Ovation Air Cam Walker Walking Boot (Large, Grey Sole)

My surgeon gave me the Aircast walker which, at 3 pounds, prompted me to try other products. The appeal of this Ovation walker was that it is approximately a half pound lighter. Unfortunately that benefit was outweighed by some drawbacks.The first issue is that I could not slide my men's pant leg down over-top of it which I can with the Aircast. I believe the main issue here is the bulk of the air inflation bubble which protrudes from the front of the unit.The second issue is the awkwardness of five velcro straps which can become entangled. Additionally while five should provide more security than the three on the Aircast I did not feel more securely 'booted in'. The other factor is the velcro straps made more noise as I walked, or specifically, the uppermost strap which is jostled by the Tibia bone. Now it may be possible with a different technique to reduce this 'rustling' which is not excessive but my Aircast can be virtually silent.The last issue won't apply to most people but I wore the boot to protect my big toe which had surgery. Unfortunately the padding on the boot stopped about 1/2 inch short of the end of the toe - I specifically wanted to prevent my toe from drooping and stretching the tendon. My shoe size is 10 and this large boot was rated up to size 12. (Note, I said 'padding' as the actual sole of the boot extended well beyond my toe.)On the plus side walking was more comfortable than the Aircast thanks to the rounded sole. If you are on your feet a lot this may be a better solution, especially when combined with the lighter weight.

I ended up NOT using this boot since it turned out to aggravate my particular ankle injury. But having been in a boot before, for an achilles injury, I know that this boot was way better than the one the hospital gave me that time. This one strapped on better and was much more comfortable, but I will admit I only had this on my leg for a single 4 hr stretch so long term use might expose some discomfort. (But honestly, just about anything you strap on to support an injury becomes aggravating after some period of time no matter what.) Because of the quality and fit I feel this boot has I've kept it 'just in case' for future use and didn't return it. I hope it stays on the shelf though.

The boot arrived in excellent condition. Being used for fractured/sprained ankle. I chose this based on reviews for larger calf muscles and this boot fits. It did take some adjustments to figure out how tight to make the straps. Definitely keeps the ankle stable. It is tight on the lower part of the leg, right above the ankle where the sides don't flex out and bend, but it's manageable. Like most cast shoes it is taller than your tennis shoe, this was to be expected. Overall, it's working great. I have to share our shipping experience because this is an item most would want to get ASAP..placed the order Wed. evening and chose 1-3 days expedited shipping, they shipped it first thing on Thur. and it arrived on Tue. Was hoping it would arrive on Saturday or Monday at the latest. I was informed by seller and Fedex they had 3 business days for it to get here, Thur, Fri, Mon and AFTER Tue would be considered late. I also had to request a tracking number and seller was prompt to respond.

I am not returning because I spent almost 30.00 for expedited shipping which still took 5 days to get the order, but I was desperate for a back up walking cast as mine was clearly going to get ripe if I continued to use it bare sweaty footed without an opportunity to wash the silly thing. Plus mine from the doc is a little heavier and mechanical looking, so was hoping for something a little less, obvious. This does look nice, but the Velcro straps are a mess with no real guides and for some silly reason the liner does not cover your foot, but ends an inch and a half from the end of the boot. Very very disappointed. Will buy a different brand for my back up when they do my other ankle, and will certainly tell the foot and ankle clinic about my experience as well.Update: decided to try to return, even if I am out a ridiculous amount for shipping because the boot is unusable with the liner being so short in the foot area. What an odd design to make it so short, if you inflate, your toes hang in limbo. Very bad. Have to wait 24hrs to hear back from the company on the return. I should have made sure I was buying from Amazon and avoided the 5 days for an expedited delivery and a 2 day wait on a return approval. Live and learn I suppose.

This is a boot that wants to be top of line and well thought out - but it doesn't make the cut.The good - materials and assemblyThe bad - straps the grind and make noise while you walk; inner liner that when folded over the foot and leg creat a crease right on the ankle bone and rubs.I want to like this boot. The step is natural and smooth. Air pump works great, and the air valve even swivels out of the way. Materials are not cheap and wears well. Yet the straps are a pain compared to the boots I have used. They hold well, but rather than velcrowing to the plastic brace to stay in position, the straps swish back and forth, and the edges of the straps seal and unseal. Wearing a brace is bad enough, and the noise that draws attention makes it worse. Plus the crease which results from folding over the foot and leg sections can't be solved with inserting additional pads - really hurts the ankle after a day of wear.