Written and maintained by CASRAI Editorial Board
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This page describes products and general use; it is not medical advice. Your clinician’s instructions and the instructions for use (IFU) that came with your boot take priority over anything here.
A walking boot works in three ways at once: a rigid shell with straps limits how far the foot and ankle can move, a stiff, curved (rocker) sole lets you roll through a step without bending the foot, and a padded liner, sometimes with air chambers, holds the foot snugly inside. NHS Ayrshire & Arran describes the aim as helping to “offload the injured tissues within your foot or ankle.” This page is for someone who has been given a boot, or who handles them, and wants to understand what each part does, how it is put on in general terms, and which problems mean stopping and calling a professional.
For what the device is called and the research behind it, see what a CAM boot is; for size categories, see walking boot sizes. This page covers the mechanism and general use.
What you need
A walking boot (also sold as a walker boot or CAM boot) is built from a few parts. One manufacturer’s instructions for an air walking boot list the product structure as “base, strut, strap, lining, adhesive, and bladder,” with a “low profile rocker sole” and “mechanical strap locking system” among its features. Boots differ, so your own IFU decides which parts yours has.
| Part | What it does | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Rigid base and struts | Form the frame around the foot and lower leg; together with the straps they hold the foot and ankle in position, listed as “base, strut” in the manufacturer’s product structure. | Orthofix IFU |
| Straps | Fasten from the ankle and toes up the leg so the foot feels “snug and immobilised, but not so tight as to cause pressure.” | NHS Ayrshire & Arran; Orthofix IFU |
| Rocker sole | “Walker boots are made with an elevated, stiff rocker sole.” The raised sole can make the boot leg feel longer than the other leg. | NHS Ayrshire & Arran |
| Liner | Wraps the foot and then the leg; “snug but not too tight.” Washable. | NHS Ayrshire & Arran; Chelsea and Westminster |
| Air bladder (air boots only) | Inflated by a pump until it gives comfortable cushioning; must be deflated before the boot is removed. | Orthofix IFU; Chelsea and Westminster |
| Foam pads (some boots) | Supplied with some boots for rubbing points or spacing. | Chelsea and Westminster |
NHS Ayrshire & Arran notes that the raised sole creates a height difference between the legs and mentions “footwear with a built up sole, for example a running trainer, on the non-injured leg.”
Steps
These general-use steps are what the NHS leaflets and the manufacturer’s fitting guide have in common. The IFU for your exact boot and your clinician’s fitting take priority.
- Place the boot flat on the floor and undo the straps; open or remove the liner or front shell as the IFU describes.
- Put the foot in with the heel to the back of the boot and wrap the liner around the foot and then the leg. The manufacturer’s guide describes the foot and ankle at 90 degrees.
- Check that the foot is not moving around inside the boot.
- Fasten the straps from the ankle and toes up the leg (the manufacturer’s guide fastens bottom to top), snug but not too tight.
- Air boots only: the pump inflates the liner, and the manufacturer says “Do not overfill.” NHS Ayrshire & Arran likewise says not to over-inflate the airbags.
- To remove an air boot, release the air first (the Chelsea and Westminster leaflet says to deflate before removing), then loosen the straps and pull the heel and ankle forward.
Care of the liner
NHS Ayrshire & Arran: the liner can be washed with mild soap and water and air dried, and should not go in the tumble dryer. Chelsea and Westminster: hand wash with mild detergent in cold water, lay out to dry, do not machine wash or tumble dry. The Orthofix guide says the soft fabric may be washed with neutral detergent in warm water up to 30 degrees C and air-dried without heat, and the rigid part cleaned with a damp cloth.
What can go wrong
- The other leg and your back or hip. The elevated rocker sole “can create a height difference between limbs which may cause some discomfort at the lower back or hip” (NHS Ayrshire & Arran).
- Fit. The NHS leaflet describes the straps as holding the foot “snug and immobilised, but not so tight as to cause pressure.” The manufacturer notes that swelling changes through a day.
- Over-inflation of air chambers. The Orthofix instructions warn against inflating the airbag too much and say inappropriate inflation “may cause significant stimulation in patients with diabetic neuropathy.”
- High altitude. The same instructions say that “at high altitude, the expansion of airbags will exceed the optimal level.”
- Slippery surfaces. The manufacturer says care should be taken when walking on slippery surfaces.
- Damaged boot. The manufacturer says not to use damaged products and to examine the product before use.
- Rubbing. Some boots come with extra foam pads for rubbing or spacing (Chelsea and Westminster).
The manufacturer also states that the product is for support only and is not intended to prevent injury or its recurrence.
When to get professional help
NHS Ayrshire & Arran lists severe or increasing pain, numbness or tingling in the foot or toes, and trouble moving the toes among the reasons to contact a podiatrist or medical service. The Orthofix instructions say that pain, swelling, irritation or discomfort while using the product are reasons to discontinue use and consult a doctor. Questions about wear time, weight-bearing or stopping use are for the clinician who prescribed the boot.
FAQ
How does a walking boot help an injured foot or ankle?
It limits movement with a rigid shell and straps and lets you walk by rolling over a stiff rocker sole, with the aim of offloading the injured tissues (NHS Ayrshire & Arran). Research on the device class is summarised in the CAM boot guide.
Why does my other leg feel shorter when I wear the boot?
The boot has an elevated, stiff rocker sole, which creates a height difference between your legs. NHS Ayrshire & Arran suggests a built-up shoe, such as a running trainer, on the other foot.
Why must an air boot be deflated before taking it off?
The Chelsea and Westminster leaflet says to deflate the boot before removing it, and the Orthofix instructions say to release the air and then loosen the straps.
Can I wash the liner?
Each of the three sources describes washing the liner or soft fabric with mild soap or detergent and air drying, and none recommends a tumble dryer. The IFU for your boot governs water temperature.
How tight should the straps be?
The NHS Ayrshire & Arran leaflet describes “snug but not too tight,” and the manufacturer notes that swelling changes through the day.
Related guides
If you are comparing other supports, see how to wear an ankle brace and crutch sizes.
Sources
- NHS Ayrshire & Arran, Walker boots (MSK patient portal): nhsaaa.net, checked 30 October 2026.
- Chelsea and Westminster NHS Foundation Trust, Parent information sheet for walking boots: chelwest.nhs.uk, checked 30 October 2026.
- Orthofix, ActivAIR Tall/Short Walking Boot fitting and care instructions (manufacturer IFU, PDF): orthofix.com, checked 30 October 2026.
