Buying shoes online is convenient, especially if getting to a store is hard or you live far from specialist shops. But orthopedic and adaptive shoes are not like ordinary sneakers. Width, depth, closures and room for a brace or insole all matter, and a small error can turn into a pair that sits unused in the cupboard.
Here are seven mistakes we see most often, and how to avoid each one. If you want a longer walk-through on measuring, read our guide to sizing adaptive footwear with confidence.
1. Guessing by age instead of foot length
Many parents order "age 5" or "age 7" shoes because it feels simple. But children of the same age have very different feet, and sizes are not standard from one brand to the next. The reliable method is to measure the foot length and compare it with the brand's size chart.
- Measure on a flat surface, with the child standing, ideally late in the day.
- Measure both feet and use the longer one.
- Use the size chart for the brand you are buying, rather than the size printed in your old shoes, which may have been too small or too big.
Our size guide shows EU sizes with US equivalents, so you can convert easily.
2. Ignoring width
Length is only half the story. A shoe that is the correct length but too narrow will pinch, and a shoe that is too wide can slide. Many orthopedic and adaptive styles come in several widths, so pick the width as deliberately as the size.
For example, BILLY Footwear men's and women's pages list widths such as D, 3E and 6E for men and B, D and 3E for women, while kids' styles list widths like Medium, Wide and Extra-Wide on the product pages. If you are unsure, we can help you choose on WhatsApp.
3. Not measuring with brace/orthotic in mind
If you or your child wear an ankle-foot orthosis (AFO), a custom insole or another device inside the shoe, it takes up space. A shoe chosen for the bare foot may feel too snug once the brace is in.
- Ask your orthotist or doctor how the device should be worn in shoes.
- Check whether the shoe has removable insoles, which can free up depth.
- Look for a wide opening so the foot and brace can go in without forcing.
Our AFO-friendly collection gathers styles that the store labels this way. "AFO-friendly" describes the design of the shoe, such as width, depth and opening; it is not a promise that it fits every brace, so a conversation with your clinician is always sensible.
4. Choosing style over closure
A beautiful shoe that is difficult to put on will not get worn. If hands are small, stiff or busy, a closure that opens widely and is easy to grip matters as much as the colour.
Think about who will put the shoe on: the child, a parent or the wearer. Zippers that open the upper, hook-and-loop straps, and pull loops can make dressing quicker. Laces can still help with fine adjustment on top of an easy-opening closure. Read the product description for the closure type before you decide.
5, 6 and 7. Skipping advice, returns and delivery terms
The last mistakes are really three small ones, and each can save you trouble.
5. Not reading the return terms
Check exactly what the store accepts back. At FARID HUB, unworn items can be returned within 14 days of delivery. That means you should try shoes on only at home, on a clean indoor surface, and decide quickly.
6. Ignoring delivery details
Delivery within the UAE is free on orders above AED 500. We also ship across the GCC, and checkout shows estimates for your location. Check these before ordering, especially when you need shoes by a certain date, such as a school start or a family occasion.
7. Skipping advice from your clinician or the store
Orthopedic shoes are not a medical treatment, and we cannot diagnose or prescribe. If a child has a foot condition, walks differently or complains of pain, speak to a doctor, paediatrician, podiatrist, orthotist or physiotherapist before you buy. Then use the store's support: our FAQ page covers sizing and AFO-friendly fit, and WhatsApp is available for sizing and compatibility help.
Why online buying can work well
None of this means online shopping is a bad idea. For many families it is the easiest route, particularly when mobility, time or distance make store visits tiring. The key is to turn guesswork into measurements and questions. Once you know the foot length, the width you need, the room required for a brace or insole and the closure that works at home, the choice becomes much more straightforward. Keep a small note on your phone with those details so you can reuse them next time, and update it whenever a child's feet grow or a clinician changes the advice.
A quick checklist before you click "buy"
- Do I have the foot length in centimetres, for both feet?
- Do I know the width I need?
- Have I allowed room for any brace or orthotic?
- Is the closure one the wearer can manage?
- Have I read the return and delivery terms?
- Have I asked a clinician about anything medical?
Ready to browse? See our kids' orthopedic shoes or the AFO-friendly collection, and see the FAQs if you would like quick answers first.
FAQ
Can I return shoes if the size is wrong? Our policy allows returns of unworn items within 14 days of delivery. Please check the store pages for the latest terms before ordering.
Is free delivery available in the UAE? Yes, delivery is free on UAE orders above AED 500. We also ship across the GCC, with estimates shown at checkout.
Should I go up a size to be safe? Not automatically. A bigger size adds length and may leave the heel loose. Check the width and depth options first, and ask us for help if you are between sizes.