cam boot

10 Best CAM Boots for Effective Healing of Foot [Complete Guide]

Posted on by Cindy
27
Jul

Walking with a cam boot promotes faster and more effective healing of foot injuries and other related conditions. The orthopedic cam walker is available in various sizes, shapes, specialties and requirements.

The many cam boot models available in the market get created for a specific purpose. If you want to choose the best cam boots, you should know what features to look for when making a choice.

Read on so you can choose the best cam shoe based on your specific foot condition.

In this article,

Our Picks for the Best CAM Boot

What is a CAM Boot?

A CAM (Controlled Ankle Movement) is a medical-grade support brace that limits ankle and foot movement. A CAM walker boot includes an adjustable liner (you place your foot into the liner) and a firm shell (supports and protects the foot).

What Does the CAM Boot Do?

One of the most significant benefits of using a CAM boot is that it enables you to do your daily activities even when wearing it. The stress of walking with an injured foot gets reduced substantially, and you feel comfortable doing any tasks you want.

When you wear a cam shoe, the foot and ankle get protection, preventing reinjury, which speeds up the healing process. It is best if the CAM walking boot gets fixed by a qualified doctor or physiotherapist.

When Should You Use a CAM Boot?

A CAM boot gets worn by individuals who have suffered mild or severe ankle, foot, or leg injuries. The leg injuries can include:

  • Ankle sprains.
  • Fractures of the ankle or foot.
  • Lisfranc injuries.
  • Stress fractures.
  • Plantar Fascia.
  • Post-operative immobilization.
  • Metatarsalgia, which is substantial pain under the balls of the forefoot.
  • Soft tissue injuries such as rupture or Achilles tear.

Details About the 10 Best Walking CAM Boots

1. Best Overall – BraceAbility Short Broken Toe Boot | Cam Boot Walker

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Size: XS, S, M, L, and XL

Brand: BraceAbility

Color: Black

Specific Uses: Sprain, Swelling, Bunion, and Fracture.

Rating: 4.4 out of 5.0

When you have to immobilize your foot but also walk to complete your day-to-day activities, BraceAbility is here to help you protect a broken toe, stress fracture, metatarsal fracture, post bunion surgery, sprain, and any other type of ankle or foot injury.

The cam walking foot can be worn on the right or left foot. The unique design of this boot has a shock-absorbing feature. The extra soft pads and cushioned boot line provide maximum walking comfort.

BraceAbility makes walking with a cam boot easy as it’s lightweight. The three straps of the boot can be adjusted, which will help provide a secure and comfortable fit. The treads at the bottom of the boot make getting around any place safe.

Pros

  • The open-toe design and wide toe bed allow adequate room for bandaging and swelling.
  • Medical-grade Velcro is ten times stronger.
  • The polymer shell is sturdy and durable.
  • The rocker sole makes walking with a cam boot natural.

Cons

  • The cam walker boot might rub on the sides of the leg, causing discomfort.  
  • The cam boot walker doesn’t tighten enough making it a loose fit.

2. Best Seller: United Ortho Short Air Cam Boot Walker Fracture Boot

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Size: XS, S, M, L, XL

Brand: United Ortho

Color: Black

Specific Uses: Fracture

Rating: 4.4 out of 5.0

The United Ortho cam boot fits both women and men. The cam walking boot allows you to rest and heal your ankle and foot injuries. The universal fitting of the boot ensures that you can wear it on your right or left foot.

Besides, the short cam walker is recommended for individuals up to 300 pounds. The air bladder, which offers custom compression, provides additional support and comfort. A user guide is included with the walking boot, which helps with the proper application.

Pros

  • Rocker sole enables you to maintain your natural gait as you continue your daily tasks.
  • The plastic material gets molded with steel reinforcements, ensuring durability.
  • Shock absorbing insole helps promote natural walking on all surfaces.

Cons

  • The bulky weight of the short cam walking boot is an issue.
  • There could be an air bladder problem on some shoes.

3. Best Value – United Ortho Large Air Cam Boot Walker for Fracture

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Size: XS, S, M, L, XL

Brand: United Ortho

Color: Black

Specific Uses: Ankle and Foot Fractures, Soft tissue Injuries, Post-Operative Care, Acute Ankle Sprains, etc.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.0

The United Ortho air cam walker promotes natural walking. The shock-absorbing insole and rocker sole ensure you can walk and complete your daily activities without discomfort.

A user guide gets included with each cam boot. Follow the instructions so that you get a perfect fit. The high-quality product helps promote faster healing.

Pros

  • The fracture boot can get worn on the left or right foot.
  • Steel reinforcements and sturdy plastic molded uprights increase durability.
  • Four comfort pads get provided along with the fracture cam boot.

Cons

  • The bulky weight of the fracture boot might cause pain when worn for extended perio

4. Best for Natural Step: Orthotronix Short Cam Boot Walker (Medium)

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Size: XS, S, M, L, and XL

Brand: Orthotronix 

Color: Black

Specific Uses: Fracture, Bunion, Swelling, Sprain, etc

Rating: 4.3 out of 5.0

The Orthotronix short cam walker boot gets used for post-operative stabilization, stable fractures, grade 2 and 3 sprains, soft tissue injuries, and bunion. It also helps reduce edema of the ankle and foot, swelling and pain.

The wide rocker bottom allows you to conserve energy and maintain a natural walking gait. The lightweight design of the walking boot provides comfort, and the quick-release function lets you open and close the straps easily.

Pros

  • Open toe design makes the walker boot more breathable.
  • Universal fit enables you to wear it on the left or right foot.
  • Wide rocker bottom.
  • The quick-release feature makes it easy to manage.
  • The lightweight cam boot enables you to do your daily activities quickly.

Cons

  • ten an issue. The size chart might not be accurate.

5. Best Tall Walking Boot: BraceAbility Tall Pneumatic Walking Cam Boot | Orthopedic CAM Air Walker

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Size: X, M, and L

Brand: BraceAbility

Color: Black

Specific Uses: Ankle Sprain

Rating: 4.3 out of 5.0

The BraceAbility tall pneumatic walking boot is equipped with innovative Aircell technology. You can customize the air cell for a customized compression, enhancing your stability. The straps of the fracture boot ensure that you get a perfect fit.

The pneumatic walking cam boot has been clinically proven to offer support and protection for Achilles tendonitis, a broken foot, Lisfranc injuries, metatarsal breaks, stress fractures, ankle sprains, and post-operative care.

The open-toe design and wide toe bed ensure adequate room for bandaging and swelling. The polymer plastic has a rigid reinforced shell, offering support and protection on both sides of the ankle and foot.

Pros

  • The Aircell technology can get customized.
  • The walker boot has a comfortable deluxe foam liner.
  • The medical-grade fastener straps can easily get adjusted.
  • The low-profile rocker bottom helps you walk naturally without a limp.

Cons

  • The air walker technology might not function properly in some walking boots.

6. Top Rated: Aircast AirSelect Walker Brace/Walking Cam Boot

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Size: XS, S, M, L, and XL

Brand: Aircast

Color: Black

Specific Uses: Ankle Sprain

Rating: 4.6 out of 5.0

The Aircast AirSelect walker boot has a semi-rigid shell supporting and protecting the injured limb. The lightweight walker has a rocker sole which ensures a natural gait when walking. You can also wear the CAM boot for a prolonged period.

The Duplex overlap and line the shell and provides a pneumatic compression. The compression ensures that the edema gets reduced three times faster. The rubber walker offers support and protection so that you get to do your daily tasks.

The short walker is ideal for ankle and foot fractures, severe ankle sprain, and post-operative immobilization. The shoe’s front panel is pre-inflated, and the dual adjustable air cells offer support and compression.

Pros

  • The rubber material provides a non-marking, skid-resistant tread that ensures excellent traction.
  • Soft strike technology absorbs and dissipates shock.
  • Open frame design ensures ventilation.

Cons

  • Expensive.
  • You might have to order extra liners for comfort.

7. Most Versatile – Air CAM Walker Fracture Tall Boot for Medical Recovery

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Size: XS, S, M, L, XL

Brand: Brace Direct

Color: Black

Specific Uses: Foot Fractures, Soft tissue Injuries, Post-Operative Care, and Ankle Sprains

Rating: 4.3 out of 5.0

The Air CAM walker fracture boot is ideal for foot conditions such as bunions, soft tissue injuries, sprains, post-operative recovery, and stress fractures. The unique design of the CAM foot helps in the recovery process.

The medical-grade Velcro straps can adjust, enabling you to have a customized fit. The five adjustable straps ensure that the foot fits perfectly. The open toe area allows adequate ventilation at all times.

In addition, the universal fit design of the healing walking boot lets you wear it on the right or left foot. The rocker bottom walker foot enables you to walk naturally. The boot provides controlled ankle movement, stabilizing the foot and allowing free movement.

The built-in air pump allows you to customize the CAM boot. The wide foot and toe bed ensure you don’t feel discomfort if the foot swells during recovery.

The non-skid tread feature provides stability when you walk, and this helps prevent further injury to your foot or ankle. The shock-absorbing insole protects the injured foot by reducing impact.

Pros

  • Lightweight design.
  • Durable and comfortable. The outer shell is hard and the uprights rigid.
  • The five adjustable straps ensure a perfect fit, allowing easy foot movement.

Cons

  • The air pump might not perform efficiently.

8. Best Low-Profile: Superiorbraces Low Top, Low Profile Air Pump CAM Boot (Medical Orthopedic Walker)

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Size: M

Brand: Superior Braces

Color: Black

Specific Uses: Ankle Sprain

Rating: 4.1 out of 5.0

The Superiorbraces orthopedic walker boot fits the left or right foot perfectly. If your injured foot is swollen, it is best to order a larger size to accommodate the swelling. Always ensure that the cam boot is neither too tight nor loose, as it can affect the healing process.

This cam walker will allow you to customize the compression per your specific needs. The inflatable liner gets equipped with accessible release technology. It enables you to open and close the Velcro straps quickly.

A low-profile orthopedic walker is a good option for individuals who need post-operative stabilization and those suffering from stable fractures, grade 2 and 3 sprains, and soft tissue injuries.

The orthopedic cam boot will also help reduce the pain and swelling of the injured foot. It will also help cure edema of the ankle and foot. You can buy additional foam pads if you want to customize the fit.

Pros

  • Lightweight design.
  • The plastic molded uprights provide stability to the injured foot.
  • Inflatable compression bladder.

Cons

  • The cushioning of the footbed isn’t adequate.

9. Best Budget-Friendly: ManaMed ManaEZ Air Tall CAM Boot (Orthopedic Walking Boot)

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Size: L

Brand: ManaMed

Color: Black

Specific Uses: Various Foot and Ankle Injuries

Rating: 4.3 out of 5.0

The ManaMed ManaEZ air boot offers protection, mobility and support when recovering from various foot and ankle injuries. The tall cam boot gets used for stable fractures of the lower leg, ankle, and foot, broken foot, and ankle sprain.

The rock bottom feature of the cam walker gets designed to allow you to walk naturally. The cushioned insoles prevent fatigue by absorbing shock. The cast padding ensures ankle immobilization which prevents injury during recovery.

The universal orthopedic walking boot can get down on the right or the left foot. The air bladder is embedded in the foot liner, providing a secure fit. The bulb system of the air bladder prevents leakage after it gets locked.

Pros

  • Pneumatic pump for custom compression.
  • Rocker foot bottom design.
  • Professional grade Velcro.
  • Cushioned insole absorbs shock.

Cons

  • The Velcro straps wear down quick.

10. Best for Children: Mars Wellness Premium Pediatric Cam Boot Walker

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Size: S, M, L, and XL

Brand: Mars Wellness

Color: Black

Specific Uses: Bunion, Swelling, and Fracture

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.0

The Mars Wellness Premium Pediatric Cam Walker has explicitly got designed for children. The walking cam boot offers protection and support to children with foot injuries. The walking boot also gets used for post-operative care and speeds up recovery.

Pros

  • The cam boots have been specifically designed for children.
  • The lightweight plastic provides stabilization.
  • The pediatric cam walker can get worn on the right or left foot.

Cons

  • The size might be an issue for some children.

How to Select the Right CAM Boot for Your Broken or Injured Foot

Cam boots are often termed as treatment devices for various injuries and conditions related to the foot, ankle, and lower leg. There are different types of boots designed for specific conditions.

  • Short Cam Walking Boot
  • Tall Cam Boot
  • Air Cast Walking Boots
  • Hard Cast Bottoms and Shoes

Short Cam Walking Boot

The short cam walking boot covers the toes above the ankle and calf. These walking boots help treat injuries or fractures that impact the foot, lower ankle, and heel.

Tall Cam Boot

The tall cam boot gets designed to wrap the leg from the mid-calf to the toes. The casts help treat injuries that impact the ankle and the calf. The unique features of this boot include cushioning and a tight leg wrap.

The outer layer of the boot gets made from plastic and metal. The outer layer fastens the inner wrapping, which is usually Velcro.  

Air Cast Walking Boots

The air cushion is the innovative technology used in air cast walking boots that provide a customized fit to the injured foot or ankle and promote fast healing. Apart from that, you can also get more mobile walking with this cam boot.

The air cast walking boots get used to treat only minor injuries or foot conditions. This boot is not recommended if the individual has broken bones or fractures.

Hard Cast Bottoms and Shoes

Hard cast shoes and bottoms are rugged and surround the foot to protect it from injury. The boots ensure you can do your daily activities without worrying about your foot.

You must consider several features before selecting the right cam boot for your injured foot.

Boot Size

Cam boots are available in different sizes, matching your shoe size or foot measurements. Review the size options for every walking boot you want to select.

The many products in this category have size charts, enabling you to choose the right cam boot for your foot. Only the right-sized boot can immobilize your foot and promote faster healing.

Strap Types

Straps are crucial if you want to fix the boots properly. Most cam boots use Velcro straps to keep the cast securely in place. Some small-sized walker boots use non-Velcro straps such as clasps for fastening.

It is advisable to check what kind of straps the product you want to buy before you make a final decision. If you have any specific preferences, you should look for products that have those straps.

Cast Liners

The interior of a walking boot features liners, which get made from different materials. The cast liners are designed to be comfortable, soft, and supportive.

Different cast liners are available, and you can choose based on your specific injury. Foam and nylon liners are popular as they are soft and comfortable.  

Anti-Shock Technology

Anti-shock technology is one of the most innovative features you need to look for when shopping for a cam boot walker. Almost all walking boots have a cushion to help keep the foot safe, but when you choose the anti-shock technology, you can decrease the risk of injury.

Anti-shock or anti-vibration technology or sole constructions are ideal if you have a grievous foot injury that causes considerable discomfort and pain.

Supports

Some cam boots have additional supports made from high-quality aluminum or dense plastics. It helps in providing extra support to the foot during recovery.

The supports are common in air cast boots or high-top walking casts that need vertical support. Not every user will need support, and it is best to discuss this with your doctor.

Important Considerations on Wearing a CAM Boot

You should be aware of several crucial considerations when wearing a cam boot. Here is an overview of those considerations.

  • The physiotherapist will specify the type of cam boots you need depending on the condition and severity of your foot or ankle injury. The fitting and the duration you need to wear them also get determined.
  • If you are wearing cam shoes with air compressor technology, it is advisable to inflate the air cells when wearing the boot and deflate them when removing them.
  • The unaffected leg needs to get elevated so there is no difference in length when walking, and you can take normal strides.
  • Do adhere to all the safeguards specified by the doctor when wearing the boot, as it will help speed up recovery.

FAQs about CAM Boots

1. How to Wear a CAM Boot?

Before wearing a cam boot, wear a long sock on the injured foot. The sock will help keep the liner clean. Wear a clean sock each day. Undo all the Velcro straps of the cam walker and open the foam liner.

Sit down and bend the knee. Slowly slide the foot into the foam liner. Ensure that the heel is way back into the boot. The foot has to be entirely inside the liner. Close the foam liner around the shin and the foot.

First, secure the Velcro straps around the foot, and then follow this up by securing the straps around the shin. Ensure that all the straps are firmly in place. The straps need to be firm but shouldn’t cause pain or discomfort.

When wearing a cam walker, you must ensure that it fits your ankle perfectly. You should avoid buying an undersized or oversized boot as it can cause further damage to the injured foot or ankle.

2. How to Walk in a CAM Boot?

Walking with a cam boot will take some practice. Most cam boots have a high surface. Due to this, the healthy foot might be short than the injured foot.

It is advisable to wear a more high-heeled shoe on your healthy foot so that it matches the height of the cam walking boot. Choose the correct size of shoes or boots so that you don’t limp when walking.

Keep the feet and knees straight when you walk. Be careful when walking with a cam boot and use a cane or crutch until you gain the confidence to walk without them. Shorten your natural stride and walk slowly.

Avoid uneven and challenging terrain as it can cause stress while you walk. Always seek the advice of your doctor and physiotherapist when you start walking with a orthopedic healing boot.

3. How Does a CAM Boot Work?

Cam boots control the movement of the lower ankle, leg, and foot and support the injured individual’s weight when walking. The unique design of the cam walker helps protect the feet from impact when walking.

Often after foot injuries or surgeries, the affected area needs protection, and the cam walker boots fulfil this need. Pain and swelling get reduced, which helps promote quick healing.

4. Can I Drive with a CAM Boot?

Driving with either the tall cam boot or the short cam walking boot is unsafe. Whether you are wearing cam boots on your right or left foot, it is best to avoid driving.

5. How Long Should You Wear a CAM Boot?

The duration you need to wear a walking boot will vary depending on the nature of your foot or ankle injuries. Follow the physiotherapist or doctor’s advice about the wearing schedule.

Most often, doctors advise you to wear the tall cam boot or the short cam boot depending on the type of injuries to the ankle or foot. You might have to wear the boot for at least 1 – 8 weeks, depending on the nature of your sprain or fracture.

Fractures take the most time to heal, and you might have to wear the cam walker for at least 6 – 8 weeks. If you have a sprain, you can wear it for 2 – 4 weeks.

If you have foot injuries affecting the ankle (tendonitis or plantar fasciitis), wear cam boots for 1 – 2 weeks.  

6. Is There Any Difference Between a CAM Boot and a Walking Boot?

There is no difference between a cam boot and a walking boot, as both serve the purposes of protecting your foot after an injury or surgery. Wearing the walking boot enables you to be mobile and perform your daily tasks.

Cindy

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