This post was previously published and has been updated as of February 2022 to reflect current styles. Scroll to the bottom of this post to shop men’s shoes and sandals One of the reasons I created Trend-Able was to help leg brace (Afo) wearers & others living with invisible disabilities find clothing & shoes that helps them to feel confidant so that they can live their best lives.
As a 20+ year leg brace wearer (ugh, that makes me sound really old) who can’t do tiny buttons to save her life & wouldn’t be caught dead wearing bulky orthopedic shoes, (read my story here) I’ve become an expert at finding fashionable and disability friendly shoes and clothing. Until now, my fashion Blogs like, Not Your Grandma’s Shoes, Boots Are A Bit%$, and 16 Sandals, have been geared exclusively for female orthosis wearers like myself. But times are chhhhhhanging (cue the David Bowie soundtrack). After receiving multiple requests for posts geared for men’s orthotic dress shoes and ortho sandals, I acquiesced and did my research – 2 recent issues of GQ, 3 hours of internet searching + a 15 minute consultation with an in house expert – my 16 year old sneaker-head son. If I was a guy, I would and could wear the following 12 pairs of shoes with my carbon fiber style Afos. But first, if you’re new to Afos, you may want to download our Afo fashion guide here and also read the Post Hacks for Afos. Now, onto the shoes…. even better, the orthotic mens shoes… Click on shoe images to see price & purchase on AmazonThis gorgeous shoe boot is available in an extra wide width. It has the easy feel of a sneaker combined with the look of a chukka boot. It is also incredibly lightweight and comes in a few colors.
The Teva sandal is an old school style that is very much on trend this season. The adjustable velcro strapping helps this waterproof sandal become orthosis friendly. Choose between the Teva classic style or an updated version with a chunkier heel.
You can’t get more Afo friendly than this Uber cute lightweight boat shoe by Dunham. It is available in an extra wide width and has a completely removable EVA footbed. It is available in several colors.
This lightweight sneaker is categorized as a running shoe, but for orthosis users who may not be entering any 10k’s (or any k) in this lifetime, it’s also great for walking. The shoe comes in an extra wide width and features a removable insole.
Available in several colors, this sleek athletic styled shoe is also waterproof. The entire footbed can be easily removed to accommodate an Afo or orthotic and it is available in an extra wide width.
One of my personal favorites, this cool waxed shoe comes in both low and high top versions. It has a ton of Afo friendly features, including an outside zip for easy foot entry, a removable insole, and a non-slip gripped sole. It is also available in an extra wide width.
You don’t have to follow the Grateful Dead & eat granola to be a fan of Birkenstocks. This style works for orthosis users as it has a back strap and adjustable buckles. Although only available in narrow and medium widths, this sandal reportedly runs wide.
Packed with features, this adjustable and waterproof KEEN sandal will keep you to be outdoor ready. It features a completely removable footbed to fit orthosis and a rubber outsole with tons of grooves to give both traction and stability.
This awesome shoe is extremely lightweight with a breathable mesh material. The insoles are removable.
Our supremely comfortable, chunky-soled sandals walk all over the competition. Must-have if you like to be out and about on weekends and vacations, these mix rugged sporty-utilitarian looks with a performance-maximizing features. Lightweight. Slip-resistant. Super-adjustable for a customised fit. With foot-hugging padding behind the straps. And our legendary supercushioned Microwobbleboard midsoles for pressure diffusion, impact reduction – and mindblowing all-day comfort.
Comfort and fashion combine in this sleek nubuck. This shoe comes in a wide width and the footbed is completely removable. Pair these men’s sneakers with jeans or trousers any day of the week.
This shoe gets a big thumbs up from my husband. He saw the photo and said, “I’d wear that”. It is a cross between an Oxford & a sneaker and reportedly very comfortable. It is available in an extra wide and had a removable insole.
Click on the shoe images below to shop
Conclusion
What do you think of my very first men’s shoe post? Which ones do you like? I would love to hear from you in the comments section below. Xo LainiePlease note, there are affiliate links in this post that if used pay a small commission (wouldn’t cover the cost of a tall Starbucks skinny vanilla latte). This does not effect the price you pay at all, but does help me offset some of my website expenses. Also, the shoes posted to wear with orthosis are my own personal recommendations. I am not a doctor or an orthotist and have absolutely no clue about your specific needs and abilities. In other words, please don’t sue me.
I am so glad I found this site. I recently got orthotic inserts and need to replace most of my shoes
Hi Randall,
Thank you for reading! If you have any specific she needs please reach out, I do not post that many for men but this one stays pretty updated
Hi. Great site. Any suggestions for people that have to wear KAFOs? In the UK we call them calipers they are the type of leg braces where you have a socket cut in the heal of the shoe so that the metal bars connect to the shoes
Hi Neil,
Here’s a guest post from a KAFO wearer about Revere Shoes. Check it out and if you do order be sure to use the code “Trend-Able” at checkout as you’ll get 15% off and free returns. They come in men and women’s styles. I hope they work for you and thank you so much for following.
Lainie
https://www.trend-able.com/how-i-finally-found-sandals-that-fit-my-kafos-disability/
are there shoes with velcro straps, not laces.. i’ve been using new balance walkers with straps, but would be nice to have a change. thank you.
Hi Henry,
Here are some men’s velcro wide shoes. I hope this helps.
https://shopstyle.it/l/bFRXA
https://shopstyle.it/l/bFRXC
https://shopstyle.it/l/bFRYW
Thank you for the information!!! 🙂 I’ve been looking at footwear and socks for 24 years now, lol my son has a disability and wears the same looking as your braces. We live in Alberta, but its’ usually extremely hard to find good socks and footwear for him. Now my grandson has some fine motor issues so he also has footwear struggles. Absolute thrilled to find this site!!
Hi Sam,
24 years is a loooong time to look for socks! 🤣 I’m glad you found me & thank you so much for taking the time to comment. 😄Lainie
Lainie,
THANK YOU! I thought I was doomed to wearing “Fraken-shoes” for the rest of my life. I found this post, bought a pair of Dunham’s and my entire wardrobe is once again alive! Keep up the amazing work.
Don
Hi Don,
Oh this made my day & reminds me to update it. Thanks soooo much for writing & I’m so glad reading this post saved you from lol omg like Frankenstein ?
More AFO friendly shoes for men!
this is great this! Need more for the men!
??? Agree.
I wish they had pictures of the braces in the shoe.
Hi Chester! I would love to be able to provide that but unfortunately, I don’t think my husband would be thrilled if I owned all the shoes I post ?
Thank you for posting these shoe options. I like wearing Cole Haan shoes with my AFO brace. Thank you for the post.
Hi Sam,
I recommend several Cole Haan styles in various posts. I’m glad they work for you ?
I’m sharing these with my orthotist!
Thank you!!! That’s what I want & hope others do too! ??