Summer holidays, Eid breaks and visits to relatives abroad are a big part of life in the UAE. For families where someone wears an ankle-foot orthosis (AFO), a trip also means thinking about the small, practical things: how easily shoes come off and go back on, how comfortable they are after hours on your feet, and how to keep everything together in a busy terminal. This guide shares general ideas for finding travel shoes for AFO users, so the journey feels calmer for the whole family.
This article is general information, not medical advice. For anything about how your or your child's brace should be worn or managed while travelling, please ask your orthotist, doctor or physiotherapist.
Why airport routines affect brace users
Airports are a series of small moments where footwear matters. Depending on the airport and the day, you may be asked to remove your shoes at security, stand in queues, walk long distances between gates and sit for hours on a flight. For someone who wears a brace inside their shoe, each of these can take more time and effort than it does for other travellers.
Taking off a lace-up shoe that has been fitted carefully over a brace can mean sitting down, loosening laces, and then repeating everything in reverse a few minutes later, often with a tray, a bag and a child waiting. That is why many families look for airport security shoes off and on again without a struggle.
A note on rules: security procedures differ between airports and airlines, and they change. We do not list requirements for any specific airport here. Before you travel, check the guidance from your airline and the airports you will pass through, and if you or your child need extra time or assistance, ask about it in advance.
Choosing shoes that are quick to remove and put on
When you compare options, think about the whole sequence, not only the shoe on your foot.
Look at how the shoe opens
Shoes that open wide give the foot, or the foot with a brace, more room to slide in and out. BILLY Footwear's wrap-around zipper designs are built around this idea: the upper opens like a book so a foot can drop in without being squeezed through a narrow opening. Styles vary in how far the zipper opens (full wrap, short wrap, and others), so check the details on each product page.
Think about the closure you will actually use
A zipper plus adjustable laces lets you set the fit once and then simply unzip and zip. If you plan to keep laces in place for the trip, test that routine at home first. Practise with the brace on, with the socks you intend to travel in.
Check width and depth
Feet and braces can feel different after hours of sitting, and some people notice more swelling during long travel days. Shoes with extra width, extra depth or removable insoles give you more options. Read our guide on what makes a shoe AFO-friendly for the features worth checking.
Packing tips (general)
These are everyday ideas, not clinical instructions.
- Wear your travel shoes in before the trip. Break new shoes in at home for short periods first, so a first outing is not at the airport.
- Keep the shoes you will need in hand luggage or on your feet. If your luggage goes astray, you still have shoes that fit your brace.
- Pack a spare pair of socks. Smooth, dry socks matter inside a brace, and a change is easy to carry.
- Bring a small pouch for loose items. Insoles, a spare shoelace or a small tool your orthotist has recommended can live in one place.
- Ask your clinic what to carry. If your brace has parts that can wear or need adjusting, your orthotist can advise what to bring and what to do if something needs attention away from home.
- Plan one pair for flying and one for the destination. A shoe that is great for a long flight may not be the one you want for a hot afternoon of sightseeing.
Comfort for long days of walking
Terminals are big, and holiday days are long. Look for shoes with a cushioned insole, a padded collar and a breathable upper. For example, the BILLY Sport Inclusion athletic sneaker is described on its product page as having a breathable mesh upper, padded collar and tongue, and a cushioned insole. Leather options such as the BILLY Comfort Luxe offer a smarter look for family gatherings at your destination. Always confirm current features, sizes and widths on the product page.
Children need a little extra planning. If a child is tired, a shoe they can put on and take off themselves can protect a small amount of independence on a long day. You can read more about that in our post on zipper shoes and everyday independence.
It also helps to build in rests. If walking is tiring, ask about mobility assistance at the airport in advance, and let your clinician know about your travel plans if you have questions about how much walking is sensible.
Contact us for fitting help before you fly
The best time to sort out shoes is a few weeks before departure, not the night before. If you are unsure about size, width or whether a style will fit over your brace, message us on WhatsApp and we will help you choose. Bringing your brace measurements, or a photo of the brace and your current shoes, makes the conversation easier. Our size guide and the 14-day return policy for unworn items are also there to help you order with confidence.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to take off my shoes at airport security?
It depends on the airport, the country and the day, and procedures can change. Check the guidance from your airline and airport before you travel, and ask staff if you need assistance.
What should I look for in travel shoes if I wear an AFO?
Most families prioritise shoes that are easy to take off and put on, have enough width and depth for the brace, and feel comfortable over long hours. Your orthotist can advise on what suits the brace.
Can I buy shoes online and still get the right fit before a trip?
Yes, if you allow time. Check the size guide, message us for help, and try the shoes at home with your brace. Unworn items can be returned within 14 days of delivery.
Ready for your next trip?
Explore our AFO-friendly collection, or go straight to the BILLY kids full wrap zip styles, the men's AFO-friendly shoes or the women's AFO-friendly shoes. If you would like a second opinion on sizing, WhatsApp us and we will gladly help.