If you’ve been told you need an AFO, or you’re helping a child, parent, or partner adjust to one, you’re probably asking the same question: why does an ankle and foot brace that’s meant to help with walking suddenly make shoes feel impossible? An AFO brace (also called an ankle foot orthosis) changes the shape, volume, and support needs of your foot and ankle, which is why regular footwear often feels tight, unstable, or hard to put on.
In this guide, we’ll break down what an AFO is and why the right pair of ankle foot orthosis shoes matters for comfort, stability, and everyday activities.
AFO stands for Ankle-Foot Orthosis, a custom or pre-made brace designed to support the ankle and foot. AFOs are commonly prescribed by doctors for children and adults with a wide range of medical conditions, including:
The main function of an AFO brace is to provide stability, improve walking mechanics, and support or correct the position of the foot and ankle. The device wraps around the ankle and extends under the foot, helping to control foot positioning, ankle movement, and, in some cases, knee alignment.
AFOs are designed to assist with a variety of movement difficulties, depending on the wearer’s condition. In general, they serve to:
There are several types of AFOs, each designed to address specific needs. These include:
While an AFO brace provides essential support and functionality for the foot and ankle, choosing the right AFO friendly shoes to pair with the device is equally important. Regular shoes aren’t typically designed to accommodate the unique shape and structure of an AFO, which can make it difficult for individuals to wear both the brace and standard footwear comfortably. Here’s why special ankle foot orthosis shoes are necessary:
AFOs often make the foot bulkier, requiring shoes that are larger or wider than typical footwear. Many off-the-shelf shoes are too narrow or don’t have enough room in the toe box to accommodate both the foot and the brace. Wearing shoes that are too tight over an AFO brace can lead to:
Special shoes designed for AFO brace wearers offer a wider and deeper fit to comfortably accommodate both the foot and the orthosis. These shoes also have adjustable features, such as Velcro straps that are usually longer or elastic laces, making it easier to secure the shoe around the AFO without compromising on comfort or fit.
AFOs are designed to stabilize the foot and ankle, but the wrong footwear can negate their benefits. Shoes that are too flimsy, lack a proper heel counter, or have poor traction can increase the risk of falls and make walking difficult.
Shoes made for use with AFOs provides extra stability through features like:
These features ensure that the individual can walk confidently and safely, whether they’re using their AFO indoors or outdoors.
One of the primary functions of an AFO brace is to guide the foot and ankle into proper alignment, especially for individuals with gait abnormalities or muscle imbalances. However, regular shoes with a poorly designed sole or incorrect heel height can throw off this alignment.
Special shoes for AFO wearers often come with removable insoles or custom-molded footbeds that help maintain the correct posture and alignment of the foot. This is crucial for preventing long-term issues like joint pain, back problems, or further deformities in the lower limbs.
For children or adults wearing an AFO brace, putting on and taking off shoes can be a challenge. A standard lace-up shoe may not provide enough room to comfortably slip the foot and brace inside, leading to frustration and discomfort.
Footwear designed for AFO wearers often features wide openings and adjustable closures like Velcro straps or zippers, allowing the shoe to open up fully. This makes it easier for individuals to put on and remove their shoes without straining or damaging the AFO.
When choosing shoes for a loved one who wears an AFO brace, it’s important to consider several key features to ensure comfort, functionality, and support. Here’s what to look for:
AFOs play an important role in helping individuals with mobility challenges maintain stability, improve walking mechanics, and enhance their overall quality of life. However, wearing an AFO brace without the right footwear can lead to discomfort, improper alignment, and increased risk of injury. That’s why it’s essential to choose shoes that are specifically designed to accommodate AFOs.
Whether you have severe spasticity requiring maximum plastic or carbon fiber support, or moderate needs with additional support, Anodyne's collection offers solutions in multiple sizes and widths for women and men—from small to large, and everything in between. Anodyne shoes for AFO feature:
We carry medium, small, and extended sizes with a bit of extra room that makes all the difference in comfort.
Work with your physician to balance your medical needs with lifestyle demands. Anodyne's expert team will help you compare styles, contact us with specific questions, and find shoe recommendations tailored to your condition's severity. We're here to help you achieve the additional support and comfort you deserve.
Shoes for AFO are specially designed footwear that accommodate ankle foot orthosis braces. AFO shoes feature:
Available in multiple colors, sizes, and widths for women and men, our AFO shoes provide support for conditions like stroke, cerebral palsy, foot drop, multiple sclerosis, and Charcot Marie Tooth.
The 3 shoe rule recommends rotating three pairs of shoes to extend their lifespan and maintain comfort.
For shoes for AFO, this means:
All three pairs must be AFO shoes with Velcro straps, removable insoles, extra depth, and stability features.
Not always. “Ankle brace” and “foot brace” are often used as general terms, but an AFO (ankle-foot orthosis) is typically a more structured medical-grade brace that supports both the foot and ankle and often extends up the lower leg.
Compared with many standard ankle braces that mainly provide compression or mild stabilization around the ankle joint, an AFO brace is designed to provide external stabilization and help control ankle/foot positioning (commonly for issues like foot drop).
If you’re unsure which foot and ankle brace you need, or whether you need AFO shoes versus regular shoes, your physician or orthotist can confirm the right brace type and the footwear requirements based on your gait, range of motion, and support needs.