When it comes to mobility challenges, the right footwear can make all the difference. For people who wear ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs), finding a shoe that accommodates the brace is just as important as the brace itself. But not all shoes are created equal. There’s a big difference between shoes made specifically for AFO compatibility, standard adaptive shoes, and the regular sneakers most people wear. Understanding those differences can help you make the best choice for your comfort, safety, and confidence.
Shoes marketed as “AFO-compatible” are built primarily to fit over and secure the brace. Their key focus is functionality, often with:
- Extra-depth construction to fit the additional bulk of a brace
- Wide openings or removable tongues to make sliding the AFO in easier
- Extended widths to prevent pressure points caused by the brace
- Firm heel counters to keep the AFO stable inside the shoe
These shoes do their job: they make wearing a brace possible and tolerable. However, the trade-off is that many AFO shoes can feel heavy, stiff, and medical-looking. They’re built for accommodation, not necessarily for comfort, versatility, or style.
By contrast, adaptive shoes—like those created by Cadense—are designed from the ground up for people who face walking difficulties but may or may not use a brace. Instead of just accommodating a device, adaptive shoes are built to support mobility, comfort, and independence on their own.
- The roomy toe box allows your foot to spread naturally and can accommodate some slimmer AFOs if you already fit them in standard-width shoes.
- At just 10.8 ounces per shoe (women’s size 8), they’re light enough to reduce fatigue, which is key if you’re already working harder to lift your foot with every step.
- The 3/8" heel-to-toe drop and 1.5-inch sole height create stability and also activate Cadense’s patented Variable Friction Technology—helping your foot glide instead of drag.
- Unlike traditional AFO shoes, Cadense shoes look and feel like modern sneakers, offering dignity and fashion without compromising functionality.
Now, compare both of these to the regular sneakers most of us have in our closets—fashion sneakers or everyday running shoes. These are built for the average foot, not for braces or mobility issues.
A regular sneaker usually has a narrow, tapered toe box, leaving little space for a brace and often crowding the toes. The heel-to-toe drop in most running shoes is significantly higher than adaptive footwear, which can throw off gait mechanics for someone with foot drop. Even something as simple as sliding your foot in can become frustrating—standard sneakers assume you’re only inserting a foot, not a brace.
While they work perfectly fine for people without mobility concerns, regular sneakers can become part of the problem for those with walking difficulties: too tight, too heavy, and without the supportive features that reduce tripping hazards.
The main difference comes down to purpose.
- AFO shoes are about accommodation—making room for the device.
- Adaptive shoes are about enhancing mobility—with or without a brace.
- Regular sneakers are about style and general comfort—but not designed for braces or walking challenges.
For many people, Cadense shoes offer the best of both worlds: they can work with some AFOs, but they’re also powerful on their own—providing comfort, stability, and a sleek design that makes you want to wear them every day.
Looking for shoes that keep up with both your AFO and your lifestyle? Explore the Cadense adaptive shoe collection—crafted to combine function, comfort, and confidence with every step.
![[color: all black] Original Men's Adaptive Shoe](http://cadense.com/cdn/shop/files/AllBlack-Mens-T1.jpg?crop=center&height=300&v=1732139020&width=300)
![[color: black] Original Men's Adaptive Shoe](http://cadense.com/cdn/shop/files/CadenseOriginalMensBlack-001.jpg?crop=center&height=300&v=1694621753&width=300)
![[color: white] Original Women's Adaptive Shoe](http://cadense.com/cdn/shop/files/CadenseOriginalWomensWhite-001.jpg?crop=center&height=300&v=1694622872&width=300)
