Sensory shoes: Children’s Specialized Hospital creates BILLY Limitless for those with sensory issues

The Center for Discovery, Innovation and Development at Children’s Specialized Hospital, a part of the Children’s Health network at RWJBarnabas Health, has partnered with BILLY Footwear to create a new shoe, BILLY Limitless, aimed at helping those with sensory issues.

While the shows are designed to produce great comfort and support for all, they are made specifically to benefit children and adults with autism, diabetes, gout, arthritis, cerebral palsy, brace wearers or those with other sensory needs.

Officials at both groups said BILLY Limitless was designed with input from Children’s Specialized Hospital clinicians, patients and families in addition to the BILLY Footwear team, representing a shared commitment to inclusivity, innovation, care and comfort.

Dr. Katherine Bentley, section chief of pediatric physiatry and director of the Chronic Pain Management Program at Children’s Specialized Hospital, said she was thrilled to take part in the program. For her, it’s personal.

“Many of my patients wear BILLY shoes in addition to my son Elliot who has a rare form of epilepsy that causes him to have some trouble with balance, developmental delays, low muscle tone and he also wears ankle braces,” she said. “BILLY shoes are great because he can put them on himself and since they’re so stylish he doesn’t feel different from other kids. Bringing BILLY Limitless to market as another inclusive and fashionable option for the patients and families we serve has been an incredible accomplishment, both personally and professionally.”

Key features of BILLY Limitless include:

  • Universal design: Crafted for everyone, including those with disabilities, each detail has been thoughtfully considered to ensure comfort and accessibility.
  • Comfort first: With a contoured premium insole and removable stackable inserts, wearers can customize their fit for all-day comfort.
  • Functional fashion: The full wrap zipper offers easy on-and-off access, while the specially designed zipper pulls – available in sporty and accessible options – cater to various dexterity levels.
  • Sturdy yet stylish: The durable clove sole provides support and stability, making it the perfect choice for active lifestyles without compromising on style.

“At RWJBarnabas Health, we believe that health and health care are not necessarily synonymous, understanding that the health of an individual lives beyond our hospital walls and the services we provide,” Children’s Specialized Hospital CEO Matthew McDonald said.

“Through the Center for Discovery, Innovation and Development at Children’s Specialized Hospital, we’re creating innovative partnerships like the one with BILLY Footwear to better understand and address the health disparity needs of our patients and their families. Very often special health care needs are overlooked, so when we got involved with BILLY Footwear, our hope was that we would make life a little easier for anyone facing unique challenges. Bringing BILLY Limitless to market for those individuals has been really special for us.”

To further solidify this groundbreaking partnership, 95% of initial sales of BILLY Limitless will be given to Children’s Specialized Hospital to support programs and services for children living with unique health care challenges across New Jersey and beyond. To learn more or purchase a pair of BILLY Limitless, click here. Adult sizes are currently available with children’s sizes to launch in Spring 2025.