Has Anyone Used "Hatchbacks" Shoes for Toddlers with Ancle Braces?

My daughter has used AFO's since she was born...she is now 6 years old. We have looked into Hatchbacks...cute but yes, they are expensive.

For the age of your daughter I would suggest asking your orthotics person if they carry "Answer 2" shoes. As with Hatchbacks, they are specifically made for AFO's...they are wider and deeper than regular shoes...and look like regular tennis shoes...little ones also light up when they walk.

Answer 2's do carry black Maryjanes "dress" shoes, but I think they start at size 11. "Answer 2" shoes are very easy to get on. Also look into Stride Rite shoes...a lot of our friends have found that they work also.

Good luck and have fun with the braces. We always celebrate our new braces and have lots of fun picking out what design we want on them.

Feel free to contact me if you have any other questions.
G.

Check with the Shriners. If they can help your daughter, there is no cost to you.

Hi H.,

My son was 6 when he wore AFO's, and he had Geox shoes to wear with them. The insoles come out so you can get the extra room that way. I believe they also have shoes for babies & little ones. I'm not sure where you are, but there is a Geox store at the Mall of America.

Good luck!

My nephew has to wear braces and sketchers seem to work well with them.
Good luck!!

I have heard that they are great shoes, however I just can't spend that much on shoes :o) My daughter is 5 and wears afo's. For her we just got shoes that were a couple sizes bigger and I took the sole out to make more room in the bottom. They are working great for her.
I really depends on the kid and how they walk too. My daughter is just learning how to walk so she's not in them all day. She's also developmentally a 10-12 month old so she doesn't have opinions about things yet. I hope she likes her Strawberry Shortcake lightup shoes that I got her from Walmart :o) Her very opinionated 6 year old sister likes them so I think we're ok, lol. She loves being her sister's stylist, lol.
Best Wishes,
J.
Mom to 4, ages 6, 5, 4, and 3 (2 adopted :o)

I found wide shoes from Payless work just fine. They outgrow shoes so fast it's not worth the extra money. My son is now 10 and has S.M.O.'s (only braces to ankles) Just a thought. Liz S.