If you have drop foot, you may have been told that heeled shoes are a thing of the past. For many people, that loss is one of the hardest parts of living with the condition — no more dressing up, no more feeling like themselves.
That doesn’t have to be the case.
At Hampshire Orthotics in Romsey, Hampshire, we design and supply bespoke solutions that many people are told aren’t possible: a carbon fibre AFO integrated directly into a custom heeled shoe, built as a single, seamless unit. No separate orthosis. No bulky fittings. Just a beautifully made heeled shoe that delivers the support you need for drop foot.
What is an Integrated AFO Heeled Shoe?
A traditional ankle foot orthosis (AFO) for drop foot sits inside the shoe as a separate device. This works well with flat, wide footwear such as trainers, but it makes wearing heeled shoes extremely difficult, if not impossible.
An integrated AFO heeled shoe works in a completely different way. The carbon fibre AFO is built directly into the structure of the shoe during manufacture, creating one seamless bespoke unit.
The result is a heeled shoe that looks and feels like a conventional shoe, while still providing the ankle support and foot clearance needed to manage drop foot safely and comfortably.
Who is This Solution For?
This custom-made heel is ideal for anyone who:
- Has drop foot and has been told they can no longer wear heeled shoes
- Misses being able to dress up and wear the shoes they love
- Finds it impossible to fit a standard AFO inside heeled footwear
- Wants a discreet, stylish alternative to traditional drop foot orthoses
- Requires a fully bespoke orthopaedic solution tailored to their individual needs
What Causes Drop Foot?
Drop foot (also known as foot drop) is a condition where weakness or paralysis of the muscles that lift the front part of the foot makes it difficult to raise the foot when walking. It can be caused by a range of conditions, including stroke, multiple sclerosis (MS), Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, nerve injury and other neurological or muscular conditions.
An AFO works by holding the foot in a functional position, preventing the toe from dragging and improving walking safety and efficiency.
The Assessment and Fitting Process
Every integrated AFO heel shoe is completely made to measure. At your initial appointment at our clinic in Romsey, Hampshire, we will carry out a full clinical assessment including:
- Assessment of your drop foot and ankle function
- Detailed measurements and foot imprints or scans
- Discussion of your lifestyle, footwear preferences and design choices
- Selection of heel height, style, materials and colours
A test fitting appointment is then arranged before the final shoe is manufactured and delivered. Six weeks of fine-tuning adjustments are included in the price, ensuring the fit is refined for comfort, function, and confidence in everyday wear.
Why Choose Hampshire Orthotics?
I am Lucy Best, an HCPC-registered orthotist with over 30 years of clinical experience. Hampshire Orthotics is a private clinic based at Embley Park, Romsey, Hampshire, offering a wide range of bespoke orthotic and footwear services to patients across the South of England.
I work closely with specialist manufacturing partners to ensure every pair of custom orthopaedic shoes meets the highest clinical and quality standards - while also reflecting your personal style. Every stage of the process is carefully managed, from initial assessment and precise measurement through to fitting, adjustment, and final delivery. This ensures not only an excellent clinical outcome but also a high level of craftsmanship, comfort, and durability in the finished footwear.
Patients receive a fully personalised service throughout, with expert clinical oversight at every step and close attention to detail to ensure the final result is both medically effective and aesthetically considered.
Find Out More
To find out more about integrated AFO heeled shoes or any of our bespoke orthopaedic footwear services, please get in touch.
Tel: 023 8000 5505
Email: lucybest@hampshire-orthotics.co.uk
Website: www.hampshire-orthotics.co.uk