Friendly Shoes are made to help people dress independently. As the website suggests, these are shoes for all abilities to live life as independently as possible. I am excited that stylish options are available for people who have disabilities. Friendly Shoes are easier for people who have disabilities to get them on off for the person or someone helping them. I learned about the shoe from Facebook so I decided to give them a try.
I normally buy shoes that are not cerebral palsy friendly. I know that sounds ridiculous especially coming from someone who uses a wheelchair everyday. I prefer to fit in as much as possible. As I grow older, I am less concerned about how I look, but how much independence I have. I tried the Friendly Shoes and was immediately happy I tried it.
Although I find it a little problematic to get on the shoe on myself due to my cerebral palsy, I can get take the shoes off easily. The shoes have an easy-to-grab zipper that will open up the new shoe to put your foot inside and out. While sitting in the W position (sitting where your legs are in the shape of a W) on the floor, I went to work testing my abilities. I wondered if the zipper would be too small to grab on to. Luckily, I could do it without any trouble.
The only trouble I have is putting on my shoe because the shoe moves around easily. The work involved in trying to have all your muscles work together for a common task with cerebral palsy is exhausting. After I got the shoe on, I felt accomplished but tired. I can do the left shoe, but the right foot is difficult, maybe since I’m right-handed. I know the more time I spend practicing to put the shoe on, the easier it’ll become. Like anything, it’s a matter of training.
The shoes are made of high-quality material. They are comfortable because they have memory foam that reminds me of slippers. The quality of the shoe is worth the price.
Friendly Shoes offers shoes for men, women, toddlers and children. I wear a child’s size shoe because my feet are small. Some of the children’s shoes are permissible for me to wear as a grown woman, but I do wish more mature styles were available. The Breathable shoes would definitely be nice to have. Even though I don’t wear leg braces, I heard the shoes make it easier to wear shoes and stylistic.
Overall, I recommend the Friendly Shoe. You can order them online at their website – https://friendlyshoes.com
