How to Put Shoes On Over an AFO (Without the Daily Battle)

Even the right-sized shoe can be a struggle to get on over an ankle-foot orthosis if you're fighting the design. With a shoe that opens properly - and a couple of small techniques - putting shoes on over an AFO can go from a daily battle to a few seconds.

Start with a shoe that opens out of the way

The single biggest factor is the shoe itself. A standard shoe only opens at the laces, so the rigid brace has to be forced past a fixed heel and collar. A shoe with a wrap-around zipper - like every BILLY - folds the entire upper open, so the braced foot drops straight in from the top. No forcing, no scraping.

The technique, step by step

• Open the shoe fully. Unzip all the way and fold the upper back so the footbed is exposed.
• Remove an insole if needed. Taking out one layer creates depth for the brace and makes the first fitting easier.
• Lower the braced foot in from above. Set the heel of the AFO down into the heel of the shoe first - don't slide it in from the front.
• Seat the heel. Press gently at the back to make sure the AFO heel is fully down in the shoe, not riding up.
• Fold the upper over and zip. Bring the upper back across, then zip around. Snug the laces if the style has them.
• Do a finger check. Run a finger around the collar to confirm nothing is pinching or folded over.

Helping kids do it themselves

One of the biggest wins of a zip-around shoe is that many children can manage it independently. Let your child practise the zip and the heel-seat step - it's often the first time they can put their own shoes on, which is a real confidence builder and a goal occupational therapists encourage.

If it's still a fight

Persistent struggle usually means the shoe is too small or too shallow, not that your child is doing it wrong. Revisit sizing with our guide to sizing shoes over an AFO, and consider a deeper style like the BILLY Goat. When in doubt, your orthotist can confirm how much room the brace needs.