How to Order Shoes for Two Different Size Feet With a Brace or AFO

When ordering shoes to accommodate a brace or an AFO, it can be a challenge to find a shoe with a wide enough opening and the width needed to allow the brace to fit in the shoe.  It can be even harder if you have only one foot that needs room for a brace or AFO and the other foot is a regular size resulting in a mismatched shoe size. Additionally, many shoe manufacturers do not offer mismatched shoe sizes for purchase.

However, there are a select few shoe manufacturers that do offer mismatched shoe sizes. Below is an actual customer testimony describing their foot condition and how we worked with them to find a mismatched shoe that fit their AFO.

Customer’s Message Describing Foot Condition

“My knee gave out on me February 2017 when I fell and hyperextended my right knee, pushing my knee past its normal range of motion and in the wrong direction. When that happened, it severed 3 of 4 ligaments in my knee (almost severed the 4^th too) and completely severed the nerve going to my foot, the nerve that is used to lift your foot up. As a result of the fall, a piece of my leg bone was also broken. The bone fragment and the ligaments were all repaired during surgery. During my next surgery, the nerve that was severed was expected to be repaired but the nerve was too severely damaged and could not be repaired. The 3^rd and final surgery was to extend the Achilles tendon to help stabilize the foot. The result of the surgeries did not end as I had hoped. I now have drop foot and must wear a brace on my right foot, ankle and up my leg. Drop foot occurs when the muscle is too weak to lift the foot. My custom brace is made with a spring that provides lift assistance to simulate the motion of walking. It basically allows me to move my foot up and down like I used to before the injury. The brace really helps but it is hard to find shoes that fit over the spring. Additionally, my other foot is still the same size. I need mismatched shoes to accommodate my feet.  Is there a way to order a pair of mismatched shoes?”

How To Get The Right Mismatched Shoe Size For Your Feet

Even though it is uncommon for retailers to offer mismatch shoe ordering, we do offer this service on select styles.  To get started on ordering a mismatch shoe size, you will need the measurements of the feet to order the correct sizes.

It can be hard to get it right the first try and mismatch shoe orders are non-returnable items. If you are unsure of your size even after measuring, we suggest ordering the same size shoes for the braced foot first. You can then return the item and order the mismatch shoes.

How to Measure Your Feet for Ordering Mismatch Shoes

Using a measuring tape obtain the below dimensions in inches while standing. Measure the foot with the brace on - you may need assistance in order to get an accurate measurement. Also, we will need measurements for both feet. Note the graphic below for placement of your measuring tape and obtain the following measurements. The foot can also be traced on a piece of paper, then you can use the tracing to measure the length and width of the foot.

• •        Net Foot Length(L): From heel to longest toe, measure the longest part of the foot.
  •        Flat Ball Width(W): Measure the widest parts of the foot.
  •        Ball Girth(B), Instep Girth(I), & Heel Girth(H): Measure the circumference - all the way around the foot.

After we receive the measurements, we can make suggestions as to styles and sizes to accommodate your needs.

Although, we do our best to get it right on the first order, in some instances we may need to exchange the item. In the example noted above we suggested the customer try the Mt. Emey 9108 as it features a wide toe box and wide opening for easy entry into the shoe. However, we were slightly off on the sizing as the brace proved more difficult to fit. We did exchange the shoes and were successful in finding a shoe that fit over the brace.

As you can see in the photo, one foot is substantially larger than the other as a result of the brace. The springs on the side required a shoe with a much wider width than the other foot.

Customer’s Message Offering Feedback on Mismatched Shoe

“I got the shoes today and it fits!!!! You don't know what an amazing feeling it is to have a shoe that fits this brace let alone matching shoes! Thank you so much!!!!”

Contact Us for Help with Mismatched Shoes

If you need to order mismatched shoes, give us a call today at 657-333-8002 or email customerservice@flowfeet.com and we can work with you to get the right fit for your shoe needs.

**It is advisable to consult a health-care professional such as a doctor or podiatrist before taking action based on any information found on our website. Our goal is to provide information and educate others on a number of issues relating to foot health, not give medical instruction.

About author:

Derek Roach is a foot health specialist and has worked in the foot health industry for over 10 years. He is knowledge in various foot conditions and shoe features to help with those conditions. Also, he has been quoted on CNN, The Penny Hoarder, HuffPost, Dapper Confidential and other popular publications for foot and shoe-related topics.