What girl doesn’t love shoes? I certainly do! And I have discovered the best tennis shoes for function. These adaptive shoes are for women out there who need to put their shoes on and go! And I am not going to lie, these shoes are cute!
The suspense must be killing you so I will divulge, finally. Last year, I discovered Billy Footwear, the brainchild of two Seattle locals: Darin Donaldson and Billy Price. These adaptive shoes have a universal design so they appeal and work for everyone.
Billy Price founded this company because after a fall from three stories up, Billy was paralyzed from the chest down. He faced a lot of mobility challenges and daily tasks, like putting on clothes, became a lot more difficult for him. He was never able to put on shoes independently, until he founded his company years later.
The first pair of Billy Footwear I got had me hooked because for first time in my life, I was able to put on my shoes independently. Anyone who has a disability or uses a power wheelchair can certainly relate to wanting to maintain independence, even with the smallest tasks! I have small feet, so before there wasn’t much choice for me. Light up shoes or Dora the Explorer at 40? No thanks! Billy Footwear feature zippers that go along the sides of the shoes and around the toe, allowing the upper of the shoe to open and fold over completely. And need more room? The soles are removable. If you wear leg braces, the shoes work for that too.
I went from one pair of these adaptive shoes at Christmas to three pairs less than a year later. I think I have a problem. So, what are you waiting for? Billy Footwear is available online so be sure to check it out!
About Alison Chancellor: Alison is a friend of Quantum. She lives in St. Louis, Missouri, where she cheers on her beloved St. Louis Blues at hockey games. Click here to learn more about Alison.