Where to Buy Children's Orthotic Shoes in the UK

High street shoe shops are the most accessible starting point for most parents, but they come with limitations. Staff are generally not trained in orthotic compatibility, and the range of compatible styles will be smaller than at a specialist retailer.

That said, some high street styles will pass the features checklist. To make the most of a high street visit:

• Bring the orthotic device with you. Do not rely on staff to advise on compatibility.
• Check the removable insole yourself. Reach inside, grip the edge near the heel, and lift. If it comes away cleanly, the shoe passes the first test.
• Try the shoe with the orthotic in place. Have your child stand and walk in the shoe with the device inside before committing.
• Do not rely on staff recommendations. Even well-meaning staff may not understand what an orthotic device requires from a shoe.

High street shopping works well for children with simple, thin insoles. For children with thicker custom devices or AFOs, a specialist retailer is a more reliable option. Read our school shoe features checklist for what to look for in any shoe.

There are UK retailers that specialise in children's footwear designed for orthotics and AFOs. These retailers are the most reliable option for children who cannot be fitted on the high street.

Specialist retailers typically offer:

• Extra-depth shoe ranges specifically designed to accommodate orthotic devices and AFOs
• Staff experienced with AFO fitting who understand the challenges and can recommend known-working styles
• A wider range of widths than high street shops, including extra-wide and extra-deep options
• Generous returns policies that acknowledge the difficulty of fitting children with complex devices

Specialist retailers are particularly valuable for children with AFOs, thick custom orthotics, or unusual foot shapes where standard high street shoes consistently fail to fit.

For children with AFOs or complex orthotic needs, an appointment-based specialist fitting is strongly recommended. This is a different experience from a high street visit.

During a specialist fitting appointment, a trained fitter will:

• Measure your child's feet with the device in place, capturing the full volume and profile needed
• Assess the volume and profile of the orthotic device to determine which shoe styles are most likely to work
• Select from a range of known AFO-compatible styles, saving you the trial and error of testing dozens of shoes
• Advise on future sizing based on your child's growth pattern and the device type

Ask your child's orthotist for a recommendation. Many NHS orthotics departments can direct you to specialist fitting services in your area.

The NHS does not routinely provide everyday shoes for children with orthotics. Orthotics themselves are provided free of charge through NHS referral, but shoes are generally the family's responsibility.

However, the NHS may provide prescribed footwear in specific circumstances:

• No standard commercial shoe can accommodate the child's device
• The child's foot shape or condition requires bespoke footwear
• The orthotist recommends prescribed footwear as a clinical requirement

Where clinically indicated, NHS-prescribed footwear is provided free of charge for children. If you think your child may qualify, ask the orthotist directly at the next appointment.

Buying children's orthotic shoes online is harder than buying adult shoes online. Children's feet are growing rapidly, and the precision required for a good orthotic fit makes remote purchasing risky.

If you do buy online:

• Check the returns policy carefully. You may need to try several sizes and styles before finding one that works.
• Order the adjusted size, not the measured foot size. Read our sizing guide for children with orthotics for advice on how much bigger to go.
• Order multiple options to compare. If the retailer offers free returns, order two or three promising styles and return the ones that do not work.

Online shopping is most practical for families who have already found a specific make and model that works and are reordering the same shoe in a larger size as the child grows.

My child's AFO is very bulky and nothing fits. What should I do?

Ask your child's orthotist for a referral to a specialist paediatric fitting service. Some children with particularly bulky AFOs qualify for NHS-prescribed footwear, which is made to measure and provided free of charge.

Can I buy second-hand orthotic shoes for my child?

No. Used shoes mould to the shape and gait of the previous wearer. The heel counter softens in specific areas, the midsole compresses unevenly, and the internal shape no longer provides the neutral platform your child's orthotic needs. Wearing second-hand shoes can actively cause harm, especially for a child with a developing foot.

My child refuses to wear any of the shoes I have found. What can I do?

Involve your child in the selection process. Children are significantly more likely to wear shoes they have chosen themselves, even within the constraints of orthotic compatibility. Read our guide on helping your child accept their orthotic shoes for practical strategies.

The nearest specialist retailer is far away. Are there remote options?

Several specialist retailers offer online ordering with generous returns policies, and some provide telephone fitting advice. This is not as reliable as an in-person appointment, but it can work well for families who already know what features and sizes work for their child.

Browse our full Children's Orthotic Shoe Buyer Guide