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How to Choose the Right AFO for Drop Foot to Support Movement

Posted by:

Johannes Sauer

Updated at: January 12, 2026

Table of Contents

  1. How to Choose the Right AFO for Drop Foot to Support Movement

  2. Why Choosing the Right AFO Matters

  3. What Features Should You Look for in an AFO?

  4. How Can Physical Therapy Help With Your AFO?

  5. How Does Footwear Impact AFO Effectiveness?

  6. Tips for Choosing the Right AFO for You

  7. Walk More Safely With Cadense

How to Choose the Right AFO for Drop Foot to Support Movement

If you have difficulty lifting the front of your foot, you may have drop foot. An AFO, or ankle-foot orthosis, is a brace designed to support the foot and ankle during walking.

The right AFO helps prevent trips, slips, and falls, improves stability, and makes daily movement safer and more comfortable.

Why Choosing the Right AFO Matters

Not all braces are created equal. Using an ill-fitting or unsuitable AFO can cause discomfort, reduce mobility, or even worsen walking patterns. Choosing the right device ensures:

  • Proper support for the foot and ankle
  • Reduced risk of tripping or stumbling
  • Comfort for long periods of walking or standing
  • Compatibility with adaptive footwear for better balance

Working with a physical therapist is essential to ensure the AFO matches your specific needs.

What Features Should You Look for in an AFO?

AFOs vary in design, material, and function. Key features to consider include:

  • Flexibility and mobility: Allows natural foot movement without sacrificing support
  • Custom fit: Adjustable straps or custom-molded designs for comfort
  • Lightweight materials: Reduces fatigue during walking
  • Compatibility with shoes: Fits inside supportive, adaptive footwear
  • Durability: Strong enough to provide consistent support over time

Choosing an AFO with the right combination of these features helps improve walking efficiency and confidence.

How to Choose the Right AFO for Drop Foot to Support Movement - Cadense shoes with possible AFO compatibility

Jan 12, 2026

How Can Physical Therapy Help With Your AFO?

Physical therapy works hand-in-hand with an AFO to enhance walking safety. A therapist can help:

  • Measure and fit your AFO correctly
  • Recommend exercises to strengthen the ankle and lower leg muscles
  • Train your gait to reduce trips and improve balance
  • Adjust the brace over time as strength and mobility change

Therapy ensures that the AFO supports movement safely and effectively.

How Does Footwear Impact AFO Effectiveness?

The right shoes make an AFO more comfortable and functional. Cadense adaptive shoes are designed to:

  • Accommodate braces without pressure points
  • Offer a wide, stable base for better balance
  • Encourage natural movement with lightweight, flexible soles
  • Provide easy on/off design for daily independence

Pairing your AFO with adaptive footwear enhances stability and reduces fatigue during walking.

Tips for Choosing the Right AFO for You

  • Consult a professional: A physical therapist or orthotist can assess your needs
  • Test fit and comfort: Make sure the brace doesn’t rub or restrict circulation
  • Consider your daily activities: Choose a design that supports walking, stairs, and household tasks
  • Combine with supportive footwear: Improves safety and comfort for all-day use
  • Monitor and adjust: Reevaluate fit and function as your strength or mobility changes

A properly chosen AFO, paired with exercises and the right shoes, helps maintain safer, more confident movement.

Walk More Safely With Cadense

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[color: black] Original Men's Adaptive Shoe

Original Men's Adaptive Shoe

$199.99

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[color: black] Original Men's Adaptive Shoe

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Regular price $199.99
View details

Color:

12 in stock

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Posted by: Johannes Sauer

Johannes is the CEO and Co-Founder of Cadense and passionate about helping people with walking difficulties. He was immediately drawn to the mission of the company because his cousin lost his lower leg in a tragic motorcycle accident a few years ago and is experiencing walking difficulties ever since. Johannes brings over a decade of experience in working for consumer product companies to Cadense. He holds an MBA from the University of Graz in Austria. Johannes lives with his family in Santa Barbara, CA.

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Medical Disclaimer: This website is not intended for the purpose of providing medical advice. This website’s information, content, and material are for informational purposes only and are not intended to serve as a substitute for the consultation, diagnosis, and/or medical treatment of a qualified physician or healthcare provider. Cadense Inc. may not be held liable for any damages whether incidental, ordinary or consequential. Cadense does not make any guarantee of any particular end result. Cadense makes no claims or guarantees of payment/reimbursement by any insurance companies. Cadense adaptive shoes are intended to provide greater mobility to those with walking difficulties.

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