Putting on shoes is one of the smallest parts of the day, until it becomes one of the hardest. For many families in the UAE and across the Gulf, finding inclusive footwear that is comfortable, easy to put on and good-looking is still a real challenge. FARID HUB began with that challenge, and with a child named Farid. This article explains the idea behind the store and why universal design matters, using the story shared on our Our Story page.
The problem: fashion sneakers vs clinical shoes
Families who need adaptive footwear often describe a frustrating choice. One option is fashionable sneakers that are not built for braces or orthotics: the opening is too narrow, the shoe is too shallow, and getting a foot in takes effort. The other is clinical, heavy-looking shoes that work, but can make a child feel singled out at school or on the playground.
Neither option feels fair. Children want to wear what their friends wear, and parents want shoes that are practical. When the market makes you choose between style and function, the people who lose out are the ones who need both.
A father's search for his son Farid
According to our founder, FARID HUB was born from a parent's search for shoes that fit real life. His son Farid, whose name means "unique" in Arabic, is described as a bright and determined child. During Farid's early rehabilitation journey, which included therapy and the use of braces such as ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs), simply putting on shoes became a daily struggle.
The family found themselves choosing between high-fashion sneakers that were not accessible enough to fit over his AFOs and heavier shoes that looked medical. That experience led to a different question: why should a child have to settle for one or the other?
He also realised he was not alone. Many families across the Middle East face the same friction, which is why he created FARID HUB as a regional destination for inclusive, universal-design products for People of Determination (أصحاب الهمم) and mainstream families alike.
What universal design means in footwear
Universal design is the idea of making things that are usable by as many people as possible, without needing a special version. In footwear, that can look like:
- A wide opening so a foot, or a foot with a brace, can go in without a fight.
- Roomy fit options, such as extra width and depth and removable insoles.
- Closures that are easy to use, including zippers, adjustable laces and pull loops.
- Everyday style, so the shoe looks like something any child would want to wear.
BILLY Footwear, one of the brands we carry, is described on our site as using a signature wrap-around zipper so that a foot, or an AFO brace, can drop in without obstruction. You can see the range in the BILLY Footwear collection.
Universal design does not mean that one shoe suits everybody. People's feet, needs and prescriptions differ, which is why we encourage families to talk to their doctor, orthotist or physiotherapist and to check size and width carefully. But it does mean starting from the idea that inclusion should be built in, not added later as a separate category.
How FARID HUB curates brands
The goal, as our Our Story page puts it, is to bring world-class solutions to one regional home. A useful test for any brand is whether it makes daily life easier and more dignified for the families who wear it, and whether its design is functional and stylish at the same time. Today the store features BILLY Footwear and also offers Princepard, a brand of orthopaedic footwear for children. Product pages explain the features, sizes and widths, so you can see what each shoe offers before you buy, and we encourage families to read them closely and ask us when anything is unclear.
Our AFO-friendly collection brings together styles whose design suits wearing a brace. The label describes design: it is not a medical claim, and it does not promise a fit with every brace.
We also try to make buying simple. Delivery is free on UAE orders above AED 500, unworn items can be returned within 14 days of delivery, and we offer WhatsApp support for sizing and compatibility questions.
What comes next for the store
FARID HUB's stated aim is to be a trusted regional destination for universal-design products across the UAE and GCC. In practice, that means listening to families, keeping our product information clear, and growing the range carefully. We would rather add fewer, better options than overwhelm you with choice.
If you have feedback, a product you wish existed or a question about sizing, we want to hear it. Our story is still being written with the families who shop with us.
Explore the collection
If you are looking for shoes that fit real lives, start with the BILLY Footwear collection or the AFO-friendly shoes. Message us on WhatsApp if you would like sizing help.
FAQ
What does "universal design" mean for shoes? It means designing footwear that many people can use easily, for example with a wide opening, adjustable fit and simple closures, rather than creating a separate "special needs" category.
Is FARID HUB only for children? No. The store offers adaptive footwear for kids, men and women.
Do AFO-friendly shoes work with every brace? No. The label describes design features such as width, depth and opening. Please ask your clinician and check sizing before ordering.