As your pedorthist, we like to try to stay current in what’s available in footwear. Sometimes our clients show us some really great shoes they’ve come across as well that we thought we’d share with you.
One of our younger clients has cerebral palsy and his parents showed us some great shoes that work for him. The little guy is affected on one side of the body where the muscles contract or spasm, especially his foot. This makes it extremely difficult for him to put on his shoes. Most shoes, the opening isn’t wide or big enough for the foot to enter without causing spasms to the foot and toes. Rather than struggling to wiggle the little guy’s feet into the shoes, these shoes have zippers that open the shoe down to the toes, allowing the foot to simply drop in. While we’ve seen the concept before, I must admit the shoes always looked orthopedic and would definitely make it difficult for a child to blend in at school. But these shoes were different—they looked like everyday regular shoes!!!
The brand is Billy Footwear and was created by a gentleman who needed such a shoe but hated the look of what was available. Now there are styles for men, women, children in so many different styles of shoes and boots.
So who could this style of shoe work for?
Anyone with a fused foot or ankle unable to flex enough to get into a shoe
Disorders that create tight or involuntary spastic muscles (like cerebral palsy)
While wearing an ankle brace or AFO
Needing an alternative entry system to footwear
Have you found an interesting type of shoe? Don’t be afraid to tell us about it so we can share with others who might be looking for the same thing!!
#zipperedshoes #cerebralpalsy #footwearthatfits #SOSforyourfeet #SOLEtechnique #certifiedpedorthist