Finding Socks and Shoes to Wear With Your Brace | Gillette Children's (2024)

FAQs

Finding Socks and Shoes to Wear With Your Brace | Gillette Children's? ›

Buy seamless socks, if possible, and make sure that they are the appropriate size. Socks that are too big can create wrinkles under your brace that might be uncomfortable. The socks, your skin, and your brace should be clean and dry at all times to prevent skin breakdown or bacterial growth.

Flexible Materials

Your new shoes are no good if they won't be flexible enough to fit over your AFO brace and give your foot the room it needs to move and bend properly. Look for materials that are soft and supple, like leather or suede for dress shoes and lycra for athletic shoes.

Low-top athletic shoes work best with ankle braces because they don't apply undue pressure over your ankle bones like a mid- or high-top shoe will.

Footwear. You must always wear a shoe with your brace, because it is ineffective without one. The shoe should be sturdy and supportive; slippers, loafers, and some sandals may be inappropriate. Your brace may not fit all of your shoes but it can be modified to fit most casual shoes that are accommodating.

Always wear a clean, non-elastic cotton sock, stocking, or similar garment to reduce friction and protect from perspiration. Smooth out any wrinkles. Change socks often to reduce perspiration build up.

Moisture-wicking, seamless socks work best with AFOs. Specialized socks are available, but most snug-fitting cotton blend tube socks will work, too. Be sure to choose socks that offer a comfortable fit when paired with your AFO.

Day 1 – Wear 1 hour on, 1 hour off, up to 3 times a day. Day 2 – Wear 2 hours on, 1 hour off, up to 3 times a day. Day 3 – Wear 3 hours on, 1 hour off, up to 2 times a day. Day 4 – Wear 4 hours on, 1 hour off, up to 2 times a day.

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 your skin dry and helps prevent blisters or sores. For the best protection, wear a sock that extends past the top of your brace.

Crocs are the other wonderful AFO-friendly warmer weather footwear..

After you just sprained your ankle, a tall walking boot can be most comfortable to use. After the swelling has gone down a Stirrup or Hybrid ankle brace is best.

How many hours a day can you wear an ankle brace? ›

Should I wear the brace all day? If you have a severe ankle sprain, your doctor or physio may advise that you wear your brace all day during the first few weeks. In all other cases, ankle braces only have to be worn when you do an activity that is likely to twist or roll the ankle.

Use braces, compression, or supports should be for daytime use only. However, you can use an ankle wrap at night for extra support. Make sure the wrap stays loose enough for some movement and circulation. Do not wrap the foot as tight as you would in daytime use for more movement.

Wearing an ankle brace can cause reliance

Wearing an ankle brace for too long can cause a reliance on it instead of the natural strength of the ankle.

While sleeping with knee braces may help your body's natural healing processes, it can also come with some drawbacks. For example, prolonged wear of a knee brace during sleep can lead to skin irritation, rashes, or pressure sores, especially if the brace is not properly fitted or if your skin is sensitive.

If you're wearing tight-fitting pants, like skinny jeans or leggings, wearing the knee brace over them might be uncomfortable and restrict your movement. In these scenarios, it's better to wear your brace underneath your pants.

Our AFO bracek will work fine at the beach with the proper beach shoe or sandals. Don't be restricted to ugly medical shoes. Wear a shoe that fits your style.

Easy to put on and zip over AFO. For narrow feet, buy one size up. For wide feet, consider sizing up 2-3 sizes.