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

FAQs

What kind of shoes can I wear with an ankle brace? ›

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. Athletic shoe styles are changing all the time. It's important to know how these new styles impact the fit of an ankle brace inside the shoe.

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.

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.

However, the downside of an ankle brace is that people who wear ankle braces for prevention may be at higher risk for sustaining a knee injury. The ankle brace may impair your mobility and some of your neuromuscular control in such a way that it puts you at risk for injury elsewhere.”

Ankle splints may be used for sprains, fractures, and dislocations. You may be able to walk with an ankle splint, but often not right away. After injuries such as sprains, fractures, and dislocations occur, they usually need time to heal before weight-bearing.

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.

Like a new pair of shoes, ankle braces require a break-in period to become comfortable. When using our ankle braces, make sure to wear a long sock, and, if necessary, loosen your shoelaces to reduce friction until your brace feels comfortable.

Typically an ankle brace is considered a more rigid device. An ankle support is softer and has more mobility.

Wear Clothes With a Looser Fit

Since tighter garments will dig into the brace and make it more noticeable, loose clothes are ideal for sliding over its surface and hiding some of the bulk. The additional fabric also makes these garments easier to pull on once you've secured the brace.

Should you wear a brace all day? ›

Wearing a brace too long can be counterproductive. If a brace is worn too long, that can cause muscle weakening (atrophy) and de-conditioning of the surrounding ligaments, joints, and muscles; especially if daily exercises to strengthen the area are not done.

Some of the best ways to maximize your comfort while wearing an ankle brace include: Wear your ankle brace over socks: It's recommended that you wear thin, moisture-wicking socks under your brace to prevent blisters and maintain comfort. Don't wear it too tightly: Ensure a snug but comfortable fit.

AFOs or splints will take up extra room in your shoe. An innersole that can be removed will help allow for the extra room needed. It's important that the shoe provides stability and control of the heel. A more rigid back also makes it easier for the foot and orthosis to go into the shoe.

Walking Boots

A walking boot helps with pain and mobility. If the ankle sprain is classified as grade II, meaning a ligament is partially torn, a higher walking boot may be needed. Ankle fractures that are not severe, where the ankle is relatively stable, may require a walking boot.

Typically used for severe sprains, chronic instability, or following major injuries, ankle stabilizers also provide support and compression for all-day protection and help with pain relief.

A typical no-show sock doesn't even go past the ankle, making it ideal for classic closed back flat shoes, boat shoes, espadrilles, ballet flats, and canvas shoes. This type of sock is ideal for flats and espadrilles.

1. Post-operative shoes. Post-operative surgical shoes are specialized shoes designed to be worn immediately after surgery on an injured foot. They typically have an open-toe design, customizable options such as adjustable straps, and a non-slip sole.