These Adaptable Shoes Are A Great Option For Kids With Special Needs

Moms.com

By Joanna Mazewski

Published Sep 25, 2018

The universal design of the Billy Footwear line has released new adaptive shoes that are both functional and inclusive.

Credit: billyfootwear

There’s a new shoe available that has moms from every corner screaming with glee. That’s because it’s so practical, so efficient and so affordable, that it’s almost impossible not to want to get your hands on a pair. And no, we are not talking about the latest and trendiest sneakers from a celebrity designer. Instead, it’s the Billy Footwear line, designed for children that might have special needs.

The universal design of the Billy Footwear line has released new adaptive shoes that are both functional and inclusive. In other words, they work out very well for kids of all ages and have already become a huge hit within the special needs community.

One mom, named Nicole Goodwin Hulbert, couldn’t help but gush about them on her Facebook page. She was so impressed by them, that she knew she had to buy them right after her daughter tried on a few pairs.

"Special needs moms: I'm so excited about these shoes I just found Laura at Nordstrom," she wrote. "They are BILLY brand. Where have these been all my life?! Unbelievably easy to get on over braces! She got the lavender and the gray high tops. So cute, too!"

In a nutshell, the zippered shoe designed by Billy Price appeals to kids who need help with laces, grown-ups with arthritis or basically, anyone that might be in a hurry to get out the door in the mornings.

Price came up with the idea for a shoe with a wraparound zipper. Once unzipped, the shoe’s upper opens and folds back completely, allowing people to place their feet inside unobstructed.

The zipper doesn’t require the dexterity of laces, and the design opens the shoe in a way that makes it easy to slide a foot into.

It took a while for Billy Footwear to get off the ground, so to speak. The company got quite a publicity boost when its concept was featured on an Oxygen reality series called Don’t Quit Your Day Job back in 2016. Now the brand has caught the eye of major retailers including Zappos and Nordstrom, which began stocking Billy kids’ shoes last August.

In addition, there are seven styles available for men, women and kids, including the kids’ green “Billy Club Ranger,” women’s chevron high top and men’s black casual loafer. Prices range from $50 to $110. The Billy kids’ line features slip-on and high-top styles in an assortment of materials. The retail prices range from $45 to $60.