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Medical Walking Boot Basics

A medical walking boot is a specialized type of footwear that is commonly used to support the foot and ankle during the healing process after an injury. Also known as walking casts, air casts, fracture boots or a CAM (Controlled Ankle Motion) boot; these medical boots are designed to immobilize (or restrict movement) of the calf, ankle, foot, or even all three areas.

Medical boots are used to treat a wide range of conditions such as Plantar Fasciitis / Heel Pain, Ball of Foot Pain, Ankle Sprain, Metatarsal Stress Fracture, Toe Fracture, Foot Fracture, Ankle Fracture and Tendonitis.

Walking boots allow you to rest and protect your foot / ankle while still walking around and doing your day to day activities. Whether you have a sprained ankle or are recovering from surgery, a good medical walking boot can help to reduce pain and promote healing. However, with so many different types of medical walking boots on the market, it can be tough to know which one to choose. In this blog post, we'll provide some tips on how to select the best medical walking boot, with examples of products available from OrthoMed.

Tips For Selecting a Medical Walking Boot

Selecting the best medical walking boot for your needs requires careful consideration of your diagnosis, sizing, and lifestyle. By following these tips and exploring the range of walking boots available at OrthoMed , you can find the perfect medical walking boot to support your healing and recovery process.

Tip #1: Pick The Medical Walking Boot That Best Matches Your Diagnosis, Measurements, and Lifestyle

Consider the level of support you need: Soft, Semi-rigid, or Rigid Full Shell

Picking the corrrect medical walking boot isn't about style! The type of boot you require and the level of support you need from your medical walking boot will depend on the nature and severity of your injury. In general, softer more flexible boots with only 'half' or partial shells will be appropriate for less serious injuries. More rigid, 'full shell' designs are better for more severe injuries. For example, if you have a minor sprain or strain, you may only need a basic walking boot with a soft liner and minimal support, like the Ossur Formfit Walker Boot. On the other hand, if you have a more serious injury, such as a fracture (or grade III ankle sprain), you may need a boot with a more rigid shell, additional straps, fastenings and aircells (also called a pneumatic bladder) to keep your foot and ankle secure: such as the Aircast AirSelect Elite. Most brands (and models) are offered in both a short and tall version, you can read more in the section below on short vs. tall boots. 

Consider the fit and comfort

A good medical walking boot should fit snugly and comfortably to minimize movement and protect your foot and ankle. So don't just borrow your friends old medical boot! A boot that doesn't fit you properly may make your injury worse by allowing too much (or too little) movement, and not properly holding the foot and ankle in the corect position. Make sure you get a boot that is sized correctly for you: measure your foot and ankle and choose the appropriate size based on the manufacturer's sizing chart (found in size chart tab in our product pages). Sizes are also available for children, you can view paediatric medical boots here. Look for boots with adjustable straps and fasteners so that you can customize the fit to your individual needs. Also, consider if you need other accessories, like a shoe balancer, that help balance your hips when you walk.

Consider the durability and quality

A medical walking boot is an investment in your recovery, so it's important to choose a high-quality product that will last. Look for a medical walking boot with a sturdy, well-constructed shell and a durable liner that won't wear out quickly. OrthoMed offers a range of walking boots made from high-quality materials, many feature lightweight (yet durable) plastic shells and soft, breathable liners that wick away moisture.

Consider the ease of use and convenience

Finally, consider how easy it will be to use and maintain your medical walking boot. Look for a boot with an easy-to-use closure system that won't require assistance from others, with simple, one-handed inflation systems. Also, consider how easy it will be to clean and maintain your medical walking boot, especially if you'll be wearing it for an extended period of time. OrthoMed offers a range of walking boots that are easy to use and maintain, with removable liners that can be washed and dried. We also have replacement liners and parts: you can view medical boot accessories here.

Tip #2: Short vs. Tall Medical Walking Boots

Another important consideration when selecting a medical walking boot is whether to choose a short or tall boot. Both types of boots have their advantages and are designed for different types of injuries.

Short walking boots, also known as low-top walking boots, provide support for the foot while allowing for greater mobility and flexibility in the ankle. They are ideal for foot injuries (trauma, fractures) where the focus is on stabilizing the joint and preventing further damage. Fracture locations that are suitable for a short boot would be fractures of the toes, and fracture of the bones (metatarsals) just before the toes (the distal 1/3rd of that bone). 

Tall walking boots, also known as high-top walking boots, provide more coverage and support for the lower leg and ankle, making them the ideal choice for more serious injuries, such as grade II and III ankle sprains, fractures, or post-surgical recovery. Tall boots have better 'leverage' on the leg and they are designed to restrict movement and keep the foot and ankle in a fixed position to promote healing and prevent further injury. 

Many clients incorrectly assume they need a 'short' walking boot for an ankle injury, when a tall boot is actually the more appropriate option. If you're having trouble deciding, contact our Healthcare team and we can help you narrow down your options.

Tip #3: When To Avoid Using a Medical Walking Boot

While medical walking boots can be a useful tool for supporting the foot and ankle during the healing process, there are situations where they may not be appropriate or effective.

For example, if you have a serious injury such as a broken bone or a torn ligament, a medical walking boot may not provide enough support and protection. In these cases, your healthcare provider may recommend a cast or surgery to repair the damage.

Additionally, medical walking boots are not recommended for individuals with certain medical conditions such as peripheral artery disease, which can cause poor circulation and skin ulcers, or neuropathy, which can lead to loss of sensation in the feet. In these cases, alternative forms of treatment may be necessary.

It's important to note that medical walking boots are designed for temporary use during the healing process and should not be used as a long-term solution for chronic conditions. If you experience chronic pain or discomfort in your foot or ankle, it's important to seek medical attention to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment plan.

Top Rated Medical Walking Boots - Our Picks

When it comes to selecting a medical walking boot, it can be helpful to know which products are considered top rated by healthcare professionals and patients. Here's our list of medical boots that have received high ratings for their quality, effectiveness, and comfort based on our experience helping clients. We've shown both the tall and short versions for each:

While these products have received high ratings, it's important to remember that individual needs may vary. It's always best to consult with your healthcare provider and consider the advice of a qualified professional to determine which type of medical walking boot is best for your specific needs. Contact us today for fast free advice and we can help you pick the best walking boot for your condition

More Tips for Medical Boots: working, showering, sleeping, and how to walk

• Working with a boot:

  If you need to wear a medical walking boot while working, make sure to take regular breaks to elevate your foot and reduce swelling. You may also need to modify your work tasks to avoid putting excess pressure on your foot and ankle.

• Showering:

  For more orthopaedic bootsinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.

  To shower while wearing a medical walking boot, consider using a

  To shower while wearing a medical walking boot, consider using a waterproof cover to protect the foam liner. Alternatively, you can remove the boot while showering and use a plastic chair or stool to sit on if needed. Just make sure to dry your foot thoroughly before putting the boot back on.

• Sleeping:

  Depending on your injury, you may need to wear the medical walking boot while sleeping. To make this more comfortable, consider using extra padding under your ankle or foot and using a pillow to elevate your leg. You can also loosen the strapping slightly to make it more comfortable.

• How to walk:

  When walking in a medical walking boot, make sure to place your heel down first and then roll your foot forward to your toes. Try to take slightly shorter steps (but avoid limping) or putting excess weight on your injured foot. A

  When walking in a medical walking boot, make sure to place your heel down first and then roll your foot forward to your toes. Try to take slightly shorter steps (but avoid limping) or putting excess weight on your injured foot. A shoe balancer (shoe lift) that you wear on the opposite foot is also helpful to make your walking stride more natural by balancing your hips. For more frequent walking or greater distance you can also use a device like a knee scooter or iWalk to help you get around.

Not sure which medical walking boot is right for you? Contact us today for fast free advice and we can help you pick the best medical boot

After a long day in work boots, your feet are killing you. Your boots are doing a great job of protecting your feet when you're working, but they're uncomfortable. There are ways to make your feet feel better, from the boots you buy to the work boot insoles you put in there, you can make your work boots comfortable with a few easy fixes.  

The Basics ---

• Work boots are made to be durable and rugged. While they're great at protecting your feet, they're probably also the reason your feet are killing you at the end of your shift.
• Unless you're investing in custom work boots, the ones you buy won't have the arch support your feet need. That's why they leave your feet in agony. Adding work shoe insoles, getting the proper boot fit from quality boots and wearing the right socks will make a huge difference.
• Adding Ramble, Pace or Dash insoles to your work boots can make them much more comfortable. If you prefer a firm insole with some flex or are new to wearing insoles, go with Ramble. If you like extra firmness, have plantar fasciitis or are heavy on your feet, go with Pace. If you like a rigid insole or have particularly flat feet, choose Dash.

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What You Need To Know ---

Work boots are designed for workplace safety. If your job poses a danger to your feet, the US Department of Labor and OSHA require your employer to ensure you wear protective footwear on the job. And while there are rules for how the outside of the work boot is made, there are no guidelines for the inside. 

That means you can spend a long day in work boots that are really uncomfortable, leaving your feet in a lot of pain. But a few changes can transform work boots that are killing your feet into comfortable footwear. 

How Should Work Boots Fit?

Getting the right size and fit for your work boots, even if it takes a lot of time, is worth it. Try on a few different pairs of work boots and compare how comfortable they are. Too short or narrow will crowd your feet. Not good. Too big or wide will allow for too much movement, leaving you with blisters and hot spots. Really not good.

The rules for trying on work boots are easy. Just remember to:

1. Wear the same socks you wear on the job. Polyester or wool/synthetic blends will keep your feet more comfortable than cotton. Cushioning on the bottom provides added comfort.
2. Test for length. Slide your foot forward until your toes touch the front of the boot. Bend your knee forward. The width of your index finger should fit exactly between the heel of your foot and the back of the shoe. Test both feet.
3. Make sure the laces keep your foot comfortably in place. Without being uncomfortably tight, they should prevent your foot from sliding to the front of the boot.
4. Make sure the boots flex at the ball of your foot. Avoid boots that bend in the area of your arch. They do not have adequate support.
5. Try work boots on at the end of the day. Your feet will swell at the end of a long day, especially when it's hot. That's the perfect time to try on work boots (and other footwear) as your feet will be at their largest. 

Why Do My Work Boots Hurt My Feet?

It all comes down to support. Unless your boots are custom, they don't have enough arch support built in to support your feet properly. Each day, the impact on your feet is equal to the weight of a fully loaded cement truck. Your arches need some help holding up to all that pressure, especially if you have flat feet or arthritis. Adding insoles to your work boots will help keep your feet from hurting.

The lack of arch support in your work boots can cause problems. Big problems. Plantar fasciitis, metatarsalgia, and tendinitis all have one thing in common. They can be helped, or even better, avoided with proper arch support in your work boots.

Here's what orthotic insoles for work boots can do to make your feet stop killing you at the end of your shift:  

• Relieve pressure on the ligament that connects your heel to your toes. This makes your feet feel comfortable at the end of the day and prevents the acute heel pain of plantar fasciitis.
• Spread the impact of each step over the entire surface of your foot, reducing pressure on the heel and ball of your foot.
• Correct alignment issues that cause pain in your knees, hips and back. Ensuring a stable foundation pays huge dividends in overall comfort.

By now, you're probably wondering about those stock work boot inserts that came in your boots, especially the expensive boots. Aren't they supposed to make your boots more comfortable? While they may add some cushioning, they don't provide adequate support. And cushioning without support doesn't mean comfort. 

To determine which work boot insoles will give you the support you need to be comfortable all day, you'll want to look for a few things.

Work Boot Insoles Should Give Sturdy Support 

Put your orthotic insoles for work boots on the table. If you can easily deflect the arch to the table, that's a sign they are not strong enough. Insoles for construction workers and other work boot wearers must be able to stand up to the massive amounts of force you put on your feet during the work day.

If your work shoe inserts buckle under pressure, or worse yet, are a soft, foam insert without structured support, you won't be correcting the root causes of foot pain or preventing biomechanical issues such as overpronation. 

Some insole brands now offer work boot inserts made with carbon fiber. Carbon fiber insoles are super strong. Their rigidity ensure they'll stand up to just about anything you put them through. They're also lightweight and thin, so they won't add bulk to your work boots.

If you're shopping for carbon fiber insoles, evaluate your options closely. Some work orthotic insoles for work boots are 100% carbon fiber while others are a combination of carbon fiber and plastic, which is not as strong.

The Right Fit For Work Boot Insoles

Just as your boots need to fit and be comfortable, orthotic insoles for work boots need to fit and be comfortable as well. The best insoles for work shoes will match the contours of your arch. You should be able to feel the support of the insole across the entire length of your arch. If it feels like there's a golf ball in your work boot, the insoles are too high. Feel like the insole isn't supportive enough? It's probably too low of an arch for your foot. 

You'll also want purchase an insole product with a deep heel cup. That's important because a deep heel cup will help center the fatty pad below your heel bone that acts a natural shock absorber, and improve it's shock absorption qualities.

Long-Term Value & Durability Of Work Boot Inserts

Whether you're looking for men or need women's work boot insoles, one of the biggest features they should have is durability. When you invest in quality work shoe inserts, you don't want to have to replace them every six months. That can get really expensive, fast. Instead, look for work shoe insoles that use a two-part system, allowing allow you to replace the top cover while keeping the arch support piece. 

What Makes A Good Work Boot?

The short answer? It depends. Work boots are made to serve different needs since a delivery driver and a smoke jumper require different features. But the key features you'll want to watch out for are boot height, weight, water resistance, safety toes, insulation, boot construction, and style.

1. Boot height ' Taller is better for linesmen and for protection in the deep woods. But taller boots are harder to put on and heavier. Shorter boots are lighter, cooler, and better for all-around use.
2. Weight ' The highest quality boots (Whites and Wescos) are massively strong but heavy. Backpackers say a pound on your feet is equal to 5 in your pack. Keep this in mind. Heavier boots used to be associated with better support but today's improved materials make boots lightweight while still supportive. 
3. Water Resistance ' Some boots have waterproof leathers or are made with especially breathable materials. Others have waterproof membranes like Gore-Tex. Waterproof boots can be great when you stand in water all day, but they don't let moisture escape (despite the claims) so your feet will feel hotter and wetter. Plus, waterproof boots are harder to dry each night so if you don't need water resistance, they're not your best option.
4. Safety Toes - Necessary on some job sites, steel-toed boots add weight and can make your feet cold in winter. Alternative protective footwear is made with composite protective toes instead of steel.
5. Insulation ' When the temperature drops, a pair of insulated boots are a must for outdoor use. But during the summer, insulated boots will be hot and make your feet sweat. In warmer weather conditions, consider boots with fabric or mesh uppers. While they're not quite as durable, they're worth a look if you are working as a UPS driver in Tucson.
6. Boot Construction ' Welted and stitchdown boots are built to last and can be resoled many times to extend their life. Cement or direct construction ' where the outsole attaches directly to the upper ' can sometimes be resoled, depending on the boot. If resoling is important to you, make sure you're buying boots that give you the option.
7. Style ' There are plenty of different work boot styles available, from traditional moc-toe to contemporary, casual hiker and iron worker. Whichever you go with, make sure it's comfortable. 

What Are The Most Comfortable Work Boot Brands?

There's one thing that makes the biggest difference in the comfort of your work boots. A cushioned outsole. The cushioning between your feet and the hard ground protects your feet from shock and stress, making your boots score much higher on the comfort scale and reducing your foot fatigue.

When you're shopping for new boots, hone in one these quality brands that feature cushioned outsoles: 

1. Irish Setter - Ashby 6" boots. Aluminum toed work boots with heat resistant outsoles and old school styling. 
2. Wolverine - Durashocks 8" boots. Waterproof, insulated boot with comfortable polyurethane outsoles. Could pull double duty as an upland hunting boot. 
3. Timberland - PRO Hypercharge 6' Comp Toe Work Boots. A modified hiker style with waterproof features. 
4. Keen - San Antonio Mid w/Aluminum toe. Running shoe inspired boot features a lightweight EVA midsole and a rubber outsole for comfort and durability. 

What Socks Should I Wear In Work Boots?

Socks are often an afterthought, but they impact your day in work boots more than you'd think. Those cotton crew socks that come by the dozen? They may seem like a great deal, but they're actually not so great for your feet. The reason? Moisture management.

When your feet are dry they stay cooler in summer, warmer in winter and blisters don't form on your softened skin. Also, dry feet resist athletes foot and reduce the growth of bacteria, the cause of stinky feet. 

When you're looking for socks to wear in your work boots, find ones that are: 

• Not cotton - Cotton absorbs moisture and holds it close to your foot. Wet cotton socks lose all their cushioning ability and feel horrible - winter and summer. They're cheap, but that's the only thing in their favor.
• Polyester - This synthetic fiber does not absorb moisture. Instead the moisture is driven away by the heat from your foot. The cushioning of polyester socks maintains much better than cotton over the course of a long day.
• Wool and wool blends - The best. Naturally antimicrobial (anti-stink), wool socks keep your feet dry and comfortable. The best ones offer cushion on the bottom and an open, ventilated weave on top. Thicker styles are better in winter.

How Do I Take Care Of My Work Boots?

To get the longest life out of your work boots, you'll want to rotate them out with a second pair, keep them dry and clean, and care for them using leather conditioners.

• Rotate your boots - Wearing one pair of boots until they wear out seems like a good strategy, but your boots (and shoes) last much longer if alternate between two pairs. You'll give one a chance to dry completely between uses and your feet will be more comfortable.
• Dry your boots ' Allow your boots to dry after a long day. Boots like to air dry without excessive heat. Never subject your boots to more heat than your hand can stand. Remove insoles to speed drying. If your boots get soaked, fill them with wads of newspaper to draw out the moisture.
• Keep your boots clean ' Remove mud to keep the leather from drying out. A stiff brush works well and avoids getting your boots wet. Remove salt with a mild solution of vinegar and water.
• Leather work boots like conditioners ' All leathers benefit from conditioners. Clean and dry your boots before applying conditioning products. Oil-based treatments (SnoSeal, Mink Oil, Redwing Boot Oil) will soften the leather. Silicone or PTFE treatments (Nikwax, Graingers) add waterproofing without softening the leather.

Use all these tips to stop your work boots from killing your feet. By thinking about the boots and socks you're buying to adding durable arch support insoles, you'll make your work boots much more comfortable and long-lasting. And that will make everyday on the job better.

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