Shoes for kids with braces/DAFOS/AFOS

DAFO stands for Dynamic Ankle Foot Orthosis (or Orthotic).  They are braces to help your child's feet grow properly or to keep them in proper alignment or to support them properly while walking.  Because they are adding extra bulk to the foot, it is difficult to get shoes to fit over the top without looking like clown shoes.

Many people like converse or DC shoes (skater shoes) to fit over DAFOS.

New Balance has triple wide shoes.

Another suggestion is to cut the tongue down towards the toe so the shoes will open up more widely. You can also cut the tongue out completely.

You can also remove the insoles from inside the shoes to give you a bit more room.

You can look for wide shoes and buy them in a little larger size.  Some people like Stride Rite.

It is a good idea to take your child's DAFO to the shoe stores (possibly even leave your children home) and slip the DAFO's into the shoes this way you are not trying a hundred shoes on the kids foot...the DAFO does the work for you.

They make special socks, but personally I just shop tall/crazy socks at the dollar store...I hardly ever pay more than $1 for a pair of socks for the DAFOS.  If your child has problems with sweating you may want to look into knee high running socks that wick the moisture away (we do not have this problem so I don't have any advice).

Here are some other options...

Nike Flyease
https://store.nike.com/us/en_us/pw/flyease/pjp (Nike flyease have velcro and zippers to use with AFO's)

Hatchbacks Footwear
http://www.hatchbacksfootwear.com/

Keeping Pace
http://keepingpace.com/

Easy ups
https://www.easyup-shoes.com/

Pedors
http://www.pedors.com/ (very interesting slipper/stretchy type of slipper or hiking boot with a hard sole)

SoftStar shoes
http://www.softstarshoes.com/  (moccasin type shoes and soft soled shoes.  You can even design your own)

Plae
https://www.plae.co/pages/adaptive-orthotics


Do you have any comments or tips on buying shoes to fit over DAFO'S?  Please share below!