11 Best Fitness Pro-Approved AFO Braces For Foot Drop (2024)
Take care of your foot problems the right way with the correct size, fit, and support.
Jeremy is a former US Marine and the owner of Jumping JAC’s fitness studio. He has over 10 years of professional fitness experience in training those with chronic conditions, the elderly, weight loss clients, athletes, and tactical operat... more
Aditi Naskar has a postgraduate degree in English literature from Presidency University, Kolkata, a bachelor’s degree in education from WBUTTEPA, Kolkata, and a diploma in health and wellness. She is ... more
Medha Deb is a commerce editor with a master's degree in applied linguistics from the University of Hyderabad, which has allowed her to develop a deep understanding of language and its application in ... more
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Foot drop, aka drop foot, is a medical condition where the person feels difficulty lifting the front part of the foot. This condition makes you uncomfortable while walking, and you may even need to drag the front part of your foot. This is when you need the best AFO brace for drop foot correction.
Conditions like cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, or stroke can lead to a musculoskeletal condition causing muscle weakness as the brain cannot send messages to the specific muscles in the feet.
An AFO brace helps with walking pattern correction and foot alignment. In this article, you can find the 11 best AFO braces to help people with foot drop get relief. Scroll down to learn about all of them and pick the one to test out for yourself!
In This Article
What Is An AFO Brace?
AFO is an abbreviation for Ankle Foot Orthosis. Jeremy Kring, a fitness and weight loss expert, explains, “The AFO brace supports the front of the foot and joint. It is specifically designed to limit the speed the foot plantar flexes when pushing off, and helps prevent the foot from dropping when the leg swings when walking, thereby preventing the foot from dragging or tripping.”
In the following section, we have listed the top 10 AFO braces available online that come highly rated by reviewers and help in the treatment for foot drop.
11 Best AFO Braces For Foot Drop You Must Try In 2024
1. Best Lightweight Material:Core Products FootFlexor AFO Foot Drop Brace
This AFO brace is the best mobility solution for individuals with foot drop or similar conditions that require dorsiflexion (raising the foot upwards towards the shin) support and/or assistance. It is a functional and comfortable brace. It allows an affected foot to perform naturally while walking.
It is used in gait improvement and increases confidence in one’s walking ability. The product is designed to work with most lace-up shoes and boots to provide stepping stability. The package includes a FootFlexor wrap, eyelet clips, and a tension cord that helps lift the toe while walking.
Specifications
- Weight – 4.6 ounces
Pros
- Lightweight
- Stable
Cons
- Lack of instructions on how to assemble
"This AFO foot brace offers stability and is lightweight. It has improved my gait and helped me get more confident in my walking. It works well with most of my boots and lace-up shoes. It also comes with a tension cord that helps me lift my toe when walking."
Pro Tip2. Best Value For Money:Tenbon Ankle Support AFO Brace
The Tenbon Ankle Support Ankle Foot Orthotic Brace is made of velvet fabric, sponge, plastic sheet, and nylon tape. It has a cushioned ankle wrap. This wrap is made from breathable, 3-layer material that can be worn for longer periods for ankle joint control.
The product is used to manage pain and discomfort caused by post-stroke foot drop, plantar fasciitis, stress fracture, Achilles tendonitis, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, diabetic neuropathy, muscular dystrophy, etc. It also provides a visible improvement in gait that offers support for drop foot or similar complaints. The brace is convenient for neuromuscular rehabilitation and can be worn with a laced shoe, slip-on shoe, and sandals.
Specifications
- Weight – 1.6 ounces
Pros
- Lightweight
- Value for money
- 3-layer material for comfort and extended use
- One size fits all
Cons
- Faulty velcro strip
"This foot brace is made of a 3-layer material that offers me great comfort. The ankle wrap is cushioned. This product has offered me great relief from the pain of stress fracture. I am also able to wear this with a laced shoe, making it a convenient choice for me."
3. Best Breathable Fabric:NEOFACT AFO Drop Foot Brace
Get rid of all discomfort in your feet and move freely without tension by wearing a NEOFACT AFO foot brace. This orthopedic device provides amazing lateral support and gives a comfortable cushion to minimize any discomfort due to nerve injuries, muscle tension sclerosis, peripheral neuropathy, and neurological disorders. This adjustable foot brace helps you to improve mobility and gain much-needed confidence for pain-free movement. The bolster is lightweight, comfortable, and easy to wear. It can be used during walking, resting and sleeping, and other activities. It is made of high-quality neoprene, which makes the brace breathable and skin-friendly. It has an ergonomic open-heel design approved by expert physical therapists and comes with 3 high tension straps along with 1 low tension strap, providing heel strike assistance and lower extremity support. These straps are relaxed and allow proper blood circulation while also correcting your limb movement and walking pattern.
Specifications
- Weight – 4.6 ounces
Pros
- Ergonomic design
- High-quality material
- Approved by therapists
- Comfortable to wear
- Ideal for indoor and outdoor use
- Fit for everyday wear
- Easy to put on
- Comfortable
- Lightweight
- Skin-friendly
- Breathable
Cons
- Expensive
"This AFO foot brace is made of high-quality material and has an ergonomic design. I find it extremely comfortable to wear as well. It is also good for everyday usage. I can use this both indoors and outdoors. The foot brace is very easy to put on as well, making it my favorite product."
Core Products FootFlexor AFO Foot Drop Brace Best Lightweight Material | Tenbon Ankle Support AFO Brace Best Value For Money | NEOFACT AFO Drop Foot Brace Best Breathable Fabric | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | - | 4.3 x 0.2 x 4.3 inches | 12 x 8.5 x 1 inches |
| Weight | - | 1.45 Ounces | 4.66 Ounces |
| Color | - | - | Black |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 138 | 680 | - |
| Price | $56.13 | $22.99 | $53.9 |
4. Best Durable Material:Furlove AFO Brace
The Furlove AFO Brace is made from velvet fabric, sponge, plastic sheet, and nylon tape. It has a cushioned ankle wrap. It is made from breathable, 3-layer material that can be worn for a long period. The sole of the foot brace can be removed during the day and can be used with shoes and shoelaces.
The sole and ankle part of the brace can be connected at night to correct its use and prevent rebound. The foot brace has contact buckles and magic paste closures that allow for easy adjustment. The walking aid is suitable for people with stroke foot drop, plantarflexion resistance, Achilles tendonitis, muscular dystrophy, neuromuscular weakness, etc. Check out some online reviews of this product to make an informed decision.
Specifications
- Weight – 4.2 ounces
Pros
- Easy to use
- Durable
- Sturdy
- Cushioned ankle strap for added comfort
Cons
- Faulty velcro and straps
"This AFO brace is easy to use. I can wear this one for long periods. I can also remove the sole of this foot brace to use it with shoes and shoelaces. I have used it for a few months now and have notices no signs of wear."
5. Best Flexible Design:Push Ortho AFO Brace
The Push Ortho AFO Brace has a unique strapping system that allows for an adjustable level of dorsiflexion. This unique strapping system also gives the ability to wear the brace with a wide variety of shoe styles.
It comes with flexible material and gives users added comfort. It improves one’s ability to walk on uneven surfaces and even climb stairs. It has adjustable levels of dorsiflexion assistance for all stages of recovery during orthopedic rehabilitation.
Specifications
- Weight – 2.2 pounds
Pros
- Flexible
- Stable
- Unique design allows for wearing brace with different shoe styles
Cons
- Not durable
"This flexible AFO foot brace comes with a unique strapping system that lets me wear this with a number of different kinds of shoes. The material of the product is flexible and feels comfortable. I find it easier to climb stairs while wearing this foot brace."
6. Best For Daily Use:Step-Smart Drop AFO Brace
The Step-Smart Drop AFO Brace is low-profile, lightweight, and energy efficient. It offers functionality and comfort. It is an articulated brace that maintains ankle action and feeling and flexibility in the toes. It also has shock absorption at heel strike and natural toe breaks.
It has a patented “Jacob Joint” technology that allows one brace type to be used by many, alleviating foot drop symptoms. Another added advantage of this brace is that many insurance companies cover it under their policy.
Specifications
- Weight – 10.2 ounces
Pros
- Lightweight
- Stable
- Jacob Joint technology allows one brace type for many foot drop symptoms
- Covered by several insurance company policies
Cons
- Not durable
"This AFO brace is lightweight and effective. It offers both comfort and functionality. It helps me to maintain my ankle action and keeps the toes flexible. Despite being lightweight this brace is quite stable as well."
Pro Tip7. Best For Sciatica:Orthomen Ankle AFO Brace
The Orthomen Ankle AFO Brace is durable and lightweight. It gives medial/lateral support for unstable ankles as well as greater rigidity to resist muscle spasms. It fits easily into any footwear. It gives excellent stability.
This foot brace is suitable for people with peroneal nerve injury or sciatica nerve lesions. The brace is made of durable PP material. This bilateral AFO is specifically designed for both the left and right feet. Click on the video for an in-depth review of the product along with the reviewer’s experience.
Specifications
- Weight – 5 ounces
Pros
- Lightweight
- Fits easily into any footwear
- Durable
Cons
- Could be flimsy
"This AFO foot brace is durable and yet lightweight. My ankle stability has improved since I started using this product. I have also noticed that my muscle spasms have reduced because of this foot brace. It also fits into any of my footwear, making it a really convenient choice for me."
8. Best Fit:Mars Wellness AFO Brace
The Mars Wellness AFO Brace provides static dorsiflexion assistance and lateral stability for the entire foot-ankle area. It has an injection molding that allows for a thicker polyethylene. It is vertical and ensures rigidity. The low arch and open heel give the splint a streamlined profile that fits easily into any shoe. A padded hook-and-loop strap secures the brace around the calf.
It is designed to aid foot drop that is related to CVA or nerve palsy or heel cord tightness. The brace supports the foot in a proper position. Its anatomical design also compensates for atrophy, avoids calcaneus irritation and provides optimal flexibility of the toes.
Specifications
- Weight – 3.2 ounces
Pros
- Lightweight
- Value for money
- Streamlined profile allows the brace to fit in any shoe
- Optimal flexibility to the toes
Cons
- May get damaged easily
- Not durable
"This AFO foot brace has helped me stabilize my entire ankle-foot area. It also fits inside any of the shoes with ease. The product offers a great deal of flexibility for my toes. It also comes with a padded hook-and-loop strap that keeps it secure around the calf."
9. Best Comfort:AliMed Swedish AFO Brace
The AliMed Swedish AFO Brace is an injection molded polypropylene splint for joint stability. It provides static dorsiflexion assistance and lateral stability for the entire foot-ankle area. The injection molding allows for a thicker polypropylene on the vertical aspect for better rigidity.
It may also be trimmed with a pair of ordinary scissors to make a thinner footplate. The brace can fit into any shoe, thanks to the low arch and open heel. It also comes with a padded hook-and-strap that secures it around the calf.
Specifications
- Weight – 4.8 ounces
Pros
- Lightweight
- Comes with a padded hook and strap
- Can be easily trimmed for comfort
Cons
- Can get easily damaged
- Not durable
- Provides no support/flimsy
"This lightweight AFO foot brace helps me with my joint stability. I can fit this brace in any shoe. It comes with an open heel, making it convenient to use. Moreover, it also has a padded hook-and-strap helping to keep it well-fitted around the calf."
10. Best Sturdy Material:Ossur AFO Leaf Spring Foot Brace
The Ossur AFO Leaf Spring Foot Brace is a pre-fabricated polypropylene ankle-foot orthosis for severe foot pain. It is designed to support a flaccid drop foot (where the foot cannot move at all). It provides support for the toes and has a thin, flexible foot plate that is easy to trim.
There is no heel in this foot-ankle brace, making it more comfortable to wear. It also provides a better fit to shoes. This brace comes in small and medium sizes. It is suitable for people with an average height of 5 feet 8 inches. The brace’s variable thickness also offers strength.
Specifications
- Weight – 4 ounces
Pros
- Lightweight
- Sturdy
- Value for money
- The absence of a heel makes it more comfortable
Cons
- No return policy
"This lightweight foot brace has helped me well with my severe foot pain. The product comes without a heel, making it comfortable to wear. It also provides good support for my toes. I have noticed that it is quite sturdy. Happy with the purchase."
11. Best For All Kind Of Shoes:Ossur Foot-Up Drop Foot Brace
The Ossur’s Foot-Up Drop Brace provides dynamic bracing support for drop foot, plantar fasciitis, Parkinson’s disease, and disorders that require dorsiflexion support. It lifts the toes and keeps the ankle in alignment while supporting the foot.
The plastic inlay fits between the tongue and shoe laces which remains invisible when worn. The cushioned ankle wrap is designed with a breathable, three-layer material. The adjustable ankle cuff fits comfortably, and the foot-up helps improve your gait. Take a quick look at the video and gather some expert perspective on the Ossur Foot Up Drop Foot Base. Find out how to carry on with normal walking, jogging, or light running while wearing the brace.
Specifications
- Weight – 3.98 ounces
Pros
- Lightweight
- Suitable for all kinds of shoes
- Ideal for daily use
- Breathable
- Comfortable wear
- Includes a plastic shoe inlay
Cons
- The velcro straps are unstable
"This foot brace is a good choice for daily use. It lifts my toes and keeps my ankles in alignment. This helps my feet to get the support that I need. The ankle wrap of the brace is cushioned, making it comfortable to wear. The ankle cuff is also adjustable."
How To Find The Best AFO Brace – A Buying Guide
1. Style & Design – There are various types of foot drop orthotic braces with different styles. The two usual styles are boot braces and lightweight braces. The boot styles are usually bulkier, and the lightweight versions are much lighter as they are made of breathable material. Choose a brace that is suitable for you and will ensure free movement after your Foot injury. A lightweight brace is usually preferable as it does not put stress on your legs and improves abnormal gait patterns.
2. Comfort – You should consider a brace that is not too tight. It must stay in place and offer ankle stability. A brace must also go well with most types of shoes.
3. Material – The braces available on the market are made from various materials, like lightweight cotton, nylon, neoprene, foam, and composite plastics. Nylon and neoprene materials are known for being lightweight and give you more flexibility. The foams offer better support and stability. The foams offer better support and stability. They also offer better comfort without any skin abrasion. Pick the one that suits your needs.
AFO braces allow those with the foot drop condition, whether it is a temporary or permanent condition, to return to their normal lives. But regardless of the cause, the brace allows for better recovery and quality of life. Speak to your primary care provider, wellness consultant, or doctor to understand your requirements in order to choose a brace that suits you the best.
Infographic: Safety Tips For Wearing AFO Braces
AFO braces can be a great corrective tool for foot support and therapeutic recovery. They come in varied designs and styles for you to choose from. When picking one for your foot size, it is essential to know the specifications and usage guidelines. To prevent the risk of injury, check the safety tips for wearing AFO braces from the infographic below.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Foot drop is a very uncomfortable condition that can be reversed and taken care of quite easily through physical therapy, braces, or splints. The best AFO braces for foot drop help solve mobility problems by providing proper assistance and support. The Core Products FootFlexor AFO Foot Drop Brace is versatile and works with almost any footwear, and for managing pain and discomfort, opt for the Tenbon Ankle Support AFO Brace as it gives support to your foot. For ultimate comfort and proper blood circulation, try the NEOFACT AFO Drop Foot Brace. The above-listed products are lightweight, easy to use, durable, and made of comfortable material. These braces are available in different designs, fits, and materials. Refer to the reviews and buying guide to make a choice according to your needs. Finally, consult with a physiologist or a medical professional to understand the impact of these braces and how they affect your posture and overall physical health.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a foot drop take to heal?
A foot drop may take up to 6 weeks to heal. However, it may take longer if the injury is severe. Other medical conditions and major injuries may cause a permanent foot drop condition.
What shoes are best for treating foot drop?
Shoes that hold the ankle more firmly are good. High top tennis shoes seem to be the ideal choice. Many orthopedic surgeons and orthotic/prosthetic practitioners recommend cross trainers for the condition.
Does foot drop cause balance problems?
Yes, a foot drop may cause balance problems.
Can I sleep in lightweight braces?
You can sleep in lightweight braces. It is recommended you speak to your primary care provider as they may direct you to wear it while sleeping. This makes selecting a comfortable brace even more important.
How long should you wear an AFO brace?
An AFO brace is worn for up to 4 hours. Recheck your skin after 4 hours and if you don’t find any swelling and the skin is just pink in color, you can reapply the brace for the next 4 hours. If you find any discoloration or discomfort, discontinue use.
What type of brace is used for drop foot?
AFO brace is used to treat foot drops. The brace can be either solid or hinged. A solid AFO is used in severe cases.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author of this article, Aditi Naskar, has a diploma in health and wellness. She is passionate about providing researched-backed articles to her readers. She went through multiple reviews and user feedback to handpick products that were of high quality. She understands that the best AFO braces minimize ankle and foot flexion. Besides that, the braces also provide great support for drop foot or similar complaints.
