Your tips for wearing AFOs (ankle-foot-orthosis)

[John E Lilly]

I wear 2 AFO’s and have found Billy Shoes are the BEST…they’re easy to put on; come in different colors and styles…best thing about them: they have laces BUT they have zippers! Check’em out online.

[Sandra Mikush]

I’ve had an AFO for about a year. I started with an off-the-shelf AFO made of hard plastic, and I hated it. It was clumsy and felt less stable than no AFO. With some help from this forum, I switched to a carbon fiber AFO with enough flexibility to walk, hike and play pickleball. I’m slower and more careful these days, but I’m so much happier with this type. I use a Thuasne SpryStep. It fits great in my sneakers and hiking shoes and didn’t even require a larger size. If your PT recommends an AFO, make sure you are clear about what activities are important to you so that you get the right model.

[Eric Jensen]

Wear them if you want to walk further! They work!

[JohnW]

Ive had my Aillard carbon fiber for about 4 years now.  My ALS started in lower extremeties particularly the calf and moving up the hamstrings.  Shoes that were recommended were Kiziks but seems that no one has them and you buy them online only. I beleive in trying before buying So we thought of my requirements and just thought we check a sneaker store first.  I found Asics work pretty well as they have removable inner soles and the AFO slips in pretty easily  then you just put the inner sole back in. Works well for me if you still have upper arm or hand strength.  Also i recommend longer shoe laces maybe 72 inches since they are easier to tie.

Definittely my AFO has extended my walking ability.

[Lynn Rogers]

I have an AFO for both feet.  I started out with left and in March had to get for my right one ( I’m still having problems getting it fitted just right).   My question is, I still do not feel “stable” with mine and have to use either a Walker/Rollator or hiking sticks.  Does anyone else use assistance with their AFO’s?

[Beth Gabel]

I have for both feet. I use a rollator. It’s better to be safe! It took 3 different pairs of braces til I found the right ones! I’m glad i have them though. I also wear Billy’s shoes. They are awesome! Easy to get on and off. They are inexpensive as far as orthotic shoes go and they are quite stylish!

[Dagmar]

Has anyone tried the new slip-on sneakers (like Sketchers) to wear with AFOs? Or, even to wear without AFOs?

[Heatherb]

Yes I bought my husband a pair of the Sketchers slip-ins. It would be nice if he could also wear them with the afo but they don’t have removable soles, so that’s out. He wears one afo right now and for some reason it makes his lower leg and ankle very swollen. So depending on where he is going and who he will be with, he just wears the sketchers and uses his cane. They are really convenient and comfortable.

[Micky]

Hi Heather,

I saw your message about your husband’s AFO, and I thought to mention that I use my 2 carbon AFO braces with Sketchers slip-on sneakers. It took some effort, but I removed the insides using a screwdriver, and was fitted with both feet for spongy foot inserts. They work like a charm, and I cannot pull up zippers so I fit them inside my loose legged pants that I just pull up. I try to walk every day 1-2 miles – always with my AFO’s. I also use a 1/2” higher shoe size. You can use a full size greater too.

Good luck!! Mike (Micky)

[dlee]

I currently wearing AFO’s at work, up to 11 hours at a time, when I take them off at night, the weakness & fatigue is rough. I assume my muscle’s are starting to atropine. I wasn’t diagnosed with ALS, they call it a progressive idiopathic. neuropathy I still believe I’ve never been properly diagnosed. I can’t seem to find a lace up shoe that is comfortable with my AFO’s. Any suggestions? I have sketchers at this time.

[David Rothschild]

Billy shoes have been a lifesaver. I had trouble getting my feet into the shoes with the AFO until I bought the Billy shoes. Take a look at their website.

[speedy]

I was fitted for AFOs at Hanger Clinic 4-1/2 yrs ago. I was told to buy 1/2 size larger shoes. I chosed New Balance brand lightest of sneakers on market and soles easy to lift up . They have held up well indoor and outdoor. Bought white for around the house and black for dress pants. I am diabetic and wear socks for diabetics , good fit for AFOs. I feel safe wearing AFOs and using my walker.

[Dagmar]

Very helpful. Thanks!

[nisha]

Hi

I am having foot drop on right foot. Planning to get an AFO. Right now, I have symptoms of cramping/twitching on left foot, but strength wise, no issues.

I want your advice whether to get AFO for only one foot. How hard it is to use AFO on one foot. How to balance the height on the other foot?

If i want to get for both foot now and use it when it is needed seems like a bad idea? Will the insurance approve for it?

[Dagmar]

Nisha, I would follow the advice of your PT and doctor. If your left foot can still support you while you’re walking, maybe not restricting its movement with an AFO is good. Insurance helps pay if your doctor prescribed it, not if it was your decision.

[sandyb]

If the foot without AFO needs to be raised, put a couple business cards or cardboard under the inner sole. I use one AFO, no problem..dropfoot. I also use a rollator, as my balance is minimal.

[Dagmar]

good suggestions.

[Douglas K Powell]

I have drop foot in both my left + right feet and therefore wear two AFO’s.

Sketchers does make a line of shoes with removable insoles – I just purchased a pair.

It is called “Arch Fit” and features a removable insole. Plus this line of shoes comes in extra-large widths which I now need because of my AFO’s.

I am breaking in my new Sketcher’s slowly; they are stiff as is the case with most new shoes. I still like my New Balance better however.

Doug

[Dagmar]

I didn’t know Sketchers had a shoe with a removable insole. That’s helpful information.