Will My Child's Orthotics Fit in Normal Shoes?

Finding shoes that work with orthotics is always a challenge, but it is significantly harder for children than for adults. The reason is simple: children's shoes are overwhelmingly designed for looks rather than function.

Most children's shoes are shallow, narrow, and built around fashion trends rather than foot health. Wide-fit options are limited compared to the adult market, and many popular brands glue their insoles in place as standard. The result is a much smaller pool of compatible shoes to choose from.

On top of that, school uniform policies add another layer of difficulty. Many schools require plain black leather shoes, which happen to be among the least orthotic-compatible styles available. If your child's school has strict footwear rules, read our guide on school uniform shoe policies and orthotics to understand your rights and options.

The good news is that compatible shoes do exist, and once you know what to look for, the process becomes much more straightforward.

This is the single most important piece of advice for any parent buying shoes for a child with orthotics: always bring the orthotic device with you to the shoe shop.

Do not assume a shoe will work based on size, brand, or past experience. Every shoe is different, and even two shoes from the same brand in the same size can have different internal shapes and depths. The only reliable way to know whether a shoe will accommodate your child's orthotic is to physically place the device inside the shoe and have your child try it on.

If you are buying shoes without the orthotic present, you are guessing. And guessing leads to wasted money, uncomfortable shoes, and a device that cannot do its job properly.

Whether you are looking at school shoes, trainers, or anything else, every shoe needs to pass these checks before you buy:

• Removable insole: reach inside the shoe, grip the edge of the factory insole near the heel, and give it a gentle lift. If it comes away cleanly, the shoe passes. If it is glued down and resists, the shoe will not work. Your child's orthotic must sit flat on the midsole, not on top of a factory insole.
• Enough internal depth: after removing the factory insole, place your child's orthotic inside and have your child stand in the shoe. There should be no pressure across the top of the foot, and the toes should not be pushed upward against the upper.
• Firm heel counter: squeeze the back of the shoe firmly between your thumb and finger. It should resist compression and hold its shape. A soft, collapsible heel counter will not hold your child's foot securely over the orthotic, especially during running and play.
• Adjustable fastening: laces, Velcro straps, or genuine buckle closures allow you to fine-tune the fit around the instep once the orthotic is in place. Slip-on shoes and elasticated openings do not provide enough adjustment.
• Low heel: the NHS recommends a maximum heel height of 3 to 4 cm for orthotic compatibility. Fortunately, most children's shoes are flat, so this is rarely a problem. Avoid any shoe with a built-up or platform sole.

An AFO (ankle-foot orthosis) is a brace that extends from below the knee down to the foot. It is prescribed for conditions such as cerebral palsy, spina bifida, and other neurological or muscular conditions. Because the device takes up significantly more space than a simple insole, finding compatible shoes is considerably harder.

If your child wears an AFO, you need to follow these additional rules:

• Go at least one full size bigger than your child's measured foot size. Some children need up to two sizes larger depending on the bulk of the AFO.
• Look for low-cut or wide-opening uppers that allow the AFO to pass through the collar of the shoe without being forced.
• High-top trainers with full lacing are the most practical option for most children with AFOs. The deep collar and adjustable lacing accommodate the brace while still securing the foot.
• Avoid stiff, rigid uppers that cannot flex around the AFO. The shoe needs some give in the upper material to accommodate the device without creating pressure points.

For the complete guide to AFO shoe fitting, including where to find specialist shoes, read our AFO shoe fitting guide for children.

Some shoe types are almost always incompatible with children's orthotics. You can save yourself significant time and frustration by avoiding:

• Slip-on school shoes with elasticated sides: no adjustable fastening, typically shallow, and the elastic stretches over time leaving the shoe too loose.
• Pointed-toe dress shoes: far too narrow for a growing foot with an orthotic device.
• Stiff leather shoes with non-removable insoles: many traditional school shoes fall into this category. Always check the insole before purchasing.
• Shoes with flashing lights in the heels: the battery unit built into the sole prevents any modification and takes up space needed for the orthotic.
• Standard sandals: open construction provides no way to secure the orthotic in place, and most lack the depth required.

My child only has a simple, thin insole. Do we really need to check all of this?

Yes. Even a thin over-the-counter insole changes the internal volume of the shoe. It may only add a few millimetres of height, but in a children's shoe that is already shallow, those millimetres matter. A shoe that fits without the insole may be uncomfortably tight with it in place. Always try the shoe with the device inside.

Can I buy my child's shoes online?

It is possible but risky, especially for children whose feet are still growing rapidly. If you do buy online, make sure the retailer has a generous returns policy and order the adjusted size. Read our guide on what size shoes to buy for a child with orthotics for specific sizing advice.

My child only has an orthotic for one foot. Do both shoes need to meet these criteria?

Yes. You will usually need both shoes from the same pair to be compatible, because both shoes need to be the same style. Size for the foot with the orthotic, and adjust the lacing or fastening on the other foot to compensate. For more detail, see our sizing guide.

How often will we need to replace shoes?

Children grow approximately two shoe sizes per year between the ages of 3 and 10. You should expect to replace orthotic-compatible shoes every 3 to 6 months during peak growth years. Read our guide on how quickly children outgrow orthotic shoes for tips on checking fit and managing costs.

Looking for the adult version of this guide? Read Will My Orthotics Fit in Normal Shoes?

Browse our full Children's Orthotic Shoe Buyer Guide