Before launching Trend-Able, only my immediate family (and a few men I dated postdivorce -TMI?) had actually seen me in my afos (ankle-foot orthosis). I mostly kept them hidden under my clothing, not so much out of shame (age & Xanax helped with that) but more because, here comes the cliché, they don’t define me.
Plus, they’re really ugly. I mean, who decided to make them bright blue? Couldn’t they have just as easily named them “Black Rockers”? or “Skin Tone Rockers”. Clearly, the brace designer doesn’t wear afos themselves, or, is totally fashion illiterate. Am I wrong?
They are not pretty, but in order to grow our perfectly imperfect tribe of people with invisible disabilities, & show all of my cute shoes for afos recommendations, I occasionally have to post photos of myself, actually in said braces.
Usually, when I post photos showing my braces on social media, I get a ton of comments like, ”you’re so brave” and ”I wish I was as confident as you”, etc..But, in my everyday life, off of Trend-Able’s Facebook & Instagram pages, I choose to conceal my afos.
The way I see it, everyone has ”stuff” and my disabilities/neuromuscular disorder (read about me here), doesn’t need to be my lead or overtake my style. I inherited CMT disorder; It’s not who I am. Plus, It’s not a subject I want to discuss in the first 30 seconds of meeting someone.
Just as there are people who, after completing chemo treatment for breast cancer, proudly sport pink ribbons & put ”I’m a survivor” bumper stickers on their cars, there are those choose not to.
As Trend-Able’s tagline reads, “my disability is not an accessory”. So, unless Gucci or Louis Vuitton start making leg braces, I’m good with keeping mine concealed under a cute pair of jeans or a maxi dress. But, that’s just me.
Which leads me to the question, why do other afo wearers choose to show or not show their afos? Are those that show their leg braces more confident than those of us who don’t? Are they immune to all the glances & stares? Do others hide their’s for similar reasons as me?
I asked some members of our tribe why they choose to show or not show their afos. I hope you find their responses as interesting & inspiring as I do. I would love to hear from you in the comments box at the end of this post about your choice!
PEOPLE WHO ROCK THEIR BRACES ON THE OUTSIDE
Daffny L.
”I choose to show them because I’m tired of hiding who I am. I want to live my life as fully as possible and embracing my braces has enabled me to accept myself in ways I never have before. And by doing so I have freed myself of the worries and fears I had before. It’s made me braver, happier, and more compassionate.”
Kaitlin P.
”After I had surgery in October for a chipped bone and calf lengthening, my orthopedic surgeon said wearing an AFO after surgery was a must, even though I hadn’t worn one in over 20 years. I told myself, this brace is going to become my new best friend whether I like it or not.
I have a lot of feelings about this. I asked for a custom design and had the lab add glitter to make the brace match more of my personality.
This brace makes me look “more disabled” than I have in recent years.
I get questions and stares, but the brace improves my ability to walk, run and work out, which improves my quality-of-life… . I am trying my best to look at it as being able to do things better than I did before, So, I’m trying my best to focus on that…I feel strong and confident wearing the brace, so I am celebrating it!!”
Julie S.
”I want to defy the stereotypes that come with the word disabled – that stylish girls and adventurous girls can be disabled, and it doesn’t define us. I hope by wearing my braces publicly, others feel more comfortable wearing theirs out as well. I hope to normalize them so people won’t even think twice when they see them.”
PEOPLE WHO ROCK THEIR BRACES ON THE INSIDE
Cindy D.
”Muscular Dystrophy is fairly new for me, so I choose to conceal my braces. But, I’ve always loved blue jeans so it’s kind of a personal preference and comfort zone for me!
I work for an airline and my uniform conceals the braces. But recently, there was a little girl with the same type of braces (blue rockers) as me. I showed her mine and she said, “mommy, I want to be just like her”. She had the biggest smile on her face…it made me feel good :)”
Laura P.
“I’ve worn bilateral afos for 10 years now & have always concealed them in public. It’s just not my thing to ”bare my braces”. I don’t have a problem talking about the fact that I have foot drop & MS, I just don’t want to walk around with them & have that be what others focus on.
Thanks to Lainie’s blog, I have found a ton of fashionable shoes & clothing that conceals them. I’ve lost weight, exercise, & I’m more comfortable in my own skin than I was pre MS.
Julie F.
“I am fairly new to using AFOs and currently choose to keep them concealed under my clothes. I guess I’d rather not announce my “other-ness” right off. Anyone who spends any time with me will quickly find out that I have issues. I guess I want a bit of a delay on that, for my own self-preservation and vanity. It’s a complex issue for women in particular.”
PEOPLE WHO GO BOTH WAYS (SEXUAL CONNOTATION INTENDED)
Cyndi M
“I wear bilateral AFOs. When I first started wearing them I only wore one brace. I didn’t have a problem showing it if I wore midi length dresses to work. As my autoimmune condition progressed, I started wearing a second brace. Two AFOs were more than I was emotionally able to share with the world & I only wore pants.
As time passed, I’ve grown more accepting of my condition and the AFO’s. I don’t mind so much if they peek out from under my midi dress or cropped pants. AFOs help me live my best possible life.”
Linda K.
“Whether I show my braces or not, depends on the temperature & my comfort level. If it’s summer, I’m more likely to show them. In the winter, I don’t. It’s really cold here! . The days of me having to always hiding my braces, are for the most part, over! I have a tribe and they are all my #cmtstrongtribe #bareit.”
Kimberly O
“For some time I didn’t show my leg braces because I had a difficult time accepting them. I really missed being able to just throw on my dance shoes and glide my way to the dance floor. With time, I’ve come to be content with my leg braces. When I look down at my feet after 4 years of paralysis, I tell myself to be grateful for each step I’m able to take because of them…..
When I put them on, I can stand and walk, which has led me to be more confident about showing them…When I go to church, and wear dresses or skirts, I mostly cover them. Of course, the right shoe makes a difference!”
Estela Lugo
”I used to go to herculean efforts to try to hide my AFO’s growing up until my 30’s. I remember my first time braving it out about 6-7 years ago. It was a hot day in Florida and we were going on a family trip to Disney World. I figured, if I can’t show them at “The Happiest Place on Earth”, then where can I?
I was nervous about being stared at but also didn’t feel like melting all day in long pants. My best friend, (now boyfriend) turned to me and said, “Who cares? You look great and we’re gonna have an awesome time”. He was right. Nobody really seemed to notice much and we had the best day ever.
There are times still when I’ll wear boots over my braces with a skirt or dress but there are also times when I’m empowered by showing them. It opens conversations for disability awareness, inspires others and expresses the confidence I’ve found after many years of shame.”
Conclusion:
Trend-Able (meaning me) is all about empowering people with tips, hacks & encouragement so that they can be the best versions of themselves, & live happy and amazing lives despite physical challenges.
If you feel confident & good about yourself showing your afos in public, then by all means, show them! If you don’t feel good about your yourself showing your afos, then don’t! As they say, when you look good, you feel good, and when you feel good, you look good. It’s an individual choice!
When a woman knows who she is, and lives true to herself, she radiates confidence & beauty – braces showing, or not!
Xoxo
Lainie
PS. Every Afo wearer needs an EmBRACE it tee. Pay it forward & shop them here.
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I posted back in May about my 11 year old and forgot all about it. She had surgery twice since then and had been keeping me busy all summer. She stated middle school with a boot which was way more palatable for her. Next week will be her first time back in her clamshell afo and she’s already been in tears about it. I woke up once again looking for solutions and came back across this blog. I found my response as well as the link to the Facebook page full of support and great advice. I wanted to thank you. I’m hesitant to post under my full name since I don’t want to embarrass her but I want to test the waters today to see if she’s up to reading some of your blog. I’ll also try to maybe find one with kids her age. One person on your FB page made a great point that representation matters and seeing that she’s not alone would be nice. She’s hyper aware of people staring so we will conceal for now.
Dawn,
I have no idea when you posted this but I’m so glad you did! I’m so happy that you saw that post and found some inspiration. Thank you so much
I am going to use AFOs this year for travel so I can walk farther and not get tired/risk tripping. This will be the first time I do it and will be on an international flight. I also haven’t talked to anyone about using them. A couple of questions: I have pre-check and I’m curious about screening wearing AFOs. I could keep them off until I’m through security because the airport I fly out of is small if needed. Is that easiest? I don’t think I need any other help in the airport, but are there other things I should be thinking about?
What do I tell people about my need, especially folks I haven’t seen since before the pandemic? (I am also someone who discovered hearing loss as a result of masks so I’ve added hearing aids in that time period too.) My foot drop and tripping don’t currently have a diagnosis but I do literally trip over anything, small changes in sidewalk elevation, edges of rugs, etc.
Hi Beth,
I’m glad you found me & the website. Thank you for your thoughtful email… Here are my thoughts:
1. Since you have pre-check karma you will not be required to even takeoff your shoes & won’t be flagged. In the unfortunate event that you are randomly selected, You may be required to be screened more thoroughly. This is not a big deal. Just tell the TSA worker that you are wearing two leg braces. They will swab them and your hands and that’s it! But since you have pre-screening, this probably won’t even be a problem to worry about.
2.Since the airport you are flying out of is small as you said, it’s totally up to you to request assistance or a wheelchair if needed. Just go to your ticket and you can request accommodations if needed there.
3. I signed in terms of asking for help and explaining one’s condition, it’s best to just be direct. if you’re traveling with a friend, just let them know that you may occasionally ask them to hold onto their arm etc. as your balance isn’t great. If you don’t make it a big deal they will not either.
I hope this helps and please be sure to reach out to my email if you have any other questions. Lainie
Hi Lainie
This post is exactly what I needed and I love your whole website. Do you have any recommendations in relation to AFO brands (or websites with this info). The hospital supplied me with AFOs but I find them very uncomfortable. I’m looking to buy my own but there are so many products to choose from.
Thanks!
Kay
Hi Kay, thanks so much for your sweet comment! I would recommend going through an orthotist (in US need prescription) and getting carbon fiber AFOs. Use the tips here (AFO hacks post on homepage) to have them lined in a soft material. Here’s a downloadable AFO guide from HNF https://www.hnf-cure.org/abcs-of-afos/ and be sure to download our afo fashion guide as well. https://www.trend-able.com/afo-download/
Hope this is helpful
Lainie
This is my first summer with an AFO. I got it last year. So far I’ve only felt comfortable not showing it, but I do wear it on the outside of jeans – I guess I’d never even considered trying to wear it under them.
I will gladly rock my AFO…. but I have a hurdle.
Once I find sandals. I live in AZ & we live in shorts April – October. I gotta wear shorts to be comfortable, so it’s going to show no matter what. I hate wearing sneakers when it’s hot anyway, but especially here in the summers – it’s sandals all the time. Even if I hid it under pants, then I’d stand out because I’d not be dressed for the weather. So I don’t care that people will see my AFO.
But….having a tough time finding sandals that work. I’ve tried different kinds but can’t find one that will work with my AFO. I can’t be the only one who has such specific needs in order for the leg brace to work with them?? I need one that has a completely flat footbed – no arch, no toe divets and an ankle strap or it kinda slides out the back of the sandal after a bit.
Hi Beth,
Good for you for clearly having the confidence to prioritize comfort over vanity. Here’s our AFO hacks post to read for sandal wearing tips along with our 16 sandals post. The ones that say “removable footbed” by Propet, Naot & others should work for you in the ww width. There are several with ankle straps (scroll to bottom of sandals post) that are pretty flat. Please email me at info@trend-able.com if you need any help.
Thanks,
Lainie
https://www.trend-able.com/top-sandal-picks/
https://www.trend-able.com/7-hacks-for-orthotics-afos/
I thought by wearing my leg brace I was weakening my leg muscle
Is that correct?
Hi Joyce,
I’m not a doctor but there is a pro & con of wearing leg braces. Although your muscles can become dependent on them, for me the pros far outweigh the negatives. Hope this helps!
I was recently 3 months ago put in kafos for both legs, been wearing them full time since and my muscles have become quite dependent on the braces I can even walk to the washer with out them on let alone hardly stand without them. But your right pros out weigh the cons for sure. I have never worn braces in my life these are my first braces and with them for life now. I hide my braces under my pants so not many people know I have them lol
Hi Randy,
Thanks so much for sharing!
My 11 year old wears a clamshell AFO and all of a sudden refuses to wear dresses, skirts and shorts. I don’t want her to be insecure about it but going in to middle school is going to be tough. She’s super girly and loves these things and has admitted it’s because of the brace. I don’t know if I should keep pressing the issue or not. I hate this feeling for her.
Hi Dawn,
I truly get it and appreciate you comment. I actually posted it today on our Facebook page and got many responses. Of course I did not use your name. If you haven’t already, check out all of the wonderful feedback people gave me when I shared your message. I agree with many of them.
http://www.Facebook.com/lainieish
I was recently 3 months ago put in kafos for both legs, been wearing them full time since and my muscles have become quite dependent on the braces I can even walk to the washer with out them on let alone hardly stand without them. But your right pros out weigh the cons for sure. I have never worn braces in my life these are my first braces and with them for life now. I hide my braces under my pants so not many people know I have them lol
Hi Joyce,
Thanks so much for sharing! Enjoy your weekend! Lainie
Hi Lainie,
Thank you for you awesome blog!
I was diagnosed w ALS three months ago. I wear an AFO on one leg due to a drop foot.
I can’t figure out how to wear anything other than sneakers. I saw some suggestions but I can not seem to wrap my brain around how to make it work. Please help.
Thank you
Hi Beth,
Thanks so much for writing! I’m happy to try & help. Please email me at info@box2387.temp.domains with a photo of your brace & what kind of challenges you’re having. Thanks, Lainie
Thank you! Many other options than pants I see 🙂 Glad to see those!
I wear a plastic afo and have for years. Ever since then I have not shown my legs. But not due to the AFO
but cuz my legs are so thin. And due to an ankle injury also, I cant do exercise to bulk the calves up some sadly.
So I am the pants wearer year round.
Hi Poppy, I understand about the thin legs as that is a CMT trait as well. I do not show mine either ? . There are options though besides pants. Check out my most recent fashion post. ?
Hi Debra,
What a great friend & role model you obviously are! Love your positivity & thanks for taking the time to read & comment!
THANK YOU for creating this to help my friend. I remember when she was 1st having issues with walking and to have a support system like this is incredible! I am living with in-curable cancer and I do not let it define me so I completely resonated with some of the stories. Thankfully I have a support group I can lean on when I need to just like my girlfriend now has you! It makes dealing with a disease so much more livable when you know you’re not alone!! ❤
Lainie, this post is Amazing!!! Thank you for sharing all our different view points- truly incredible!
Thanks so much Julie! ??
Hi Ladies,
I have worn blue rockers for a number of years recently I had to switch to a new AFO because the blue rocker was causing issues. For me, the only people who see my braces are my immediate family. I feel people will pity me, stare at me, feel bad for me if I show them so I choose not too. My biggest struggle is footwear however this site is absolutely amazing. Thank you for all your hard work and dedication.
Michelle,
Thank you soooooo much! I appreciate that you appreciate ??
Another awesome blog; thank you Lainie, and all the other beautiful women who commented! I used to be very self conscious about showing my braces, but I’ve been wearing them for 30 years, and don’t need another thing to obsess about. Totally agree with you about the color thing, too! I asked Allard why they cannot make various shades of skin tone shells? How difficult is that? They did not respond. ☹️ Sometimes, I wear skirts or dresses and just let them show. Occasionally, coworkers will see the braces and ask what did I do to myself? As if it was a recent development…… I walk so well with the braces most of the time, no one knows I’m wearing them under my pants. When they’re visible, it facilitates a conversation about CMT, so it’s kind of a win-win!
Also, I love your recommendations on how to be stylish and have made many purchases, based on your blogs! So, yay! Thank you, again, Lainie! Keep on rockin!
Hi Marianne,
That’s so annoying regarding Allard. I laughed out loud at “I don’t need another thing to obsess about”. Thanks so much as always for reading!
I am with you on the colour choices.
I’m appalled that most manufacturers of disability supports make them in black. Literally NO ONE comes in that colour. They should be made in anything from ivory to dark chocolate, the colours people come in. When I am a guest at a dressy event, the last thing I want to do is ugly up my pretty dress with a bulky, hideous black monstrosity hanging below my hem. When I want to wear something sleeveless, especially in the summer, why would I want a bulky, hideous black monstrosity covering me from elbow to mid-palm? It’s literally the first thing people see when I come into view. I want people to see ME and my nice outfit, not some sci-fi exoskeleton.
I have written to every manufacturer of such pieces that I can find, asking them to please have some thought to those who prefer not to announce their disabilities like a neon sign as they enter a room. Obviously none of them have ever had to wear them, or they would be a little kinder to the wearer’s egos.
I am now having to design an arm brace myself, with my daughter’s help (because I only have one fully functional arm) that will channel a lace corset, just so that I can go out to a dressy occasion without wanting to cover myself from neck to fingertips and feet. It’s unfair enough to have to deal with the need for the braces, but there’s no reason we have to hold our personal lives up to scrutiny and unsolicited comments on top of that.
It boggles the mind why a manufacturer would CHOOSE to make disabled people have to disclose over and over and over again to total strangers, the reason behind their need for bracing.
Betina,
I hear you & feel your frustration. These brace companies want people to ask about them to obviously sell more. I’m glad you & your daughter are creative & thinking outside of the box.
Shown or not shown, you look amazeballs! With something like this – and I don’t know anything because I don’t use leg braces so it’s just an outsider opinion – I think it’s such a personal one that it should be totally up to you, without any judgement either way. I debated what to do with my stoma bag when I wore a bikini once, and the first and only time in my life, but I realised that I felt bad doing it or not doing it because you can’t please everyone and it needs to be what makes you happy, what you’re comfortable with, however you feel that day. Leg braces, stoma bags, any other device or aid is there to help us live the best life we can or make things a little bit easier. Sod what it looks like. All the amazing ladies in the post rock the look however they choose to wear ’em. Fab post, very empowering!!
I love this comment & feel exactly the same way. Thanks for commenting here & on Facebook.
I am a recent AFO wear(er) and right now I don’t know how long I’ll need to wear them. They may not be the most stylish accessory but they help me to stand taller and walk in a more normal way. I was diagnosed with Cauda Equina Syndrome 10/26/19 and had emergency surgery. After 2 more surgeries and rehab I was told and shown how AFO’s help me to walk better and my hips are more stable along with my ankles. I’ve been wearing them with my workout leggings and I don’t mind people seeing them at all. They are a part of me, for the time being, and I wear them with pride knowing how much they help me.
Thanks so much for reading & commenting Sharon!
When I was working I always wore pants to hide my AFO’s, winter and summer. After I retired ( almost 3 years ago), I started going to the rec center at our university to work out and walk. I had to wear my AFO’s outside my leggings. At first I was self conscious, but after people (some I didn’t know and students) asked me what and why I was (wearing those things) I kind of forget I’m wearing them out!!! People who don’t want to ask me, ask someone else what’s going on and I‘ve brought a whole new awareness to a whole new group of people!!
Thanks Karen! I appreciate you sharing what you do & how you feel about it.
I’d love to know where Kaitlin p got those amazing leopard print shoes! Thanks for all your posts!
Here you go! These are $20 & very similar. https://shopstyle.it/l/bcR89
Lainie, Thank you, as always, for your encouraging messages and ways to cope with disabilities. These views help to see how everyone is coping and living life in their own way, and what makes them feel most comfortable. We are all so different, yet struggle with many of the same thoughts, worries, issues, etc. SO It’s very rewarding to be a part of your tribe, Lainie and I appreciate you so much! I am (ugh) overweight, turning gray (61 yo), feeling down, AND wear one foot/leg brace and walk with a cane, unstable and fearful of falling. I have severe damage to my sciatica nerve and drop foot, sciatic neuropathy. I have no response in the nerve test on my left leg and foot. Yet I have awful Nerve pain!! The blood clots finally went away. I have Raynauds also. I’m supposed to wear compression stockings but they hurt my hands and feet and legs trying to put them on. Any suggestions?!? I hide my leg brace until summer then I wear capris because medication makes me so hot and the weather too. Though to me it doesn’t matter because people stare at me anyway because I walk with a cane and walk differently. Also I need 4E width shoes with double depth for the orthotics and can’t find anything but these old ugly tennis shoes. I have even tried some of your suggestions, but most are not that wide. Any suggestions? Sorry to vent..it’s just one of those kinda days. I am very thankful for my blessings and things that I can do! And recently found out I’m cancer free!
Hi,
Never apologize to me & for sharing your truth. We all have those days & weeks ?. Reading your comment here I immediately thought, the gray can easily be fixed if desired & I wonder if you lift weights etc to feel better about your body. In terms of the compression socks, I once posted a hack for people with hand issues. You could try having someone sew loops on the socks so that they are easier to grab & out on. There are 4E width shoes that I would suggest. Please email me or message & I’ll send you a few links. Tomorrow is a new day! ?
Dear Lainie,
I stumbled upon your post about a year ago and I cannot emphasize how much the Tribe and you have empowered me to become more accepting of my “invisible” disability and my afo’s.
I had Gillian Barrae at the age of 6 and have Bilateral drop foot. I am now 47 and have never been more comfortable with who I am. I do not show them frequently, but do not mind if some of it shows as much as I use to.
I just want to THANK YOU and everyone else that has posted! I no longer feel so alone and isolated!
Arlene,
Your comment makes me so happy & is exactly why I continue to work so hard on this website. I’m so happy you have never been more comfortable with who you are & it sounds like we have similar feelings about showing our bilateral afos
This is now my favorite post of yours Lainie! I really appreciate seeing people like me & can relate to so many.
???? thanks so much !
I have greatly appreciated your posts! 2019 was rough, and I started out the year getting fitted for a carbon fiber bad boy… Or as my nephew says”robot leg”… Having a place to see that style is still an option and maybe things are a little different.
Has anyone got cowboy boots to fit?
Hi Alicia,
Thanks so much for reading & following! I once took a pair of 1.5 size bigger than my foot to a shoe peddler & had them ad a side zipper to the leather & rubber no-slip grips to the sole. I can also send you a few links to “cowboy like” boots that may work. Feel free to message me on Facebook or email me at info@box2387.temp.domains. Wishing you a MUCH BETTER & awesome 2020. Lainie