Surestep SMO for Children in Hamilton
Light, Flexible Support for Wobbly Feet and Ankles
A Surestep SMO is a thin, flexible brace that hugs your child's foot and finishes just above the ankle bones. It steadies the foot and ankle while still letting your child move, bend and play naturally.
At Foot Foundation in Hamilton, we assess your child first. If a Surestep SMO is the right fit, we custom-fit it, teach you how to use it, and review it as your child grows.
What Is a Surestep SMO?
SMO stands for supramalleolar orthosis, which simply means "above the ankle bones". The Surestep SMO is made from thin, flexible plastic that wraps closely around the foot. It is worn over a thin sock and inside your child's shoe.
It is a Dynamic Stability brace. That means it gives steadiness without holding the foot rigid, so your child still uses their own muscles and balance.
Which Children Might a Surestep SMO Help?
A Surestep SMO may be considered for children who:
have feet that roll in a lot when standing or walking (pronation)
have low muscle tone and feel floppy or tire easily (hypotonia)
have feet and ankles that wobble in several directions when standing
are not yet standing on their own
walk on their toes a little (mild toe walking)
have developmental delay, or are late sitting, standing or walking
have poor balance or coordination and trip often
It is designed for children up to about 36 kg.
How a Surestep SMO Supports Your Child
The close, snug fit gives your child's foot a steady base to stand on. This can help them feel where their feet are, stand longer, and take more confident steps. Because the brace is flexible, your child still builds their own strength and balance.
As your child develops, we review whether they still need the same support or can step down.
Wondering if an SMO suits your child?
How a Surestep SMO Supports Your Child
The close, snug fit gives your child's foot a steady base to stand on. This can help them feel where their feet are, stand longer, and take more confident steps. Because the brace is flexible, your child still builds their own strength and balance.
As your child develops, we review whether they still need the same support or can step down.
What to Expect
Assessment: we check walking, foot shape, flexibility, muscle tone and balance.
Measuring: if a Surestep SMO is right, we capture your child's foot shape for a custom fit.
Fitting: we check comfort and shoe fit, and show you how to put it on.
Break-in: you start with short wearing times and build up over a week or two.
Reviews: we check fit and progress as your child grows.
Is the Surestep SMO Right for My Child?
The Surestep SMO is often a first choice for young children with rolled-in feet or low tone. Other options may suit better if your child:
mainly walks on their toes → Toe Walking SMO
is older or heavier → Big Shot SMO
has a stiff foot shape that doesn't correct → Max Control SMO
needs more ankle control → 2-Stage AFO range
See all options on our Paediatric Orthotics page.
Everyday Life With a Surestep SMO
Shoes: most children need a supportive shoe with a wide opening, sometimes half to one size bigger.
Socks: a thin, snug sock under the SMO helps prevent rubbing.
Skin checks: light redness that fades within 20–30 minutes is normal. Marks that stay, blisters or rubbing mean we need to adjust it.
Cleaning: wipe with a damp cloth and let it air dry away from heaters.
Growth: children grow fast, so regular reviews make sure the SMO still fits well.
Wondering if an SMO suits your child?
Where We Fit Surestep SMOs in Hamilton
We see children at Hamilton East and Hamilton Central. Costs depend on your child's needs, and we explain the options and costs before anything is ordered. See our price list or meet the team.
Have a question before booking?
You can also book a paediatric podiatrist in Hamilton for a full evaluation first.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will my child wear a Surestep SMO?
It varies. Some children use one for a few months while they build strength and balance. Others use SMOs for longer, stepping into new sizes as they grow.
Can my child wear it all day?
Most children build up to wearing it for most of the day. We'll give you a gradual plan so their feet and skin can adjust.
Will it stop my child's feet from developing normally?
No. The Surestep SMO is flexible and designed to let the foot move and muscles work, not to hold the foot still.
Is a Surestep SMO the same as an insole?
No. An insole sits under the foot. An SMO wraps around the foot and ankle, giving much more support for children who need it.
Can my child do sport and play in it?
Yes, in most cases. It is designed for active children and fits inside everyday shoes.
Book a Surestep SMO Assessment in Hamilton
If your child's feet roll in, they tire quickly or their balance worries you, we can help you find out whether a Surestep SMO is the right step.
Need local support? Book a paediatric podiatrist in Hamilton.
