In the UAE, we speak of People of Determination, a term that celebrates strength and capability rather than limitation. For many People of Determination, and for their families, everyday things such as choosing shoes can carry extra considerations: a leg brace, sensory sensitivities, swelling, limited hand strength or a child who is learning to be independent. This guide is a practical, respectful overview of shoes for people of determination: the common needs, the main types of footwear, and where to get advice in the UAE.
It is general information, not medical advice. For any health, mobility or brace-related question, please talk to your doctor, orthotist or physiotherapist.
Why footwear matters for independence
Shoes are part of how we move through the day: getting out of the door, going to school or work, praying, shopping, visiting family. When shoes are hard to put on or uncomfortable, small frustrations can build up. When they are easy to put on and comfortable, many people feel more confident and more in control of their own routine.
For children, being able to put on their own shoes can be an exciting step. For adults, doing it without help can matter for dignity and privacy. We do not claim footwear changes a person's condition. What a well-chosen shoe can do is remove avoidable obstacles from the day.
Our approach at FARID HUB is simple: listen first, explain what each product page says, and let you and your specialist decide. If a shoe is not right for you, we will say so.
Common needs: braces, sensory comfort, swelling, dexterity
Every person is different, and the list below is only a starting point.
- Braces and orthotics. People who wear an AFO (ankle-foot orthosis), SMO or foot orthotic need shoes with enough room and an opening wide enough to slide the brace in.
- Sensory comfort. Some children and adults are sensitive to seams, tags and tight fabrics. A soft, nearly seamless interior can matter a lot.
- Swelling. Feet may swell during the day, so adjustable depth and wider widths can help.
- Dexterity. Laces, buckles and small fasteners are difficult with limited hand strength or coordination. Zippers and larger pull loops can make independence easier.
- Foot shape and width. Many people need a wide or extra-wide fit.
- Support and stability. Some people use shoes with a supportive structure on the recommendation of a clinician.
If you are not sure which needs apply, ask your specialist first. Then use the information below to compare options.
Types of footwear: adaptive, AFO-friendly, orthopedic, sensory
Adaptive footwear
Adaptive shoes are designed with easy entry in mind, often using zippers, wide openings and adjustable fit. BILLY Footwear is known for this approach. Browse our collections for kids, men and women.
AFO-friendly footwear
These styles are designed with extra room and a wider opening for leg braces. Our AFO-friendly collection groups styles that are listed as AFO-friendly. For more detail, read what makes a shoe AFO-friendly and our guide for adults on shoes that fit over AFO and SMO leg braces.
Orthopedic-style footwear
Some styles, such as Princepard children's orthopedic shoes, are designed with structured features such as an orthopedic insole, hard high back and hook-and-loop closure, according to the product page. As with any support-focused footwear, a clinician should guide whether it is right for a particular child.
Sensory-friendly footwear
BILLY's Limitless line lists a sensory-friendly lining with a stitch-and-turn technique that creates a nearly seamless tongue and zipper guard. It is designed to minimize pressure caused by fluctuating foot swelling, per the product page.
Choosing for kids vs adults
For children
- Involve your child where you can. Let them try the zipper and choose a colour.
- Check width and depth: many children need wider fits.
- Think about school, play and routines. If you are exploring options for specific situations, see our guides to shoes for children with Down syndrome, toe-walking and when to see a specialist and flat feet in kids.
- Children's feet grow quickly, so re-check the fit often.
For adults
- Prioritise easy entry and a fit that works through swelling.
- Think about your day: work, prayer, travel, appointments.
- If you wear a brace, size for the brace and the shoe together.
- Read our guides for swollen feet and ankles and women's easy-on shoes.
A short checklist for any pair
- Can the shoe be put on and taken off with the level of independence you want?
- Is there enough width and depth, including for any brace or insert?
- Is the inside soft and free of pressure points?
- Are you comfortable with how the closure works day to day?
- Have you measured both feet, in the afternoon, and followed the size guide?
No single shoe suits everyone, so treat this as a conversation starter with your specialist rather than a rulebook.
For seniors in the family, see easy on/off shoes for seniors.
Where to get advice in the UAE: our WhatsApp + clinics
Choosing shoes is easier with good advice, and it is usually a team effort.
- Clinical advice. Doctors, orthotists, physiotherapists and occupational therapists can tell you what your child or you need in a shoe, for example how much room a brace requires. In the UAE, you can ask at your clinic, hospital or rehabilitation centre.
- Our WhatsApp support. Our team can help with sizing and compatibility questions. Send us your measurements, tell us about any brace or insert, and we will point you to styles that may suit. We are not clinicians, so we do not give medical advice.
- Our size guide. The size guide explains how to measure, including over an orthotic brace.
On the practical side, delivery in the UAE is free on orders over AED 500, and unworn items can be returned within 14 days of delivery. Learn more about us on our story page.
FAQ
What does "People of Determination" mean? It is the term used in the UAE for people with disabilities, expressing respect for their determination and achievements.
How do I know which shoe type is right? Start with advice from your doctor or orthotist, then compare styles based on closure, width, depth and lining. Message us on WhatsApp and we will help narrow down options.
Are adaptive shoes only for people with disabilities? No. Many people choose easy-on shoes simply for convenience, including people with swelling, arthritis, injuries or busy routines.
Start exploring
Browse the kids' adaptive collection, men's adaptive collection, women's adaptive collection or AFO-friendly collection, or message us on WhatsApp for help.