Zipper Shoes: Types, Who They Help and What to Look For

Zipper shoes are shoes with a zip that opens the shoe so the foot goes in without forcing. For a lot of people that is just convenient. For people with braces, swollen feet, stiff hands, a child who hates shoes, or anyone who cannot bend easily, it can be the difference between putting shoes on alone and needing help. This guide explains the different kinds of zipper shoes, who they help, and what to look for.

Types of zipper shoes

Side zip. A short zip on the inner side of the shoe, common on kids’ sneakers and boots. Quick, but the opening is usually small, so it helps with speed more than with fitting a brace or a swollen foot.
Back (rear) zip. A zip that runs up the heel, so the back of the shoe opens and the foot slides in from behind. Good for braces and for feet that do not point easily.
Front zip. A zip along the top of the foot that opens the shoe from the front, so you can place the foot in and zip up.
Wrap-around zip. A zip that runs around the shoe so the top half opens almost completely. Very open, but longer to zip and often harder to pull for small or stiff hands.

Who zipper shoes help

People who wear AFO or SMO braces. A wide zip opening lets the brace and foot go in together. See shoes that fit over AFOs and SMOs.
Kids who are learning to dress themselves, kids with sensory needs, and parents doing the school run. See our sensory friendly shoes guide.
Adults with stiff or painful hands, for example with arthritis, Parkinson’s or after a stroke, where laces are hard to tie.
Anyone who cannot bend easily: during pregnancy, after surgery, or with back or hip pain.
Older adults and caregivers, because a shoe that opens wide is easier to help someone into.
People with swollen feet, who need a shoe that opens wider than the foot.

What to look for in zipper shoes

1) A big enough opening. The point of the zip is the opening it creates. Check how far the shoe actually opens, not just whether it has a zip.

2) An easy pull. A large pull tab or loop is easier for small, stiff or shaky hands.

3) Laces you set once. On many zip sneakers you set the laces to the right fit once and then only use the zip. That keeps the fit the same every day.

4) A smooth inside. The zip should sit behind a soft lining so it does not press on the foot or ankle.

5) Room inside. Extra width, depth and a removable insole make room for braces, orthotics and swelling.

6) A secure heel and a non slip sole. An easy shoe still has to hold the foot and grip the floor.

Zipper shoes from Friendly Shoes

Every Friendly Shoe is built around Easy Shoe Access, a zip that opens a much larger entry than a standard shoe. The Excursion has a patented rear zip. The Voyage and Coast have a front zip. All have removable dual density memory foam insoles and slip resistant soles.

Kids: Excursion Moon Dust, Excursion All Black Wider Fit. All kids’ zipper shoes.
Women: Excursion Peach Wide (rear zip), Voyage Mint and Peach (front zip). All women’s zipper shoes.
Men: Excursion Onyx Wide (rear zip). All men’s zipper shoes.

Need a different size for each foot? See our single or split size shoe program. Friendly Shoes can be returned within 30 days if lightly worn indoors (returns policy).

How to put on a zip shoe

Sit down and open the zip all the way.
Loosen the laces or straps the first time and set them to a comfortable fit.
Slide the foot (and brace, if you wear one) into the open shoe.
Pull the zip closed. From then on, only the zip needs to be used.

Frequently asked questions

What are zipper shoes for?

They open wider than a standard shoe so the foot goes in without forcing. They help people with braces, swelling, stiff hands or trouble bending, and kids learning to dress themselves.

Are back zip or side zip shoes better?

A side zip is quick but usually opens only a little. A back or front zip that opens the whole heel or top of the shoe is better for braces, swelling and feet that do not point easily.