Where to Find AFO-friendly Shoes and Adaptive Clothing. Finding clothing and shoes for somebody with hemiplegia, wearing an AFO, and other disabilities can be a challenge but there are resources!
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| Sponsored by Zappos |
Putting on shoes and tying them.
Slipping on socks.
Donning a shirt.
Buttoning pants.
These seem like simple and mundane tasks. These are the things that we do without much thought- they're second nature to most of us who are physically able to do so. I know I never thought much about them until my daughter had a traumatic brain injury which caused multiple physical disabilities along with Intellectual disabilities.
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| Shirt: 4Way Bottoms: the North Face Shoes: Converse All Stars |
When she was little, finding clothes and shoes were not a big deal. Elastic waisted bottoms are EVERYWHERE for infants and toddlers. Even up to age 10- easy peasy! Shoes, they've always been a struggle but each time she received a new AFO (leg brace), they came with shoes. They weren't the prettiest but when you are young, not a big deal!
Now, I have a teenager and not only that, a teenager that has become much more independent and in a growing body.
Since Em has a severe left sided weakness, she's functioning with arm and hand and that side has some gross motor function issues. Buttons? Ain't happening. Zippers? They're a challenge. Elastic-waisted bottoms are imperative. Finding cute ones that aren't uber short or aren't in the misses section is a challenge. She's at the age that she doesn't want help getting dressed and she has that right. It's something she needs to do herself and she's REALLY good at it now! Shirts are a struggle but as long as they're loose fitting, she can do it!
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| Shirt: 4Way Bottoms: the North Face Shoes: Converse All Stars |
Then come shoe issues. The shoes that came with the AFOs aren't cute and they're heavy. Finding shoes that can fit over the AFO is tricky and they need to be cute, too!
It's exhausting. I get so frustrated that once you get to a certain size group (read: out of the kid's sizes past size 14-16), it's a pain in the tail to find elastic-waisted bottoms.
Um, skinny jeans? Ain't gonna cut it.
So, I am pretty freakin' excited about a new resource for finding adaptive clothing and shoes: Zappos Adaptive! Zappos is well known for lightening fast FREE shipping, 365-day return policy, and world-class customer service!
I was able to find Em cute elastic-waisted bottoms and Converse All-Star shoes that help her maintain her independence and still look fabulous! The hi-tops have velcro, which allows the hi-top part to break open wider and allow the brace to slide in and the shoe laces are elastic. GENIUS! I love finding everything in ONE place.
Zappos Adaptive: Functional and Fashionable Products to Make Life Easier
Zappos Adaptive allows users to filter shoe results for a variety of needs: Diabetic, Orthotic, Slip on, etc.
They even sensory friendly clothing! Tags? Things of the past!
There are two key brands offered on Zappos Adaptive:
Two adaptive brands are offering specialized clothing:
4way – a Zappos private label brand, and Independence Day Clothing.
The array of offerings is expanding, but for now, Zappos is focusing on 4-way reversible clothing, which gives a solution for dressing - any way the clothing is put on, it’s on right, and easy access to shoes with alternative closures (no laces), such as hook-and-loop, slip-on, and bungee.
I hope to see more styles and prints added to the lineup!
Be sure to visit Zappos Adaptive for adaptive clothing and shoe needs!
What is your frustration with shopping for your child/family member (or yourself!) with special needs?
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