AFOs and Shoes for Kids with Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy affects movement and muscle tone, and many children with CP wear ankle-foot orthoses to improve their standing and walking. There's no single "CP brace" - the type depends on the child's specific gait pattern, tone, and goals, which is why the orthotist's prescription matters so much.

Why AFOs help in CP

Depending on the child, an AFO can prevent the foot from dropping, manage spasticity and tone, hold the foot and ankle in better alignment, improve balance, and support a more efficient walking pattern. The brace type is matched to the child:

• Solid AFOs for maximum stability with significant weakness or tone.
• Articulated (hinged) AFOs when controlled ankle motion is the goal.
• Floor reaction AFOs for crouch gait.
• SMOs for lower-tone kids needing side-to-side control.

Choosing shoes

Whatever the brace, the shoe needs to open wide, offer adjustable depth, and come in widths that hold the AFO without pressure. Easy entry also supports independence - a meaningful goal for many kids with CP.

How BILLY helps

BILLY's zip-around opening lets even a rigid brace set straight in, and the CPMA-certified Goat and Classic D|R II are built for depth and brace clearance. Explore Kids' AFO Shoes.

Work with your team

CP care is individual. Your child's physiatrist, physiotherapist, and orthotist guide brace and footwear choices - use this as background, and fit shoes with their input and the brace on.