If your child wears an ankle-foot orthosis (AFO), you already know that a normal shoe aisle is not built for you. The brace adds length, width and height inside the shoe, and a morning routine that should take minutes can turn into a struggle at the door. This guide is a practical checklist for parents and carers in the UAE who are looking for shoes for kids with AFO braces: what to look at, how the common closure types compare, which styles we stock at FARID HUB, and which questions are worth taking to your child's orthotist before you order.
We keep the "what makes a shoe AFO-friendly" basics in a separate article, What Makes a Shoe AFO-Friendly?, so here we go straight into buying decisions.
What parents should check first (opening, depth, width, insole)
Before colours and characters, check four things in this order.
1. The opening. Can the shoe open far enough for the foot and brace to be placed in from above, rather than pushed in from the front? A shoe that only opens a little at the tongue forces the brace through a narrow collar, which is where most daily frustration starts.
2. Depth. A brace takes up space. Look for shoes that mention extra depth or removable insoles, because taking an insole out is the simplest way to gain room. Always test with the brace on, not just the bare foot.
3. Width. Many children in braces need a wider last, particularly across the toes and midfoot. Sizing up in length to make room for width often leaves the heel loose, which is the opposite of what you want. Look for shoes sold in more than one width, and read the width labels on the product page.
4. The insole. A removable insole matters for two reasons: it can create depth, and it can be swapped if your clinician provides a custom insert. Ask your orthotist whether your child's brace is meant to sit directly on the shoe's insole or on its own footplate.
Closure types compared for AFO use
There is no single "best" closure; the right one depends on who is doing the dressing, how much hand control your child has, and how the brace sits.
- Wrap-around zippers. The upper opens like a book, so the foot drops in. This tends to be the easiest option for carers dressing a younger child and for kids with limited dexterity. Many styles pair the zipper with laces so you can fine-tune the fit once the zip is closed.
- Hook-and-loop (Velcro) straps. Quick to open and adjust, and familiar to most families. Entry is often still from the front, so check how far the shoe actually opens.
- Laces only. Offer a very precise fit but need time and finger control, and the shoe often does not open wide enough for a brace.
To browse zipper styles, start with the BILLY kids full wrap zip collection.
Styles available at FARID HUB for kids (Goat, Classic D|R II, CS, Limitless)
All the styles below are BILLY Footwear designs, sold with toddler and kids' sizing. Details come from each product page, so check the page for your colour before ordering.
- BILLY Goat. The product page describes the Black BILLY Goat as created in collaboration with certified orthotists for use with braces, orthotics and prosthetics. It has a short wrap zipper with adjustable laces, two 3mm removable insoles plus a foam wedge insert, and a custom shape with added width and volume in the toe box, vamp, quarter and heel. Listed widths are Wide and Extra Wide.
- BILLY Classic D|R II High. The Navy BILLY Classic D|R II High is a high-top with a full wrap zipper and laces, a custom shape to accommodate braces, two 3mm removable insoles, and a triple-layer lining. Widths listed are Medium, Wide and Extra-Wide.
- BILLY CS High. A skate-inspired high top with a full wrap zipper, padded ankle collar and removable insoles, available in Medium and Wide. It is not tagged "AFO-friendly" on our site, so ask us first if you are considering it for a brace.
- BILLY Limitless. A full wrap zipper style with a sensory-friendly lining, extra-wide loop pull and two spacer insoles for depth, according to its product page. Widths listed include Extra-Wide.
You can compare all of them in the kids AFO-friendly collection.
How to confirm the size with a WhatsApp photo
Our team offers sizing support on WhatsApp, and a few simple photos speed things up:
- A photo of your child's foot in the brace, standing on a sheet of paper against a wall, taken from above.
- A side photo of the brace and foot, showing the height of the brace.
- Your child's usual shoe size and the width you currently use.
Measure with the brace on, since that is how the shoe will be worn. Our size guide converts US and EU sizes and links BILLY's official measuring videos. If the measurements sit between two sizes, ask us before ordering. Unworn items can be returned within 14 days of delivery, and UAE orders above AED 500 ship free, but a check beforehand saves everyone a round trip.
Questions to ask your orthotist before ordering
Your orthotist knows how your child's brace is made and how it should sit, so bring them into the decision. Useful questions:
- Should the brace sit on the shoe's insole, or should the insole be removed?
- How much extra depth does this brace need, and how much growth room is sensible?
- Is there a width or heel height we should avoid for this brace?
- Which closure suits how my child dresses now?
- When should we re-check the fit as my child grows?
Shoes are not a substitute for clinical advice; confirm the fit with your child's care team.
Frequently asked questions
Can any wide shoe fit an AFO? Not necessarily. Width helps, but entry, depth and heel shape matter too. A shoe that opens fully and has removable insoles gives you more room to work with than a wide shoe that only opens at the tongue.
Should I buy a size up for the brace? Sizing up in length can leave the heel loose and the shoe heavy. Where possible, look for a wider width, removable insoles for depth, and check with your orthotist.
Can my toddler wear these styles? Several BILLY styles are listed in toddler sizing, starting at EU 20 (US 5 Toddler). Confirm the sizes available for the colour you like on its product page.
Need a second pair of eyes?
Start with the kids AFO-friendly collection, then message us on WhatsApp with your child's brace type and measurements, and we will help you match a pair.