Boots for DAFOs

February 03, 2025


As the weather grows colder, it may be a challenge to find winter boots best suited to wear with braces. To help everyone keep their feet (and braces) warm and dry, we’ve put together a list of tips for what to look for as well as a few recommendations of where to find AFO and SMO-friendly boots and brands!

What to look for

  • Wide-opening features such as a side or rear zipper, or extended tongue
  • Wide toe box
  • Removable insole
  • Adjustable straps for ease of donning

Shopping tips

  • To best avoid stress and hassle, try taking just the brace with you and try fitting it into the boot. Take the boots home for a more relaxed fitting session and simply return or exchange them if needed.
  • For online shopping, consider ordering several brands/sizes, then return the boots that don’t work out.
  • Check out Zappos Adaptive site for boot suggestions

AFO-friendly brands:

UGG® Universal (available through Zappos Adaptive):

Koolway Sports (a Canadian shop designed for non-ambulatory AFO-wearers):

Other brands to consider: