Updated: 4/16/2024
Proper footwear is essential for individuals using Ankle-Foot Orthoses (AFOs), as it ensures both comfort and functionality. Shoes designed to accommodate AFOs must meet specific criteria such as extra depth, wide widths, and supportive structures to ensure that they aid rather than hinder mobility. This article will explore how choosing the right shoes can significantly improve daily life for those requiring AFOs.
| Topic | Key Points |
|---|---|
| Importance of Proper Fit | Extra depth, wide sizes, supportive structure |
| Recommended Features | Wide toe boxes, velcro closures, adjustable designs |
| Brands and Buying Tips | Apis, Drew; tips on choosing the best pair |
Choosing the right footwear is a foundational step towards enhancing mobility and comfort for AFO users. Let’s delve into the essential features that these shoes should have to provide the best support and fit.
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Key Features of Shoes for AFOs
When it comes to shoes for AFOs, not all footwear is created equal. The unique requirements of AFO wearers mean that special attention must be paid to several crucial aspects of shoe design:
- Extra Depth and Width: Shoes must have enough depth to accommodate the AFO without causing pressure points. This is particularly crucial for individuals with conditions like foot swelling or high insteps. Width is equally important, as AFOs add extra bulk around the foot.
- Adjustable Features: Features like velcro straps or adjustable closures allow for easier insertion of the AFO and adjustment throughout the day to accommodate changes in foot size due to swelling.
- Sturdy, Supportive Soles: A stable sole provides a solid foundation, reducing the risk of slips or falls and supporting the wearer’s gait pattern.
- Comfort and Cushioning: Adequate cushioning helps absorb shock and reduce the stress on joints, enhancing comfort throughout the day.
Here are some additional features to consider:
- Wide toe boxes
- Breathable materials
- Seamless interiors to prevent irritation
Understanding these features helps in selecting the right shoe, paving the way to improved mobility and quality of life. Next, let’s explore some top brands and what makes them suitable choices for AFO wearers.
Did You Know?
The modern AFO as we know it today began to take shape with improvements in materials and design, particularly during and after World War II, when there was a significant increase in the need for rehabilitation devices.
Top Shoe Brands for AFOs
Several brands have made a name for themselves by specializing in footwear that meets the needs of AFO users. Each offers various features that can enhance comfort and functionality:
Apis Footwear
Explore Apis’s specialized features, known for their extra-depth and wide-width shoes. Their products are designed specifically for orthotic support and include features like seamless interiors and extra volume.
Top Picks
Men's Added Depth Walking Shoe | 9720
BONUS Gift with purchase - three sets of custom heat moldable inserts. A $240 value included FREE!
- Comfortable and supportive: The cushioned insole, wide toe box, and supportive features make these shoes comfortable for walking and standing for extended periods.
- Durable: The leather side panels and rubber soles provide lasting wear.
- Accommodates foot conditions: The extra depth, removable inserts, and wide widths make these shoes a good option for people with diabetes, bunions, hammertoes, and swelling.
- Multiple widths: Ensures a comfortable fit for different foot shapes up to 14E.
- Special Order: While offering wider widths, including 10E & 14E, they have to be special ordered.
- Limited breathability: The leather and mesh uppper may not be as breathable as a full mesh uppper.
- Not for high-impact activities: The lightweight design makes them less ideal for running or other high-impact sports.
Black, White
5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 10.5, 11, 11.5, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20
D, 4E, 6E, 9E, 10E, 14E
Men Athletic Mesh Velcro Walking Shoes | 9704-V
BONUS Gift with purchase - three sets of custom heat moldable inserts. A $240 value included FREE!
- Comfort and Support: This shoe is noted for its supportive design, which is particularly advantageous for individuals with specific foot needs.
- Durability: Made with high-quality materials, the shoe is durable and suitable for prolonged use.
- Customizable Fit: The shoe features design elements like removable insoles, offering flexibility and customization to accommodate different foot shapes and orthotics.
- Limited Color Options: The shoe is available in only a few color choices - black or grey.
- Size Availability: Certain widths and sizes are only available through special order, which may involve longer wait times and restrictions on returns or exchanges.
- Fit Concerns: Some users have reported issues with the fit, such as the shoe running slightly narrow or having a tongue that could be wider for better comfort.
Black, Grey
5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 10.5, 11, 11.5, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20
D, 4E, 6E, 9E, 10E, 14E
Men's Walking Shoe Velcro | 9721
BONUS Gift with purchase - three sets of custom heat moldable inserts. A $240 value included FREE!
- Comfortable and supportive: The cushioned insole, wide toe box, and supportive features make these shoes comfortable for walking and standing for extended periods.
- Durable: The leather side panels and rubber soles provide lasting wear.
- Accommodates foot conditions: The extra depth, removable inserts, and wide widths make these shoes a good option for people with diabetes, bunions, hammertoes, and swelling.
- Multiple widths: Ensures a comfortable fit for different foot shapes up to 14E.
- Special Order: While offering wider widths, including 10E & 14E, they have to be special ordered.
- Limited breathability: The leather and mesh uppper may not be as breathable as a full mesh uppper.
- Not for high-impact activities: The lightweight design makes them less ideal for running or other high-impact sports.
Black, White
5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 10.5, 11, 11.5, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20
D, 4E, 6E, 9E, 10E, 14E
Men's Added Depth Walking Shoe | 9720
BONUS Gift with purchase - three sets of custom heat moldable inserts. A $240 value included FREE!
- Comfortable and supportive: The cushioned insole, wide toe box, and supportive features make these shoes comfortable for walking and standing for extended periods.
- Durable: The leather side panels and rubber soles provide lasting wear.
- Accommodates foot conditions: The extra depth, removable inserts, and wide widths make these shoes a good option for people with diabetes, bunions, hammertoes, and swelling.
- Multiple widths: Ensures a comfortable fit for different foot shapes up to 14E.
- Special Order: While offering wider widths, including 10E & 14E, they have to be special ordered.
- Limited breathability: The leather and mesh uppper may not be as breathable as a full mesh uppper.
- Not for high-impact activities: The lightweight design makes them less ideal for running or other high-impact sports.
Black, White
5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 10.5, 11, 11.5, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20
D, 4E, 6E, 9E, 10E, 14E
| Style | Apis 9720 | Apis 9704-V | Apis 9721 | Apis 9501 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Closure | Lace | Velcro | Lace | Lace |
| Upper | Leather and Mesh | Mesh | Mesh | Mesh |
| Insole | FITec insert with Anti-Microbial fabric | Removable | Double Depth (2 Inserts) | Double Depth (2 Inserts) |
| Outsole | Solid injected EVA midsole with durable slip-resistant rubber sole | Solid injected EVA midsole with durable slip-resistant rubber sole | High density injected EVA | High density injected EVA |
| Lining | Seamless Fabric | Seamless Fabric | Seamless Fabric | Seamless Fabric |
| Technology | Slip resistant, 4-Layer Heel Counter | Slip resistant, 4-Layer Heel Counter | 4-Ply Counter, Slip Resistant | 4-Ply Counter, Slip Resistant |
| Sizes | 5 to 20 | 5 to 20 | 5 to 20 | 5 to 20 |
| Widths | D, 4E, 6E, 9E, 10E, 14E | D, 4E, 6E, 9E, 10E, 14E | D, 4E, 6E, 9E, 10E, 14E | D, 4E, 6E, 9E, 10E, 14E |
| Colors | Black, White | Black, Grey | Black, Grey | Black, Grey |
| BONUS Inserts | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Conditions | AFO, Swollen Feet, Hammertoes, Bunions, Diabetes | AFO, Swollen Feet, Hammertoes, Bunions, Diabetes | AFO, Bunions, Diabetic, Corns, Hammertoes, Swollen Feet | AFO, Bunions, Diabetic, Corns, Hammertoes, Swollen Feet |
| Reviews | – | Read Review | – | – |
| Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price |
Drew Shoes
Consider Drew’s variety of styles that accommodate AFOs. Drew offers a diverse range of shoes with features that cater specifically to orthotic support, such as double depth and removable insoles, making them a favorite among those needing specialized footwear.
Top Picks
Men's Athletic Shoes | Drew Aaron
Black, Brown, Grey, Navy
8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 10.5, 11, 11.5, 12, 13, 14, 15
B, D, 2E, 4E, 6E
Men's Athletic Shoe | Drew Lightning II
Black, White
7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 10.5, 11, 11.5, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16
B, D, 2E, 4E, 6E
Men's Waterpoof Leather Shoe | Drew Boulder
The water-resistant leather upper + Thermolite® lining keeps your feet warm and dry in stormy weather.
Black, Brown
8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 10.5, 11, 11.5, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16
D, 2E, 4E, 6E
Men's Leather Boot | Drew Big Easy
Black, Brown
7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 10.5, 11, 11.5, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16
B, D, 2E, 4E, 6E
| Style | Drew Aaron | Drew Lightning II | Drew Boulder | Drew Big Easy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 13.30 oz (Size 9) | 16 oz (Size 11) | 27.2 oz (Size 11) | 16.8 oz (Size 11) |
| Closure | Lace | Lace | Lace | Velcro |
| Upper | Leather & Mesh | Leather & Mesh | Leather | Leather |
| Insole | 2 Removable Inserts | 2 Removable Inserts | 2 Removable Inserts | 2 Removable Inserts |
| Outsole | Rubber | Rubber | Rubber | Lightweight, Flared Polyurethane |
| Lining | Drilex® | Drilex® | Drilex® | Drilex® |
| Technology | Plus Fitting System®, Drilex® Lining | Plus Fitting System®, Drilex® Lining | Dupont Thermolite®, Waterproof, Water/Oil Slip-Resistnat,Plus Fitting System®, Drilex® Lining | Plus Fitting System®, Drilex® Lining, Rocker Bottom |
| Heel Height | 1.25″ | 1.25″ | 1.25″ | 1.25″ |
| Sizes | 8 to 15 | 8 to 15 | 8 to 16 | 7 to 16 |
| Widths | B, D, 2E, 4E, 6E | B, D, 2E, 4E, 6E | D, 2E, 4E, 6E | B, D, 2E, 4E, 6E |
| Colors | Black, Brown, Grey, Navy | Black, White | Black, Brown | Black, Brown |
| BONUS Inserts | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Conditions | AFO, Bunions, Corns, Diabetes, Hammertoes, Swollen Feet | AFO, Bunions, Corns, Diabetes, Hammertoes, Swollen Feet | AFO, Bunions, Corns, Diabetes, Hammertoes, Swollen Feet | AFO, Bunions, Corns, Diabetes, Hammertoes, Swollen Feet |
| Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price |
Both brands offer a range of styles and sizes, making it easier to find shoes that not only fit well but also look good. Making an informed choice involves understanding the specific features that each brand offers and how they can benefit your specific needs.
Practical Tips for Choosing Shoes for AFOs
When selecting shoes to wear with AFOs, it’s essential to consider both the functional aspects and the fit. Here are some guidelines to help ensure you make the best choice:
- Measure Your Feet Regularly: Foot sizes can change over time, especially when using orthotics. Use DT Footwear’s Shoe Fitment Form to keep current on your measurements.
- Check for Compatibility: Ensure that the shoe complements the AFO. Bring the orthosis with you when trying on new shoes.
- Seek Professional Advice: Consult with a fitment specialist who understands the complexities associated with wearing AFOs. They can provide personalized advice tailored to your needs.
Following these tips can lead to a better fit and more comfortable experience. Remember, the right shoes can dramatically improve your daily life by enhancing mobility and reducing discomfort.
Final Thoughts on Shoes for AFOs
Choosing the right shoes when you use an AFO is about more than just foot comfort; it’s about improving overall quality of life. By selecting footwear that offers the right support, space, and flexibility, you can ensure that your mobility aids work for you, not against you.
For further guidance and to ensure you choose the best possible footwear for your needs, don’t hesitate to contact a Fitment Specialist. They are equipped to help you find the perfect match for your specific requirements, ensuring your feet stay happy and healthy. Remember, Happy Feet start with the right shoes!
The DT Footwear Guarantee
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Sizing Questions
Need help with sizing? Call, email, or text to speak to our Fitment Specialists.
BONUS Inserts
Receive up to 3 free BONUS inserts per shoe with your purchase. (Not available with all styles)
Disclaimer: Educational Information Only
The information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment, including any foot-related concerns. If you have any health issues or questions about your feet, please consult a qualified healthcare professional, like a doctor or podiatrist. Don’t ignore medical advice or delay seeking help based on what you read here or elsewhere. We’re not responsible for any harm caused by using this information. Everyone’s response to treatments can be different, and medical recommendations may change over time. If you experience a medical emergency or serious foot problem, seek immediate medical attention, or call your local emergency services. By using this resource, you agree to these terms and understand the importance of getting personalized medical advice from a qualified professional.
