This post was previously published but has been updated to include new and relevant content. It includes affiliate links that may offer a very small commission. This has zero impact on the price you pay, but does help me to offset some of the website expenses and purchase an occasional Starbucks’s skinny vanilla latte 😀
This is the season for freezing your ass off, maxing out your credit cards and for me, stressing about what to wear to holiday parties over leg braces.
With Thanksgiving behind us, the official holiday season has begun and this can bring up all kinds of emotions when you have a disability. If you’re already feeling overwhelmed, check out our post on tips for surviving and balancing the holiday season with a disability. Here, we’re just talkin’ shoes! Specifically, AFO and orthotic friendly dress flats.
If, like me, the only place you’ll ever wear red-soled Louboutin stiletto’s is in your dreams, then you’ll be thrilled to know that dressy flats are everywhere this season and very much en vogue.
The best style of dress flats for most AFO wearers have built in straps across the foot or around the ankle which helps provide support and keeps your orthosis from slipping. For extra wide width dress flats without built-in straps, I have an awesome hack! You can purchase straps like these and voila’, any shoe can become a supportive mary jane style.
That’s me pictured above (taken last year) wearing a pair of wide dress flats over my AFOS. The shoes I’m wearing (out of stock today) are a wide width size and fit my carbon fiber style AFOS. They probably wouldn’t work for those of you needing EE width and extra depth. But, not to worry, you’ll find styles that will work for most in our curated collection of dress flats below.
So, Whether you wear AFO’s, orthotics, or just need wide width shoes, the 12 pairs of dress flats we found below are festive, comfortable and supportive! Also, budget friendly as many retail for less than $50. 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.
This pair of super cute flats by Walking Cradles are super cute, comfy and fashionable. The decorative strap has an adjustable hook and loop closure. The all leather flat is slip resistant, comfortable, and comes in several colors and wide width sizes.
The Lizzie Herringbone is a classically tailored oxford with hand-woven rich leather upper and subtle burnishing. A padded collar and cushioned footbed deliver the comfort you want. Available in wide width sizes.
With a non-slip sole and stretchy strapping, the Dream Pairs flat is an awesome shoe. It comes in a variety of colors and is a wide width Amazon shoe brand.
The Esse flat oxford from Amalfi by Rangoni features a quilted upper that looks as good as it feels, while the smooth leather toe cap and heel cup add a studious look to pleated or pencil skirts. Generous cushioning and a thick wedge outsole add to the comfort of this superb style. Available in wide width sizes.
Comfort meets casual style with the Corsa Pump from Amalfi by Rangoni. This versatile slip-on features a leather upper decorated with floral embossment and woven elastic straps that cross over the arch. The striped rubber sole provides stability while you walk in these fashionable flats. Available in wide widths.
The Journee Collection Aizlynn flat features a strap at the vamp topped with a darling bow accent to lend a feminine flair. This Mary Jane flat with pointed toe and soft vegan synthetic upper is a perfect blend of style and functionality. Available in wide width sizes.
Why not get a little daring with your flats? The Ile from Amalfi by Rangoni has a unique personality that’s brimming with charm and confidence. Twin arch accents bridge across the vamp for a fun twist on a classic mary-jane. A slight wedge heightens the comfortable step and brings in just enough boost. Available in wide width sizes.
Dress up or down with the Naturalizer’s Maxwell-MJ Flats. This Jane-inspired strap design features a padded collar for added comfort and a short heel to add to your height and confidence. Features hook and loop closures and available in wide width sizes.
Criss Cross elastic straps perfect the fit of a wardrobe-essential flat furnished with an arch-supportive footbed and lightweight flexible sole. Has a removable footbed and available in wide width sizes and many color options.
Trotter’s best selling shoe, the Sugar flat is sweet with its stylish scalloped topline. The sure-fit Mary Jane makes it the perfect flat for walking. It comes in a wide width and has a removable footbed.
For an effortlessly relaxed look, go for the Bella Vita Daven mary jane flat. The square-toe flat has dual buckle straps, offering you a secure fit. An ultra-soft padded footbed caters to your comfort needs. Available in both wide and extra wide width sizes.
The beloved Margot Mary-Jane by Vivvia has an adjustable instep strap for a comfy, customizable fit. Its classic design pairs perfectly with casual or formal wear, making it a versatile option for any occasion. Dress it up for a night out or wear it to the office – this machine washable Mary-Jane’s fashion and function blend seamlessly. Comes in wide width sizes and many colors.
Shop All Of Our AFO Friendly Dress Flats Below
What do you think of our 12 Flats of Christmas? Which one’s are you eyeing? Let us know in the comment box below.
Xoxo
Lainie
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