BY Erica Crompton
Whether it’s a button-free T-shirt or a velcro fastening shoe, dressing with a disability often needs a little thought. Laces are too fiddly for a single hand, buttons are too.
So, I recently handed over my Amazon account to Paul, my wheelchair-wonder boi, and he was impressed with the inexpensive clothes on offer, that also combined access for all.
His favourite find is a pair of everyday trainers by a little-known brand called KwuKoTy – designed in Singapore and made in China, no less!
They come in cream or khaki and the main draw to them is the large velcro fastening for ease of use. That’s because they’re designed for people with diabetes who may have swollen feet. In fact that say to consider choosing a half size smaller if you don’t have foot problems, as this shoe runs large and can also accommodate foot swelling.
Velcro fastening asides there’s plenty of natty features in the design too – reduced seam lines cause less rubbing; they come in a customised fit, so that you can adjust them yourself and also feature a rubber sole to promote stability and ease of movement.
KwuKoTy shoes offer a therapeutic solution to alleviate other foot problems commonly associated with medical conditions too. These include: plantar fasciitis, edema, and musculoskeletal injuries. By providing necessary support and cushioning, these shoes can help mitigate pain, discomfort, and inflammation, promoting optimal foot health and function.
Most importantly Paul knows that as he’s coupled up with a fashion policelady like me – so he understands I won’t comprise on style or have mine cramped. But I’m more than happy to walk alongside him (delighted, in fact!) in these fancy pieces of footwear. The mesh has a Utilitarian circa Calvin Klein in nineteen ninetynine look. Or they could be like the trend back in the day for orthepdic footwear (who can forget the Camper shoes we wore that looked like they were designed for wee gnomes?)
- KwuKoTy trainers are available on Amazon.co.uk and tick all the boxes for comfort, accessibility and style, as tried and tested by Paul Nicholls, Hopezine’s very own Accessibility Consultant, and reviewed by founding editor Erica Crompton.
