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 here. When the orthotist brought them to me in a clear plastic bag, I instantly burst into tears, as if someone were 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 seemed 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 trendy shoe styles have features people with hand and feet issues actually need. Shoe shopping? Here are 5 things to know when shoe shopping if you wear leg braces and have a disability:
#1. KICKS ARE DOPE
Sneakers of all types are cool. They’re 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 appear as though you planned to wear sneakers, not that you have to wear sneakers.
Click and slide through the images below to shop our current sneaker favs:
#2. VELCRO IS LIT
For those of you without access to a person under the age of 20, ‘Lit’ means ‘hot’ or ‘cool.’
When I first saw velcro closures on shoes by popular designers, I wanted to jump for joy. Well, I can’t actually jump, but I was REALLY excited.
This trend has been life-changing. Velcro shoes are no longer just worn by nurses and small children. People without hand or foot problems love the look and convenience of hook and loop closures. No more struggles with shoelaces for me.
Click and slide through the images below to shop our velcro sneakers:
#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, appearing on everything from sandals and booties to party shoes. As they say (and my 14-year-old son at the time said), don’t forget the rubber!
Click and scroll through the images below to shop non-skid shoes:
#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 80s when my friends dyed them to match their prom dresses) are considered a necessity when dressing up, a no-brainer for able-bodied women. They make women look taller, thinner, and sexier.
Unfortunately, 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. At the time I wore bulky plastic braces and couldn’t believe I could wear sandals. Here’s the AFO hack I used to be able to wear them
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 awesome flatform shoes for AFO wearers:
Click and slide through the images below to shop our favorite platform/flatform sneakers:
#5. ZIP IT
When you wear leg braces or orthotics, putting shoes on becomes a high-intensity workout. Even when you remove the insoles and buy a size or two bigger than your actual size, there’s just not enough room in the opening to shove them 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 (with sweat dripping) forfeit the fight because it ain’t gonna happen.
This year, I noticed a ton of cute hi-tops with zippers on each side. These hi-tops aren’t the Chuck Taylor style (though 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 due to 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 hi-tops with two zippers opening and removable insoles.
Click and slide through the images below to shop our favorite shoes with zippers:
THE END!
In wrapping up our shoe-shopping adventure, remember: the hunt for the perfect pair of shoes that are both stylish, comfortable, and that fit AFOS, is no easy feat! Try not to sweat it and definitely don’t give up!
Embrace the journey with patience and a dash of creativity. After all, every trial and error brings you one step closer to finding your sole-mate (pun intended).
And of course, keep this blog bookmarked for all your shoe-related adventures and join us on our Facebook and/or Instagram pages for updates, inspiration, and conversation.
Xoxo
Lainie
I’d love to hear from you! Please leave a comment below.
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I have come a long way in my successful search for footwear since being prescribed an AFO brace a year ago. May I suggest Hey Dudes to your audience? They have removable insoles and because of their unique lacing they can go wide for the foot or feet wearing a brace and tighter for the one that may not require a brace. I find them the most comfortable shoes in my closet. I have also found Vivaia. They are made from recycled plastic and are designed for wide feet and those with bunions. News flash! They can also accommodate an AFO brace. Take a look at their Mary Jane design. I finally relinquished all my cute, impractical shoes and have a renewed focus on rising to the challenge of looking stylish while dealing with a disability.
I stumbled on this blog feeling sorry for myself while casted waiting for my brace! Love my shoes yet being a nurse 40+ yrs has taken its toll (along w/ inheriting my mothers feet!)
Not looking forward to shoe shopping but have some ideas! Thank you
Thanks Linda! I’m so glad you found the website and me! xo Lainie
I have complete foot drop and used AFO’s for three years. Switched to High Top Chuck Taylors, nice and wide and can unlace to put my foot in. With chuck taylors I no longer need or wear an AFO, they lace up nice and tight and keep my foot/ ankle stable and at a 90 degree angle (same as an AFO] plus more stylish, in the winter I move to Dr Martens boots. Same results as an AFO.
I just happened across this. While not stuck with an AFO brace, I have one of the worst ankles ever and have worn an ankle brace for years. I had to laugh at this because one day when I was grumbling at my ortho about being sentenced to comfortable shoes, he told me I should just design my own! I haven’t done it yet, but designs are swimming around my brain. I just need a machinist & cobbler to make them a reality.
It sounds a bit counter-intuitive, but I’ve found Danskos to be good. They have enough room in the heel to accommodate a brace. The professional clogs are a no-go, but lots of their other shoes work great…and are cute! I have a couple pairs of what I call ‘stealth heels’ The heel is 2.5″ high, but the foot bed is ~1″ thick, so the heel isn’t really that high.
I just sent my favorite pair of red patent leather peep toe pumps to the Goodwill. They’ve been in my closet for the last 10 years and I’ve finally accepted I will never wear them again.
Hello, are you still having ideas swimming around in your brain? Are you on the way to designing lovely shoes/boots?
My best friend had her foot and ankle smashed by her silly dog running into her…her foot and ankle is now fused with nuts and bolts for life…where does one go for decent shoes/boots for a wedding? my son is getting married in June and of course as my bestie she’s invited, but I never realised how hard it is to get something nice for her feet! Her ankle swells over the top of shoes so she prefers a boots type, Ive searched for something pretty, maybe a peep toe flat boot, dressy not cumbersome, pretty not ugly, lacy, or sparkly, maybe a peep heel too, just something that a lovely lady can wear to a wedding or on a dressy evening! Please if you are designing footwear add this line to your designs, I’m assuming there are lots of people out there with this predicament xxx
Try these if you can’t find a shoe adjustable enough. https://www.pandereshoes.com/pages/all-shoes?gclid=Cj0KCQjw8_qRBhCXARIsAE2AtRaRV64W1lp8V70r2a8uml_yiACgnhd7vK3Mf6XVWs2N9B5_zVFqSWAaAmL4EALw_wcB
I tried Danskos, but found the “rocker” sole difficult to balance on and rolled my ankle a few times in them. I only wore them for about a week before I gave up on them.
I wear alegrias with the non rocker sole and love them. Some of their shoes and sandals have removable sole and my braces fit perfectly into that space.
Hi Tracy,
That’s awesome. I’m glad to hear they work for you. 🩷
I had to laugh when you said you gave the orthotist a fun time. I went a little nuts on the orthotist and then to see what shoes I could wear I even went a little nuttier. I have a closet full of cute shoes that do not work with my AFO brace. I have nerve injury in my right leg I’m trying to find a Doctor Who can do surgery on it but having a real problem here in South Carolina. I am hoping some of the shoes on this website are deep enough for the carbon fiber AFO brace where the bar comes out the back
Hi Elizabeth,
Thanks so much for taking the time to comment! I’m glad you found me & can relate. Try the Revere shoes (under brands we love) as the footbed comes out. I know they will work with your AFO’s as many on here have found success when other shoes haven’t worked. Please reach out with any questions via our Trend-Able page or my email info@box2387.temp.domains. Lainie
My problem is I have to by 2 pair as only one foot is compromised. And I already wear a size 11 US. I am grateful for the blog though. Gives me some insight.
Hi Nora,
Thanks so much for reading & commenting. Size 11 is definitely more of a challenge but not impossible! Please reach out to me if you have any questions anytime. Have you read the One shoe blog?
I have the same problem. This company might be our answer
https://www.pandereshoes.com/pages/all-shoes?gclid=Cj0KCQjw8_qRBhCXARIsAE2AtRaRV64W1lp8V70r2a8uml_yiACgnhd7vK3Mf6XVWs2N9B5_zVFqSWAaAmL4EALw_wcB
Oh my gosh, I’m sending this to my teenager! She has worn AFOs her whole life and the struggle.is.real! Thank you for real-life examples of places we can check, looking forward to showing her these option.
Hi Belinda,
Thanks so much! I tend to recommend trendy shoes that teenagers love like these which are my favorite right now. Have her remove the insoles & buy just 1/2 size up. They are on sale now. https://shopstyle.it/l/bpcV3 . Thanks, Lainie
Thanks for the great info. I just got my AFO’s today. I feel like a dorky kid…the kind that has tape on their glasses & a constant allergy issue.
Hi Tricia,
? I feel like that dorky kid a lot having zero to do with the AFO’s. Thanks for the laugh & please reach out anytime with questions. Lainie
I have found so many of your suggestions so helpful! I have had too many ankle sprains causing my already weak ankle to no longer be stable enough to leave my house without support if I don’t want to risk the next sprained ankle requiring surgical correction. I’ve been able to handle the fact that this is my life and adjust quite well to afo life through your blog. However the type of brace I have has made finding boots or high top shoes, which is a little depressing! Again thank you for your site, it’s been life saving!!
Hi Candace,
Thanks so much for writing & for your super nice comment. I’m so so happy this website has helped you. This is exactly why I created Trend-Able & continue to do the work. Thank you?
I came across your site in my search for fashionable shoes that will accommodate an ankle brace. Following a twist-and-roll injury that resulted in multiple ligament tears and chronic instability, I wear an ASO Flex Hinge ankle brace with a plastic articulating cuff, a nylon boot, and figure-8 strapping for ankle stability, along with custom orthotics. Finding shoes that will fit the stiffness and all that bulk around the ankle joint is difficult, with the exception of sneakers, of course. I would appreciate any suggestions for any and all seasons of the year as I live in the northeast. Thank you for your thoughts on this and also for the wealth of information you make accessible.
Hi Linda, please send me a photo of your brace & a pair of shoes that fit it. I can try to help ? Info@box2387.temp.domains
I just found this blog and OMG thank you! I have MS and was just fitted for an articulated ankle brace to help with foot drop / spasticity on my right side. I’m totally overwhelmed with facing the issue of finding shoes that fit. Looking at Revere now. I’m really psyched to find this site. Thank you.
Question: what brand are the black boots with the gold chain you pictured in #5? Those are SO cute!!!!
Niki,
I’m so sorry for the delay. I loved getting your email & I’m really happy you found me & the website ?. I understand the overwhelm! Please email me or reach out via our Facebook page anytime if you have any questions. Those shoes are an old style by J Slides. Again, thanks for teaching out! ? Lainie
Hi Lainie,
I’m on the hunt for a snow boot with good ice traction for my 83 year old mom who wears one AFO brace. She seems to need both a lace AND a zipper as well as a removable insole (or the brand name tip on insoles that are stiff enough to shove inside without flopping about. The ONLY pair of boots we found that would accommodate her AFO turned out to be…in her words…treacherous on the ice and they left black marks all over her light colored flooring. Any ideas or insight would be greatly appreciated. We live where there is snow and ice on the ground at least 4 months out of the year. We also need affordable returns. We live in a small rural area where you can’t find much of anything locally.
Hi, I’m happy to try & help. Please email me at info@t-trend-able.com And tell me the type of aFO she wears. Is it a plastic rigid kind, or a carbon fiber?
Hi Lainie,
I just discovered your website, and I love it!!!! I have been wearing a DAFO on my right foot and leg for the last 20 years or so and have had 3 complete style changes during the time so that some of the shoes I wear with one don’t go with the next and so forth. I work full-time, want to be fashionable, and really appreciate your sharing of ideas and options. I love that your suggestions have links with them, because it is very hard to find options in a rural area.
Thanks again,
Deborah
Hi Deborah,
Welcome! I’m so glad you found the website & me ?. Please reach out anytime via email or our Facebook page if you want an opinion. Yes, thank goodness for online ordering because even in a non rural area, it’s not easy to find wide cute shoes. ?
Sooo glad I found this page! My first Arizona AFO brace is on order, and I’m looking for a shoe I can wear to work in the Executive Offices. Orthotist said I would have to wear New Balance or some other sneaker with the AFO, but we have a dress code here and I don’t want to stick out as the Weird One. I will definitely shop for shoes at Nordstrom, because I cringe at the thought of wearing one shoe with my AFO and having a good fit there, but the other shoe kind of flopping around my foot. Yikes!
Hi April,
I’m sooooo glad you found me too! Curious what search got you here ? Definitely read my Afo hacks post as you can use fillers for the non afo foot. I have a ton of shoe links to ones that will fit your Arizona. Be sure to follow like our Facebook page & reach out to me there if you have any questions.
Hi Lainie! any tips on where to find cute wide depth shoes? thanks!
Hi Marema,
I know a great website called Trend-Able ??. Seriously though, I post wide width extra depth shoes all the time in my Afo posts. Please email email directly at info@box2387.temp.domains with any specifics.
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@box2387.temp.domains
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.
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 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
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
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.
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. ?
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 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.
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
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
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.
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
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.
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://www.trend-able.com/no-slip-socks-that-rock/
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. ??
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.
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.
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.
Excellent post and so topical – it’s refreshing that there are finally stylish and comfortable shoe options for people with foot problems.
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 ?
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 ?
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 ???
I haven’t found any boots that work yet. I have a friend who wants boots for winter that will accommodate the metal ankle brace she wears. Please contact me if you have any luck. Thank you.
Linda,
Those are great suggestions for people with teens. Thanks for commenting.
Does anyone have any shoe suggestions for when you are just a wearer of just one AFO brace? Buying two different pairs can be expensive if wanting to look good in something other than cheap Walmart tennies.
Hi Diane, I wrote two blogs that will hopefully be helpful to you. One is on one shoe afo hacks & the other is called Odd Shoe out. I’ll send you both links or you can just go to the homepage of Trend-Abla.com & search “ one shoe” and “afo hack” . Please let me know if after we meet and you have any questions. Thanks Lainie Please let me know if after we meet and you have any questions. Thanks Lainie
I’m so happy I have found this blog! I’ve been wearing an AFO for 2 years now and it’s been a struggle finding shoes. I first got my AFO at 19 years old and I’ve missed cute shoes since then. This gives me the confidence to venture back out into the shoe world and now I know what to look for! Thank you SO SO much!
Hi Sarah,
Thank you so so much for your awesome email! I’m glad you are here & found the tips helpful! Thank you & please follow on Facebook & subscribe to share with other Afo wearers. Xoxo Lainie
Love the shoes, but all the shoes are medium in width, I need extra wide width, which is hard to find. Most of those shoes in extra wide width are ugly. Any suggestions?
Hi Dionne, I only post wide, extra wide width, or regular width with removable footbeds. If you clicked on a shoe that wasn’t available in a wide width, it’s because it was sold out. I’m happy to help . Email me at info@box2387.temp.domains thanks, 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.