I have been wearing afos/leg braces for more than 20 years (learn more about me) and consider myself an unofficial expert on finding fashionable shoes that fit. I have worn several different types of afos but have been wearing a carbon fiber style for the past 10 years. This style of afos has a smaller footbed than the custom plastic kind I used to wear and can fit into more shoe styles.
You should know that I’m not a doctor, orthotics, nor a rule follower. I’m pretty sure that many of the sandals, shoes and boots I wear & post here do not comply with the brace manufacturer’s instructions.I know my condition and abilities and if the shoe fits…..
So,it’s your choice and decision to experiment with various shoe styles…You can take them or leave them but please don’t sue me. Having said that, here are some of my favorite winter shoes with removable insoles for afos.
These are phenomenal options! I love the look of the Sorel Sneak. Thank you for your leg work (haha), Lainie!! Can’t wait for the boots. I’m going to work with my AFO guy to see if he can adjust the calf cuff of my Noodles so they can fit inside boots (too wide now).
Gotta love a perfect pun. That was awesome. Yeah, they’re really cute. Very you.
Lainie, do you also get a small percentage of sales from links in this post (not just the new Mom post)? I used the link to make my purchase, just in case. Glad you are getting some benefits from the great work you are doing for us all!!
Hi Reeve,
Yes but there’s lot’s of conditions like, people have to purchase within 24 hours etc. I think it’s like $2.50 on a $50 pair of shoes but everything helps ?. Yhank you ?
Thank you! I just started wearing my AFO brace for a few weeks and I am in a wedding the first week in October. I have been stressing over what I can wear for shoes. I really appriciate you and your posts while I am adjusting to this new lifestyle.
Oh Natalie, this makes me sooo happy! I’m so glad you found this helpful & let me know how it goes finding shoes for the wedding.
What a great selection, and such a handy way to show styles for comfort and effectiveness! I love those cork sole ones on the top right (website says they’re suede on top so very neat yet swish). Very useful post because footwear and insoles can be so important but hard to get right.
Thanks so much Caz! I truly appreciate you taking the time to comment & hope the cork ones end up working for you. ??
Just found you! So excited to read everything!
Hi!
I’m going on a cruise in January and love all the options. Thank you! I’m new to wearing an AFO (carbon fiber). How do you wear sandals without removable insoles??? I can’t figure that one out.
Sherry,
Sending quick email here to see if you get it as have been having an issue. I will follow up with info on how to wear sandals once I hear back.
Sherry,
Did you get my response? I have been having issues with people getting these comments.
Hi there- I just came across your website today. I just started wearing a carbon fiber AFO and can’t find any trendy shoes/boots that work. I spent over 2 hours at DSW trying on at least 20 pairs of shoes. What’s the trick? Do I need to buy wider shoes than I would normally wear or the next size up? I wear a size 6. I’m so frustrated. I’m 55 and not ready to wear “old lady shoes” just yet. I’d rather just not wear the AFO. Any suggestions will help.
Hi Maureen,
I’m glad you found the website & welcome . I know how frustrating the DSW experience is and that’s why I made this post and so many others. Most of the shoes here will fit many afos as well as the ones on the sandals, boots and dress flats ones that were updated recently. I rarely have luck shopping in stores myself but here are a few pointers.
1. Buy wide width or extra wide width
2. Look for removable insoles
3. Look for a wide toe box
4. Look for either a velcro, double zipper, or lace opening.
5. Buy at least 1 size larger if shoe not extra wide.
I hope this helps & please reach out on our Facebook page or Instagram if you have any other questions.
Lainie,
I have been using my leg braces for a year now, and through trial and error I learned to buy wider, bigger shoes. However, I have not been able to wear sandals because I can’t find a nice pair that is close in the back. Can you help?
Hi Miriam,
Thanks for reaching out & I can absolutely try and help. This shoe is from my 16 Sandals post & I know a lot of my followers have bought it & really like it. It comes in a snakeskin which is more modern and an EE width. Please message me on Facebook or email me atinfo@trend-able.com if you want other suggestions.
https://shopstyle.it/l/6L4X
Hi Lainie,
I wear a carbon fibre AFO and a custom insole on top of that and most shoes are not deep enough to accomodate. Can you recommend any deep shoes that might work for me? I’m basically stuck wearing one pair of sneakers right now. Thanks!
Hi Angela,
Yes! Feel free to email me at info@trend-able.com for more but here are a few that have removable footbeds (pull out the whole inside footbed) that may work:
https://shopstyle.it/l/7hds https://shopstyle.it/l/7hdw