Stepping Into Something New

Earlier in August was my birthday, and my thoughtful husband surprised me with a pair of new trainers! My trusty pair from Friendly Shoes had definitely seen better days after years of service.

If you wear an Ankle-Foot Orthosis (AFO), you already know the struggle: finding shoes that actually fit over a rigid orthotic is an absolute nightmare. On top of that, living with the use of only one arm means laces are a hassle I just can’t be bothered with on a daily basis. Adaptive footwear isn't just a luxury for me, it's an absolute necessity.

Here is how my transition from Friendly Shoes to Billy Footwear Boots has been going so far!

First Impressions: Style, colour, & Design

The moment I unboxed them, I loved the look. These Billy Inclusion Trail Boots hit that sweet spot between functional outdoor gear and stylish everyday footwear.

• Colour Palette: They feature a deep, rich navy blue. What really makes them pop are the subtle lilac/purple accents along the rubber outsole tread, woven into the round patterned laces, and highlighting the top stitching. Purple happens to also be the colour of my latest orthotic.
  
  
• Style: They have a high-top, trail-boot aesthetic with a sturdy, cushioned off-white midsole. They look like modern hiking trainers rather than adaptive shoes, which is a huge win.

The Big Difference: Zip Mechanics

I’ve been fiercely loyal to Friendly Shoes for years, mostly because I was so used to their rear-zip design (zipping up around the heel).

Billy Footwear does things a bit differently. These boots feature a full wrap-around zipper system that opens up from the side and folds completely open over the top toe box, revealing the inner footbed.

Getting Them On

Because the zip positioning was new to me, I initially needed my husband’s help getting them on while getting used to the mechanism.

When putting them over my vibrant purple AFO, you have to peel the entire front flap completely back out of the way to clear the footbed.

Once you get the foot and orthotic positioned and clear the top flap back over, you simply zip it closed.

The Verdict: Fit & Comfort

Once they were zipped up, the difference was clear: they are super comfortable and feel amazingly snug.The cushioned ankle collar holds the brace securely without pinching, and the deep footbed accommodates the extra depth needed for an orthotic.

They provide brilliant ankle support, and the grip on the sole feels ready for any walk.

My Wish List for Adaptive Shoe Brands

While I'm really enjoying these Billy Boots (and still love Friendly Shoes!), there’s still one major industry-wide hurdle I wish both brands would address: mismatched sizing options.

Like many AFO wearers, I need a larger size and wider fit on my brace side to clear the bulk of the plastic orthotic. However, my AFO-free foot is normal size and could really do with a size down! Having to buy a single pair based on the larger foot means the other foot is always floating around in an oversized shoe.

Dear Billy Shoes & Friendly Shoes: Please consider allowing customers, like Schuh do, to order mix-and-match sizing for single shoes! It would make a world of difference for adaptive shoe wearers everywhere.

Overall, despite the initial learning curve with the fold-over top zip, my birthday Billy Boots are a massive success. They look great, feel secure, and make independent living that much easier!