5 Best Shoe After Calcaneal Fracture Reviewed & Rated 2020

Depending on the type of calcaneal fracture you experienced, you may or may not need a surgery. Either way, the post-op and natural healing process will require proper support and immobilization of the affected foot from the best shoe after calcaneal fracture.

Finding the right post-op shoes can be tricky and overwhelming. Fortunately for you, I reviewed the top 5 shoes for calcaneal fracture and included all the important information you need to choose whichever is best suited for your needs.

Best Shoe after Calcaneal Fracture Reviews:

Take a look at the best shoes after Calcaneal Fracture that you can find in the market.

1. ProCare Squared Toe Post-Op Shoe

The ProCare Squared Toe Post-Op Shoe is one of the best shoes to wear after calcaneal fracture because it provides a stable protection for your foot’s speedy healing. It is designed to keep the toes dry and the dressing clean.

Thanks to the square toe which serves as a bumper and provides extra space for your foot, you can enjoy an additional layer of protection and comfort around the toes.

The padded heel and adjustable ankle strap encourage natural and proper foot positioning while also reducing heel slippage. A removable insole also allows you to clean it or replace it with custom inserts.

A rigid rocker and traction sole reduces pressure on the heel and lets you ambulate easier and faster after surgery. Because of the universal fit and design, this shoe can be worn on either foot.

Pros:

• Not only great for calcaneal fracture but also for broken toes
• Great transitional footwear from a boot or cast
• Not as heavy as other orthopedic boots
• Easy and painless to slide the foot in
• Breathable
• Affordable
• Good quality Velcro straps

Cons:

• Lacks support on the side of the ankles to keep the foot from rotating
• The shape of the sole tends to push the toe up when walking
• Sole is not as rigid as expected
• Hard to tighten around the ankle
• Disintegrates when wet

2. Mars Wellness Premium Squared Toe Post-Op Shoe

Very similar to the previous product, the Mars Wellness Premium features a high ankle strap that keeps the foot in its proper position. It is ideal for those recovering from plantar surgery or broken toes or foot.

It also serves well in reducing pressure and shortening the healing process thanks to the highly supportive rigid rocker sole. The traction sole at the bottom grips the floor to make each step safer and easier.

Velcro closures allow you to adjust the straps on the forefoot, midfoot, and ankles for a secure and comfortable custom fit. The inner portion is also padded with soft materials to keep your comfortable even after long periods of using the shoe.

This shoe also features a universal design that makes it suitable for either your right or left foot. It’s even available in a wider version for men and a narrower size for women.

Pros:

• Excellent quality for the price
• Does well in protecting and supporting the foot and toes post-op
• Comfortable to wear
• Lightweight
• Non-slip tread bottom
• Easily adjustable straps for a great fit

Cons:

• Not much of a rocker sole as a rocker boot
• Puts some pressure on the toes
• Velcro straps are too long
• Inaccurate size description
• Flimsy

3.Darco Med-SurgPost Operative Shoe

If you are looking for rigid control for your foot, the Darco Med-Surg Post-Op Shoe may be your best bet. The uniquely designed forefoot closure secures the foot uniformly without the usual pressure points caused by straps and buckles.

The ankle straps eliminate heel friction and movement by keeping the foot firmly planted on the sole. The square toe protects the forefoot and toes from damage and provides extra room.

The MetaShank^TM protection technology creates a rigid support under the metatarsals which is ideal for those with injured toes. On the other hand, the PegAssist insole offers off-loading properties.

Darco Med-Surg is also great for all stages of the recovery process because the forefoot closure is expandable to accommodate bandages or to relieve pressure and can also be tightened for a more comfortable fit after your bandages are removed.

Pros:

• Unique forefoot closure
• Comfortable to wear
• Nice transition post-op shoe
• MetaShank support
• Versatile
• Firm yet supportive sole
• Customizable fit around the ankle and midfoot
• Square toe design
• PegAssist Insole

Cons:

• Sizes tend to run small
• The sole is not rigid enough and bends with the foot
• May be too wide for most people
• No rocker sole
• Insufficient toe protection

4. BraceAbility Short Broken Toe Boot

Featuring an open toe design, a wide toe bed, a shock-absorbing deluxe foam liner and extra soft pads, the BraceAbility Short Broken Toe Boot offers amazing comfort while your foot heals. It even provides extra room to account for bandages and swelling.

The low-profile rocker bottom encourages a more natural gait while the medical-grade fastener straps can be easily adjusted for a customized fit. Get protection and support for the ankle and sides of the foot with the rigid reinforced plastic polymer plastic shell.

Clinically proven to treat and protect broken bones, fractures, sprains and other types of foot, ankle, and toe injury, this shoe immobilizes your foot but still allows you to walk around while you heal.

This shoe also uses medical-grade Velcro for the straps which is 10 times stronger than commercially bought retail Velcro. Treads at the bottom offer traction for your safety while the versatile design allows you to wear on either left or right foot.

Pros:

• Adjustable strap system for a secure and comfortable custom fit
• Extra strong polymer shell
• Rocker sole
• Treaded sole for traction
• Strong and durable Velcro Straps
• Low profile and lightweight
• Wide footbed
• Soft and supportive liner for your comfort

Cons:

• Costs almost twice as much as the previous products on this list
• The interior is too loose with no way to tighten it
• Lacks stability and immobilization on the leg part
• Clunky and hard to walk around

5.Aircast AirSelect Walker Brace

The AircastAirSelect Walker Brace or Walking boot is unlike most post-op shoes. Its unique selling point is that it comes in three different styles and sizes that serve specific purposes.

This easy-to-use walking boot is available in Short, Standard, and Elite versions. The Short version helps reduce the symptoms due to hindfoot, forefoot, and midfoot injuries. It provides support and compression through the pre-inflated front panel and a couple of adjustable air cells.

The Standard walking boot provides comfort and support for severe ankle sprain, post-op immobilization, and fracture of the ankle, lower leg, or foot.

The Elite version, which is the most advanced among the three, offers the same performance as the Standard but with some additional functions. It also helps control edema and reduce swelling of the foot.

All three versions feature the SoftStrike technology for shock absorption and dissipation, a durable semi-rigid shell to protect and support the leg, and a lightweight body to help you go about doing everyday activities with ease.

Overlapping Duplex air cells that line the shell reduce edema 3 times faster by offering intermittent pneumatic compression. The open frame and sleek design allows the foot to breathe while the skid-resistant rubber tread provides traction for your safety and longer wear.

The lab-tested rocker sole not only encourages a natural gait but also provides stability.

Pros:

• Lightweight and durable
• Shock absorbent
• Sleek design
• Universal fit (can be worn on either foot)
• Pneumatic pressure to reduce swelling
• Supportive and comfortable
• Provides proper ventilation
• Easy to put on and take off

Cons:

• Inaccurate website sizing descriptions
• Velcro straps do not last long
• Once the air pump gives out, the boot won’t fit properly
• Expensive

What is a Calcaneal Fracture?

The heel bone or the bone that is the main foundation of the foot’s rear part is also called the calcaneus. It is connected to the talus (the bone that makes up the lower ankle joint) and the cuboid bone (which connects the ankle and the foot).

The joint that connects the talus and calcaneus, called the subtalar joint, is vital for normal foot function while the cuboid bone stabilizes the foot.

Now, the calcaneus can be structurally compared to a hardboiled egg since it has a soft, spongy interior covered by a thin hard shell. When the outer shell is cracked or broken, the whole bone tends to cave in and crumble.

This is why calcaneal fractures, or broken heel bones, are considered severe injuries. The two types of calcaneal fracture are: 1) that which involves the joint and 2) one which does not. If the joints are involved, this type of fracture can potentially lead to long-term consequences like chronic pain and arthritis.

In the next parts of this article, you will learn about the causes and treatment options for calcaneal fracture.

To know more about this injury, watch this video:

How Do Calcaneal Fractures Occur?

There are generally two main causes of calcaneal fractures: high-energy and low-energy injuries.

High-energy injuries involve the subtalar joint. Examples of these include car accidents and falling from a height.

Low-energy injuries do not usually involve the joint and can be due to twisting the ankle, ankle sprains, and stress fractures due to repetitive movements and overuse of the heel bone.

An increased risk of having a calcaneal fracture may also be due to osteoporosis and diabetes.

Treatment

Calcaneal fracture treatments include surgical and non-surgical procedures. Surgery is done to restore the heel bone to its normal shape, reconstruct, or fuse the joint. Non-surgical treatment methods include the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation) to reduce swelling and pain and immobilization using a cast or special footwear to encourage the natural healing process.

Conclusion:

Based on the product reviews, the best shoe after calcaneal fracture is clearly the Aircast AirSelect Walker Brace or boot. While it is the most expensive, it also offers the most advanced features. It is even available in three different styles and heights. Once you find the perfect fit, it is so easy and comfortable on the foot.

 Well, did you like this article? If so, don’t forget to leave a comment down below and please feel free to share with your friends and family as well! Here’s to your quick healing and recovery!