This previously published post has been updated as of November 2024 to reflect current styles and relevant content. It includes affiliate links that may offer a very small commission. Using these links has no impact on the price, but does helps me offset my website expenses and indulge in an occasional Starbucks skinny vanilla latte 😂. So, thank you in advance for paying it forward and using the links below should you choose to try our recommendations.
Tis the season for freezing your ass off, maxing out your credit cards, and, for me, stressing about what to wear to holiday parties over my leg braces. With Halloween behind us and pre-Black Friday sales in full swing (does anyone else miss the actual Black Friday deals?), the holiday season is officially upon us!
While this time of year can be stressful for many, it can be especially challenging when you have a disability. If you want to get ahead of the chaos, read our tips for navigating the holiday season gracefully.
But today, we’re all about the shoes! Specifically, we’re talking about AFO and orthotic-friendly dress flats. If, like me, the only place you’ll ever wear red-soled Louboutin stilettos is in your dreams, you’ll be thrilled to know that stylish dressy flats are everywhere this season and very much en vogue.
The best dress flats for most AFO wearers feature built-in straps across the foot (called Mary Janes) or an ankle strap. These built-in straps provide essential stability and help keep your AFOs (and feet) securely in place.
But, if you need EE or wider-width options, finding fashionable Mary Jane-style flats can feel like searching for wifi in the wilderness. But not to worry—I’ve got an awesome hack!
LAINIE’S DRESS SHOE HACK FOR AFO WEARERS
With this easy hack, you can take any slip-on shoe style flat in the width you need, add decorative elastic straps and, voila! It transforms into a supportive and stylish dress flat.
For example, I purchased two pairs of shoes on Amazon to fit my wide feet and Blue Rocker AFOs. A pair of extra wide width black flats with removable insoles, and a pair of wide-width metallic silver flats with glued down insoles that I pulled out (some residue was left over and they don’t look very pretty on the inside, but who cares?).
The silver flats had thin rhinestone embellished straps attached with tiny buckle closures. The straps were too difficult to grasp and buckle with my CMT hands—plus, they weren’t wide enough. So, I simply took a pair of scissors and cut those straps right off!
I then bought this pair of crystal embellished stretchy bands to use with my silver metallic flats for dressy occasions.
Not only are they super easy to put on and take off when you wear them, but the elastic straps help both pairs of shoes to feel way more secure over my AFOs than they would have with the original straps.
I did the same thing with the black flats using these super cute and on trend stretchy chunky chain straps. Although the flats did not have removable insoles (which I usually need in order to have enough depth for my AFOs to stay inside my shoe). They actually stayed on my feet all night with zero slippage!
If you’re not feeling crafty, don’t worry! You’ll find plenty of styles that work for most AFO wearers in our curated collection of dress flats below.
So whether you wear AFOs, orthotics, or just need wide-width shoes, our 12 pairs of dress flats are festive, comfortable, supportive—and most retail for less than $100! Be sure to scroll to the bottom of this post to shop all of our favorite dress flats.
Okay, onto the 12 Flats of Christmas! Insert drum roll here, please…
Click on the images and bolded links below to shop each of the 12 shoes. Scroll to the bottom of this post to see many more AFO-friendly dress flats.
The Sherese Mary Jane flat by Trotters is a must-have for AFO wearers, especially those with hand weakness. With its adjustable hook-and-loop strap, slipping these on is a breeze! The cushioned, removable footbed provides great arch support and extra depth, making it perfect for wider feet. Stylish wavy stitching and soft leather give it a chic look, so you can feel fabulous while staying comfortable. Whether you’re heading to work or out with friends, the Sherese flat combines support and style effortlessly! Note, while this style is available in some wide width sizes on Amazon, the link above is to a retailer selling exclusive extra wide width sizes.
The Bella Vita Daven Flat is a stylish choice for AFO wearers needing extra support. With its trendy square toe and adjustable buckles, you can easily customize the fit to your liking. The ultra-soft padded insole ensures all-day comfort, making these flats perfect for any occasion. Plus, the lightweight outsole keeps you moving with ease. Whether you’re dressing up for work or heading out with friends, the Davenport Flat combines chic style with the practicality you need for wide-width comfort!
The Kelly Flat by Naturalizer is a versatile and stylish option for AFO and orthotic wearers. Available in multiple widths, including wide, it features a comfortable, cushioned footbed and an adjustable buckle strap for a secure fit. With options in leather, patent, and metallic finishes, the Kelly Flat offers both comfort and style for any occasion. Whether you’re headed to work or a holiday party, these flats will keep you looking chic while supporting your feet all day long.
The SOUL Naturalizer Brilliant Mary Jane Flat is a chic and comfy choice for AFO wearers. Available in wide widths, it features a flexible elastic strap for easy wear and a sculpted insole with memory foam for all-day support. The lightweight, flexible outsole ensures every step is cushioned and energized. Whether you’re dressing up or keeping it casual, these flats offer the perfect blend of style and comfort, making them a great addition to your wardrobe.
The Bock Mary Jane Flat by White Mountain is all about comfort and style for AFO wearers. With its adjustable strap, slipping these on is a breeze, making them perfect for those with hand weakness. The cushioned footbed provides excellent support, while the classic Mary Jane design keeps you looking chic. Available in wide widths and with removable insoles, these flats are a fantastic choice for anyone needing a little extra room. Whether you’re dressing up for work or enjoying a casual day out, the Bock flats will keep your feet happy and stylish!
The Sugar Flat by Trotters is a delightful blend of style and comfort that every AFO wearer will love! Available in wide and extra wide widths, this chic Mary Jane features an adjustable buckle strap with elastic goring, ensuring a snug fit that moves with you. The removable cushioned footbed offers fantastic arch support and extra depth, making it easy to customize for your orthotics. With its charming scalloped topline and luxurious leather upper, the Sugar Flat adds a touch of elegance to any outfit—perfect for everything from work meetings to weekend brunches! Step out in style and comfort with this fabulous flat!
The Aizlynn Flat by Journee Collection is a classy Mary Jane style with a pointed toe and a sweet bow detail. Available in wide widths, it features soft vegan leather and a padded insole for all-day comfort. While the insoles are not removable, the adjustable strap ensures a secure fit. Perfect for dressy occasions or everyday wear, these flats combine timeless elegance with practicality!
The Naturalizer Reyes Flat is a chic and stylish Mary Jane that brings a fresh twist to your footwear collection! Available in wide widths, this beauty features an adjustable buckle strap for a secure fit that hugs your foot just right. The removable cushioned footbed offers fantastic support, making it a great option for AFO wearers and those who need a little extra comfort. With its trendy square toe and sleek leather upper, the Reyes Flat effortlessly elevates any outfit, whether you’re dressing up for a festive gathering or keeping it casual on the weekends. Slip into these flats and step out in confidence—because who says you can’t have style and comfort all in one?
The Reyes Flat by Dolce Vita is a modern take on the classic Mary Jane style, featuring a sleek square toe and an adjustable buckle strap for a secure fit. Made with a leather upper and man-made lining, it offers a lightweight feel and a cushioned footbed for added comfort. While it doesn’t have removable insoles, its structured design provides reliable support. Perfect for dressy occasions or everyday wear, these flats bring a polished edge to any outfit!
The Alameda Flat by Vionic is a modern Mary Jane that blends sophistication with unbeatable support. Available in wide widths, it features a hook-and-loop adjustable strap for an easy, secure fit. It offers a removable microfiber-wrapped footbed and a deep heel cup for stability which is perfect for many orthotics or AFOs. With its sleek leather or suede upper and lightweight, flexible sole, this flat is as stylish as it is practical for all-day comfort!
The Cushionaire Gigi Flat is a perfect blend of comfort and style. Available in wide widths, these flats feature a soft, cushioned insole that provides excellent support. While the insoles aren’t removable, the flexible design ensures a snug fit. With its sleek silhouette and easy slip-on style, the Gigi Flat is great for both casual outings and dressier occasions, keeping you comfortable and chic all day long!
The Eliza Flat by Munro is a stylish and comfy Mary Jane that’s ideal for many AFO wearers. Available in wide widths, it features an adjustable hook-and-loop strap for a secure fit, plus a removable cushioned footbed that makes it easy to add your orthotics. With its sleek leather upper and hidden wedge, the Eliza offers just the right amount of flair for both work and play. Slip these on for a chic look that keeps your feet feeling great all day long!
Conclusion
And there you have it—our 12 fabulous flats of Christmas, perfect for AFO wearers who want to stay stylish and comfortable this holiday season! Whether you’re dressing up for a festive gathering or just need something chic for everyday wear, these flats have got you covered.
We’d love to hear from you! Share your favorite styles or any hacks you’ve discovered in the comments below. Your tips could be just what someone else needs to make their holiday season a little brighter!
Wishing you all a joyful and stylish holiday season filled with comfort, cheer, and maybe a little sparkle!
Happy holidays! 🎄✨🕎
Lainie
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first 2 I picked were out of stock but i do spy something I’d like to try……..sizing…….I’m in a women’s 10 wide ASICS sneaker……….would shoes be the same size? Thanks
Hi,
Thank you so much for using the links and for writing! If that is the size, you wear in sneakers without removing an insole, then, yes! But, sometimes a half size larger is needed as not all “wides” are created equal. When you find some thing sometimes it’s easier to just order two different sizes and shipped back the one you don’t want as many have easy returns by mail without going to a post office.
New to the page but I am so grateful for cute fashion over old sneakers. I currently have shoes with zippers but my hubby said I need boots (he knows my style lol). I saw on another comment you have a fb page. May you give me insight on that or any other resources to connect so I can learn options as I am getting a CADI waiver finally and can get cute adaptable clothing.
Hi,
I hope you received my email. Our Facebook page is: http:www.Facebook.com/LainieIsh
I have CMT. Where can I find high boots to go over my leg braces? You previously mentioned boots with zippers on both sides but I can’t find them. Please help me find something that will work.
hi, I will send you an email with some links to our boots post along with a few that have dual side zippers
I have a pretty bulky AFO that I have on my leg and I’m dying to find some shoes to wear that will work I’ve been living in sneakers and really want to add something a little bit more fashionable I would love any suggestions you could provide
Hi Susan,
See my oTher response. Look forward to connecting & happy to send links. Lainie
Love that they make flats so stylist now – heels are so hard for me to wear these days
I wear an AFO. My ankle was collapsing. My foot turns so I’m walking somewhat on the outer edge. My son is getting married. I need a dress shoe that is extra wide and extra deep. What do you suggest?
Hi Sharon,
Please email me a photo of your brace & I am happy to try to help find a dress shoe. Info@box2387.temp.domains
Hi Lainie
Thanks for the inspiring insta and blog. It gives me hope that I can be stylish and yet wear AFOs. I have been avoiding them but I am determined to give them a shot after recovering from my op.
It’s likely that I would have to shop cute shoes overseas for a wide width. As a guide is the shoes that fit the same size as what you would wear without an AFO or is it a size bigger.
Thanks
Sam
Hi again, hopefully I answered your question above. Please feel free to reach out anytime . ??
Hi Lainie. Thanks for the blog and insta it gives me hope to look good with AFOs. Been resistant to the fact that I need them.
Going to try in Jan once my op has healed. I can only find cute WW overseas. Just as a guide are the shoes a size bigger than your size without AFOs or is it just the wider width.
Hi Sam,
First , thanks for reading and good luck with your surgery. ?.The shoes I listed here in ww are a regular size just wider. Also, this is true of the boots post as well. I hope that answers your question .
Thanks so much. I’m new to AFO’s & new to your site. You’re inspiring, and it’s good to know I’m not crazy to search for something other than clunky sneakers to wear with my braces. Happy Thanksgiving, and keep the good info coming.
Hi Mary Jo,
I am so glad you found the website and that the timing is spot on with your new afos. Please let me know anytime if you have questions. I would love to meet you via our Facebook page too. Happy Thanksgiving !
Great choices Lainie. I wear orthotic’s without braces, I wear boots which cover my ankles. I’ve had 3 different kinds of braces. Ugh! Dr has allowed the boots, amen. Boots are in this year, yay, ant boot suggestions for the holidays?
Hi Lois, Oh did you see the boots & bootie posts? Go to home page, under blog & fashion. Lots of dressy suede options. ?
Fantastic finds! So styling!
Cyndi, let me know if you get this response please.
Thanks so much Cyndi! I am glad you like ?
Awesome! Thanks so much for this .
You’re so welcome! Thank you for reading. ?
Hi Lanie,
My sister had a horseback riding accident and now has drop foot. She has to wear afo leg braces in order to walk. It is mind boggling to me that they don’t make a brace that you can walk in without having to wear a shoe. She is pretty much limited to tennis shoes and is really struggling with this. Prior to her accident, she competed in tough mudders, did tri athalons, and was always dressed to the 9’s. She is struggling to find a cute ballet flats, sandals, or any shoe other than a tennis shoe that work with her afo’s. It is killing me to see her like this…her spirit is gone. The problem she experiences with other style shoes, is the afo brace slides up out of the shoe, or she has a difficult time getting them into the shoe. What suggestions do you have for summer time? She dreads summers because she only wears pants and tennis shoes and we live in Florida in 100 degree weather. Thanks for any advice, tips, etc!
Hi Hillary,
I sent you a private email. Thanks, Lainie