If you were injured or your foot has undergone surgery, you will notice the injured part of your leg becomes elevated as compared to the unhurt leg. The answer solution to your problem lies in the walking boots! To prevent much strain on the foot, you have the option of buying a proper walking boot or buying a shoe balancer to maintain optimal balance as you walk.
Experts advise it’s wise to maintain your usual daily wear and simply buy walking boots. The walking boots helps to maintain balance or the same height as the fit foot. This is a great investment as it ensures you move with ease while at the same time you are healing. What is needed in a walking boot is comfort, right fit, adjustable and easy to use.
In this review and guide, we will delve deeper and show you the top 5 best shoes to wear with walking boots in the market today. Also, we have a buyer guide that will help shed light on what you should be looking for in a shoe balancer before making a purchase.
Here’s a sneak peek of factors to consider
Buyer Guide on How to Pick the Right Shoes to Wear with Walking Boots
Purchasing the right shoe to wear with a walking boot cab be easy-peasy if you know the essential features. If your foot is injured it is crucial to pair it with a walking boot as this helps you carry on with your daily chores with ease. Below check out some of the features to consider
Ease to Use
The locking mechanism of the shoe balancer must be easy to a snug fit. It should also be easy to remove and fit from your usual casual wear without any complications.
Added Height
Before making the purchase, be aware of the elevation that will result once you fit in the shoe balancer. Ensure you have not purchased a shoe that will have a different height once you snug in the shoe balancer. This is crucial because the right height means the foot that is injured is at the same angle and height as the unharmed feet.
Ease of Movement
The shoe balancer is made in a way that it should not hamper your height. Once you have purchased a shoe that has a different heel height with the shoe balancer, the walking becomes a nightmare and stressful for the injured person.
Design
The outsole of the shoe balancer defines the design. Traction and durability are key factors to consider when selecting the best shoes to wear with walking boots. This feature adds traction preventing slippage. The construction and the housing material need to be sturdy and last you to the last day of your recovery.
Top 5 Best Shoes to Wear with Walking Boots Review 2020
1. Original EVENup™ Leveler Shoe (Best Overall)
This is our top pick is suitable for people who have undergone knee and hip surgery resulting from uneven gait. The uneven gait is caused by walking with a walking boot or even a wound care boot or different foot lengths which result from a hip replacement.
It adds a height elevation of about ½ and 1inches. The shoe is easy to be worn with a Velcro strap that secures the balancer intact. Once you wear it, you will feel the rigid rubber outsoles for maximum traction and zero slippage when you are walking on a wet surface.
The overall advantage of this shoe leveler is relieving back pain and maintaining a proper gait all through even when you are walking on uneven surfaces. The shoe is available in multiple sizes for men and women. The housing and the construction are superb to wear and remove with ease as well as take the patient to full recovery.
- It has a solid and thick outsole made of rubber for superior comfort
- The ankle section has a slip-on that is easy and with a stopper
- It has a reasonable strap
- The anti-slip feature and excellent traction are a plus
- The sizes may differ – order one size up from your norm.
2. Procare Shoe Balancer (Runner-Up)
For overall quality and performance, Procare Shoe Balancer takes the price. Whether you are wearing the orthopedic boot, cast, or a post-operation shoe, the slightest amount of gait can result in painful back and hips as well as the knees. The Procare shoe balancer helps to maintain a proper height on both legs and reduce strain.
It is available in three different sizes. Men have 9-11.5 inches while the women its available from9.5-12.5 inches foot sizes. To secure the shoe in place and avoid unnecessary movement that may injure your foot, the shoe has a brace structure the secures and fit your foot in place.
The outsole has a tread pattern. This gives the shoe the right maximum traction required to give you support and safety without slipping while walking as you are gripping the surface perfectly. The single hook and the loop straws allow easy adjustment and secure fit.
The shoe balance can be worn on either left or right foot. It provides 1inch that balances your leg length and this way your body will have zero strain.
- It is easy to wear and adjust for a perfect fit.
- Available at affordable price
- Alleviated hip and back pain
- Outsole made of rubber for maximum traction
- Too narrow
- Not sturdy
3. Ergoactives Leveling up For Injury Boots
This shoe balancer is made of top-quality material that prevents slipping something absent in other height balancers. This product is used to match up heights of users’ opposite leg while they are using a walker boot or a walking cast. It is however not to be used if you do not have a normal shoe.
This is a level up that is not necessarily used for the injured foot but used to match the height of walking boots. The level up is used as a cast shoe, where the user will place their cast inside for optimum comfort. The level up is also used to place your foot when you have a bandage to increase comfort while you are walking.
It was created by an orthopedic with the user’s interest at heart to help maintain proper height after knee and hip surgery. The level up is available in just one size. Users who wear a shoe size ranging from 5-7 men or for women who are 5-7.5 can use the Velcro strap and be able to adjust the balancer to the proper shoe size. The level up may seem high that the size of the user requirements.
This shoe is perfect to compensate for the height difference of your leg and that of your boot and also with the leg without having the boot. It is mainly designed to be used for the non-injured foot.
Because this shoe balancer should not be worn without a normal shoe, the shoe may not maintain a height difference to have a perfect position, but instead will give you an uncomfortable sensation of you walking having a worse height difference.
The small sizing has a sole measurement of 6.5 inches and 9 inches or for the Men’s sizes 5-7 inches and women 5 to 7.5 inches.
- Perfect ankle support
- It has plenty of secure straps
- It has a biting grip on the outsole to prevent falling
- It has a solid construction
- It may be hard to adjust
- Not sized according to the chart
4. Cakka Crampons and Portable Walk Traction Shoes
This is the year 2020 new version. This ice cleat has steel coils and not spikes and this prevents you from falling on the snow. It is durable because the steel coil will not fall like the spike’s gripper. It has the velcro tape that makes the crampons feel stronger.
The Cakka ice grippers are made of 1.2 mm high-quality steel coils that are durable and abrasions resistant. The crampon offers strong and full traction for the shoes when you are on an ice surface which keeps your surface from falling.
This shoe gripper is 5.5 inches after you have folded it. It weighs 8oZ and it is easily stored in the travel bag or simply carry it in your handbag as it does not take much space.
It is easy to put in and take off and it has a high elastic rubber and it does not slip from the shoes because of its tightness. Chose the right size as this will give you a perfect cramp on your foot.
The ice gripper is manufactured with TPR premium rubber which has a high elasticity. This means the material does not wear or snap like some materials. The material is resistant to temperatures of -100 degrees Fahrenheit, making it suitable to be used in the snow.
- Perfect for winter vacations
- The TPR rubber add more safety to snow
- Suitable for both outdoor and indoor
- Cold-resistant
- No negative review so far
5. Even Up Shoe Leveler, X Large
The EvenUp shoe leveler is the right answer to knee and hip pain which is usually caused by uneven gait. This shoe balance has a unique feature in that it works in both the right and left foot.
The EvenUp shoe balancer gives you a 1/2 to 1-foot lift that offsets additional height which is brought by wearing the orthotic boot or a cast. It only works with shoes and sneakers and not sandals.
- Quality product to straighten the gait after surgery
- It has a double sole rubber for comfort
- The outsole has a tread for maximum traction
- No negative review so far
Frequently Asked Questions on Best Shoes to Wear with Walking Boots
1. What is the Reason for Wearing a Walking Boot?
The purpose of the walking boot is to protect your foot and hip after injury or surgery. Some individuals will wear the boot after they have broken a tendon or a bone or if they have a foot cast. The primary benefit is keeping the foot stable and allow the healing process to happen with no interference.
2. What is the Difference Between a Foot Cast and a Walking Boot?
Nowadays, medics are opting to give patients walking boots as compared to foot casts. It is easier for you to walk with a walking boot rather than when you have a cast. As a result, medics are giving out walking boots and walking braces instead of the casts.
3. Which is Comfortable, a Walking Boot or a Cast?
The main difference between these two is the weight. The walking boot is much lighter than the cast and it allows the individual to have more mobility compared to the one having a cast.
4. Does a Walking Boot cause Pain?
A good walking boot should not cause your foot any pain. It should not have a burning or tingling feeling as this could sense danger. This could mean the boot is not the right size and may har your foot. Always listen to the body. If the boot adding more pain to your foot, consult your doctor and also adjust the boot where necessary.
5. Do you wear the walking Boot with A Shoe?
Yes. It is wise to wear supportive shoes together with the walking boot. The most advisable shoe is the athletic type. Athletic shoes are recommended because they are comfortable, have a thick sole, supportive and the feet are evened well.
The sole purpose is to avoid limping. You may also need a walking boot to level your injured foot with the fir foot to avoid uneven gait.
6. Are you Supposed to Sleep with Walking Boots?
Another frequently asked question is whether it is okay to sleep with walking boots. Yes, you can sleep with walking boots only if they have been loosened for superior comfort. Always make a nest around the injured leg with your pillow so that the foot has maximum support.
7. Do You Need to Have Crutches when You Have Walking Boots?
The first few days after the surgery, you may need the crutches so that you get used to walking with the boots. The whole point of a walking boot is so that you walk without any assistance. Therefore, once you get used to walking with walking boots, you can ditch the crutches.
8. Is it possible to Shower with Walking Boots?
It is possible to loosen the boot and take a shower. It is wise to remove the boots so that they do not get water. If the bootstrap moisture, can irritate your feet and lead to infections. If you are unable to remove the walking boot, then try to bottle the leg inside a polythene paper to ensure no amount of water gets inside the boot. The whole idea is to keep it dry.
9. How Long Should I have the Walking Boot?
The period in which you stay with the walking boot varies from one individual to another. On average a bone injury takes around six to 8 weeks. While a ligament may take 6-12 weeks to make a full recovery.
10. What Should You Wear Inside a Walking Boot?
A sock should and can be worn under the walking boots and this will keep the skin from soaking in sweat.
The sock should be dry and clean and one that wicks away the moisture.
Conclusion
The walking boot is a medical device that is very helpful for the sole purpose of aiding mobility when you have had injuries on your foot and hips. The type of severity is the one that determines the period you will have the walking boot with you. It is imperative to heed the doctor’s advice and this ensures you have a full recovery.
Putting the boot is super easy and that is why you need to look for an easily adjustable boot. You can loosen and fasten it depending on the doctor’s advice. Remember o listen to your body. If something does not feel right, ensure that you consult your doctor. If the boot is not fitting, adjust so that it fits well.
You can have a normal life when you have the walking boot, you can bathe by cover it with a polythene bag. As well you can sleep with the walking boot by simply loosening it a bit. We hope the above review and buyer’s guide will help you when you are purchasing the foot balancer. There are numerous options in the market, ensure you check at the features you want to have, and later make a purchase.
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