Shoes for Adults to Wear with Braces
If you’re in the process of getting fitted for braces and have already started wearing them, it can be a challenge to find shoes that are comfortable, supportive and stylish at the same time.
It’s important to remember that your feet will change as the new teeth are formed and positioned so it’s a good idea to get fitted for new shoes every few months. It’s also important to make sure your shoes fit properly so they don’t cause discomfort or injury by putting too much pressure on your feet or ankles.
Here are some tips for finding the best shoes for adults who wear braces:
- Shop online – You may have many places where you live but if your city has only one store that sells orthotic footwear then chances are there won’t be many options available when it comes time to buy new shoes. This is why shopping online can be such a great option because there are so many different kinds of stores out there selling everything from sneakers to boots, flip flops and sandals! Some websites even carry more than just orthopedic footwear so if someone else in your family needs new
Shoes for adults to wear with braces
The right pair of shoes can make you feel fantastic yet it can be so hard to find accessible footwear that fits and you like the look of. It’s the reason we started Friendly Shoes. One question we get asked a lot is what are the best shoes for AFOs – so read on for our answer!
What Is An AFO?
Before we get into the detail of AFO shoes, let’s look at what an AFO is.
An AFO (shorthand for ankle foot orthosis) is a brace that provides support to, and corrects the positioning of the foot and ankle. By keeping the feet in alignment, it controls motion and so helps with walking.
The splint is usually made of plastic and will have a footplate that extends across the base of the foot from the heel, and up above the ankle on the lower leg.
There are different types of AFOs (some provide more stability, some allow for more mobility), and it really depends on specific biomechanical need as to which you get – your orthotist (NHS or private) will be best placed to help you during this process.
Some of the conditions that AFO splints can help with are:
- Cerebral palsy
- Foot drop
- Arthritis in the foot
- Multiple sclerosis
- Muscular dystrophy
- Spasms or paralysis in ankle or feet
Best Shoes To Wear With AFO
At Friendly Shoes, we want everyone to love the shoes they wear. Our founder is an occupational therapist who’s passionate about getting people walking and shoe independent. So we know a thing or two about finding the right shoes for you and your AFO.
Whether you’re looking for AFO shoes for kids or adults, we’ve got you. Plus all our shoes are eligible for VAT exemption, so it’s a real win-win. Let’s look at what makes us so AFO friendly.
Easy Openings
This is our USP and what we love to talk about all day long! All our shoes come with zips that open up SUPER WIDE so you can slide your foot and brace right in. Want a side zip that extends the whole way down the shoe? Then our Voyage or Force are for you (or Adventure or Force if you’re looking for kids). If you want something more discreet, then our Excursion features a nifty back zip. All our zips are quality YKK.
Look For Shoes With A Wide Toe Box
You will need wide shoes to accommodate the AFO brace. All Friendly Shoes have a wide toe box (an E fitting). Plus, all our memory foam insoles are removable – take them out and get an extra 1.3cm of all-round depth in our adult shoes (0.8cm for kids).
To Lace Or Not To Lace?
Some of our styles have laces, but as we have the super wide openings they’re more there for style and preference. If you opt for a laced shoe, then the first time you wear them we’d recommend you un-lace them the whole way down before putting your foot and splint in. Then lace them back up, set the preferred tension (you might not want to use all the eyelets, it’s up to you) and from them on, just use the zip for access! Easy peasy
Size Matters
It can be really tempting to just go up a size or two to find a shoe that ‘fits’. Actually, the most important measurement when buying shoes for AFOs is the length (of the foot and the AFO together, as you’ll be wearing the AFO in the shoe).
The easiest way to get this is to draw around your foot on a plain piece of paper and measure it from the heel to the tip. Then look for the size that matches that length. Our Friendly Shoes size guide explains this in more detail.
Fly Knit For The Win
All our wide fit trainers incorporate fly knit – not only does this stylish fabric look fab, but it also provides more give so the shoe will be easier to put on. Plus, our fly knit is layered so you get the great look without showing your foot underneath.
Lightweight And Stability
An AFO can help compensate for weakness, so you don’t want to add weight with your shoe. All Friendly Shoes are super lightweight – you really have to see and try to believe! Plus, our heel cushion comes up high (especially on our Excursion Mid Top) for extra support and stability.
