School Shoes for Orthotics
Finding school shoes that accommodate your child's orthotics or AFOs can be challenging. These are the brands we recommend, all reviewed for orthotic compatibility.
What to Look For
- ✓ Removable insole (essential for custom orthotics)
- ✓ Available in wide fittings
- ✓ Good depth to accommodate the orthotic
- ✓ Firm heel counter for stability
- ✓ Durable enough for daily school wear
- ✓ Black or school-appropriate colours
Classic D|R II Low Top
A unique zip-around design that opens the shoe almost completely flat, making it one of the best options for children who wear ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs). The black leather version works for school, and the range includes casual styles too.
- ✓Zip-around design opens shoe flat
- ✓Purpose-built for AFO wearers
- ✓Easy entry for braced feet
- ✓Black leather option for school
- ✓Range of casual styles available
Orthopaedic School Range
A specialist orthopaedic brand designed specifically for children who wear AFOs. Purpose-built depth and width accommodate most ankle-foot orthosis types. Available through NHS orthotics departments and some private clinics.
- ✓Designed specifically for AFO use
- ✓Purpose-built depth and width
- ✓Available through NHS orthotics
- ✓Accommodates most AFO types
Ken (School Range)
A German brand with premium build quality and generous fit. Ricosta school shoes tend to have deeper internal volume than UK brands, making them particularly good for bulkier orthotics.
- ✓Deeper internal volume than UK brands
- ✓Premium German build quality
- ✓Generous fit as standard
- ✓Very durable construction
Brogue (School Range)
The leading UK brand for fitted children's shoes, available in widths E through H with removable insoles across most school shoe styles. Excellent heel counters and durable construction.
- ✓Widths from E through H available
- ✓Removable insoles across range
- ✓Excellent heel counters
- ✓Durable school-proof construction
- ✓Professional fitting partners nationwide
Savage (School Range)
Features a breathable membrane sole that helps manage moisture, useful for children who wear orthotics since the additional layer can increase perspiration. Several styles offer removable insoles.
- ✓Breathable membrane sole technology
- ✓Removable insoles in select styles
- ✓Helps manage moisture buildup
- ✓Durable school-friendly construction
Kick Lo
Known for hard-wearing construction that survives daily playground use. Some models have removable insoles, though this varies across the range. Popular with older primary and secondary children.
- ✓Extremely hard-wearing construction
- ✓Survives daily playground use
- ✓Popular with older children
- ✓Removable insoles in select models
Need AFO-Compatible Shoes?
If your child wears ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs), look for shoes with a zip-around or extra-wide opening design. Billy Footwear and Piedro are specifically designed for AFO wearers.