Our Process
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Consult
Finding the right solution begins with a thorough consultation and assessment. We take a cast or scan of the residual limb for a prosthesis, or the body part that needs support or correction for an orthosis.
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Design
Using the cast or scan, we create a physical plaster of paris mould and/or generate a CAD mould which is then carefully re-worked to create a custom design for a prosthesis or orthotic.
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Manufacture
The prosthesis or orthotic is produced for trial (e.g. a test socket) or permanent use using state-of-the-art equipment, components and lightweight, flexible, skin-friendly materials.
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Fitting
Fit, comfort and function are vital. Typically more than one fitting is required to custom fit a prosthesis or orthosis, and it is standard practice for a patient to trial a prosthesis before the definitive prosthesis/orthosis is completed.
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Ongoing Care
Prosthetic and orthotic devices need to be serviced to maintain effective function, and adjustments carried out to accommodate physical changes and optimise fit.
Dr Comfort & BILLY Shoes
OUR ORTHOTISTS SUPPLY AND FIT DR COMFORT ORTHOPAEDIC SHOES AND BILLY ADAPTIVE FOOTWEAR, HELPING YOU FIND SHOES THAT FIT PROPERLY, PROTECT YOUR FEET AND WORK WITH YOUR ORTHOSES.
EXPERIENCED ORTHOTISTS. FOOTWEAR FITTED PROPERLY.
Our orthotic team is led by Peter, who brings more than 30 years of clinical experience in leading private clinics in Australia and overseas, and Aidan, who has worked at Queensland’s leading tertiary hospital. Aidan is AOPA-certified and Peter is ISPO-certified, giving our team professionally recognised credentials in Australia and internationally.
Because we also design and fit foot orthoses, AFOs and SMOs, we understand how footwear and orthoses need to work together. Whether you need extra depth for custom orthotics, room for an AFO, protection for sensitive or diabetic feet, or a shoe that’s easier to put on, we’ll help you find the right fit.
As an independent, locally owned clinic, we provide footwear fittings at our Brisbane (Acacia Ridge) and Toowoomba clinics.
WHY GET YOUR SHOES FITTED BY AN ORTHOTIST?
Specialist footwear only works if it fits correctly, especially when you wear orthoses, have swelling or have reduced sensation in your feet. Shoes that are too tight, too loose or the wrong shape can cause pressure, rubbing and skin problems.
WHAT’S INCLUDED IN YOUR FITTING
- An assessment of your feet, foot shape and footwear needs
- Accurate measuring for length, width and depth
- Advice on which brand and style suits your condition
- Fitting with your existing foot orthoses or AFOs
- Advice on safe wear, care and when to replace your shoes
You’re not just buying a pair of shoes. You’re getting footwear selected and fitted by a clinician who understands your feet and your orthoses.
DR COMFORT ORTHOPAEDIC SHOES
Dr Comfort is a leading brand of therapeutic footwear designed for people who need extra protection, depth and support. The shoes look like everyday footwear but are built to reduce pressure and accommodate orthoses. The range includes walking shoes, casual shoes, dress shoes and sandals for men and women.
KEY FEATURES:
- Extra depth to fit custom foot orthoses
- Removable insoles
- Wide toe box for bunions, hammer toes and swelling
- Multiple width options
- Soft, protective interiors with minimal seams to reduce rubbing
- Supportive soles for stability and comfortDR COMFORT SHOES MAY BE SUITABLE FOR:
- Diabetes and diabetic foot care
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Arthritis
- Bunions and hammer toes
- Swollen feet or oedema
- Wide or hard-to-fit feet
- Wearing custom foot orthoses
Pricing starts from $320 per pair including fitting
We have pairs available for you to try at our Brisbane and Toowoomba Clinics
BILLY ADAPTIVE FOOTWEAR
BILLY shoes are designed to be easy to put on and take off. A zipper runs around the side and toe of the shoe, allowing the top to fold open fully so your foot can be placed straight in from above, rather than squeezed in from behind. BILLY Footwear is available in children’s and adult sizes, with styles including sneakers and high-tops.
BILLY SHOES ARE A PRACTICAL OPTION FOR:
- Wearing AFOs and other ankle-foot orthoses
- Children and adults with limited hand function or dexterity
- People who have difficulty bending or reaching their feet
- Carers who help with putting shoes on
- Swollen feet or changing foot size
- Neurological conditions such as cerebral palsy, stroke and spinal cord injury
Pricing starts from $125 per pair including fitting
We have pairs available for you to try at our Brisbane and Toowoomba Clinics
SHOES THAT WORK WITH YOUR AFOS AND ORTHOTICS
Finding shoes that fit over an AFO or accommodate custom foot orthoses is one of the most common problems our patients face. Dr Comfort’s extra depth and BILLY’s open-top design both make this much easier. We check your footwear with your orthoses during your fitting, so you leave confident that everything fits together comfortably.
Bring your current orthoses or AFOs to your appointment so we can fit your shoes around them.
FUNDING FOR FOOTWEAR
In some circumstances, footwear may be funded through programs such as NDIS, DVA, WorkCover Queensland or NIISQ, depending on your individual needs and eligibility. Our team can provide information about funding options and the documentation you may need.
Dr Comfort & BILLY Shoes FAQs
What is the difference between Dr Comfort and BILLY shoes?
Dr Comfort shoes are therapeutic footwear designed to provide extra depth, width and protection. They are commonly used for diabetic foot care, arthritis, swelling and for accommodating custom foot orthoses.
BILLY shoes are adaptive footwear with a zipper that runs around the side and toe, allowing the top of the shoe to open fully. They are designed to make putting shoes on easier, particularly for people who wear AFOs or have limited hand function or mobility.
Your Orthotist can recommend which brand and style is most appropriate for your feet, your orthoses and your daily activities.
Can I wear my AFO with BILLY or Dr Comfort shoes?
Many people wear their AFOs with BILLY or Dr Comfort shoes. BILLY’s open-top design makes it easier to fit the shoe over an AFO, while Dr Comfort’s extra depth and width can provide more room for the orthosis.
The right size and style depends on the design of your AFO and the shape of your foot. We recommend bringing your AFO to your fitting so we can check the shoes and orthosis together.
Are Dr Comfort shoes good for diabetic feet?
Dr Comfort shoes are designed with features that can help protect diabetic feet, including extra depth, a wide toe box, soft interiors with minimal seams and removable insoles for custom orthoses.
People with diabetes, particularly those with reduced sensation or circulation, should have their footwear properly fitted and their feet checked regularly by a healthcare professional. Our Orthotists can assess your feet and help you choose footwear that reduces pressure and the risk of rubbing.
Can I put my custom orthotics in Dr Comfort shoes?
Yes. Dr Comfort shoes have removable insoles and extra depth, so they are designed to accommodate custom foot orthoses. We can check your orthotics in the shoes during your fitting to ensure a comfortable fit.
Do BILLY shoes come in children's sizes?
Yes. BILLY Footwear is available in children’s and adult sizes. BILLY shoes are a popular choice for children who wear AFOs, as the zip-around design makes it much easier for parents and carers to put shoes on over the orthosis.
How much do Dr Comfort and BILLY shoes cost?
Dr Comfort shoes including fitting start from $320, and BILLY shoes including fitting start from $125. The final price depends on the style and size you need.
Can footwear be funded through the NDIS?
In some circumstances, footwear may be funded through the NDIS, particularly where specialised footwear is needed to accommodate orthoses or meet a disability-related need. Funding depends on your plan and individual circumstances, and our team can help with the documentation required.
How often should orthopaedic shoes be replaced?
There is no single replacement timeframe for all footwear. How long your shoes last depends on how often you wear them, your activity level, your foot condition and how quickly the soles, uppers and insoles wear.
Shoes should be reviewed if they become worn, lose their shape or support, or no longer fit comfortably with your orthoses. For people with diabetes or reduced sensation, worn footwear can increase the risk of pressure areas, so regular checks are particularly important.
Where can I get Dr Comfort or BILLY shoes fitted?
We fit Dr Comfort and BILLY shoes at our Brisbane (Acacia Ridge) and Toowoomba clinics.
Contact Ability Prosthetics & Orthotics to book a footwear fitting at the clinic most convenient for you.