This post about the cutest and best denim and fall shoes for AFO wearers and people with disabilities has been updated and republished as of August 2024 to reflect current styles and links. Now, before you dive in, let me sprinkle in a little disclaimer:
This post contains links that may offer a very small commission. Don’t worry, this won’t cost you a penny more—think of it as a tiny tip for me to keep the lights on and the coffee flowing while I hunt down the cutest styles for you!
I’m pretty sure fall gets the ‘favorite season’ award for those of us living with disabilities and chronic conditions. I definitely don’t experience Seasonal Self-Pity Syndrome like I do in the springtime.
Personally, my body just works better in the fall. The temperatures outside are typically ideal—not too hot or too cold. And with pumpkin spice lattes and the return of all my favorite TV shows (Fortunately, the writer’s strike is finally over! 😥), life is good.
Of course, one of the best parts about fall as an AFO (leg brace) wearer is that there are way more fashion and shoe options to choose from.
I love that after a long, hot summer of wearing pants and long maxi dresses, I can finally show a bit of leg by pairing short dresses (not too short) with tights and a fab pair of tall boots over my leg braces.
But my favorite everyday outfit for fall is a pair of comfy and stylish jeans paired with cute booties and other any season styles of shoes. Be sure to keep scrolling to find links to all of our favorite denim and booties of the season. Okay, are you ready? Grab the Amex and Let’s begin with denim!
STYLISH PULL-ON DENIM FOR FALL
For those of you who love options (and who doesn’t?), you’ll be thrilled to know that 2024 is all about denim diversity! While skinny jeans are taking a backseat, we’re seeing a fabulous array of styles that are perfect for AFO wearers and those who prefer a bit more room to groove.
Bootcut, flare, and straight-leg jeans are having a major moment this season. And for my fellow AFO fashionistas who rock bulkier styles, this trend is our BFF! These wider-leg options not only look chic but also provide that extra breathing room we need.
Speaking of trends, let’s talk about the ‘it’ jean of 2024 – the barrel leg! Think of it as the cool cousin of mom jeans, with a relaxed fit through the hips and thighs that tapers slightly at the ankle. It’s like wearing a hug for your legs!
Now, I still adore my DIY frayed hem jeans (perfect for showing off velcro sneakers), but I’m also loving how these wider-leg styles pair beautifully with both sneakers and booties.
I’m all about that mid or high-rise life (hello, built-in Spanx effect!). I go for super stretchy fabrics that feel more like leggings than traditional denim. The goal? Jeans that flex over leg braces without turning into a game of “Guess the AFO Outline.”
And for my fellow button-challenged friends (neuropathy, I’m looking at you), pull-on styles are our secret weapon. Many of these genius designs come with faux buttons and zippers, giving us that classic jean look without the hassle. It’s like having your cake and eating it too – but with denim!
Ready to refresh your jean drawer?
Slide through and click on the images below to shop our top picks for AFO-friendly denim that’s totally on-trend for 2024. Your legs (and your style cred) will thank you!
AFO-FRIENDLY SHOES FOR FALL
If shoe shopping has felt more like a cardio workout than a retail therapy session, fear not! Our curated list of AFO-friendly shoes that can seamlessly transition into fall (and winter too!) is here to save the day.
When I’m on the lookout for stylish fall footwear, I always start with options available in wide or extra-wide widths.
For those shoes that come in regular widths, I look for styles with removable insoles and a wide enough opening to easily accommodate my leg braces and fused ankles. Basically, if I can get them on and walk in them comfortably, I’m sold—and often buy that pair in multiple colors!
Oh, and if a shoe is available in an extra-wide width and has a removable insole, I usually don’t need to size up more than 1 to 1 1⁄2 sizes from my regular shoe size, unlike with most shoes.
And for my friends dealing with fine motor challenges, I’m all about shoes that feature easy-to-grab zippers and/or adjustable Velcro. Because who has time for complicated closures when you’re ready to strut your stuff?
Ready to step into fall with style? Click and slide through the images below to discover our favorite AFO-friendly shoes for fall. Happy shoe hunting!
THE END
And there you have it, fabulous, perfectly imperfect friends! You’re now equipped with the ultimate guide to pull-on jeans and the cutest fall shoes for AFO wearers. Who knew that comfort and style could go hand in hand so effortlessly?
So, grab your pumpkin spice latte, slip into those pull-on jeans, and velcro up your favorite fall shoes. Get ready to embrace the season with style, comfort, and a sprinkle of sass!
Happy shopping, and may your closet be filled with all the denim and shoes your heart desires! 🍂👖👟✨
Xo
Lainie
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Hi. My beautiful 12-year-old daughter, who’s in a wheelchair, wears AFOs and as she gets older, she will be attending Junior and Senior proms. Now finding the dress is not the problem. The problem is finding dress shoes that she can wear with her AFOs. Any suggestions? Thanks
Hi Denise,
Thanks for writing! I get it and your question is why I created this website as I had such a struggle growing up. Keep an eye out (subscribe 6o website) as I will be updating the “12 flats of Christmas post” after Thanksgiving with many dress flats. But, I also want to share that wearing hi-top type sneakers are very popular with teens and adults these days. Have you seen Billy’s? Check them out here. Note, there are many styles : https://shopstyle.it/l/b4nRn
Do you have Instagram?
I’m so sorry for the delay. We are Trend.Able on Instagram.
Hi Lainie,
I have MS and only wear a AFO on my left leg. Are there any companies that you recommend that will sell 2 different size shoes. I often have to buy 2 pairs of shoes in different sizes and it is just too expensive. Thank you for your time.
Carol
Hi Carol,
Yes! I actually have a post on the subject which you can read here: https://www.trend-able.com/odd-shoe-out/
I hope this helps. Also, an awesome one that’s not in the post is Billy’s Shoes. Use this link: https://billyfootwear.com/collections/most-afo-friendly-shoes
Hi – I’m doing some Christmas shopping for my niece, who is 10 going 22. She’s in-between big girls and juniors, so it’s really hard to find her jeans and shoes. She wears a woman’s size 7 and has been wanting some combat boot style shoes for awhile but I can’t seem to find anything that would also fit her braces. Any recommendations or tips of where I can shop for her would be very helpful!
hi Angie, I sent you an email
Lainie, have you tried or reviewed the Vessi Chelsea boot? I just bought a pair. They are GORGEOUS, waterproof, warm, incredibly comfortable, and my Allard ypsilon AFOs fit inside just fine. They slip on, with a loop in back to help. I really couldn’t be happier facing a long cold winter for the first time in AFOs — and wanted to know if others have tried this brand.
Hi Michele, Thank you so much for sharing! They look great! Personally, I don’t love a pull on kind as I would break every nail. I’m really glad they work for you. I just posted a ton of other styles. Have a great week
Thank you so much for all of this wonderful information and the product recommendations!!! It’s obvious that you’ve invested a lot of time and effort into sharing with us, and I, for one, really appreciate it!
That said, almost all of the products shown are way far out of my price range, considering things like:
•My Social Security Disability income isn’t very high.
•I’m not physically able to earn extra money at this point, so my low-income of SSD is also, unfortunately, fixed income which very much limits my budget’s flexibility.
•I would need to decide which necessities I would choose to go without for a few months just so I can buy some footwear and perhaps a couplee pairs of jeans that actually fit my body AND my AFOs, aren’t threadbare, and which could actually be much desired, cold-weather-appropriate clothing, for a change.
Do you have, perhaps, similar recommendations for those of us who are considerably financially limited? I’ve spent way too much time in thrift stores, searching and sorting through the racks, only to check the time and realize that it has been 3-4 hours wasted, with nothing to show for it.
All suitable, high-quality yet low-cost recommendations you could provide would be remarkably useful and especially valued!
Thank you so much! 🙏
Hi Susan,
Thank you for writing and I totally understand. I tried to post a variety of shoes for different budgets but sometimes the less expensive ones are no longer available. If you want to send me your shoe size, I am happy to send some links of shoes that are very budget friendly. Let me know what kind of brace you wear . You can email me directly at info@trend-able.com Let me know what size shoe fits your brace now. Thanks and look forward to hearing from you. Lainie
I live in snow country. I wear tall Arizona AFO on both feet. Hard to find light comfortable winter waterproof boots that’s really work in rain and snow.
Hi Francis, how about these in the EE size – https://shopstyle.it/l/bpcUt
I just discovered you via a comment on Fashion Meets Faith FaceBook page. I had polio as a baby and I am supposed to wear braces but I am finding it difficult to find any shoes except sneakers so this is very helpful. I normally wear girls’ sizes (and I wear two different sizes which is sometimes hard to match and gets expensive) so am hoping some of these options will work with the braces causing me to have to get larger sizes. We will see!! I love your EmBRACE it shirt! Thanks for showing you can still be joyful.
Hi Barbara, Welcome! Thanks so much for writing. Please reach out anytime if you have difficulty finding shoes or with questions. I am happy to help & as you know, I get it! ?
Hello Barbara,
I have CMT and wear AFO’S. I wear two different sizes. 8and10 wide. I have 3 pair of new shoes. If I can help you email me for more information.
Evohn R..
Thanks for sharing!
hello .i get your very good blog..i am disabled .i take part in a lot lot research
my blog.http;//mark-kent.webs.com
twitter.supersnopper
I loved the shoe post, I’m looking for a companion article to your pants for leg braces for guys.
Hi Kalisto,
Please send me an email or Facebook message via Trend-able page about what you’re looking for. Info@box2387.temp.domains
Hi Lainie
I love your posts very inspiring. Am looking for booties for winter. I don’t have AFOs but have quite deep orthotics (no arch left due to collapsible damaged ankles.
Would the boots you recommend for AFOs be suitable for orthotics?
Thanks
Amanda
Hi Amanda,
Depending on how deep the orthotics are, yes!. Can you send me a photo of your orthotics? Info@box2387.temp.domains
Spanx jean-ish leggings are by far the best denim for AFOs IMO. And, would love to see work-wear and shoes that are dressier. Even blue rockers say no flats like this, so suggestions that adhere to AFO requirements would be awesome (ie holding the foot in firmly, but also dressy).
Hi Alexis,
Do you wear your Afos on the outside of your Spanx jeans/leggings? I am not sure about “Afo requirements” and personally wear any shoe that fits comfortably & feels secure. I think the instructions that come with Afos are pretty general & dependent on the individual. With that said, there are plenty of sneakers in my Grandma’s shoes post here: https://www.trend-able.com/not-grandmas-shoes/that fit the bill but look dressier than your basic sneaker. Please feel free to write me for more specific help. Info@box2387.temp.domains
Hi Lainie,
I wear A phatbrace which is like an afo/exosym. It wraps around my whole foot and as of yet, I can Only wear men’s size 8.5 eeee extra wide. There in flexion whatsoever for me to get my foot in. What shoes and size would you suggest. I’m sick of going to weddings with sneakers!!!
Thanks
Hi Lauren,
Thanks for reaching out. I just looked up the phat brace and do see why you need the width. Obviously, as you probably already know, you need That open at the sides with zippers or velcro. You didn’t mention what type of shoe you are wanting? Assuming an alternative to a man’s gym shoe right? Have you seen the Billy shoes btw? I do have some thoughts. You can email me at info@box2387.temp.domains .
BTW, I wear narrow width shoes. My left foot is size 9-half, bit of a foot drop. Right foot is size 10. Trying inserts (etsy) which fit in front of toes on left foot. Cheers ladies!
Hi Suaan,
I’m not sure if you wrote another message before this that didn’t come through or not? I rode a whole posts called Odd Shoe Out That also has a pair of insoles meant to fill up space in a shoe that is too large. Hopefully the ones you bought from at se that also has a pair of insoles meant to fill up space and a shoe that is too large. Hopefully the one she bought from Etsy work though ?.
I pick up my first AFOs today and will go shoe shopping as I have none that will take an AFO. I am so used to not finding my size (8AAAA) in shoe stores and having to order them that it will feel very weird to wear a more normal size. Will try for gym shoes first as that should be the easiest to fit. I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to wear boots, but it will be 84 today and maybe not cold enough all winter. I’m still in sandals! This will be an adventure!
Hi Lesley,
I am jealous of the 84 degrees as it is getting cold here. Wow! That is a narrow foot. I have the opposite problem. As I told you in the email, good luck with the afo and reach out to me on Facebook anytime with questions.
Hi Lesley, I have been through 3 different types of UFO’s, so I asked my doctor if I could wear boots. Her answer to my question surprised me, and she said yes, BUT they had to be hiking boots, work boots, cowgirl boots or any over the ankel boot which could accommodate my orthodics. I have blue hiking boots and purple work boots, love them. I have a 4A heel and thin foot and exrremely thin leggs. Hunt around and find something nice which offers your ankels good support. I currently live in Arizona and wear boots year round, but I’m ok with that. I am older also, 70. Happy Birthday to you enjoy your day!