Here’s the cutest pull-on jeans & AFO-friendly fall shoes for 2026 🍂
Updated August 2026
This guide to the cutest pull-on denim and AFO-friendly fall shoes has been completely updated for Fall 2026 with current styles, trends, and shopping links.
First, the little disclaimer we all know and love: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a very small commission if you make a purchase—at absolutely no additional cost to you.
Think of it as buying me a cup of coffee while I search high and low for stylish, disability-friendly fashion so you don’t have to. ☕️ Thank you for supporting Trend-Able! 💙
Now, can we talk about fall?
I think fall deserves an award.
Seriously. For those of us living with disabilities or chronic conditions, fall just feels easier. Personally, my body works so much better when the weather cools down. I definitely don’t experience the same level of Seasonal Self-Pity Syndrome that tends to creep in when spring rolls around.
The temperatures are usually just right—not too hot, not too cold—and suddenly I have a little more energy actually to get dressed, leave the house, and enjoy life.
Add in cozy candles, pumpkin spice lattes, all the new TV shows, and my husband happily occupied with football, and I’m one happy girl.
But if we’re talking fashion, one of my absolute favorite things about fall is this:
I finally have shoe options again!
After a long, hot summer of sandals, wide-leg pants and maxi dresses strategically doing their job of keeping me cool while also covering my AFOs, fall opens up a whole new world of possibilities.
I can pull on a great pair of jeans without overheating, add a cute pair of Mary Janes, booties or retro sneakers, and suddenly getting dressed feels fun again.
And yes, tall boots worn over my AFOs are still one of my favorite fall looks. Give me a shorter dress—not too short—some tights and a fabulous pair of boots, and I am very happy.
But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. September can still be basically summer in disguise, so we’ll save the wide-width tall and flat boots for when the temperatures actually cooperate.
For everyday fall, I keep it pretty simple. I look for stylish jeans without trying too hard, easy to get on and off, flattering to my butt (and providing as much lift as possible—because at almost 56 (I have a few weeks left 🤣) I need all the help I can get 😄), structured but not stiff or hard, and—most importantly—easy on and off when I go to the bathroom. I pair them with shoes that are cute, practical, and, most importantly, don’t require an Olympic-level effort just to get on.
So whether you wear AFOs, have foot drop, neuropathy, balance challenges, arthritis, hand weakness, or you simply appreciate shoes and clothing that are easier to put on, I’ve got you covered.
I searched for pieces that are actually stylish—not “cute for orthopedic shoes,” but cute, period.
Okay, are you ready?
Grab the Amex. 😂
Let’s start with denim…
If you’ve been shopping lately, you’ve probably noticed something: there really isn’t just one “it” jean anymore. And I love that.
Straight-leg, relaxed, wide-leg, cropped flare, bootcut, and even barrel-leg jeans are all still having a moment—which is especially good news for those of us who wear AFOs. Many of these styles naturally give us more room through the leg, making them easier to wear over braces without having to sacrifice style.
Personally, I’m still a pull-on jeans girl.
Because of the progressive hand weakness I have from Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, tiny buttons and stiff zippers are just not my friends. Thankfully, pull-on denim has come a long way. So many brands now make jeans that look just like traditional denim, complete with faux buttons and zippers, belt loops, pockets—the whole thing—without the struggle of actually having to button or zip them.
I usually look for a mid- or high-rise because I like the extra coverage and support. Think of it as a little built-in Spanx situation. 😄
I also want my denim really soft and stretchy—almost legging soft. It needs enough flexibility to pull easily over my leg braces, but I don’t want it so tight that it hugs every curve and shows the outline of my AFOs underneath.
And just to be clear, my goal has never been to “hide” my braces. I just don’t choose to lead with them.
My AFOs are tools that help me move through the world. They’re important, obviously, but they’re not my personal style. I want my clothes to be the first thing you notice because fashion is something I love, and wearing clothes that make me feel confident and comfortable matters to me.
And when I find a pair of jeans that checks all of those boxes?
I buy them in several shades. Obviously. 😉
Here are 5 pull-on jeans I’m loving right now—across different price points and very on-trend silhouettes:
My 5 Favorite Pull-On Jeans for Fall 2026
There are a lot of pull-on jeans out there now—which is both fabulous and slightly dangerous for my credit card. 😂
I narrowed it down to five styles I’m loving right now, across different price points and very on-trend silhouettes. All of them are actually cute, and each has features that may make them easier to wear with AFOs.
Prices range from under $60 to about $198, and several of these brands run sales pretty regularly, so definitely check the current price before paying full retail.
One quick note: AFOs come in all different shapes and sizes, so I can’t promise that every pair will work with every brace. I generally look for wider leg openings, softer fabrics, plenty of stretch and/or relaxed silhouettes that give our braces a little breathing room.
Barrel-leg jeans are one of the biggest denim trends right now, and this Amazon find is such a good, affordable way to try the look without making a major denim investment.
The slightly curved leg gives them that cool, modern shape while still feeling relaxed and wearable.
Why I like them for AFOs: The roomier cut through the leg gives you more space over your braces and should make them easier to pull on without feeling tight or bulky.
These may be the coolest pair of the bunch.
They have that slightly slouchy, effortless Free People look with a mid-rise pull-on waist, oversized workwear-style pockets, and a relaxed wide leg. And with hundreds of reviews, clearly I’m not the only one who likes them.
Why I like them for AFOs: The leg is roomy from top to bottom, so there’s less chance of the denim clinging to the outline of your braces.
One thing to know: they’re 100% cotton, so while they’re roomy, they’re not particularly stretchy. If you need a lot of give to get denim over your AFOs, keep that in mind.
SPANX knows its way around a stretchy waistband, and I appreciate their willingness to smooth things out while they’re at it. 😄
Their EveryWear jeans have that nice combination of stretch and structure, but they still look like actual jeans—not jeggings. The wide-leg silhouette also feels current without being so trendy that you’ll be over them by next year.
Why I like them for AFOs: If you need both stretch and width, these are probably the pair I’d look at first. You get an easy pull-on waistband plus a roomy leg, which should make getting them over braces much easier.
If you want to try the barrel/horseshoe trend without dealing with a button and zipper, these are so fun.
They have an elasticized drawstring waist and that exaggerated curved-leg shape that is everywhere right now.
Why I like them for AFOs: They have a roomy leg and approximately a 20.5-inch leg opening, which gives you more space than many barrel jeans that taper dramatically at the ankle.
The only caution? They’re rigid, non-stretch denim. So I’d call these more of a try-them-on-and-see pair than a guaranteed AFO winner.
Fashion occasionally makes us work a little harder. 😂
These are basically the ultimate fake-out jeans.
They look like beautifully broken-in designer denim, but they’re actually made from incredibly soft cotton terry with the pockets, rivets, seams, and other denim details printed right onto the fabric.
Translation: they look like jeans but feel much closer to sweatpants.
Yes, $198 is a lot for sweatpants pretending to be jeans. But I have to respect the commitment to the illusion. 😂
Why I like them for AFOs: Soft fabric, no stiff hardware, an elastic waistband, and a relaxed wide leg make these one of the easiest styles in the group to imagine wearing over braces. There’s nothing rigid fighting you while you’re trying to get dressed.
Want even more options? Slide through and click on the images below:
And now for the fun part…
The Best AFO-Friendly Shoes for Fall 2026 🍂
Okay, now let’s talk shoes.
Because if you wear AFOs, you already know that finding a cute pair of shoes can sometimes feel less like shopping and more like a part-time research position. 😂
But here’s the good news: fashion is actually working in our favor this fall.
Some of the biggest shoe trends right now also happen to be styles that can work really well with leg braces—which feels like a small fashion miracle.
A few styles I’m especially loving this season:
- Modern Mary Janes
- Sporty sneaker-Mary Jane hybrids
- Sleek flat booties
- Stretchy tall boots
- Cool Velcro and hook-and-loop sneakers
- Retro sneakers with wider, roomier shapes
And yes, I fully plan on trying as many of them as possible. Strictly for research purposes, obviously.
What I Look for in an AFO-Friendly Shoe
My first stop is almost always width and a removable insole.
Because I wear relatively slim carbon-fiber AFOs, I usually don’t need a special extra-depth shoe. If I can find a regular shoe in a wide width with a removable footbed and an adjustable opening, I can often make it work.
That removable insole is key. Taking it out gives me just enough extra room and depth for my brace without forcing me into a bulky orthopedic shoe—or making me size up so much that my feet look like they belong to someone three inches taller. 😂
For me, my regular shoe size without braces would be about an 8. With my AFOs, I can often wear an 8 or 8.5 in a wide shoe as long as the insole comes out and the opening is generous enough to get my foot and brace inside.
But this is where AFO shopping gets very individual.
If you wear a bulkier plastic AFO, a custom-molded brace, or need to accommodate an orthotic along with your brace, you may need much more than just a wide shoe. In that case, I’d look for extra-wide widths, extra depth, removable footbeds, and shoes that open very wide.
Basically, the bulkier the brace, the more interior space you’re going to need.
And unfortunately, shoe descriptions don’t always tell you whether the insole is removable—which means I spend an embarrassing amount of time zooming in on photos, reading reviews, and basically doing shoe detective work. 😂
Other shoe features I look for when curating these posts for my AFO-wearing friends:
- Wide or extra-wide widths
- Removable insoles
- Adjustable straps or laces
- Openings that open up really wide
- Stretchy leather, suede, or knit uppers
- Lightweight construction
- Stable, non-slip soles
- Flat or very low heels
- Easy grip zipper pulls
- Velcro or hook-and-loop closures, especially for those of us with hand weakness
Basically, I want a shoe that looks stylish, fits over my braces, and that I can actually walk in.
Is that really too much to ask? 😂
Below, I’m sharing the 5 pairs that caught my eye this season because they combine the things I care about most:
Style. Comfort. Room for braces. And absolutely no orthopedic vibes.
Scroll through and click the images or bolded links to shop my favorite AFO-friendly fall shoes:
One of the best practical + cute options. The Easy Spirit Gwynn Mary Jane is proof that comfort shoes are finally getting a little cooler. 😂 It has that very on-trend sneaker/Mary Jane look, with a sporty sole and adjustable Velcro strap, so it feels much more modern than the Mary Janes we grew up with. It’s cute with wide-leg or cropped jeans and gives you that trendy “sneakerina” look without trying too hard.
Why I like them for AFOs: They come in wide widths, have a removable insole, and the Velcro strap opens up nice and wide—which is basically my AFO shoe trifecta. Taking out the footbed creates extra room for my brace, and the adjustable strap helps keep everything secure once it’s on. Plus, no tiny buckles to deal with. Hallelujah! 🙌
The Naturalizer Telulala Mary Janes are seriously cute—and definitely not what you might expect from a comfort brand. 😄 They have that modern, slightly elevated Mary Jane look with a clean silhouette and a comfy low heel that makes them feel polished but still totally wearable for everyday outfits. I’d style them with cropped trousers, midi skirts, or even straight-leg jeans for an easy put-together vibe.
Why I like them for AFOs: Naturalizer is usually very solid for fit, and the Telulala is no exception. They come in wide widths, have a removable insole, and the strap design opens up enough to make getting braces in much easier. For my type of AFOs, that combo is key—the extra depth from the removable footbed gives space for the brace, and the secure strap helps keep everything stable without feeling tight. Cute, comfortable, and AFO-friendly? Yes, please. 🙌
The P448 Velcro sneakers bring a really cool, street-style vibe that you don’t always see in adaptive-friendly footwear. 😄 They have that signature P448 look with a slightly chunky silhouette and bold-but-clean design that feels very “fashion girl off-duty” while still being super wearable for everyday outfits. I’d style them with joggers, straight-leg jeans, or even a casual dress to give it that effortless, sporty edge.
Why I like them for AFOs: The Velcro closure is the real win here—it makes getting in and out so much easier when you’re dealing with braces. P448 sneakers also tend to have a removable insole, which is key for creating the extra depth you need for AFOs. Once the insole is out, there’s usually enough room to accommodate the brace while still keeping the shoe structured and supportive. Cute, functional, and AFO-friendly? Yes, please. 🙌
The Orthofeet Elin Dual-Zip Bootie is honestly one of the cutest Orthofeet styles I’ve seen. It’s a sleek, modern ankle bootie that looks like something you’d actually choose to wear—not something you bought because you needed a comfort shoe. 😂 The dual zippers give it a cool, streamlined look, and it comes in black too, which makes it super easy to wear with jeans, leggings, or casual fall dresses.
Why I like it for AFOs: Those zippers aren’t just cute—they open the boot up much wider, which can make getting your foot and brace inside so much easier. Orthofeet also gives you the extra width, depth, and removable footbed that many AFO wearers need. It’s especially worth looking at if you wear a bulkier brace and need more room than you can get from a typical fashion bootie. A cute bootie(comes in black, too!) that actually accommodates AFOs? That’s a fall win. 🍂
The Naot Tekapo Maryjane Suede is such a cool, modern take on a comfort shoe—and definitely one of those styles you’d never guess was designed with serious support in mind. I love the Mary Jane silhouette in soft suede, the adjustable strap, and the slightly chunky sole, which gives it that current, fall-ready feel. It’s the kind of shoe you can throw on with wide-leg jeans, leggings, or casual dresses and still look really pulled together.
Why I like it for AFOs: The Tekapo Maryjane has a removable footbed, a roomy fit, and an adjustable hook-and-loop strap that makes it much easier to open up the shoe for brace accommodation. Naot is also known for lightweight, supportive construction, which is a big win when you’re already adding the weight of an AFO. Take out that footbed, adjust the strap, and you’ve got a surprisingly stylish Mary Jane with solid AFO-friendly potential. 🙌
Slide Through & Click-On The Images Below To Shop All Of Our Favorite AFO-Friendly Shoes For Fall 2026:
One Last Thing…
One of my favorite things about fall is that getting dressed just feels fun again.
For a long time, those of us who wear braces were basically expected to choose from whatever happened to fit—and be grateful if it came in something other than beige.
Thankfully, we have a lot more options now.
I don’t think our shoes or clothes need to announce our disability before we do. I just want to put on something I love, feel good in it, and get on with my day.
And whether you’re hunting for your first pair of AFO-friendly shoes or buying yet another pair of pull-on jeans because, apparently, five shades of denim are completely necessary 😉,
I hope this guide makes fall shopping a little easier—and a lot more fun.
Fall is a time for change and renewal, and with a new pair of trendy jeans and fashionable shoes, you’ll be all set to step into (or roll into) the season with ease, flair, and confidence.
Happy shopping, my Perfectly Imperfect Friends! 💙
May your jeans be stretchy, your shoes fit over your braces, and your pumpkin spice latte always be the perfect temperature. ☕️🍂
As always, I love hearing from you.
Xo
Lainie















Hi everyone! I wanted to share my new shoes that are comfy, CUTE, and can easily fit my AFO. OMG. I have looked and looked and have been so disappointed in non-adaptive shoes. I bought a pair of Mary Jane shoes at Orthofeet.
The insole is easily removed to accommodate my brace, It comes with extra spacers. I appreciate this because I do have to go up a 1/2 size and one shoe is usually loose, Did I mention they are CUTE?! Wanted to share my find with you all!
Hi,
Thank you so much for sharing! I have many pairs of Orthofeet on various posts and completely agree with you. Here’s a pair on Amazon https://amzn.to/3ZYnmKP. Or these from the brand. https://rstyle.me/+hSww52eFx5uctXzDQYNfdA
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!