I’ve had a love/hate relationship with shoes my entire life. Finding the best shoes to wear with AFOs has never been easy.
Long before I started wearing leg braces (AFO’s), it was a struggle finding shoes that fit my high-arch, fused-ankle, drop-foot, callous-prone feet.
I remember the day I picked up my first pair of leg braces. You can read more about my history in the blog Skinny Jeans. When the orthotist brought them to me in a clear plastic bag, I instantly burst into tears like someone first viewing a loved one’s corpse in an open casket. I was scared to touch them.
When I caught my breath, my greatest concern came off as superficial. What the f### kind of shoes do I have to wear with those things?
That Orthotist probably needed therapy for PTSD (trauma) after his experience with me that day. When he brought in a catalog with a pair of bulky, fake leather, clodhopper shoes on the cover, I literally started screaming at him,
“Do you expect me to look like Fred Flintstone?” “No f####ing way am I wearing those!”
I left his office (AFO’s still in the bag) and didn’t take them out again for another six months, when cleaning bloody knees from sidewalk falls became a daily thing. I moved out of denial and into typical solution-focused “Lainie mode.”
As my leg braces evolved through the years, so has my ability to find stylish shoes that I can wear confidently. Today, it is so much easier as the trendy shoe styles have features people with hand and feet issues actually need. Here are 5 of my favorites:
#1. KICKS ARE DOPE
Sneakers of all types are cool. They are no longer reserved for mall-walking, city-commuting, or gyms. People can wear sneakers with anything and everywhere these days.
Brands like Nike and New Balance have a ton more competition as it seems like every designer and brand has its own line of sneakers. I mean, hello, even Ellen Degeneres has her own line of sneakers.
When worn confidently, sneakers can look just as great with jeans as they do when paired with a dress or skirt. The key is to look like you planned to wear sneakers and not that you have to wear sneakers.
#2. VELCRO IS LIT
#3. GOTTA HAVE SOLE
People who have foot and balance issues are experts in flooring material. If I walk into a restaurant and see a shiny painted floor, my heart starts racing, and I go into survival mode. My eyes are always scanning the floor for spilled water, baby pacifiers or any other foreign object impeding my path, causing a likely fall.
I was so excited to see that rubber non-skid soles are now everywhere and on everything from sandals and booties to party shoes. As they say (and my 14-year-old son came up with), don’t forget the rubber!
#4. ELEVATE YOUR STYLE
One of the hardest things to accept when you have foot and balance problems is the inability to wear heels. Heels, (or pumps as they used to call them in the 80’s when my friends dyed them to match their prom dresses) are considered a necessity when dressing up, a no-brainer for able-bodied women. Heels make women look taller, thinner and sexier. Those of us who can’t wear heels do not benefit from the illusion they give an outfit.
My life was forever changed six years ago when I discovered the Wolky, Jewel Sandal with a flat, platform sole. For the first time ever, I was walking comfortably in elevated sandals that made my legs look longer too. Since then, I have found even cuter platforms (only the completely level kind without a wedge) I can wear in any season. Here are some examples:
#5. ZIP IT
When you wear leg braces or orthotics, putting shoes on is a high-intensity workout. Even when you remove the insoles and buy a size or two bigger than your real size, there’s just not enough room in the opening to shove it in. It doesn’t help that both of my ankles are fused with pins, preventing any movement.
Like the struggle I have every summer, trying to get my kid’s sleeping bags shoved back inside the tiny nylon bags they came in, I eventually (sweat dripping) forfeit the fight; cuz it ain’t gonna happen.
This year, I saw a ton of cute hi-tops with zippers on each side. These hi-tops are not the Chuck Taylor style (I like those too) but rather, more grown-up, soft leather ankle boots that you can wear with anything.
In general, hi-tops are awesome for women with foot issues. Not only do they provide built-in ankle support, but if you want to wear trendy ankle cropped jeans, hi-tops conceal your orthotic/AFO.
Since laces are tough for me because of my fine motor issues and pull on style shoes are totally out of the question, I was bouncing off my chair with excitement when I found a pair of two zippers opening hi-tops with removable insoles.
CONCLUSION
Note that I do receive a small commission if you use links from this post to purchase. This does not cost you anything and helps me offset some of the website expenses.
Depending on when you are reading this, the exact shoes above may or may not be available. Finding shoes that work with orthotics and afos takes patience and trial and error. Try not to be frustrated and give up. Keep looking, be creative and of course, keep reading this blog ? You may find some of my other blogs about the best shoes to wear with afo leg braces helpful also.
Xoxo
Lainie
Thanks so much for sharing Lainie! I have a 16 year old daughter who wears AFO’s and the fight for shoes is exhausting. We recently bought her a pair of Koolaburra by Ugg boots (shazi short) that have a zip on the side and are laced up the back, they are very easy to get open and allow her foot to get in. We have also found that high tops by DC are pretty roomy in width and are cute and stylish.
As someone who within 3 months went from struggling just to find shoes for my size 12 feet to someone who needs an AFO and wears size who knows WHAT now…shoes have been a trial. I first found a really comfortable pair of Reebok’s (men’s) that we’re suitable to get me back in public. Now I want more. Thanks for the input. I’m not ready to give up some semblance of style when I’ve had All these other physical adjustments, too!
Hi Tamara,
Thanks for commenting. When it rains it pours to say the least right? Size 12 is tough…size 12 afos even tougher…but clearly you didn’t quit & found a great (and very in style) option. Send me a pic! I l0ve this.
Linda,
Those are great suggestions for people with teens. Thanks for commenting.
Thank you Lainie! Reading your post gives me a glimmer of hope! It also shows me how different we all are in our journeys with leg braces. I can’t personally wear any shoes that do not lace. I feel like I need to have them laced really tight to stay on my foot. I also can’ wear shoes that have a platform or any type of heal whatsoever. My entire foot/balance must be on the same level, so I have not been able to find oxfords that are light weight enough and no heel. To make matters even stranger, I can’t wear shoes that are “too flat” like Chuck Taylors or the super cute velcro ones in this post. Go figure, I have no idea why …
HOWEVER after “I can’t, I can’t I can’t” your post makes me hopeful! There is going to be something out there for me I know it! Keep up this great work! Thank you!
Gretchen,
Youre post is spot on. The point is to not to give up or settle with whats available. Thank you for reading and commenting.
Hi Gretchen,
Reading your post, oddly enough I have the same 4 issues. I like Ecco Yucatan sandals and Clarks maybe cloudsteppers for shoes.
The Cloudsteppers are wonderful. I’m looking for winter boots that open far enough to put my foot and brace in. I also cannot wear shoes that lace up.
Suzanne, I’m adding winter boots to the Boots post this weekend ???
OMG, I can so relate. I laughed at your comments about being floor experts – yep, me too. I was in a shoe store and looking for Velcro shoes. The older woman asked me when I was going to grow up and wear real shoes. I left the shoes at the cash register.
Omg I would not have been happy either. That’s terrible. I’m glad you got a laugh & could relate ?
Thanks for the post! What brand are the black high tops with the zippers and chains shown in post above? Super cute! Also love the slip ons with zippers you posted- I love that style but not enough room for AFOs without zippers!
Hi Amy,
Those are by Ash & I removed the insoles . Those zippers unzip and I tried those on. They are by Gentle Souls & currently at Nordstroms. I put a link on the Trends page ?
Hi Lainie
I brought two pairs of the gentle souls at Nordstrom as I heard they have a policy that lets you buy one pair of shoes in two different sizes. Which ended up being correct. I also pulled the insolesout to make room for my AFO. However, my physical therapists have since told me not to wear such flat shoes.
Hi Dagmar,
Yes, I talk about Nordstrom in the Odd Shoe Out Post I wrote😀 Glad it worked! Definitely do what your medical provider says & pay attention to your body. From my experience, the afos do the work so if a shoe fits & is comfortable for me to walk in, I buy them 😀
Excellent post and so topical – it’s refreshing that there are finally stylish and comfortable shoe options for people with foot problems.
Lainie,
Are you aware of a knee-high boot that will fit an AFO?
Hi Ardra,
Did you see the Boots are A Bitch post? I am wearing a boot by Michael Kors that is flat and has a side zipper. The style is Bromley. You wear just 1 afo, right? You can buy two different sizes at Nordstrom. There are many others too – working on a new boots post for sometime end of month. Xo
Hey Lainie,
I was wondering what kind of AFOs you wear. I have tried several different styles over the years and have been very disappointed. I have had CMT1a for over 30 years.
Hi Chris, I totally understand as have worn AFOs for that many years myself. I currently switch it to mean both the blue rockers by a hi Chris, I totally understand as have worn AFOs for that many years myself. I currently switch between both the blue rockers by Allard & custom Noodles by Kinetic.
I was wearing the white velcro tennies from Walmart for over ten years. When I was working my one ankle would swell up from arthritis so It really helped. I can’t really bend down too much either due to a bad back to tie my shoes so it was also great to have velcro. After I had to stop working , I could wear shoes with shoe strings because I wasn’t walking as much and my velcro ones were super worn out. I still don’t really tie my shoes much. I usually just leave them tied and slip out of them.
Awesome info and super cute shoes- Your the best!
Tiffany,
You are a GREAT FRIEND! Thank you for reading my emails, commenting on my blogs & for being such a supportive and fabulous friend.
Great updates, Lainie! I am forwarding this whole email to my orthotist to be sure he is sharing your first time AFO guide with new clients. Thank you thank you!
Thanks Reeve! That’s exactly what I am hoping others do too. O appreciate you as always. ??
Great suggestions. Cole-Hahn makes lightweight flat laceups in different widths.
Ideas for bedroom slippers/house shoes for those of us who have neuropathy and a dropped foot? We need slippers easy to put on in the middle of the night or early ,orninh brain fig that won’t slip off.
Hi Sharon,
Great suggestion! I use these pilates no slip socks as slippers. They are great & inexpensive.
https://trend-able.com/no-slip-socks-that-rock/
The list is absolutely gorgeous! Can’t wait to buy those kinds of shoes. They look so simple yet it can pull it off in any clothing. Anyways. thank you for sharing this. Love it!
Hi Devid,
Thanks so much for reading and taking the time to comment. I hope they work for you.
Thank you for all the options, I have my eye on a few of the above
Thanks for looking and commenting Judy! I hope they work if you decide on them. Lainie
So glad I found this site thru FPN. I have Small Fiber Neuropathy and can’t wear heels. However, I have small feet (adult size 5 – 5.5) and have found that children’s shoe stores sell many stylish shoes/boots with no heels and they are less than half the price.
Hi Nancy,
I’m so happy you found us too. Yes, I get the small shoe thing with orthotics as my daughter (17) is also a size 5 and we buy most of her shoes in the children’s department as well. I hope you are following our Facebook page so I can to know you.
Felt like I was reading “This is your life.” Foot drop, severe Neuropathy, used to have super high arches that now have dropped to flat feet. Just told a friend of mine at school I would be a millionaire if I became a shoe/boot maker for women that have AFOs to the calf and open somehow wide enough for my foot and AFO to fit inside, at the same time! Now I have your site bookmarked. Thank you.
Hi Suzanne,
I’m so glad you found us and can relate. I didn’t know high arches can drop? I’m curious about this and how your gait has changed as a result. Anyhow, I so appreciate you being here & bookmarking the website. I hope you also follow on FB so I can get to know you. Lainie
Thanks for this post! It actually gives me hope for the day that I have to wear AFOs due to CMT. Luckily, I still walk well with out, as long as I wear extremely supportive athletic shoes. And I have had a really hard time finding professional looking footwear that doesn’t make my ankle hurt. I would love a post on footwear for those of us with needy feet who don’t wear AFO’s.
Diane,
I’m sorry I missed this. Thanks so much for commenting. I hope you will subscrib (if you didn’t) as I do write shoe posts tha6 include comfort shoes for non Afo wearers as well. I’m so glad you found the website. ❤️ Lainie
I GOT SOME AFO BRACES,AND I CAN NOT FIND SHOES THEY WILL FIT IN
Hi Donna,
If you want to reach out to me via Facebook messenger on the Trend-Able page: http://www.facebook.com/LainieIsh I can try to help. Please tell me more info though like the brand and type of Afo you wear.
Great post! I still struggle with finding shoes that work well, I have foot drop out on the right side so I either end up with shoes that are too tight on my brace or too loose on my left foot! I love that trendy shoes are coming with Velcro and zippers, hopefully they provide a great solution!
Hi Laura,
Thanks so much for reading & commenting. That must be annoying to have one shoe that’s too big (or small) all the time…Hopefully you learned some tips in these pages like putting insoles inside…I am happy you are here ? Lainie
I cannot thank you enough for this website!! I have been searching for cute shoes to wear for a year! This is amazing! Just wanted to say thank you.
Hi Kat,
I am soooo happy you found the website & me???. Please come join on us FB or Insta so I can see who you are & get to know you. ?
My brace was made so big die to swelling that it won’t fit in any shoe but a Nike running shoe.I have ordered all kinds but noting will fit.The Dr even said that it was really large.I was told that I could not get a new brace for 5 years.Any suggestions
Hi Kathy,
If it can fit inside of a Nike running shoe, then there are other options . If ty come to the Trend-Able FB me and send a photo to me on messenger there, I’ll be happy to offer some suggestions.
Just found you and I love this! I am so frustrated with the current selection of shoes– i’m an eternal Cinderalla at the mall. it’s vain and not the end of the world but so exhausting to always have to search for something that’s room enough to fit over the braces, let alone something I’d choose if style was the only requirement!
Hi Lisa,
I’m really happy you found us & that you took the time to write…Thank you! I get it & feel exactly the same way…Since you’re clearly an expert, I would love it if you shared any great finds with me so I can let others know too. Don’t forget to sign up for newsletters etc so we can stay in touch. Have a great weekend! Lainie
I am looking at the ASOS Wide Fit Daisy sneakers and was wondering how to determine what size I need. I just got my braces yesterday. They are WalkOn Reaction Plus braces and the only shoes I can wear with them are my Adidas memory foam sneakers that are a size bigger than I normally wear. I really hope to find some sandals but was curious about what size adjustments I should make. Any suggestions?
Hi Molly,
Thanks for writing. I looked up your afos & the footplate should fit into many of the shoes & sandals. I would start though with the shoes I recommend that come in E or 2X width and buy your regular size. In shoes that are just regular wide like the ASOS, you would go up a 1/2 size as long as the insole is removable. I hope this helps 😀 Lainie
Please email me directly via the Facebook Page if you want an opinion on specific shoes, but I w
Thanks so much, Lainie! I just got my AFO’s today and shoes that go with them are so hard to find. You’ve helped me so much!
Hi Shreya,
What perfect timing! Are these your first afos ever?I hope you subscribed as I have a brand new fall shoes post coming out soon. Thank you so much for taking the time to write. Xo Lainie
I’m glad I found this page. I’ve had AFOs for both feet for about 10 years now and yes, shoe shopping is the worst! My biggest problems are that I need a women’s 10.5 or 11, wide (or extra wide), and the room for my toes can’t be shallow. Most shoes fit right down on top of your toes, but I have a couple of hammer toes so I need more space. I have found that Asics is a good brand as far as sneakers. I actually got lucky and found a pair on clearance a couple of years ago. They have mesh so it’s easy for my brace to expand them where needed and they are very lightweight. Unfortunately, my luck hasn’t been great with other shoes so I am kind of stuck wearing sneakers everywhere. Also, it’s horrible wearing them in the winter! My feet freeze anyways, but with shoes that are made to keep your feet cool? Forget about it! I need some winter boots or shoes that are easy to get on and aren’t insanely priced…I can’t spend over $100. They don’t have to be fancy. If anybody discovers some then please reply to my post. The shoes shown on here have given me some ideas for new search terms so finger crossed.
Hi Mina,
Thanks so much for writing! I can relate to the need for room for your toes. Have you ever tried sandals? I have some ideas of inexpensive warm shoes that may work for you in the winter. But first, I need to know what type of afos you wear? You can write to me here or email info@trend-able.com
Mina,
Here’s one pair that should work . They come in an 11 extra extra wide & are under $100. https://shopstyle.it/l/7msM
Lainie
Hi Lainie. Thanks for the suggestion. Those won’t quite work for me. Given the way my braces are (and the length of my feet) I have a very hard time siding my feet into the shoes. With my sneakers I have to loosen the shoestrings quite a bit which lets me fold the tongue out of the way. Even then I have to use a shoehorn and struggle. Someone needs to make boots or shoes that have a zippered or velcro heel…that would be ideal. I bought a pair of cheap, generic Crocs from the craft store over the summer so that I could have a change from wearing my sneakers all the time. I always need to wear socks, but at least they were a little easier to put on and breezier. Since I don’t have control of my feet (or legs), I do have to have something holding the shoe onto my foot so I was happy to find them since they have the heel strap. That’s the closest I’ve come to a sandal. Winter boots have always been a problem. I did find a pair a few years ago that kind of work. They are similar to the kind i wore as a kid…not cute at all, but they have a velcro closure and are soft sided so if I bend the backs down enough I can manage to get my feet in with a little prying. I will email you a couple pictures of my braces since I can’t figure out how to post them here.