuse to wear I am able to tie my shoe with my one hand and velcro is ugly to me and no good. Also, my issue is my brace foot needs bigger shoe so that makes my right foot need a big one also which is pain buying it is expensive having to buy different sizes. Do you have any ideas and cost is another thing as I live in Canada and I am ion what’s called disability? Thank you for your page and me finding it.
Hi Isabel.
Thanks for commenting! I have tons & tons of shoe posts here & many are available on Amazon. Search “shoes” on homepage & reach out if you have any questions. Lainie
Hi my name is Janet and I have drop foot to my right foot. I wear an AFO called a Ritchie brace. My son is getting married and I am at a loss for shoes. Please help.
Thanks.
Hi Janet,
I can absolutely try to help. Please send me an email at info@trend-able Letting me know what you are looking for. Very exciting about the wedding