Girl with neuromuscular disorder called CMT interviewed about her life with a disability

REBECCA SMITH

A Note from Lainie: If you are looking for best shoes for footdrop, there are several brands mentioned by Rebecca below. I have updated the styles that she originally mentioned with styles and links. For other shoes that work people with more severe footdrop who require an afo and/or orthotics, there are many posts about…

Shoes for AFO, Orthotics and/or Leg Braces

KICKS ARE DOPE

Sneakers are everywhere these days!  And they’re not just reserved for the gym or casual weekend wear. Cute stylish sneakers can be worn with tailored dress pants and a button-down shirt or a maxi dress in the summer.  Here’s why they work for AFO and orthotic wearers:  removable orthotic insole!  Yup. It’s that simple.  And,…

shoe help for people with leg braces or orthotics

SHOE PARADISE = PLUS SIZE STORES

When I first started wearing leg braces, I thought my cute shoe days were over forever. Since the brace made my already wide foot even wider, I thought the only bearable option were wide-width overpriced “comfort shoes”.

I had an epiphany a few years ago when I realized that since I remove the insoles from every pair of shoes, I’m not really getting or apparently needing the “comfort” part; My leg braces are doing the real work.

What I really needed, were wide shoes with depth, good soles & stability. Some plus size stores have EEEE width shoes. They are mostly inexpensive and best of all, always on trend.

Shoes for AFO, Orthotics and/or Leg Braces

ZIP IT!

When you need a bit of extra room to maneuver your foot and/or orthotic into a shoe, the double zipper trend becomes not just cute, but functional as well. These are cute zip trainers with some bling by Comfortview.  They are available in wide to EEE width. https://www.jdwilliams.com/en-us/products/heavenly-soles-leisure-shoes/p/BL229#&mainSearch=true&outletSearch=false

Shoes for AFO, Orthotics and/or Leg Braces

GOTTA HAVE SOLE

Women with foot and balance issues are always scanning the ground for slippery spots or pavement cracks that could cause a fall. The last thing we need, is slippery shoes. Menswear influenced loafers with athletic rubber soles are in style. I think this pair is very cute for Spring and they actually come in an…

ELEVATE YOUR STYLE

These chic ankle boots by Sudini are surprisingly lightweight and come in a wide width. The even platform sole gives you another inch of height and makes your legs look longer. I love the hook & loop easy grab closure and saw-edge no slip bottom. It’s lighter weight than it appears. They even have removable…