Wet/Winter Footwear For AFO User

airbusA346

Hi

I am trying to find footwear for wet/winter weather that is suitable for myself as a AFO user (both legs) and I have a raise on the right shoe.

Does anyone have any suggestions, because from my research there seems to be very little if anything available.

niceboots

Hi, I wear afos and wear hiking boots boots in winter. For very wet conditions you could try muck boots, they’re used by horsey types around stables etc, they have rubber toe areas a bit like wellies but are ankle boots with Velcro.

Sheilamoose

I have Foot Drop supports for left leg & live in Karrimor walking shoes in summer & walking boots in winter. They have amazing grip & are much cheaper than trainers! Get mine from either the Original Factory Shop or Sports Direct (other suppliers available lol)

April2018mom

Hello!

Do you have a orthopedic doc or not? They are knowledgeable when it comes to special shoes. My son has orthotic shoes as well and is seen by a orthopedic specialist as well. Alternatively take a look at this old post for ideas- https://community.scope.org.uk/discussion/16756/finding-and-using-winter-boots-with-adult-afos.
We have used this website to buy shoes in the past. 
https://www.simplyfeet.co.uk/
Have a look online. There are various shoe companies in the UK. 

airbusA346

April2018mom said:

Hello!

Do you have a orthopedic doc or not? They are knowledgeable when it comes to special shoes. My son has orthotic shoes as well and is seen by a orthopedic specialist as well. Alternatively take a look at this old post for ideas- https://community.scope.org.uk/discussion/16756/finding-and-using-winter-boots-with-adult-afos.
We have used this website to buy shoes in the past. 
https://www.simplyfeet.co.uk/
Have a look online. There are various shoe companies in the UK. 

I have access to an orthotist, but they have only every added raises to trainers with the foam like soles.  They have always said any other type of shoe can not have a raise added.  If I didn't need the raise then there would be thousands of shoes/boots to choose from 

niceboots

Hi, do you mind me asking is it a big raise on your shoe? If it’s not, could orthotics add a raise to your splint instead? I have a small raise on my splint on my more affected side as that leg is slightly shorter. That would give you more choice with shoes

April2018mom

airbusA346 said:

April2018mom said:

Hello!

Do you have a orthopedic doc or not? They are knowledgeable when it comes to special shoes. My son has orthotic shoes as well and is seen by a orthopedic specialist as well. Alternatively take a look at this old post for ideas- https://community.scope.org.uk/discussion/16756/finding-and-using-winter-boots-with-adult-afos.
We have used this website to buy shoes in the past. 
https://www.simplyfeet.co.uk/
Have a look online. There are various shoe companies in the UK. 

I have access to an orthotist, but they have only every added raises to trainers with the foam like soles.  They have always said any other type of shoe can not have a raise added.  If I didn't need the raise then there would be thousands of shoes/boots to choose from 

That is what my one said too. Now I buy my own custom insoles from this company and add themselves myself. I want fashionable trendy shoes not the boring dull ones. https://www.footbalance.com/

April2018mom

niceboots said:

Hi, do you mind me asking is it a big raise on your shoe? If it’s not, could orthotics add a raise to your splint instead? I have a small raise on my splint on my more affected side as that leg is slightly shorter. That would give you more choice with shoes

Are you talking to me?

airbusA346

niceboots said:

Hi, do you mind me asking is it a big raise on your shoe? If it’s not, could orthotics add a raise to your splint instead? I have a small raise on my splint on my more affected side as that leg is slightly shorter. That would give you more choice with shoes

I think it is 16mm at the heal then reduces towards the toe.

April2018mom said:

airbusA346 said:

April2018mom said:

Hello!

Do you have a orthopedic doc or not? They are knowledgeable when it comes to special shoes. My son has orthotic shoes as well and is seen by a orthopedic specialist as well. Alternatively take a look at this old post for ideas- https://community.scope.org.uk/discussion/16756/finding-and-using-winter-boots-with-adult-afos.
We have used this website to buy shoes in the past. 
https://www.simplyfeet.co.uk/
Have a look online. There are various shoe companies in the UK. 

I have access to an orthotist, but they have only every added raises to trainers with the foam like soles.  They have always said any other type of shoe can not have a raise added.  If I didn't need the raise then there would be thousands of shoes/boots to choose from 

That is what my one said too. Now I buy my own custom insoles from this company and add themselves myself. I want fashionable trendy shoes not the boring dull ones. https://www.footbalance.com/

There isn't enough room to accommodate a raise inside the shoe.

Chloe_Alumni

Hi @airbusA346, I too wear AFO's and have found boots to work really well. 

I understand this is harder when a raise needs to be added. I have had a raise put onto a brogue before, this was a much harder sole that was added.

airbusA346

I spoke to one company today who said they could add raises to any walking boot etc on the market, but they want £200 per shoe. 

Shame they can't do wellies... so no walking through puddles for me.

airbusA346

Just thought I would update this.

I used a company called Arden Orthotics and they added a raise to a pair of Regatta boots for me.  Cost about £30 including return delivery.

I also used my 2 shoe NHS allowance around the same time for some trainers.  The quality of the NHS work is terrible.  Gaps in the edges where glue has missed, shaping like it's been done in the dark.

Chloe_Alumni

Hi @airbusA346 and thank you for taking the time to update us. I'm sorry the quality of the NHS raise was done so poorly. How have you found walking with it?

airbusA346

Chloe_Scope said:

Hi @airbusA346 and thank you for taking the time to update us. I'm sorry the quality of the NHS raise was done so poorly. How have you found walking with it?

@Chloe_Scope Walking is OK in them.  It's just the quality of the work is poor.

Chloe_Alumni

Hi @airbusA346, I am glad they are at least functional! Thank you for sharing the Arden Orthotics company with us and I hope the raise will help.