Medica Sydney School – Supportive Closed-Toe Orthopaedic Sandals for Everyday Wear

The Medica Sydney School is a specialised closed-toe orthopaedic sandal designed to provide dependable support to the lower leg, ankle, and foot. Part of the AFO Alternative collection, this model is ideal for children who need enhanced ankle and lower-leg stability — offering more structure than ankle-height orthopaedic footwear, but greater comfort and flexibility than a full ankle-foot orthosis (AFO).

Crafted from high-quality real leather with a protective waxed coating, the Sydney School combines lasting durability with a polished, school-ready appearance. Its closed-toe design protects toes during active play and school activities, while an extended-height stiffener and Thomas Heel assist in maintaining alignment and balance. Four adjustable Velcro straps provide easy, secure fitting for everyday use, both at school and during therapy.

Support Features

• Extended Lower-Leg Support: Reinforced upper providing firm stability through the ankle and lower leg.

• High Heel Counter: Wrap-around heel support promotes alignment and stability.

• Thomas Heel: Assists heel positioning and supports balanced gait control.

• Midrange Sole Flexibility: Provides moderate flexibility for natural yet stable movement.

• Lightweight Construction: Reduces fatigue while maintaining dependable support.

• Closed-Toe Protection: Shields toes while allowing breathable comfort for daily wear.

• Premium Leather Build: Real waxed leather upper with soft leather lining for comfort and durability.

• Easy Fastening: Four Velcro straps for quick, secure adjustment by parents, carers, or therapists.

• Custom Innersole Options: Fixed leather innersole available flat (for orthotics) or with built-in medial arch support.

Ideal For Children With

• Mildly increased muscle tone requiring firm ankle and lower-leg stability for controlled movement

• Moderate low muscle tone or hypermobility where additional structure aids balance and alignment

• Foot and ankle alignment challenges benefiting from consistent lower-limb guidance

• Motor coordination or balance difficulties requiring secure, supportive footwear

• Developing independence in walking, therapy, or school settings

• Need for structured support offering more stability than ankle-height footwear but less rigidity than a full AFO

Clinical Insight

The Medica Sydney School is designed for children who need reliable lower-limb support throughout the school day. Its extended stiffener stabilises the ankle and lower leg, while the Thomas Heel improves rearfoot control for smoother, more confident movement. The closed-toe design offers both protection and practicality, making it suitable for school use, active play, and therapy participation.

Fit Adjustment and Additional Pads

The Medica Sydney School comes with one pair of Velcro pads to help achieve a more secure and comfortable fit. These pads thread onto the Velcro straps, allowing the straps to sit more snugly across the foot and reducing excess space. For children with narrower feet or to fine-tune fit across multiple straps, additional Velcro Pad Pairs are available separately and can be purchased here (additional cost applies).