Spotting a real gap in the UK market, they brought Friendly Shoes to Britain as the country's first fully adaptive footwear brand. The shoes themselves were originally designed by an Occupational Therapist in the USA, and Nancy and Jessica recognised immediately that they were unlike anything else available - combining genuine adaptive function with styles that look good and feel comfortable.
The brand has earned the Healthy Footwear Mark and works with a number of leading charities - including SIA - to reach the people who need their shoes most. Nancy and Jessica are hands-on in every aspect of the business, from answering emails and social media messages personally to packing orders themselves.
What Friendly Shoes can offer
Friendly Shoes is described as the UK's first fully adaptive footwear brand. All adult shoes are eligible for VAT exemption for those who qualify, which is handled simply at checkout.
What makes them different is what Friendly Shoes call Easy Shoe Access - deep side or rear zips that open the shoe right up, so the foot can slide in rather than being forced in. This removes the need to wrestle with laces, struggle with fastenings, or ask for help.
Key features across the range include:
- Deep side or rear YKK zips for easy entry and exit
- Wide E-fitting, comfortable for wider and moderately swollen feet
- Lightweight flyknit uppers with smooth lycra inner lining
- Removable memory foam insoles - can be swapped for custom orthotics or removed to create extra room
- Accommodation for most AFOs and splints
- Laces on some styles for adjustable tension, with the zip doing the daily work once they are set
- Sensory friendly - tongue label is stamped on
The current range includes five adult styles, plus children's versions:
- Excursion: back zip, mid-top with laces, most ankle support
- Friendly Force: side zip, no laces, roomiest fit
- Voyage: side zip with laces
- Scout: our first boot - back zip, good ankle support
- Coast: new side zip style with laces
Sizes run from children's UK K10 through to adult size 13 in men's. A range of colours is available, from understated to eye-catching.
Friendly Shoes are well suited to people with SCI who have reduced hand function or dexterity, who use orthotics or AFOs, or who simply find standard footwear difficult to manage independently. They also make a practical and thoughtful gift.
SIA member Ingrid found out about Friendly Shoes in SIA's magazine, Forward – read more about her experience here: Link to Ingrid Case Study on SIAL blog
SIA members can get 10% off a pair of Friendly Shoes by using code SIAFRIENDLY at checkout.
10% of income from the sale of this product will be donated to Spinal Injuries Association (Registered Charity No. 1054097).
