The Best SMO-Friendly Shoes for Summer: Parent-Tested Picks for Orthotics
Finding shoes that work with SMOs or AFOs is a year-round challenge & summer adds its own unique twist. You want something breathable, functional, and ideally cute enough to go with shorts, swimsuits, and whatever adventure your kid is heading toward. We've tried a lot over the years, and these are the shoes we've personally used and loved for hot-weather days, water play, casual outings, and everything in between. To help keep this site running, some of the links below are affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
👟 Our Favorite SMO-Friendly Summer Shoes
1. Crocs
Crocs work with orthotics! We typically size up one size, though I know a mom who swears by two. They’re great as house shoes or for casual summer fun — not the best support for playgrounds, but excellent for easy on/off and letting kids customize their own style.
2. BILLY Classic High Tops
We lived in these all summer for four years straight. While high tops might not be your first thought for summer, they look surprisingly great with shorts, completely cover orthotics, and gave my son a boost of confidence every time he wore them. We usually went with the classic grey, but this year we’re loving the crisp white for a fresh, summery look.
3. See Kai Run Adapt II
Stylish and low-profile — great for outings where you still want orthotic coverage but in a breathable summer shoe. We love how they pair with bright colors and shorts.
→ Shop Here (grey)
4. BILLY Retro Jogger (Blue + Fuchsia)
Cool, retro, and definitely summer-ready. These are adaptive, easy to zip, and fun for kids who want something sporty and bright.
💡 Pro Tips for Summer Shoe Shopping with SMOs or AFOs
Look for wide openings or full zippers. Shoes with side or front zips make it much easier to get orthotics in without a struggle (no more forcing or bending!).
Check for removable insoles. Taking out the insole can create extra space for the brace without needing to size up drastically.
Prioritize breathable materials. Summer heat + orthotics can lead to sweaty feet fast. Mesh panels or lightweight fabrics help keep things cooler.
Know that some brands sell single shoes. If you need two different sizes — or just one shoe — brands like BILLY Footwear let you mix and match.
Skip the laces. While we’ve spent our fair share of time in New Balance sneakers, we quickly learned the value of shoes that don’t require tying. The options in this post focus on convenience and comfort, without the daily lace-up struggle.
Try before committing (if possible). Some shoes that say they’re orthotic-friendly still don’t work for everyone. Read reviews from other parents and look for flexible return policies when testing new brands.
🌞 Wrapping It Up
Finding the right summer shoes for orthotics can be tricky, but once you discover what works, it makes a world of difference. These picks have worked well for us, and we hope they help you too.
Want even more options? Check out our original post: 7 Great Shoe Options for Kiddos with SMO Orthotics. It’s packed with year-round favorites, and we update it with new adaptive brands as we discover them.
And if you’ve found an amazing orthotic-friendly shoe for summer, drop it in the comments! We’re always looking to learn from this community.
