Article Last Updated: Fri, March 1, 2024
An ankle break or fracture is a delicate injury that requires extra care.
Most likely, your doctor would recommend a walking boot for the duration of the injury, which can be anywhere from 3 to 8 weeks.
Below you’ll find our recommended best walking boots for broken ankles, as well as a buying guide to help you make an informed decision.
1. Aircast FP (Foam Pneumatic) Walker Brace
Specifically designed to provide mobility, protection and pneumatic support for day-to-day activities while recovering from injury.
2. United Ortho Air Cam Walker Fracture Boot
Provides maximum stability and support following injury or post-operative procedures.
3. Mars Wellness Tall Cam Walker Fracture Ankle
Indicated for the treatment of sprains, stable FX, and other injuries of the ankle & foot.
Best Walking Boots for a Broken Ankle
1. Aircast FP (Foam Pneumatic) Walker Brace
PROS
- Solid cast-like exterior
- Soft, inflatable interior
- Low rocker sole, better for gait
- Highly adjustable
- 6 months warranty
CONS
- May wear out quickly
- Your foot can get warm, which may be bad depending on the weather
- Expensive, but can be found on a discount
Features a solid, plastic shell that is comparable to a cast, and soft pneumatic foam that fits snugly on the inside.
The low rocker sole is easy on the toes, and ensures a more comfortable gait without a shoe balancer.
For a more tailored fit, the pneumatic cells can be filled or emptied of air using an integrated air pump
The Aircast FP fits on either foot, and is available in generic sizes (small, medium, large, X-large, and pediatric). It also comes with a 6 months warranty.
The top part of the boot also fits comfortably into jean pants, so it can be hidden when going out.
2. United Ortho Air Cam Walker Fracture Boot
PROS
- Low price
- Solid plastic and steel reinforcements
- Breathable
- Low rocker soles
- Pneumatic support
- Shock absorption insole
CONS
- Heavy (2.87 pounds)
- Bad customer support
- The size adjustment is lacking, especially for smaller people
- The air cells are not very snug
The plastic mold with steel reinforcement ensures maximum stability, and the low rocker sole is gait-friendly. It’s available in five size variations and has enough space for bandages, but the fit is not very adjustable.
It’s also rather heavy, but it may be worth it for the extra steel support.
Another good thing about this boot is that it doesn’t feel warm at all. It’s very breathable.
Unfortunately, many users complain about the unresponsive customer service, so you may not get post-purchase support.
3. Mars Wellness Tall Cam Walker Fracture Ankle
PROS
- Great price
- Lightweight polymer material
- Durable
CONS
- Noisy
- Not-so-rocker sole
- No pneumatic air cells
Constructed from a multi-strand polymer material that is both lightweight and strong, effectively eliminating a lot of stress on the ankle. The unique material is also very durable and long-lasting, which is unusual for medical boots.
One problem that a lot of users report is the noise. This boot has too many parts shifting around and is particularly noisy to walk in.
Another problem is that the rocker sole advertised is actually not that noticeable.
4. Superior Braces High Top Air Pump CAM Medical Orthopedic
PROS
- Pneumatic support
- Great price
- Rocker bottom
- Cushioned heel
- Lightweight and durable
- Good instructions
CONS
- The sole is too high
- Air cells may be difficult to use
This beautiful boot has pneumatic compression, so it’s comfortable and snug. It features a cushioned heel for shock absorption. It also wide walker bottom to avoid further injury.
This boot is both light and sturdy, but the rocker sole may be too high, so it’s a good idea to get a shoe balancer..
The air cushion may be a little bit complicated, but the company offers good instructions.
5. Aircast AirSelect Walker Brace
PROS
- Solid shell that aids healing
- Amazing shock absorption
- Adjustable size
- Fully-integrated air bump
- Lightweight and durable
- Breathable
- Easy to put on and take off
CONS
- Velcro straps lose quality after a while
- The air cells may leak with some users
- Pricey
The Airselect has a durable, breathable, solid shell that holds your foot in place and aids healing. It uses shock absorption technology to avoid re-injury, and of course, it features pneumatic air compression.
Many users report how easy it is to put it on and take it off, which gives you one less thing to worry about.
This boot features an integrated air bump that not only prevents shocks and re-injury, but it also helps the boot fit snugly. Unfortunately, some users report that the air cells are prone to leakage.
Before You Buy
Before you make a purchase, scroll through the section below to make sure you understand what your injury requires.
Length
Due to the sensitive position of ankle fractures, longer boots are recommended. They work by supporting the calf and reducing the pressure on the ankle.
Fit
When it comes to medical boots, fitting is crucial. Too tight, and you may suffer discomfort and poor bone healing. Too loose, and you run the risk of slipping and reinjury.
To get the right fit, always view the size chart that comes from the manufacturer. Never wear an ill-fitting medical boot.
Medical boots come with adjustable straps, so they can be fitted in case of swelling or bandages. They’re also universal, which means they can be worn on either foot.
Unfortunately, the soles on these boots are usually too high, which means they may cause an unnatural gait. To prevent joint pain, use a shoe balancer such as this one. It works best with a tennis shoe.
Pneumatic Compression
For a broken ankle, you want to get a boot with pneumatic support.
Pneumatic support refers to the extra padding found inside some medical boots, which can be filled with air and emptied using a knob.
This feature reduces stress on the bones and ensures that the boot fits snugly from the inside.
Price
You’ll find that most boots range from $40 to $100, with some outside this range. This is mostly due to the material and the air compression technology used. However, hospitals tend to sell the same brands for a much higher price point, sometimes three times as much. It makes more sense to buy them from Amazon in that case.
Broken Ankle Care
A broken ankle is a serious injury that requires medical attention. Call 911 if any of these symptoms are present:
- Uncontrollable bleeding
- Cold, pale, or numb ankle
- Inability to move the foot
- Shock symptoms (paleness, fainting, rapid shallow breathing)
When at home, follow the RICE protocol, which stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation.
To Sum Up
The best broken-ankle boot is the one that has a solid exterior, a low rocker sole, a reasonable price, and good pneumatic pressure. It’s the boot that can be adjusted for the best fit. For all of that, we recommend the Aircast FP (Foam Pneumatic)
