All AFO/orthotic wearers know how difficult it can be to find functional shoes for AFOs, and if you want style, then it can seem almost impossible. I can’t tell you how many hours I have spent trying to find shoes that fit my AFO’s that actually look stylish. I recall a particularly embarrassing situation when my brace got stuck in a pair of boots, and my mom and I spent over an hour in the store trying to get it out. The employees just stood there watching us struggle to get the brace out of the boot. This instance made me very frustrated and insecure, and made me think that there has to be a brand out there who makes shoes for people like me. Well, I’ve found just that, and I want to share it with the Trend-Able Tribe.
You may have already heard of the brand, it is called Billy Footwear. These shoes have completely changed the way I think about shoes. I now get excited when I need a new pair of shoes, instead of dreading it. Billy Footwear comes in many different styles and colors. They have low tops and high tops, boots, and more. They come in men’s, women’s, and kids’ sizes and styles. I am 21 years old and am pretty small, so I am able to fit in both the kids and women’s sizes. I love Billy Footwear for so many reasons and I wanted to share these with the Trend-Able Tribe.
I love how the Billy Footwear all zip; this makes it super easy to slip my braces in and out of the shoe. I can’t tell you how long it takes me to put on other pairs of shoes. I always hate taking off my shoes anywhere I go, because it is such a pain to get them back on. Who wants their friends watching them struggle trying to put their shoes on, or who wants to feel rude while keeping their shoes on in a friend’s house? But with Billy’s, I am able to take them on and off wherever I go and don’t have to worry if I can get them back on easily.
Another awesome thing about Billy’s is that you can get your shoes in two different sizes without paying extra. If you’re like me, I wear two different types of braces which makes finding pairs of shoes quite difficult. In the past, I have had to buy two pairs of the same shoes in different sizes just, so I can fit both of my braces, but not with Billy’s. They have a video on how you can order two different sizes of the same shoe. Below are the two different braces I wear.
The zipper also makes it easier for my fingers. I have tremors in my hands, and zipping a shoe is definitely easier than trying to tie it. Billy Footwear has so many styles and colors for that it’s hard not to fall in love. I have three pairs of Billy shoes and could literally buy their whole line of shoes. I appreciate that they have shoes for all occasions.
I am a junior in college, enrolled in a five-year accelerated occupational therapy program, and we have to present a lot in classes. I love how their shoes tie in with my professional outfits. Until I found Billy, I was always stressed about finding the right pair of shoes to help me look professional, while being functional with my braces, and Billy has allowed me to do this. As an OT major, I am on the floor a lot without shoes, and having shoes that make it easy for me to take my braces on and off quickly is truly amazing. Billy Footwear has helped boost my confidence, not only as an individual, but as an upcoming Pediatric Occupational Therapist. I can’t wait to share this amazing brand with my future clients and am so excited to share them with you! So, thank you to Billy Footwear for creating such an amazing brand! You are allowing people like me to make their mark and leave a footprint in the world with your adaptive shoes.
Below are links to the styles I have and love. Click on the images or bolted text to shop:
So, to the Trend-Able Tribe, I hope this makes your shoe shopping a little easier and less frustrating! Go leave your mark on the world!!!!!!
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Thank you for posting this. My teenage daughter (with a lift built in to her non-AFO shoe) is mortified every time she puts her shoes on. Why is finding an extra wide shoe to fit an AFO SO HARD! I hate it. She hates it. Thank you for posting these. I’m hoping they work for her.
Hi Sarah, Ugh! I know which is exactly why I created Trend-Able. Please reach out to me personally for help finding young looking cool shoes that will fit.
I luv Billy shoes having AFO and a shoe lift. The only issue I’ve had with Billy shoes is making sure the sole can be adapted for the lift.
Hi Cori,
I just recently found out about Billy Shoes, bought a pair of high top canvas, and love love love them… Do you know if they make indoor/outdoor slippers that would work with my AFO? Or another kind?? I’m so happy I found you!
Thanks,
Gigi
Hi GIgi
I am so glad you found us too!
Here’s a link to some slippers that should work. Please reach out anytime if you have questions. https://shopstyle.it/l/bnbys
I am glad I came across this blog!! I have a teenager with an AFO that I just spent 40 min trying to cram her foot into her school shoe!!!!!, which I bought 3 sizes too big. I cut them, unlooped the leather laces……. ugh $100 down the drain. Back to the store in attempts to find a teenager shoe that she will not be mortified with. Why is this sooooooo hard!!!
Hi Beth,
I’m glad you found me too! It’s hard enough to be a teenager without the stress of wearing old person shoes. I totally get it and that’s why I created this website. You should take a look at some of the posts as they have shopping links. I’m glad you found me too! It’s hard enough to be a teenager without the stress of wearing old person shoes. I totally get it and that’s why I created this website. You should take a look at some of the posts as they have shopping links. Please reach out if you have any questions. I rarely buy shoes in store as they typically do not sell extra wide cute ones.
Hi Beth,
I’m not sure how I missed this! I hope you were able to find shoes that fit your teen ? Please reach out anytime! Lainie
Thanks for the post! I’d love to try them but they look heavy. Are they?
They are not heavy at all! I would say the typical weight of a normal shoe.
I’ve researched Billy footwear!! What a great concept for afos!!! I need to purchase them now! Thanks for all you do !!
Yes, they work so well with AFOs!
I’ve always wanted to try them, but didn’t know they had so many cute adult styles now! Thanks for the informative post, Cori!
Of course! I love helping in any way that I can.
great news. I am now wearing ugly black work shoes because theyfit my braces. Gave up looking long ago. you gave me inspiration to try again. ty
I love billy shoes!
Love all the tips. Will stay connected for future tips. Thanks so much!
I love Billy shoes. Before they were selling ones for adults, I bought the biggest kid size – turquoise high tops. But they were too small. Great that they are making them for adults, but totally boring high top colors. I think I’ll wait some more.
I love the kids and adults pairs!