If you have a child who uses a hinged AFO, you know how important it is to find the right pair of shoes that can accommodate the device. Trust me, I’ve been there and have spent hundreds on multiple pairs of shoes ranging from AFO specific brands, full zip, 3/4 zip, slip on, wide shoes…and shoes Drake just absolutely hated. The list goes on, but don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with some top picks of Kids AFO shoes that will make your shoe shopping experience a breeze. Get to know Drake here!

What Type of Shoe Would you Recommend a Family Buy for a Child With AFO’s?
Here are some things to consider when looking for shoes to fit a child with AFOs: Of-course, the best person to assist with finding the perfect shoe is going to be your child’s PT or Orthotics specialist. This will also greatly depend on the type of AFO that your child has. For Drake, he has hinged afo orthotics. If you’re in the San Antonio, Texas area, OpSolutions is an amazing Orthotics office and great with children with special needs.

- Look for shoes with adjustable closures such as velcro, zippers, or laces. This makes it easier to accommodate the AFO while providing a secure fit. Personally, I like to avoid laces, as we’re constantly having to retie..but if you do go that route get longer laces so that the shoe can be tied looser for a wider fit.
- Choose shoes that have a wider opening to make it easier to slide the AFO into the shoe.
- Make sure the shoe has a deep toe box to allow for extra room to fit the AFO.
- Consider shoes that have removable insoles to make room for the AFO, and to make it easier to wash the insoles.
- Consider shoes made from breathable materials such as mesh or leather to allow for airflow and prevent sweat buildup.
- Consider shoes with a non-slip bottom for added safety.
- bring the AFO to the store when shopping for to ensure a proper fit before purchasing. Or, if limited to ordering online choose a retailer like Amazon that has easy returns.
- Consider buying shoes 2-3 sizes larger than your child’s regular size to allow for extra room to fit the AFO.
Best Kids AFO Shoes
Orthotics and especially hinged AFO can be tricky because each and every one is custom, so what may work with Drake’s hinged AFO may not work with your child’s. For that reason, I recommend bringing the AFO to Nike/FootLocker and trying on (they’re really accommodating!) or if you’re limited to online shopping (what parent isn’t) ordering from a retailer that does easy returns, like Amazon.
While Billy AFO shoes are a great option for many, Many of the styles Drake liked just didn’t work well over the hinged. Don’t get us wrong, we still love Billy shoes for the easy of/off during Drake’s non-AFO wearing days. Below are our top AFO friendly shoes for toddlers + older kids that are Drake approved.
Friendly Shoes Excursion Kid’s Shoe
First up, we have an affordable option that’s perfect for those on a budget. The Kids Excursion Mid Primary Camo from Friendly Shoes is a great choice.

Price: $55
Pros: With breathable material, comfort, and an easy-to-zip design, these shoes are a game changer. Just make sure to go two sizes up from your child’s regular size to ensure the perfect fit.
Cons: The only downside? The color and style ranges could be better.
Nike Air Jordan 1 Hi FlyEase
If you’re looking for something a little more expensive but still have the accessibility while getting the latest styles, check out the Nike FlkyEase line. We’ve tested a few, and while most are great for accessibility, most of the line didn’t pass our AFO fit test..except for the Air Jordan 1 Hi Flyease Big Kids Shoes.

Pros: These shoes are not only perfect for AFO’s but also great for kids who may struggle with tying their shoes. And let’s not forget the cool factor – your child can fit in with their peers and have the latest Nike style..undetected. That’s right, these shoes are identical to the non-flyease version. Nike did an AMAZING job with concealing any zips or velcro. Just be sure to go up three sizes from your child’s regular size in this style. Plus, these are Drake approved which doesn’t happen often.
Cons: These can be a bit hard to get your hands on at times, as they sell out FAST. Resale sites like Ebay, Mercari, and Poshmark are great places to find these gently used at reasonable prices.
TSUKIHOSHI 3580 Velocity
Another fantastic, underrated option, are the Tsukihoshi 3850 Velocity Youth Shoes.

Price: $74.95
Pros: These shoes are a bit wider than your average shoe, making them perfect for accommodating AFOs. They’re also machine washable, which is a huge plus for parents. The removable insoles make them perfect for orthotics, and they’re easy to take on and off.
Cons: The only downside is that the tongue doesn’t fully come out, but there’s still plenty of room to navigate the AFO into the shoe. And, they are a bit expensive on the higher price point.
Don’t Forget About Men’s Sizes for More Options!
Finding shoes that fit hinged AFOs can be a daunting task, but there are options out there. These are just a few of my top picks, but there are definitely more out there.
And here’s a pro-tip for you: if your child is toward the end of big kid sizing, in a size 4Y+, they can go up to men’s sizes in most brands. This can give you even more options when searching for the perfect shoe. We ended up going this route for the Air 1 Jordan Flyease Mens size 4Y as they had some cool colors we couldn’t find in the Kids!
No more wasted time and money on shoes that just won’t fit. Try out these top picks and see the difference for yourself. Happy shoe shopping!
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