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An Ankle Foot Orthotic (AFO) is a medical device that supports and stabilizes the ankle and foot. It is typically made of plastic, metal, leather, or composite materials and is custom-fitted to the patient. AFOs are used for various reasons: Support and stabilization, improved mobility, pain reduction, injury prevention, and post-surgical support.

Footwear designed to accommodate Ankle Foot Orthotics (AFOs), must have specific features to ensure comfort, proper fit, and functionality.

AFO - Ankle Foot Orthotic - Foot Brace

General Specifications for Footwear to Accommodate AFOs:

  • Double or Supra Depth - Shoes should have double (2 inserts) or triple depth (3 inserts) to accommodate the bulk of the AFO without causing pressure points.
  • Wide Width - Shoes should have additional width to fit both the foot and the AFO comfortably. Each additional shoe width (Ex. Medium to Wide) adds approximately 1/8" in the shoe width.
  • Removable Insoles - Shoes should have removable insoles to allow for the AFO to sit flat on the shoe last or bottom and provide the option to use foam spacer inserts if needed.
  • Wide Opening for Easy Entry - Unable to easily bend the foot once the AFO brace is on, shoes should have a low and wide opening making it easier to "step into" the shoe with the AFO attached to the foot. A floating shoe tongue, which is not attached to the side of the shoe, is beneficial to aid in opening the shoes down to the toe area.
  • Adjustable Closures - Velcro straps, and or laces, provide adjustability to secure the shoe over the AFO and ensure a snug fit. These closures help in easy donning and doffing of the footwear.
  • Soft and Padded Interiors - Soft, padded interiors help prevent friction and irritation caused by the brace.
  • Durable and Flexible Upper - A durable yet flexible upper material can accommodate the brace’s contours and movements.
  • Low Heel Height - A low, stable heel reduces the risk of instability and ensures proper alignment with the AFO.
  • Rocker Soles - Rocker soles can aid in the natural rolling motion of the foot, making walking easier and more comfortable with the AFO brace.

Suitable Footwear Brands for AFO's

  • Apis Footwear - Specializes in Wide Width, Women's 7E and Medical Widths 10E and 14E. Shoe styles with double and supra depth. These shoes have two and three removal inserts designed to accommodate the volume of AFO braces.
  • Drew Shoes - Specializes in Plus Fitting, double depth, removable insoles, tempered steel and strong nylon shank for added stability and support.
  • Propet - Provides a range of extra-depth, and double depth shoes with adjustable features and firm heel counters.
  • Dr Comfort - Their X styles are double depth, with removable insoles, and available in a variety of styles for Women.
  • Orthofeet - Offers shoes with double depth, wide widths, and soft, padded interiors designed for comfort and support.

Contact the ICS Personal Fitting Specialists at (877) 553-5544 for Assistance. Selecting footwear for use with AFOs, can be complicated. ICS Shoes personal fitting specialist are knowledgeable about foot issues, AFO braces, and shoe options. We can provide recommendations for shoes that accommodate your AFO and address your unique foot issues, ensuring that the footwear meets your AFO needs. Properly fitted shoes can significantly enhance your quality of life by reducing pain, improving mobility, and allowing you to engage more fully in daily activities. Call ICS Shoes fitting specialists today at (877) 553-5544.

Products 1-20 of 36
Drew Shoes Parade II 10295 Womens Casual Shoe : Orthopedic : Diabetic
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Drew Shoes Parade II 10295 Women's Casual Shoe


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Price: $184.95

Dr. Comfort Refresh-X Womens Athletic Shoe : X-Wide Orthopedic
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Dr. Comfort Refresh-X Women's Slip on Athletic Shoe


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Price: $210.95

Apis Mt. Emey 9106 Womens Triple Depth Casual Shoe
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Apis Mt. Emey 9106 Women's Triple Depth Casual Shoe


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Price: $146.95

Apis Mt. Emey 9301 Womens Casual Shoe : Extra Wide
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Apis Mt. Emey 9301 Women's Casual Shoe


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Price: $146.95

Apis Mt. Emey 9302 Womens Triple Depth Casual Shoe : Extra Wide
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Apis Mt. Emey 9302 Women's Triple Depth Casual Shoe


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Price: $146.95

Apis Mt. Emey 9214 Womens Extreme-Light Casual Shoe
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Apis Mt. Emey 9214 Women's Stretch Casual Shoe


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Price: $146.95

Apis Mt. Emey 9202 Womens Mary Jane Casual Shoe
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Apis Mt. Emey 9202 Women's Mary Jane Shoe


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Price: $146.95

Apis Mt. Emey 9205-L Womens Mary Jane Casual Shoe
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Apis Mt. Emey 9205-L Women's Mary Jane Casual Shoe


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Price: $146.95

Apis Mt. Emey 9315 Womens Athletic Shoe : Extra Wide
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Apis Mt. Emey 9315 Mesh Women's 4" Athletic Walking Hiking Shoe


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Price: $146.95

Apis Mt. Emey 3310 Womens Athletic Shoe : Extra Wide
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Apis Mt. Emey 3310 Women's Athletic Walking Shoe


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Price: $146.95

Drew Shoes Paradise II 14521 Womens Casual Shoe : Orthopedic
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Drew Shoes Paradise II 14521 Women's Casual Shoe


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Price: $184.95

Apis 9205 Womens Mary Jane Casual Walking Shoe
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Apis 9205 Women's Extreme-Light Mary Jane Shoe


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Price: $146.95

Dr. Comfort Spirit-X Womens Athletic Shoe : X-Wide : Orthopedic
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Dr. Comfort Shoes Spirit-X Women's Athletic Shoe


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Price: $210.95

Apis Mt. Emey 9306 Womens Athletic Shoe : Extra Wide
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Apis Mt. Emey 9306 Women's Athletic Walking Hiking Shoe


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Price: $146.95

Apis Mt. Emey Fitec 9317 Womens 8" Soft Toe Extreme Winter Boot
Apis 9317 Insulated Waterproof Women's 8" Winter Boot


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Price: $198.95

Dr. Comfort - Annie-X - Casual, Medical
Dr. Comfort Annie-X Women's Stretch Bunion Casual Shoe


In Stock Call (877) 553-5544
Price: $210.95

Dr. Comfort Lucie-X Womens Casual Shoe : X-Wide : Orthopedic
Dr. Comfort Lucie-X Women's Casual Shoe


In Stock Call (877) 553-5544
Price: $210.95

Apis Mt. Emey 9327 Womens Premium Added Depth Knitted Shoe : X-Wide
Apis Mt. Emey 9327 Women's Premium Added Depth Knitted Walking Shoe


In Stock Call (877) 553-5544
Price: $146.95

Apis Mt. Emey 9108 Womens Triple Depth Casual Shoe
Apis Mt. Emey 9108 Women's Triple Depth Casual Shoe


In Stock Call (877) 553-5544
Price: $146.95

Apex X532W Womens Athletic Shoe : Extra Wide : Orthopedic : Diabetic
Apex X532W Women's Athletic Shoe


In Stock Call (877) 553-5544
Price: $167.95

Need Help? Contact A Personal Fitting Specialist