Shoes for Cerebral Palsy: AFO Friendly Shoes for Kids and Adults

Many children and adults with cerebral palsy (CP) wear AFOs or SMOs, walk on their toes, have one side that is tighter than the other, or need help getting shoes on. A shoe that fits the brace, holds the foot and opens wide can make school mornings and therapy days much easier. This guide covers what to look for in shoes for cerebral palsy, for kids and adults.

This guide is general shopping advice, not medical advice. Your child’s physical therapist and orthotist know their brace and walking best, so check with them before choosing shoes.

How CP affects shoe choice

Braces. AFOs and SMOs add width, depth and height inside the shoe.
Tight muscles. Spasticity can make the foot point or turn, which makes pushing a foot into a shoe hard.
Different feet. With hemiplegic CP, one foot and one brace can need a different size.
Balance and wear. Toe walking and dragging wear out the front of shoes quickly.

What to look for in shoes for cerebral palsy

1) A wide opening. The hardest part is usually getting the braced foot in. Friendly Shoes use Easy Shoe Access, a rear zip opening that opens the back of the shoe so the foot and brace go in from behind instead of being pushed through the front.

2) Extra width and depth. Room for the brace without squeezing the toes. Our Wider Fit kids’ shoe is made for bulkier braces.

3) A removable insole. Taking it out frees space for the brace.

4) A firm heel and secure closure. The shoe should hold the brace in place. Hook and loop straps or zips let you adjust the fit over it.

5) A grippy, durable sole. An anti-slip rubber outsole for steadier steps, ideally one that copes with toe dragging.

6) Light weight. A brace already adds weight; a lighter shoe makes walking less tiring.

Shoes for kids with cerebral palsy

Excursion All Black Wider Fit Kids’ Shoe: our widest kids’ fit
Excursion All Black Wide Kids’ Shoe: light, wide, school friendly
Scout Desert Spice Kids’ Boot: a boot for colder months

See all adaptive shoes for kids.

Shoes for adults with cerebral palsy

Hook and Loop Black Mesh Wide Men’s Shoe and Women’s Shoe: AFO friendly for most

Sizing tips

Measure with the brace on, standing if possible. Our foot sizing guide shows how.
One brace or two sizes: our single or split size shoe program lets you order a different size for each foot.
Check fit every few months, as children grow out of shoes and braces quickly.
More detail in our guide to shoes that fit over AFOs and SMOs.
Buy where you can return: Friendly Shoes can be returned within 30 days if lightly worn indoors (returns policy).

Frequently asked questions

What are the best shoes for cerebral palsy?

Shoes that open wide, fit over an AFO or SMO, have a removable insole, a firm heel, an adjustable closure and a light, grippy sole.

What shoes work with AFOs for kids with CP?

Wide and extra deep shoes with a big opening and a removable insole. Many parents size up half to one size, but measure with the brace on rather than guessing.

Are barefoot shoes good for cerebral palsy?

It depends on the child and whether they wear a brace. Most AFOs need a shoe with structure and depth. Ask your physical therapist before choosing a minimal shoe.