On Friday I was told I had a muscle tear in my soleus. Great news to hear when you are training for an ultra marathon. Needless to say the ultra marathon is not happening, but I was given the opportunity to try a foot product, which automatically meant shoe review for my blog. I was put in a medical boot for up to 3 weeks. So here is my review on The Medical Boot.
- Style/Look: If you like looking like Frankenstein's Monster or an early stage of an Iron Man test (the latter is cooler), then this boot is for you. It extends to the mid calf and has the bulky look of attaching a cinder block to your foot, and the weight is comparable too. It attaches with three velcro straps, because who doesn't love feeling like a 3 year old or 90 year old. My boot is basically two tone grey, so it matches just about anything, but admittedly it does stick out, which leads me to my next point. You would not believe the attention you get by wearing this boot. People rudely stare, and some people even ask questions about the nature of the boot. I even had a lady ask me why I was wearing it, and her 6 year old daughter told her to stop being rude. On the front of the boot towards the top is this bulging ball that takes me back to my youth. This ball inflates the boot with air to add extra cushion, but it makes me feel like I'm back wearing my old Reebok Pump Shoes every-time I push it. Apparently, it's now available in low top, which was not communicated with me (see below).
- Comfort: So here's the deal...I probably would never wear this regularly. I hobbled into my office at the school on Friday morning, and I called up the doctor to see if I could get in. Every step was painful, visibly painful. Once I put on the boot, instant relief. So on a comfort scale of 1-10 I give it a 10 for sure. Was I still limping around? Yeah, but that's because my left leg is now elevated a good 5 inches above my right foot, and at least the boot validates the limp right? Now the downside. It's about 100 degrees outside, and this boot is hot. I have to wear a compression sleeve with the boot which doesn't help the heat. My leg does itch every once in awhile too, but nothing a ruler or pen can't take care of.
- Cost: I haven't received the medical bill yet, but I can only assume this is one pricey boot. Not great considering it doesn't come as a pair. Though it would be very difficult to walk with two of these things on, and I would wonder why the doctor didn't just put you in a wheel chair at that point.
- Added Benefits:
- I can wear it with shorts and pants (I have to tuck my left leg into the boot though).
- I only have to dirty one sock since I don't wear a sock with the boot.
- I can park close to buildings and not get looks of disgust (I'm an in shape guy so people assume I should park farther away).
- My son can't quite say the word "boot" so he calls it a "poop."
- Not a lot of people have them, so I feel unique.
