SMO • AFO • ORTHOTIC FRIENDLY
Finding Cute Shoes That Work With Orthotics Shouldn’t Be This Hard.
If your child wears SMOs, AFOs, braces or orthotics, you already know: finding shoes with enough room can feel like a full-time job.
Little Love Bug’s roomy, foot-shaped designs give many families a more flexible place to start — without giving up the cute shoes.
WE GET IT
The Orthotic Isn’t Usually the Problem.
Finding the Shoe Is.
Traditional kids’ shoes can be narrow through the toe box, difficult to open wide enough, or simply too low-volume to fit comfortably over an orthotic.
That’s why parents often end up sizing way up, fighting with straps, or settling for shoes they don’t actually love.
WHY LITTLE LOVE BUG?
More Room. More Adjustability. Less Fighting With the Shoe.
Our foot-shaped designs provide more space through the front of the shoe than many traditionally shaped kids’ shoes.
Velcro styles open wider and give families more flexibility when fitting around SMOs, AFOs, braces or higher-volume feet.
Lightweight, flexible materials help keep the shoe from feeling unnecessarily bulky around the orthotic.
Because needing an orthotic shouldn’t mean your child has to wear shoes that feel medical.
OUR BEST PLACE TO START
Look for Velcro Styles First.
Every child and every orthotic is different, but adjustable Velcro styles are often easier to open, fit over the orthotic, and customize around higher-volume feet.
Easier to get the foot and orthotic into the shoe.
Velcro gives you more flexibility through the top of the foot.
A more forgiving starting point for many SMO and brace families.
START HERE
Measure With the Orthotic On.
This is the most important part. Don’t measure the bare foot and then guess how much room the brace will take up.
Measure your child the way they’ll actually wear the shoe: with their SMO, AFO or orthotic in place.
Use the larger measurement if one foot is longer or if one orthotic takes up more space.
Length matters, but so does how much room the orthotic needs through the width, instep and opening of the shoe.
Use your measurements as the starting point instead of choosing a size based only on age or a previous shoe.
WHICH STYLE SHOULD I TRY?
Start Simple.
Every orthotic is different, but these are the features we’d look for first.
Low-Top + Velcro Styles
Adjustable straps and lower openings are often easier to fit around SMOs, braces and higher-volume feet.
- Easier entry
- More strap adjustment
- More forgiving fit
- Less material around the ankle
Play Perfect Styles
For kids who need room for an orthotic but are also incredibly active, Play Perfect adds extra protection for everyday play.
- Flexible silicone sole
- More durable for active kids
- Great for everyday adventures
ONE IMPORTANT THING
Don’t Automatically Size Up “One Size.”
That can work for some children, but orthotics vary dramatically in thickness, height and shape. Going too large can create a different fit problem.
Measure with the orthotic in place first. Then use the Fit Guide — and if you’re still unsure, ask us.
THIS IS ONE OF MY FAVORITE RESOURCES
Join Our VIP Facebook Group.
We have a whole community of Little Love Bug mamas who chat about SMOs, AFOs, braces, orthotics, sizing and which styles have worked for their kids.
It’s one thing for us to tell you what might work. It’s another to hear from a mom whose child is wearing the same type of orthotic every single day.
Ask parents who have actually tried different Little Love Bug styles.
Compare SMOs, AFOs, sizes, straps and what worked in real life.
Post your question, measurements or fit concern and start a conversation.
QUICK QUESTIONS
Orthotic Fit FAQs
Will every Little Love Bug style fit an AFO or SMO? +
No. Orthotics and feet vary significantly, and different shoe styles have different openings and internal volume. Some Little Love Bug styles may work better than others.
Our Velcro collection is the best place to start when you need more adjustability.
SEE RECOMMENDED VELCRO STYLES →Should I remove the shoe’s insole? +
Some families find removing a removable insole creates extra space, but whether that is appropriate depends on the shoe, orthotic and your child’s individual needs.
Follow any specific footwear guidance provided by your child’s orthotist or medical professional.
Should I automatically order one size bigger? +
We don’t recommend choosing a larger size automatically. Measure with the orthotic on and use those measurements against our current size guide.
Can I ask other parents what worked? +
Absolutely — and we actually recommend it. Our VIP Facebook group has lots of Little Love Bug moms who specifically talk about SMOs, AFOs and orthotic fit.
JOIN THE VIP FACEBOOK GROUP →What if I’m still unsure? +
Use the Fit Guide, browse our Velcro styles, ask the VIP group, or reach out to customer care with your measurements and fit questions.
CONTACT CUSTOMER CARE →Little Love Bug does not provide medical or orthotic fitting advice. Shoe compatibility depends on the individual child and orthotic. If your child has specific footwear requirements, follow the guidance of their orthotist, physical therapist or healthcare professional.
READY TO TRY?
Let’s Find a Pair That Works.
Room for the orthotic. Room for little toes. And yes — still ridiculously cute.
Or ask our VIP moms what worked for them → ↔ Roomy Toe Boxes • ♡ 30-Day Returns • 💬 Real Parent Support
