When you are injured, it is essential to choose the right walking boot to help you recover. There are different types of walking boots, each designed for various injured foot scenarios. For example, when you injure your foot with a stress fracture, break, or other injuries, you may need to turn to a familiar walking casts to adequately immobilize the calf, foot, or ankle to prevent further damage. These air casts or stabilizers allow you to keep moving and your injuries’ to continue healing.
In this guide, we will discuss how to choose the best walking medical boot for your needs. We will also touch on the different types of walking boots, what features to look for, and how these boots can help you heal.
Walking boots, also known as air casts or stabilizers, are designed to immobilize the calf, foot, or ankle. They come in many different shapes and sizes, depending on the injury.
When choosing a walking boot, it is crucial to consider the type of injury you have. Different injuries require different types of support.
Who would need to use a walking boot?
Walking boots are designed to protect the foot and lower leg from further injury and help with healing. Different types of walking boots include high-top walking casts, air cast boots, and low-top walking casts. So how do you know which kind of boot is best for you?
There are a few things to consider when choosing a walking boot, such as the type of injury, the features of the boot, and the fit.
The type of injury is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a walking boot. Different types of injuries require different levels of support. For example, a broken ankle will need more help than a sprained ankle.
The features of the boot are also essential to consider. Different features offer different levels of support and comfort. For example, some boots have anti-shock technology to help reduce the impact on the foot and lower leg. Other boots have different strap types to provide different levels of support.
How to choose the best walking cast boot for your needs?
There are many types of walking cast boots on the market, so choosing the one that best suits your needs is vital.
Walking cast boots come in three main varieties: high-top, low-top, and air cast.
High-Top Walking Cast Boot
High-top walking casts support the entire leg, from the foot to the knee. They are ideal for treating stress fractures, severe ankle sprains, and lower leg injuries.
High-top walking boots have features that make them comfortable and effective at treating injuries.
These models will encamp that area from your middle calf to your toes. These types of walking cast boots use a cushioned leg wrap and an outer hard shell layer that is made of rigid plastic.
Low-Top Walking boot
A low-top walking cast is a stabilizing device placed on the lower part of the leg to keep the foot and ankle in a set position. This device is often used after an injury or surgery to the foot or ankle to allow for proper healing. Low-top walking casts can be made from various materials, including plaster, fiberglass, and plastic. These low-top walking boots cover from the ankle covering the toes.
Air Cast Walking boots
Air Cast walking boots have anti-shock technology, strap types, cast liners, and cast size. The difference between high and low-top standard boots and an air-cast walking boot is the surrounding interior uses air cushions for support.
This makes it a bit bulkier but allows for more adjustability. As a result, these boots can be adjusted easier and provide more comfort while promoting quicker healing times.
Another significant difference is that air cast boots can be used as the cast. Unlike High and low top walking boots which are typically used with a cast. The advantage is that you can take off the air cast walking boot for various reasons if need be. Bathing and getting airflow going.
Your doctor may suggest using one of these types of the cast over the other, depending on the nature of the injury.
Hard cast shoes
These types of shoes have a solid bottom and are not adjustable. Instead, your foot will be placed in the boot with a liner, and then the hard part is put on.
The benefit to this type of shoe is that you don’t have to worry about air leaks. The downside to these types of shoes is that they do not offer the same protection, cushioning, and comfort as the other types of walking boots.
What Walking Cast Boot Should I wear
| Boot | Short (Air) | Tall (Air) | Short (no-air) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foot fracture | Yes | Yes | No |
| Toe fracture | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Bunion surgery (Post) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Heel pain | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Ankle fracture | No | Yes | No |
| Ankle sprain | No | Yes | No |
| Achilles tendonitis surgery (post) | No | Yes | No |
Walking Cast Boot buying Guide
Walking boots are designed to protect the foot and lower leg from further injury and help with healing. Different types of walking boots include high-top walking casts, air cast boots, and low-top walking casts. So how do you know which kind of boot is best for you? for example we wrote an extensive guide on the best walking boots for post bunion surgery.
There are a few things to consider when choosing a walking boot, such as the type of injury, the features of the boot, and the fit. Here are the features to consider when making a purchase.
Size of the cast
The cast size is crucial because it needs to fit snuggly against your leg. It won’t provide the support you need if it’s too loose. If it’s too tight, it will be uncomfortable and could even cause further damage.
Be sure to thoroughly understand the sizing options you are interested in. Most walking boots will come with a sizing chart. Look for these charts to make the best possible decision on the size of boot you should get.
Support
Depending on the injury, this may determine what type of support is required. For example, if you need higher leg support, a high-top walking boot would be required. Same for Air Cast Boots, as they will provide a higher level of stability on the leg.
Straps
There are usually two or three straps on a walking boot. The number of straps doesn’t necessarily mean the boot is better; it’s more about personal preference.
The straps also come in different widths. Some people prefer wider straps because they distribute pressure more evenly. Others find them less comfortable.
The position of the straps can also be a comfort factor. For example, if the straps are too close to the edge of the boot, they can rub and cause discomfort.
Cast Liners
Most walking boots come with removable cast liners. These liners can be made of different materials, such as foam or gel. They help to protect the skin and add padding for comfort.
Some people find that the liners make the boot too hot or sweaty. Others find that they help to keep the boot clean.
Air Technology
Air cast boots are medical boots designed to immobilize the foot and lower leg.
The boot has an inflatable air bladder that helps to support the foot and ankle. Air cast boots are typically used after an injury or surgery to the foot or ankle.
They are also sometimes used to help with healing from a fracture. For example, the air bladder in an air cast boot is inflated using a hand pump. This supports and helps keep the foot and ankle in a good position for healing.
The pump can be adjusted to provide more or less support as needed. For example, air cast boots typically have two straps that help to keep them in place.
Who makes good walking casts boots?
Many high-rated companies make walking casts. Companies like United Orthopedics make all types of cam walker fracture boots for excellent support. They produce all kinds of high-top walking boots, Short cam walker fracture boots for foot issues, and more. United ortho is very highly rated, epically there short cam air boot.
BraceAbility also makes high-quality orthopedic products that help you recover from injured feet faster and more comfortably. They have a very highly rated Closed Toe Medical Walking shoe on their product list. They make an assortment of great medical equipment for foot and leg injuries.
Aircast makes high-rated supportive air medical boots for foot injuries and has thousands of highly-rated customer reviews.
Questions and answers
What are the differences between a walking boot and a walking cast? Walking boots and casts are designed to immobilize the foot and ankle following an injury or surgery. A boot is usually lighter and more comfortable than a cast but does not provide as much support. On the other hand, a walking cast provides more support but is heavier, less comfortable, and is typically made of plaster or fiberglass.
Should I wear socks with a walking boot? Wearing socks with a walking boot can help prevent blisters and skin irritations. Socks can also help to reduce friction between your skin and the boot. However, it is essential to make sure that the socks you choose are not too tight, as this can cause constriction and reduce blood flow. Choosing the right sock can promote comfort and support.
How long does it take to get used to wearing a walking boot? When you first start wearing a walking boot, it may feel strange and uncomfortable. Therefore, giving yourself time to adjust to wearing the boot is vital. Getting used to the boot may take a few days or even a week.
How do I put on a walking boot? First, you will want to loosen all the straps and open up the foam liner. Next, sit down, so you have a 90-degree in your knee, and slide your foot into the liner. Ensure your heel is to the back while your foot is snug in the liner. Then close the liner around the foot and shin area. Start to secure the straps and make sure they are snug.
How tight should my walking cast boot be? Your walking cast strap should be snug but not too tight. You should be able to wiggle your toes inside the boot.
Do you need crutches with a boot? Depending on the injury and what your doctor tells you it may be beneficial to use crutches with a cast. Crutches can provide additional support and allow the healing process to move quicker.
Final thoughts
When choosing a walking cast boot, you must consider the type of injury you are trying to treat. For instance, if you have a broken ankle, you will need a high-top walking cast. On the other hand, if you have a sprained ankle, a low-top walking cast may be sufficient. There are also air cast options, which are designed to provide support and cushioning for the foot and ankle. We hope this article has helped answer your questions on what a walking cast boot is and how to choose the best one for your needs!
