Aircast FP Walking Brace

First of all, let me say that I am a *very* picky girl. I severely sprained my ankle a couple of summers ago. I couldn't even walk, but an x-ray revealed there was no break. My doctor advised that immobilization was necessary, so I went to the local pharmacy and picked up the brand of "walking boot" they had in stock. MAN, was that thing HEAVY. The weight of the boot on my foot/leg while walking was horribly uncomfortable for my weak ankle. In addition, the walking boot didn't immobilize me even as well as my ankle brace did when wearing a shoe. As soon as I tried it on, I knew that it was NOT what I wanted to be wearing for weeks on end!

I started looking online -- researching and comparing all the available models of walking casts. I ended up getting the Aircast FP Walking Brace. I first tried the Aircast SP Walking Brace (the shorter model) but found that the taller version immobilized my ankle much better. The inflatable inserts feel like heaven to someone with an ankle injury -- compressing the injured area to reduce swelling and slightly massaging your ankle while you walk. You are able to inflate/deflate each side independently for a customized fit.

Some other walking boots I tried had only foam across the top. They were basically a foam boot, attached with straps to a hard rubber-type lower/vertical shell. When I walked in one of those types of boots, it felt like my foot/leg was pulling up out of the boot, and while my foot was in the air during a step, the weight of the boot hung off my injured limb by the velcro straps. Ugh, so painful! Not so with this boot! The semi-rigid outer shell is held comfortably in place by the adjustable straps, providing a firm, stabilizing hold. Unlike other boots I tried, it never feels like this boot is hanging like a weight. I don't know if this boot is actually lighter than other brands of walking boots or if the construction just provides better pressure and weight distribution, but it certainly feels much lighter and more comfortable while walking. This walking boot was exactly what I had been looking for. Yay! No more crutches + ankle brace!

Because I am also a very clean girl, I appreciate the fact that the liner and insole can be completely removed and washed. You can also purchase replacement liner and insole sets separately, and the shell is nearly indestructible. I went out playing in the woods and on the beach in this boot, and can attest to how wonderfully it cleans up!

I don't often write product reviews, and for anyone without lower limb pain, I can see that this review might seem a bit too enthusiastic. But if you're facing having to wear one of these things for weeks or months yourself, you might better be able to appreciate how these features can make your recovery more bearable.

Happy healing, everyone! :) (Posted on 3/9/10)