If you have a child who wears braces, you know it is hard to find shoes to fit. These shoes are very well made, they last for at least 6 months, which is saying a lot for any children's shoe, and they offer plenty of room for the AFO when the insert is removed. If wearing the show without a brace, it has the best orthotic insole I have ever seen, with a deep heel cup and a generous arch support, wide toe box, etc. And having this shoe open completely from the back has changed our morning routine completely - so much easier to get the shoe on without forcing his foot into the heel area!