A new school year brings a long list: uniforms, books, bags and shoes. For families of children who wear AFOs (ankle-foot orthoses), leg braces or orthotic insoles, shoes are often the item that needs the most planning. This guide covers how to prepare back to school shoes for kids in the UAE, from checklists and colour rules to sizing and break-in tips.
This is general information, not medical advice. For anything about your child's brace, insoles or foot health, please check with your child's doctor, orthotist or physiotherapist.
Start early: why to order before the first day
Shoe shopping becomes stressful when it is left to the last week. Starting early gives you time to:
- Check your child's current fit. Kids' feet can grow over the summer, and a brace or orthotic may have been adjusted or replaced since the last school year.
- Compare styles calmly. You can look at closures, widths and colours without a rush.
- Get sizing help. Our team can help on WhatsApp with width, depth and brace questions.
- Allow for delivery and a possible exchange. If the first size is not right, you want time to sort it out before the first day.
- Let your child take part. Choosing their own shoes can make the first day of school feel more exciting.
Check your school's calendar for the first day and work backwards. For delivery timing on your order, message us on WhatsApp. Delivery in the UAE is free on orders over AED 500, and unworn items can be returned within 14 days of delivery.
School checklist: colour rules, PE, independence
Before you order, think through what your child's school day looks like.
Colour and uniform rules
Many schools ask for black or dark shoes, and some have rules about logos or soles. We cannot speak for any specific school, so please check your school's uniform guidelines or ask the school office. If you are not sure whether a style is acceptable, ask the school before ordering, particularly if your child needs a specific style because of a brace.
PE and activity days
Some schools require separate sports shoes for PE. If your child wears a brace, ask the school and your child's therapist whether a specific shoe is needed for sports, and whether the PE teacher is aware of any considerations.
Independence at school
At school there are fewer adults to help. A child who can put on and take off their own shoes at PE, prayer time or after swimming has an easier day. When choosing, ask:
- Can my child operate the closure on their own?
- Is the opening wide enough for the brace?
- Will my child be comfortable wearing this all day?
It can help to practise at home during the holiday so your child feels confident.
Choosing a style: black options
For school, black is often the safest colour. Here are options from our range, as described on the product pages.
- Black to the Floor BILLY CS High Tops. A high-top with a full wrap zipper and adjustable laces, a padded ribbed collar designed to provide comfort and support around the ankle without restricting movement, and two 3mm removable insoles for depth adjustability. Available in kids' and toddler sizing, Medium and Wide.
- Black to the Floor BILLY Sport Inclusion. A sporty sneaker with a short wrap zipper, breathable mesh upper, padded collar and tongue and two 3mm removable insoles. Listed in Medium and Wide.
- Princepard children's orthopedic shoes. In black, with hook-and-loop closure, orthopedic insole, hard high back and a TPR sole. EU 20 to 36.
You can browse the full BILLY CS collection, kids' orthopedic collection or kids' collection. The right choice depends on your child's brace, foot shape and school rules, so ask your clinician if you are unsure. For more on how shoes fit over braces, see our guide to what makes a shoe AFO-friendly.
Break-in tips and sizing
Sizing
Use the size guide and measure your child's feet in the afternoon. If your child wears a brace, measure with the brace on, following the guide's directions. Measure both feet and size for the larger one. Pay attention to width: many children do better in Wide.
Allow for growth sensibly, but avoid going too large, since a loose shoe can slip and rub. If you are unsure, ask your child's therapist or message us.
Break-in
Once you have confirmed the fit and decided to keep the shoes, ease into them:
- Start with short wear periods at home.
- Check feet and skin afterwards, looking for redness or rubbing.
- Increase gradually over a few days before the first day of school.
- Practise the zipper and laces together so your child knows how to use them.
- Tell your child's doctor or therapist if you notice persistent redness or discomfort.
Remember that returns apply to unworn items, so confirm the size and fit before you start wearing them outside.
Little extras
- Write your child's name inside the shoe, if the school requests it.
- Pack a spare pair of socks in the school bag.
- Check the fit again every few months, as children grow quickly.
Order timeline and delivery
A simple timeline can take the stress out of the process:
- Several weeks before school: check the uniform rules, measure feet and shortlist styles.
- A few weeks before: order and ask us about delivery timing.
- Once the order arrives: check the fit, confirm the size, and start the break-in.
- The week before school: a final practice with the zipper and laces, and pack the school bag.
If something is not right, unworn items can be returned within 14 days of delivery, so do not leave it until the last moment.
FAQ
Can my child wear black school shoes with an AFO? Many children do, but it depends on the brace and the shoe. Look for a wide opening and room for the brace, and ask your orthotist or physiotherapist what fits your child's brace.
What if the school has strict shoe rules? Talk to the school early and explain your child's needs. We cannot speak for any particular school's policy.
How do I know what size to order? Measure both feet in the afternoon with the brace on if worn, check the size guide, and message us on WhatsApp for help.
Get ready for school
Browse the BILLY CS collection, the kids' orthopedic collection or the kids' collection, and message us on WhatsApp for sizing help.