Best AFO-friendly Shoes in 2025
It’s hard to find cute shoes that fit my AFO. That’s partly because there aren’t many that meet my requirements, and partly because I don’t have the stamina to go shoe shopping in traditional shoe stores. I’ve given up trying to find AFO-friendly shoes more times than I can count. Somehow, I always get back in the game and try again.
One day, I created a list. It helped to see my requirements in list form. I don’t know why. Maybe it was just good to put words to the situation, to explain why it’s such a hard search.
Here are my requirements for an AFO-friendly shoe:
Must have a removable insole (to allow room for my AFO)
Must have a "wide" option (to allow room for my AFO)
Must be available online
Must have a free shipping return option (because I can’t tell if it will fit until I try it on)
Must be cute (I’ll know it when I see it.)
This year, I found a few new options. Here they are in no particular order with links to help you find them. (Not affiliate links.)
Best Sneaker: OrthoFeet Coral
I love this sneaker. The toe box is roomy even with my AFO inserted, yet it’s not boxy. I bought a pair in white so I can wear it to the gym and the office. It’s even cute with skirts.
The laces are unique which worried me since my AFO tends to cut through laces and then I need to replace them. But OrthoFeet sent an extra set of laces. I just replaced the laces on my right shoe—the first set lasted about 6 months. While I had the old laces out, I washed the shoes and they cleaned up great!
OrthoFeet makes several styles of shoes that are hands-free. Those don’t work for me but I know they are a big help to others with foot issues. Check them out!
Best Sandals: Taos MVP
These sandals remind me of my old Birkenstocks with the cork footbed and suede uppers. Maybe that familiar feeling is what made me cry. OR maybe it was that I finally found a pair of sandals that fit my AFO. My toes have been tucked into shoes even in the hot-hot summer for over three years. Now, they are free!
Unlike my Birks, these sandals work with my AFO. All three straps are velrcoed, making them adjustable. The sandal has a backstrap, which is reuqired for my AFO. And the corkbed has arch support.
The MVP’s required a tiny adjustment (more on that below) but it was well worth the small effort!
In sandals, I can’t put an insole between my foot and my AFO. That’s a problem. I called my orthotist and he approved using my AFO without an insole but cautioned me to "do careful skin checks since there would be no padding between my foot and the AFO." That caused me some hesitation. The last thing I need is a blister or some other skin issue to crop up without warning.
Thanks to a genius trick by the folks at www.trend-able.com, I hacked an old AFO I had in the closet. I bought these insoles [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BHKHC2V6?ref=nb_sb_ss_w_as-reorder_k0_1_7&=&crid=2A53DU7W1PCK1&sprefix=insoles&th=1&psc=1 ] and a small tube of Shoe Goo on Amazon, cut the insole to size, and glued it to the AFO like a permanent sock/insole. That’s it.
These sandals cute with a capitol C! All
Best Cutesy-Tootsie Pattern: OrthoFeet Stroll
The Stroll, from OthroFeet, is super comfy and comes in a subtle pattern (almost cheetah-skin). This has been the perfect shoe for casual dresses, shorts, and jeans.
SHARING is Caring
2025 has been the best year for finding AFO-friendly shoes since my injury. These shoes make me feel a little more confident when I leave the house. Cute + Confidence = Win!
Where have you found cute AFO-friendly shoes? Which ones are your favorites?
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