Best Walking Boot for Plantar Fasciitis

Last Updated on October 2, 2023 by Kyle

What is the Best Walking Boot for Plantar Fasciitis

Normally a review would cover many different types of products and tell you which product is the best for a particular issue.  In this case, I am going to forgo all the comparisons and get straight to the point.

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The best walking boot for plantar fasciitis is the Aircast FP Walking Brace Walking Boot. That is a mouthful right.  The Aircast FP is a particularly great walking boot, and actually, my daughter used this same boot for a different foot injury, and she loved it.

This is an all-around great walking boot, and Aircast is a large player in orthopedics.  Here is a little more information on the Aircast brand.  For more than 30 years, medical professionals worldwide have depended on Aircast for technological breakthroughs inpatient care. Rooted in scientific methods, each Aircast product is developed using the concept of “functional management.” Aircast set a new standard of care for sprains and other injuries with patented technology and the use of graduated pneumatic compression.

Plantar Fasciitis

Your foot has a thick, fibrous band of tissue (”fascia”) reaching from your heel to your toes. These tissues support the muscles and arch of the foot. When they’re overly stretched, tiny tears can occur on their surface.  These tiny tears will cause inflammation and pain.

What is the cause of plantar fasciitis?

A number of things can contribute to plantar fasciitis. While men can get plantar fasciitis, it’s more common in women. You’re also more likely to suffer from this condition as you are older, if you’re overweight,  or on your feet for several hours a day.

Your risk of getting plantar fasciitis increases if  you:

• Wear worn out shoes
• Have flat feet
• Have a very high arch
• Wear high heeled shoes
• Have tight Achilles tendons

 

Why are Walking Boots Recommended?

Walking boots provide you with more mobility than a regular cast. Many times a person who suffers an ankle, foot or lower leg injury will benefit from a walking boot. This walking boot is strapped to the affected leg and will help immobilize it in order for proper healing to occur.

The intention of a walking boot is to keep you as mobile as possible, while still protecting the injured structure. It is important to properly wear the walking boot to ensure that the leg or foot heals correctly

 

 

Aircast FP Walking Brace Walking Boot

 

Why the Aircast FP is #1

• Specifically designed to provide mobility, protection and pneumatic support for day-to-day activities while recovering from injury
• Intended for stable fractures of the foot and ankle, severe ankle sprains, soft tissue injuries, forefoot and midfoot injuries, and post-operative use
• Low rocker sole promotes natural ambulation (gait) for improved mobility; Provides ample room for dressings without sacrificing comfort
• Includes a hand bulb air pump which allows you to customize the level of support needed. Two adjustable distal air cells provide compression and support that malleoli
• Universal fit allows the Aircast FP Walker Brace / Walking Boot to be worn on either the left or right leg

The Aircast FP (Foam Pneumatic) Walker Brace / Walking Boot is a removable cast that will not limit the mobility required for day-to-day activities while recovering from injury. It’s designed to provide protection and pneumatic support for stable fractures of the foot and ankle, severe ankle sprains, soft tissue injuries, chronic conditions including plantar fasciitis, metatarsal fractures, forefoot and midfoot injuries, and post-operative use.

The low rocker sole promotes a natural gait for improved mobility while the foot base has ample room for foot dressings without sacrificing comfort. The lightweight, semi-rigid shell has a pre-inflated anterior air cell and 2 adjustable Duplex air cells that can be individually inflated for a total contact fit and secure support.

It provides the protection and stability necessary for a healthy recovery and includes a hand bulb air pump which allows you to customize the level of support. Universal fit allows the Aircast FP Walker Brace / Walking Boot to be worn on either the left or right leg.

Here are a few videos which show an overview of the Aircast FP and it’s fitment.

 

Aircast FP Overview

 

Aircast FP Fitment

 

 

 

Aircast FP Walking Brace Walking Boot

 

Pros:

• The walking boot comes in 5 different sizes, from X-Large to pediatric
• The brace has a universal fit allowing it to be worn on the left or right leg.
• Low rocker sole promotes a natural gait.
• Can be used for a wide range of injuries, from a broken ankle to plantar fasciitis
• Great quality

 

Cons:

• Some complain about the long-term durability
• The walking boot to some was hot when wearing it during the warmer months of the year
• May have to re-pump the walking boot after extended wear

Tips of Surviving a Walking Boot

So your doctor has made you wear a walking boot, and we know that the Aircast FP Walker Brace Walking Boot, is an excellent walking boot, but there are some tips to help make the time easier:

• Doctors Orders. ALWAYS follow your doctor’s orders.
• Get on the Level. Walking boots all have a very high surface. This is by design to help protect the foot from absorbing too much impact when you walk. This also leaves your non-affected leg a little too short. At all times, you want both feet to be the same height off the ground which means your non-injured foot needs a more high-heeled shoe. You have some options here. Either wearing tall sneakers or another type of tall shoe will work.
• Use a crutch or a cane.  If trying to wear a taller shoe on your non-affected foot isn’t enough, and you still feel like you are limping, then use one crutch or cane to help take the pressure off. Remember, if you do use a walking aid then it goes in the opposite hand of the injured leg. For more information on crutch alternatives, check out Knee Walkers vs Hands Free Crutches
• Shorten Your Step. Walking boots have a “rocker” bottom. This means you can’t step as far out in front of you as you would with regular shoes on. Shorten your stride. This will help prevent unneeded stress from the shape of the boot.
• Keep your feet and your knees straight. The weight/shape of the boot is going to make you want to turn your feet outwards as you walk, sit or stand. DON’T. Ensure your second toe is always pointing in the same straight line as the center of your knee. The tips listed above will help with this, along with not sitting cross-legged. When you’re sitting with your legs propped up or lying down, try not to let that foot roll outwards with the boot on.
• Rest More and do less walking. Just because you are allowed to walk in your boot doesn’t mean you should. Rest is still your friend. You may help control the swelling in your foot by wearing compression socks.

The Best Walking Boot for Plantar Fasciitis is?

In conclusion, you can’t go wrong with the Aircast FP Walking Brace Walking Boot, it is the best walking boot for plantar fasciitis, as well as a bunch of other foot injuries. If you have plantar fasciitis pain, you must see a doctor for a checkup.

You deserve to feel better and get back to your day-to-day activities.  With the proper care and treatment plan, you will be back on healthy feet in no time.

• If you want more information on plantar fasciitis, check out What Helps Plantar Fasciitis.
• Have you ever used KT Tape?  Read KT Tape for Plantar Fasciitis Review.  I have personally used KT Tape to help with my plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis.
• As always, remember RICE it helps.