How to Save Your Shoes from AFO Damage — Nicole O'Meara
Upgrading my Ankle-Foot Orthotic (AFO) gave me a lot more support and helped me walk better. But my new carbon fiber AFO is shaped differently than my old plastic AFO. This slight change started causing problems in my shoe.
The new carbon fiber AFO has a shaft that slides down the side of my foot to go into my shoe. The hard, thin material of the AFO rubs against the canvas/leather material of my shoe, and you can guess which one eventually lost—the shoe. Over time, the AFO cut through the tongue and side of the shoe and the laces. I’ve thrown away more than one pair of shoes due to AFO damage.
Three Hacks to Save Your Shoes
Tuck the tongue of the shoe inside the AFO before tying the laces. This completely removes the tongue from any rubbing by the AFO.
Wrap the sharp edge of the AFO with leather. My orthotist did this in his office, but I suppose a really handy person could do it at home. The leather is softer and a bit wider, creating less friction in the places it comes in contact with the shoe.
Damage from before wrapping the AFO with leather.
Buy extra laces. As soon as you buy your shoes, buy an extra set of laces. The laces wear out faster than the shoe in the places where friction happens. They will break. Be prepared. (Side note: my new shoes from Orthofeet came with an extra set of laces. They are the only shoes I’ve bought that came with extra laces. Orthofeet are designed for AFOs, so it’s no surprise they thought of this hack first.)
Your Hacks
One reader told me she takes her shoes to a cobbler for special customization. That sounds lovely. What hacks have you found to keep your AFO from destroying your shoes?
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