One of the most important things to consider with post-surgery boots is how well they protect your feet. While occasionally stubbing your toe against a table leg or the corner of a shelf may not be as bad when you aren't recovering from surgery, even the smallest bump can cause complications in some manner. This is why the toe section in the BraceAbility boot is squared off, as this helps to protect your toes from bumps and table legs.

While traditional plaster casts are great for supporting recovery after broken bones or major surgeries, they are also one of the least breathable materials. A lack of breathability can cause very uncomfortable sweating, as well as irritation and the potential for odor. The open, sandal-like design on this boot works to prevent that from happening, as it has similar breathability to that of a sandal.

Rocker soles are an unconventional choice in regular shoes, but in post-op shoes, they can be very useful. A rocker outsole can improve the overall stabilization, reducing pain and swelling. It also works to better absorb shock and other forces, lowering the impact that each step will have on your feet.

Medical products need to be able to accommodate a wide range of sizes, from larger sizes typically seen in athletes and record books to smaller sizes intended for children. This classic boot from AliMed is available in a wide range of sizes, ranging from pediatric to as large as a US men's 16.5.

This boot is designed for use immediately post-surgery. The overall larger design allows for larger dressings, compression wear, fiberglass casts, and other lightweight casts. This will allow you to be mobile from day one. This boot is designed to hold your casted foot in place. The strapless closure system can be adjusted to accommodate the cast or bandages and can, also, be switched from left to right closure to suit your needs. The center strap made from wide elastic secures the neck of the ankle to set the cast area in place securely.

This shoe falls into the midrange of cost association when compared to other post-op shoes on this list. It is an ideal choice for someone who needs something a bit more stable and secure than a minimalized version of a post-op shoe. In other words, this is a good investment.

This is a multi-use shoe ready for most types of injuries. It is stiff; yet, effective in its design; allowing features to be enjoyed by several types of injuries. The extra-strong Velcro straps are adjustable to fit around a minimalist casting if needed. This shoe, also, allows you to alleviate pressure at several different points in the shoe.

The Rocker sole of the Vive shoe ensures no soreness around the forefoot and heel areas often associated with recovery, as the rocker sole provides arch support and alleviates pressures in both the forefoot and heel area. A mid-range priced shoe seems to be one of the favorites. Some have voiced that they used the shoe past the allotted time, as it was a good shoe for the money. It brings you stability and comfort which are important attributes when considering life after surgery.

The architecture of this shoe is its best trait. It provides maximum mobilization and adds further protection of the forefoot and toe areas. This helps to ensure progression for post-operative rehabilitation. The rigid rocker sole allows a firm transition from heel to toe.

This shoe has a lot of coverage, ensuring you are well supported and protected. The high ankle strapping secures your foot, thus allowing you to remain in the correct position during recovery. The reinforced heel area, also, helps to prevent unnecessary movement, thereby providing you with a secure environment.

The square toe design protects the front part of the foot as a bumper to further damage and, also, provides the space you would need if K-wires were part of your surgery. They have designed MetaShank™ protection which gives more rigid control under the metatarsals. This is a huge bonus if it was your tender tootsies that were injured.

Surgeries have many different stages of healing. Darco’s entry into this list has a fit that is great for all stages of recovery. While your foot is fully dressed post-surgery, the expandable forefoot closure relieves any pressure; yet, also adjusts to the point that even without bandages you have a comfortable-fitting shoe.

The most evident feature is right in the name, Aircast. Built right in, you will find a hand bulb air pump which allows the Aircast to be filled to the amount you need, in order to provide you with the comfort and support needed. A generous full boot insole provides a tremendous amount of comfort. There is a substantial strap at both the top and forefoot of the boot. It allows for the foot an easy entry; as well as, full support to dissuade movement.

This is a pricier shoe to buy. I believe the technology of the air pump is the reason for the price. All-in-all, this is a good value for the elevated price and it has its return on investment for sure.

Soft padding in the inner helps you to remain comfortable should you need to wear this shoe for long periods of time. Furthermore, the padding ensures a nice fit after surgery. The padded heel allows for better placement. This, in turn, prevents unwanted slipping while moving about; an important feature when considering the pain involved after surgery.

This is a budget-friendly purchase. It is well worth the investment for anyone having toe surgery or dealing with a broken toe. Furthermore, this shoe is well built and should last, as well.

The majority of post-surgery shoes will use a Velcro closure with straps. This closure type allows for a more customizable fit, which comes in handy when you need to accommodate for a cast or post-op swelling. As your feet heal, you can tighten the straps to provide compression that keeps future swelling and instability at bay.

Another important feature of this shoe is the squared toe section. This is common in post-surgery shoes, as it keeps your toes safe from bumps and other further damage that can hinder the healing process. This square toe, along with the angled bottom, puts your toes in the right position to properly facilitate healing.

A lot of post-surgery shoes have an open toe section. This can be good for breathability and to accommodate a cast or other dressings. However, an open toe can become a problem in the event of poor weather, be it cold or rain. The Darco All-Purpose boot has a closed toe section to prevent this, as well as further promote a secure and stable fit.

Compression can be helpful in the post-op period, as it works to alleviate some of the pain and swelling that naturally occurs after surgery. This is often done by way of Velcro straps and compression fabrics, which provide the right amount of compression you need without being too constrictive.