Mornings with a small child are already busy, and when your child wears an ankle-foot orthosis (AFO), getting a shoe over the brace can feel like the hardest part of the day. If you are searching for how to put shoes on a child with an AFO, you are not alone, and a calm, repeatable routine usually makes things much easier for both of you.
This guide gives general, practical steps and tips from a parent's point of view. It is not clinical instruction. Your child's orthotist or physiotherapist has shown, or can show, you how the brace should be put on and checked. Always follow their advice first.
Before you start: prepare brace, sock and shoe
A smooth start saves a lot of struggle later. Before the shoe goes anywhere near the foot:
- Get everything within reach. Brace, socks, shoes and a small stool or seat for you or your child. Fewer trips means fewer distractions.
- Check the sock. A smooth, wrinkle-free sock matters, because creases under a brace can press on the skin. Follow your orthotist's advice on which sock to use and whether it goes under the brace.
- Put the brace on as your clinician showed you. Check the straps and position before the shoe goes on.
- Prepare the shoe. Open the zipper fully, loosen the laces, and pull the tongue forward so the opening is as wide as possible. If the insole has slipped, put it back flat.
- Choose a comfortable spot. A firm chair or the floor with a supportive back works well. Rushing at the front door is hard for everyone.
A shoe with a wrap-around zipper is designed to open like a book, so a foot, or a foot with a brace, can drop in rather than being pushed through a narrow opening. Read more in our post on what makes a shoe AFO-friendly.
Step 1-4: open fully, seat heel, zip, adjust laces
These steps are for a zipper shoe with adjustable laces, such as many BILLY Footwear styles. Other designs may differ.
Step 1: Open the shoe fully
Unzip the shoe all the way and open the upper wide. Loosen the laces enough that the shoe can open without resistance. A shoe that is only partly open is the most common cause of struggle.
Step 2: Lower the foot in and seat the heel
Hold the shoe steady with one hand. Guide the foot (with the brace) down into the shoe, aiming the heel towards the back of the shoe first. Then gently press the heel down so it sits flat and fully back. If the heel is not at the back, the rest of the fit will feel wrong.
Step 3: Close the zipper
Check that the sock and the brace are not caught. Then zip from the toe end towards the ankle, keeping the fabric flat and checking that nothing snags. Go slowly if your child is sensitive to pressure or squeezing.
Step 4: Adjust the laces
With the zipper closed, tighten the laces so the shoe feels secure but not tight. You should be able to slide a finger inside at the top. If your child uses a hook-and-loop strap or another closure, adjust it the same way.
Finally, ask your child to stand and take a few steps. Look for a heel that lifts, pinching, or red marks when the shoes come off later. If something looks wrong, repeat the steps or ask your orthotist.
For a bit more on how zipper designs support daily independence, see FlipTop zippers and everyday independence.
Common mistakes (heel lift, bunching sock)
Most difficulties come from a few small things.
- Heel lift. If the heel is not seated at the back of the shoe, it can lift when walking. Press the heel down and re-check before zipping.
- Bunching sock. A sock that slides down or wrinkles under the brace can be uncomfortable. Pull it smooth before you start.
- Partly open shoe. Zip fully open and loosen the laces every time.
- Tongue folded or pushed down. Pull the tongue up and flat before the foot goes in.
- Insole shifted. If a removable insole moves, the foot may not sit properly. Put it back flat.
- Over-tightening laces. A secure fit should not feel pinched. If it hurts or leaves marks, loosen it.
- Wrong size. If the routine is a constant battle, the shoe may be too small, too narrow or too shallow for the brace. Our post on how to size adaptive footwear with confidence may help, or you can message us.
How to make it a routine for kids
Children tend to cooperate more when the routine is predictable.
- Do it at the same time and place each day, for example on the same chair before leaving.
- Use the same words and the same order. "Brace, sock, shoe, zip" becomes a little rhythm.
- Let your child help. Even a very small job, such as holding the tongue or pulling the zipper tab, builds confidence.
- Keep it calm. If you are rushing, your child will notice. Allow extra time on school mornings.
- Praise effort. Celebrate trying, not perfection.
- Use a song or a visual chart for children who like predictable steps.
As your child grows older, you can move towards them doing more of the steps themselves. Our shoes for children come in a range of styles; see the kids' AFO-friendly collection.
When to call your orthotist
Contact your orthotist or physiotherapist if:
- The brace no longer seems to fit inside the shoe comfortably
- Your child has red marks that do not fade, blisters or sore spots
- Your child complains of pain, or avoids wearing the brace or shoes
- You are unsure how the brace should be positioned inside the shoe
- Your child has had a growth spurt and the brace may need review
Frequently asked questions
Should the brace go on before the shoe?
That depends on the type of brace and your clinician's advice. Most AFOs are worn inside the shoe, but please follow the instructions from your child's orthotist.
Is a zipper shoe easier than laces for a child with an AFO?
Many families find that a shoe that opens wide is easier, because the foot can go in without pushing through a narrow opening. Comfort and fit still matter most.
How can I get help choosing a shoe?
Message us with your child's foot length, brace details and the width you need, and we will help.
Find shoes that open wide
If a wide opening would make your mornings easier, take a look at the BILLY kids full wrap zip styles or the wider kids' AFO-friendly collection. Our team is available on WhatsApp for sizing and fit questions.