High-top shoes are a staple in many children's wardrobes, from school bags to playground days. Some families choose them because they like how the shoe wraps around the ankle and feels secure. Others choose them because their child wears a brace and they need a shoe with extra room and a wide opening. If you are comparing high-tops in the UAE, this guide explains what to look for and highlights the high-top styles available at FARID HUB.
A quick note: this is shopping guidance, not medical advice. If your child has a condition that affects the ankle or foot, or wears an AFO or other brace, check with their orthotist, physiotherapist or doctor about the right shoe.
Why high-tops are chosen for kids (stability, brace coverage)
Here are the reasons parents most often tell us they choose a high-top:
- A secure feel. A higher collar sits around the ankle, which many families find helps the shoe stay on during running, climbing and school activities. This is about how the shoe feels and stays put, and it is not a medical treatment.
- Coverage for braces. If your child wears an AFO or similar brace, a higher shoe may cover more of the brace and look neater. Whether a particular shoe suits a particular brace depends on the brace and the foot, so ask your orthotist and, if in doubt, contact us with the brace type.
- Shoes that stay on. Young children love to kick shoes off. A snug high-top closed with a zipper and laces is harder to pull off.
- Style. For many kids, high-tops are simply the look they love.
What high-tops cannot do: they do not guarantee ankle protection, and they are not a replacement for a brace or medical advice. Choose them because they suit your child.
BILLY high-top styles (Classic D|R II, CS High, Goat Classic High)
BILLY Footwear is known for the FlipTop zipper that wraps around the shoe, so the upper opens like a book and the foot drops in. Three high-top families are especially popular with parents. Always open the individual product page to check the details, widths and sizes for the exact colour you like.
BILLY Classic D|R II High
Our BILLY Kids Classics collection features the Classic D|R II High. The product pages describe a full wrap zipper with adjustable laces, removable insoles that can add depth, and a custom shape designed to give extra width and volume in the toe box, vamp, quarter and heel. For example, the Sasha Splatter BILLY Classic D|R II High was made in collaboration with The Sasha Project LA and is listed in Medium, Wide and Extra-Wide, in toddler and kids' sizes. There are also plain colours such as navy, dark grey and black, plus fun prints like Night Sk8ter and Silver Multi Glitter.
BILLY CS High
The BILLY Kids CS collection has a skate-inspired look. According to the product pages, the CS High has a full wrap zipper with adjustable laces and a padded, ribbed collar designed to give comfort and support around the ankle without restricting movement. It also has two 3mm removable insoles to adjust depth. Colours include Black to the Floor, Black/Gum, White/Black, Navy/White and Rose Gold Glitz. Widths on the pages we reviewed are Medium and Wide.
BILLY Goat Classic High
The Goat is designed in collaboration with certified orthotists for use with braces, orthotics and prosthetics, per the product page. The Black BILLY Goat Classic High (kids and toddler) lists a full wrap zipper, a custom last with extra width and volume, removable insoles and a dense foam wedge insert, in Wide and Extra-Wide. The name "Goat" is a model name, so you will always see it written in Latin letters. If your child wears a brace and needs a roomy shoe, this is a good style to discuss with your orthotist.
Princepard high-top orthopedic sneaker
If you prefer a different style of closure, take a look at the Princepard Children Orthopedic Shoes in black from our Princepard kids and toddlers collection. Based on the product page, this high-top sneaker has:
- an orthopedic insole,
- a hard, high back,
- arch and ankle support with a U-shaped insert,
- an adjustable double hook-and-loop closure that suits different foot widths,
- an anti-slip TPR sole, and
- a lightweight upper of microfibre leather and mesh.
It is sold in EU sizes 20 to 36. Because it fastens with straps rather than a wraparound zipper, some families find it handy for quick changes. As always, ask your doctor or orthotist whether these features suit your child.
Colour and style picks
Colour is a big part of whether a child will actually wear their shoes, so involve them in the choice.
- For school: plain black, navy or dark grey are easy to match with uniforms. Black CS High or Classic D|R II styles are practical choices.
- For weekends and parties: glitter and prints, such as Silver Multi Glitter or Rose Gold Glitz, are often an instant hit.
- For growing feet: darker colours hide scuffs better and last longer between cleans.
Availability changes, so please check each product page for what is currently in stock.
How to pick the size
Good sizing matters even more in a high-top, because the collar and the shape need to feel comfortable around the ankle and heel.
- Measure your child's feet in the afternoon, standing, and note the longer foot.
- Choose the width first, then the length. Our size guide shows how.
- If your child wears a brace or insole, put it on during the fitting and test the shoe with it.
- Allow about a thumb's width in front of the longest toe.
- Check the collar. It should feel snug but not rub or dig in.
- If your child is between sizes or widths, message us on WhatsApp before you order.
Delivery within the UAE is free on orders above AED 500, and unworn items can be returned within 14 days.
FAQ
Do high-top shoes give ankle support? A high-top sits higher on the ankle and many families find it feels more secure. It is not a medical device and does not guarantee protection or treat any condition. If you have a concern about your child's ankles, speak with a doctor or physiotherapist.
Can my child wear a high-top over an AFO? Many parents choose high-tops for this reason, and several BILLY styles are described as AFO-friendly on their product pages. Because braces vary, please talk to your orthotist and send us the brace type on WhatsApp.
Which high-top is best for school? Black or navy styles in the CS High or Classic D|R II ranges are popular choices, as are the Princepard black sneakers. Check your school's uniform guidelines first.
Ready to choose?
Browse the BILLY Kids Classics, BILLY Kids CS or Princepard kids and toddlers collections, and message us on WhatsApp if you would like help with sizing.