Will My Child's Orthotics Fit in Normal Shoes?

Finding shoes that work with orthotics is tricky enough for adults. For children, it's harder. Most children's shoes are built around fashion, not function. They're shallow, narrow, and many popular brands glue the insoles in place as standard.

Wide-fit options are limited compared to the adult market, so the pool of compatible shoes is smaller from the start. Then you add school uniform policies on top. Many schools require plain black leather shoes, which are among the least orthotic-compatible styles you can buy. 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.

Compatible shoes do exist, though. Once you know what to check, the process gets much easier.

If I could give parents one piece of advice, it would be this: always bring the orthotic device with you to the shoe shop.

Don't assume a shoe will work based on size, brand, or past experience. Every shoe is different. 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 and have your child try it on.

If you're buying shoes without the orthotic present, you're guessing. That means wasted money, uncomfortable shoes, and a device that can't do its job.

Whether you're looking at school shoes, trainers, or boots, 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's glued down, the shoe won't work. Your child's orthotic needs to sit flat on the midsole, not perched 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 shouldn't 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 heel counter won't hold your child's foot securely over the orthotic, especially during running and play.
• Adjustable fastening: laces, Velcro straps, or genuine buckle closures let you fine-tune the fit around the instep once the orthotic is in place. Slip-on shoes and elasticated openings don't provide enough adjustment.
• Low heel: the NHS recommends a maximum heel height of 3 to 4 cm for orthotic compatibility. 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's prescribed for conditions like cerebral palsy, spina bifida, and other neurological or muscular conditions. Because it takes up far more space than a simple insole, finding compatible shoes is much 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 let the AFO 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 can't 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. Save yourself time 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's already shallow, those millimetres matter. A shoe that fits without the insole can be uncomfortably tight with it in place. Always try the shoe with the device inside.

Can I buy my child's shoes online?

You can, but it's risky, especially for children whose feet are still growing fast. 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. Both shoes come from the same pair, so both need to be compatible. 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 roughly two shoe sizes per year between the ages of 3 and 10. 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