Looking for toddler shoes that will fit orthotics

[dlp]

One of my twin dds (2 1/2) has wore orthotics in her shoes since about 17m. I had her in stride rite high top lace up shoes/booties forever. The insole is removable and can have an orthotic put in.

Trying to find more toddler "appropriate" sneakers that will hold an orthotic and not having any luck. It doesnt help that her foot is very narrow.

Anyone have any recommendations?

[ggg]

google Hatchbacks. It was recommended to buy Nikes, Reebox, or New Balance, too. My dd had braces that were about calf height for toe walking. We got the hatchbacks and they fit great!
Jen, ggg, 7 1/2

[NancyR]

My dd didn't do well with the hatchbacks, for some very odd reason, they affected her gate too much.

When we had the AFO's we used Markell's - down side is both shoes are straight - there's no left or right. This is OK when they're little (really easy to put on too) but once they hit kindergarden - won't work. The kids will ask them why their shoes are like that and they'll be self conscious. The guys at Markell are great - you can call them up with the length of the AFO and width and they'll send you the correct shoe size.

We now buy double wide New Balance, and for a short while Payless had some too.

Remember to take out the inner sole, no matter what shoe you purchase.

I have a girls size 13.5 Wide in Markell's if you want them - for free! Let me know.

HTH! N

[dlp]

Thanks ladies. My dds orthotics are a shoe insert, Dafo Pollywogs, like these http://cascadeshop.com/pollywog.aspx. So, we have been able to wear, up til now, Stride Rites, like these http://www.striderite.com/shopping/p...179&sColor=486
but I want to do something more fun and typically toddler for her.

I will check around and see who has New Balance, see if the insole can be removed (most are glued down), then see if it fits her slender size 6 1/2 foot!

Once again, thanks!

[NancyR]

You can order off of the New Balance web site - or the Payless website, that's what I did. Measure the length and width of the insert (those are similar to the type Leela's currently wearing), and compare to their sizing chart. The glued in insoles can be just pulled out - or, you can always glue them back in too.

Is she still a slender with the orthotic? She might be a regular width? Also, they could probably fit into regular Stride Rites, bring them to the store and try them on. The shoe fitters are used to it.

You can always order 2 size widths and return one. GL! N

[bobbiesb]

My DD swears by her Crocs!!!

DD also has a narrow foot and was in AFOs for quite a while. I must have ordered $1000 of different kinds of shoes from Zappos in an effort to find some that would fit over her orthotics and that she would tolerate because of sensory issues. NONE of them worked. She just cried and cried every time we tried a new pair because they just didn't fit right. (She would only wear the AFOs with anti-skid socks at that point.) My best friend worked at Kohl's and brought over a pair of Crocs to try. Instant success! They easily fit over the AFOs. They were 'cool' and 'pretty'. They were relatively cheap.

If in doubt, try a pair of knock-offs and you won't be out more than $10.

Good luck,
Bobbie

[Doe]

DD also has a narrow foot and was in AFOs for quite a while. I must have ordered $1000 of different kinds of shoes from Zappos in an effort to find some that would fit over her orthotics and that she would tolerate because of sensory issues. NONE of them worked. She just cried and cried every time we tried a new pair because they just didn't fit right. (She would only wear the AFOs with anti-skid socks at that point.) My best friend worked at Kohl's and brought over a pair of Crocs to try. Instant success! They easily fit over the AFOs. They were 'cool' and 'pretty'. They were relatively cheap.

If in doubt, try a pair of knock-offs and you won't be out more than $10.

Good luck,
Bobbie

I have prescription orthotics and my most comfortable shoes to wear them in are Mary Jane crocs! So, I hear you. Oh, I just got 2 new pair for olny $12 each at Big Lots... crazy good price.

[dlp]

I will give crocs a try - but unfortunately daycare does not allow crocs.

We too are frequent flyers at the local Stride Rite. I have bought a couple of pairs of shoes with glued in insoles, taken them out and the orthotic and her foot dont fit well. sigh.

It was her EI PT who says she needs them. Last year the Ped Ortho said "won't hurt/might help" If the Ped Ortho is similarly blase about the orthotics I am going to give up and have this be one less thing to worry about!

[bobbiesb]

My DD's school has a similar policy on PE days. BUT after I wrote a letter requesting an exception because the Crocs were very safe and secure because of the AFOs (adult had to take the Crocs off the AFOs, they never fell off), she was allowed to wear them. If the same is true for your child, try talking with the daycare about an exception.

Good luck!
Bobbie

[nuro18]

Hi!
Recently relocated to Australia. Does anyone know where can I get toddler shoes for orthotics.
Thanks