AFO-friendly Boots (Finally!)

Thanks to OrthoFeet, my toes will be warmer this winter.

Since I got an AFO (ankle-foot orthotic), I have not worn boots. I have not found boots that fit my AFO so I’ve walked through winter in tennis shoes. Brr.

You know, I’m sure, that when your feet are cold, all of you is cold. It’s a cold that seeps into your bones. But a warm pair of boots with room for thick socks goes a long way to keeping the cold out of your bones.

So, I’m thrilled to have new boots for winter.

BlairE

First, I tried the Blaire from Orthofeet in “mushroom” color.

PROS

I loved the look of these ankle boots. As you can see, they cover just the ankle. There’s a strap that velcroes for a good fit at the top of your foot. And, these boots fit well inside my boot-cut jeans.

CONS

Unfortunately, my AFO fit very tightly. I can see that my AFO will rub just where the leather creases. That’ll cause damage, for sure.

Also, the fit inside was roomier than I’d like. I wear a full size larger than my foot size to accommodate the AFO. Usually, that sizing feels a little loose in the heel and pleasantly roomy in the toes. These boots were roomy everywhere! My foot was slipping left and right inside the boot as I walked. That could lead to a fall.

For those reasons, these boots went back.

BLISS

Then, I tried the Bliss by Orthofeet in black.

PROS

These boots have the vibe of a classic Ugg.

The fuzzy sherpa lining is toasty!

My AFO fit well. The only place I think it will rub is along the outside arm of the AFO, in front of my ankle bone. This is typical. I won’t be surprised if there is damage, but since it’s not a tight fit, I think the damage will be minimal.

CONS

The Bliss boots are taller, covering my ankle and lower calf. While this will keep me warmer, it does limit which pants I can wear with them. They do not fit under my boot-cut jeans (as you can see in the photo). But, I expect they will look great with leggings and skinny jeans.

BONUS

Both the Bliss and the Blaire have a little tab on the back made of hard plastic that helps pull the boots on and off. They are discreet and oh-so-helpful.

There’s nothing special about these boots, but I kinda like that. They don’t look like “adaptive” shoes. They look like the boots I gave away after my spinal cord injury. So, in a way, this is the Lord, giving back what the locusts have taken.

Praise be to God!

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