Shoe Sizing Guide

*Please scroll below for our AFO Shoe Fit Guide, as this is different from our normal sizing guide

All of our shoes run true to size. Please order the size you usually would in an athletic sneaker. Should you be unsure which size to buy, please contact us at support@cadense.com.

Women's Sizes 

Our shoes run true to size. Please order the size you usually would.

Width information: Regular is a size C; Wide is a size D.

Men's Sizes

Width information: Regular is a size D; Wide is a size E.

How to measure?

If you are unsure which shoe size to purchase, please follow the below steps:

1. Trace the outline of each foot on a piece of paper.
2. In a straight line from the middle of the heel to the longest toe, measure the length of each foot.
3. If one foot is longer than the other, take the larger measurement and compare to the chart on the next page. Foot length will determine your shoe size - round up or down to the closest size within 2mm.

Try Them On

Once you've selected a size based on your measurements, try on the shoes to ensure they fit comfortably. Here are a few tips:

• Wear the same type of socks or hosiery you intend to wear with the shoes.
• Check for enough toe room (about a thumb's width of space between your longest toe and the shoe's tip).
• Walk around to make sure the shoes don't pinch or rub in uncomfortable ways.

Remember that comfort is key, so if the shoes feel too tight or too loose, consider trying a different size or style.

Convert Between Sizing Systems

If you're shopping for shoes from brands that use different sizing systems (e.g., US, EU, UK), use our conversion chart to make sure you select the right size.

The AFO Shoe Size Guide

Our AFO shoes are specifically designed to fit over ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) and are higher-volume than standard footwear.

If you normally wear Cadense Originals, please note that AFO sizing is not comparable. Do not use the Originals size guide — use the guidance below.

Step 1: Choose Your Length

Important sizing note:

Our Cadense AFO shoes are intentionally built longer to accommodate for braces. When you select your usual US shoe size, the AFO shoe measures approximately one size longer than standard footwear — this is intentional. Most customers should start with their regular shoe size that you would wear without an AFO.

Use the guidance below to choose your length:

• If your AFO does NOT extend behind the heel
   → Size down, or order your usual US shoe size
  

• If your AFO extends behind the heel
   → Order your usual US shoe size, or consider sizing up depending on how far it extends past the heel.

Step 2: Choose Your Volume (Upper Fit)

Choose between E/3E/6E based on the bulk of your brace, not your normal shoe width.

Important fit note:

All AFO widths (E, 3E, and 6E) share the same outsole width and footbed.

The difference between widths is the amount of volume through the upper, including the instep, girth, and top-of-foot clearance, to accommodate different brace bulk and swelling.

E (Standard AFO Fit)

• Slim AFOs

• Minimal padding or straps

• Comparable to a wide standard shoe

3E (Most Common Choice)

• Solid or hinged AFOs

• Moderate padding or straps

• Mild to moderate swelling

6E (High-Volume Fit)

• Bulky AFOs

• Custom-molded plastic braces

• Significant swelling, wraps, or thick socks

• Maximum room through the forefoot, midfoot, and instep

Quick selector (based on brace bulk & swelling):

• My brace is slim and lightweight → E

• My brace is rigid or padded → 3E

• My brace is bulky or I experience swelling → 6E

Included Shoe Fillers

Each pair of AFO shoes includes three removable shoe fillers, each 5 mm thick.

These fillers are designed to:

• Help balance fit if you wear a brace on only one foot

• Reduce excess space for your unaffected foot

• Fine-tune overall fit if you size up for your brace
  

You can use one, two, or all three fillers, depending on your needs. This allows you to comfortably size up for your AFO without sacrificing fit on your other foot.

Contact Us

If you have any questions or need further assistance with sizing, please don't hesitate to contact our customer support team. We're here to help you find the perfect fit!