BILLY Footwear: making putting you shoes on easier, one zip at a time

Sometimes the biggest innovations come from recognising that something most people take for granted isn't accessible to everyone.

For Billy Price, that something was putting on a pair of shoes.

Following a three-storey fall in 1996, Billy broke his neck, leaving him paralysed from the chest down and unable to move much of his body, including his fingers. Everyday activities that had once been straightforward suddenly became much more complicated. While he gradually developed ways to make getting dressed easier, finding shoes that he could put on independently, without compromising on style, remained a challenge.

Rather than accept that conventional footwear simply wasn't designed with people like him in mind, Billy decided to find a solution. Together with his friend Darin Donaldson, he began developing a shoe that would address his own needs. Their initial prototype became the starting point for BILLY Footwear, founded in 2015.

The idea behind universal design is simple: products and environments should be created to work for as many people as possible, regardless of their age, ability or circumstances. Billy and Darin wanted to bring that same thinking into fashion.

What makes BILLY Footwear different?

The cleverest part of BILLY Footwear is its signature zip-around opening. Rather than simply having a conventional zip down the side, the design incorporates a zip that travels around the side and towards the toe of the shoe. This allows the entire upper section to open out and fold forwards, exposing the footbed.

Instead of having to squeeze a foot through a narrow opening, the wearer can position their foot directly onto the sole before folding the upper back into place and pulling up the zip.

It's a deceptively simple idea, but one that can make a considerable difference to someone who struggles with bending, balance, dexterity, grip or restricted movement.

For wheelchair users, people living with paralysis, arthritis or reduced hand function, and those who find conventional laces and fastenings difficult to manage, this design can offer greater independence when getting dressed.

What they sell: A footwear collection for all ages and abilities

BILLY Footwear has developed an extensive collection of footwear for women, men, children and toddlers. With everything from casual trainers and everyday shoes to boots and cosy slippers, the range offers plenty of choice for different ages, occasions and individual requirements.

The Classic range brings together some of BILLY's signature high-top and low-top designs. With lace-up detailing and the clever zip opening, these shoes offer the familiar look of conventional trainers while making them considerably easier to put on and take off. Available in different colours, patterns and finishes, they provide everyday footwear with a more inclusive approach to dressing.

The D|R range has been developed with additional consideration for children who need more room and support from their footwear. These styles feature wider and deeper constructions, alongside more durable internal linings designed to withstand additional wear. They are particularly worth exploring for children who use ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) or need a little more space around their feet.

For people who need additional room for AFOs or orthotic braces, the Goat collection is one of BILLY's specialist options. Developed in collaboration with Boston Orthotics and Prosthetics, these shoes incorporate multiple removable insoles and a removable wedge to create additional internal depth. They are available in wide and extra-wide fittings, with a reinforced internal lining and robust outsole. The shorter wrap-around zip also provides a practical opening while maintaining additional durability around the toe.

The Sport Collection offers a more athletic option for everyday outings and leisurewear alongside their boots, mid-tops and cosy slippers, alongside dedicated ranges for children and toddlers. With options for both men and women, these designs offer a more traditional everyday shoe appearance with additional comfort features.

Comfort and Choice

Comfort is combined with BILLY's easy-opening zip designs and features include padded interiors, flexible outsoles and removable cushioned insoles. The removable footbeds can also provide the opportunity to accommodate personal orthotics. But BILLY Footwear also recognises that accessibility isn't simply about making shoes easier to put on. Getting the right fit is equally important.

The range includes different width options, with medium, wide and extra-wide fittings available across selected adult and children's styles. This can be particularly helpful for people who experience swelling, have wider feet, bunions or need additional room for orthotics. Depending on the design, customers can explore full-wrap, short-wrap, straight and double-zip openings.

It's this attention to the practical details that makes the collection interesting. Rather than assuming that everyone has the same requirements, BILLY has developed different designs to address different challenges.

Fashion and function

At Never Grey, we love brands that challenge the assumption that adaptive products have to look clinical, ordinary or different from mainstream alternatives. We also appreciate the options within the range that allow for an individual to choose the design, style and fit for their feet.

BILLY Footwear is a brilliant example of universal design in action. Its shoes are created for everyone, but the clever details can make an enormous difference to people who face barriers with conventional footwear. Getting dressed shouldn't be a daily battle, and finding a pair of shoes you love shouldn't depend on how easily you can bend down, grip a lace or move your fingers.