How to Find Socks and Shoes to Wear with Orthoses

If you wear an orthosis or brace on your feet, ankles, or knees, you need to wear some sort of sock underneath it. The sock protects your skin, keeps it dry, and helps prevent blisters or sores. Wear a sock extending past the top of your brace for the best protection.

If possible, buy seamless socks and make sure that they are the appropriate size. Socks that are too big can create wrinkles under your brace that might be uncomfortable.

Your socks, skin, and brace should be clean and dry at all times to prevent skin breakdown or bacterial growth.

Some patients prefer to wear a long sport-type sock under their brace, while others prefer to wear socks specially designed for this purpose. 

Where can I find seamless socks?

You can purchase these types of socks from the following companies:

• Knit-Rite
  • Knitritedirect.com
  • Register and enter provider code: 1100908000
• AFOsocks.com
• Target (online only)
  • Adaptive clothing department
• Amazon

Finding a pair of shoes that fits with your orthotics can be challenging. Here are a few suggestions:

• Bring your braces with you when shopping for shoes.
• Buy a larger shoe. It is normal to go up one size when wearing a brace.
• Buy a wide or extra wide shoe with laces close to the toes (such as an athletic shoe).
• Remove the factory insoles. (The insoles often don’t serve a purpose, but just take up room in the shoe.)

Where can I find shoes that fit over a brace?

Some patients prefer to wear an orthopedic type of shoe. Orthopedic shoes usually come wider and deeper than other shoes. You can buy these types of shoes from the following companies:

Little Feet Store
Littlefeetkids.com
Minnetonka, MN

Orthotic Shop
Orthoticshop.com

Peterson Shoes
Petersonshoes.com
Anoka

Schuler Shoes
Schulershoes.com
Metro Locations: 9

Surestep
Surestep.net

Zappos
Zappos.com

Other brands you might look for include: 
NIKE Flyease, New Balance, BILLY, PLAE, Tsukihoshi, ASICS, Converse, DC, Vans, Kangaroos, Hatchbacks, Merrell, Keen and Stride Rite (online only).

Look into these shoelace alternatives for more independence:

• Lock Laces- Elastic laces
  • locklaces.com
• Zubits- Magnetic closure
  • zubits.com
• Hickies- No tie laces
  • hickies.com