Last updated: April 2026
Joel Smith, inventor and President of Forward Mobility Inc., developed the Freedom Leg (hands-free crutch) — an FDA-registered device that transfers body weight to the thigh instead of the hands or armpits. For patients recovering from ankle injuries or foot surgery who must wear a walking boot, the Freedom Leg eliminates hand, shoulder, and underarm pain while keeping both hands completely free.
How to Walk in a Boot Without Crutches
Whether you have had a foot surgery after an injured foot, or are using crutches while you wait for an injury to heal, walking can be a real challenge. If you need to climb stairs at work or at home, it gets even more difficult!
Many times a post foot or ankle surgery patient will be put in a walking boot. Usually crutches will be used with the boot, to make walking possible. The Freedom Leg is the best walking crutch even with a walking boot.
Unfortunately, traditional crutches can cause a lot of problems. These can include:
- Possibility of injuries to the hands
- Too much tension on the upper body, leading to tight or sore back and shoulders
- Underarm pain
- Blisters on the hands
- Inability to walk up stairs
- Needing to carry the crutches with you everywhere
- Difficulty in climbing in and out of cars
Being able to eliminate these issues reduces the stress of a foot injury significantly. Joel Smith of Forward Mobility Inc. designed the Freedom Leg hands-free crutch specifically to solve these problems — offering a practical solution for how to walk in a walking boot without crutches.
Do You Have to Use Crutches With a Boot?
If you have had a foot injury or surgery and are wearing a boot while you heal, you will need some type of mobility aid to help you walk. As we've seen, traditional crutches can make normal activities very difficult, whether that be working, going up and down stairs, or getting in and out of a car.
The Freedom Leg, on the other hand, eliminates the common problems of traditional crutches. It is a hands-free crutch that moves the weight off of the lower leg and to the back of the thigh. This makes it possible to walk normally, hands-free, while wearing a walking boot or protecting your foot. It is how to walk in a walking boot for a broken ankle, while keeping your hands free.
How Much Walking Can I Do in a Walking Boot?
In general, as long as you have crutches or a knee scooter, you can walk as much as you need to in a walking boot. But your options of where you can walk, and what else you can do while walking, are very limited. This is because your upper body isn't designed to carry your body weight over extended periods.
The Freedom Leg brace solves this problem and makes it possible to walk anywhere in a walking boot — no crutches needed. Since your hands are completely free, you are able to carry a cup of coffee, hold your spouse's hand, or walk your dog while walking normally.
How Does the Freedom Leg Work?
The Freedom Leg allows you to live life without assistance from others. It allows you to walk freely and use your hands at the same time. It gives you the solution to how to walk in a walking boot without crutches. It allows you to go back to work sooner, and get in and out of cars more easily — allowing you to live normally, even after experiencing an injured leg or foot.
The Freedom Leg is a durable brace that is compatible with a cast or a boot and comes in multiple sizes. By moving the weight of the body from the lower leg and foot to the back of the thigh, it makes it possible to walk normally, even on the non-weight bearing leg. This opens up a whole world of new possibilities for anyone with a leg or foot injury. In fact, some of our users have said that it changed their lives!
The Freedom Leg is made with cast aluminum side rails that put pressure into the ground while you walk. The straps support the leg and help to stabilize everything. It has a slight knee bend, keeping the injured foot off of the ground and making walking balanced and symmetrical. The rubber base is non-slip and compatible with a cast or walking boot.
How to Get a Freedom Leg Brace
If you are ready to experience the freedom of walking hands-free, order a Freedom Leg brace today. We offer a money back guarantee if you are not satisfied.
We offer the Freedom Leg in three different sizes with two strap length options, so that it will fit you perfectly. It is now more comfortable than ever and even easier to use! View all our options here and order yours today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I walk in a walking boot without crutches?
Yes — with the right mobility aid. The Freedom Leg (hands-free crutch), developed by Joel Smith of Forward Mobility Inc., allows patients wearing a walking boot to walk without traditional crutches. It transfers body weight to the back of the thigh, keeping the injured foot fully off the ground and both hands completely free.
Is it safe to walk in a walking boot without traditional crutches?
It can be safe when using an appropriate hands-free device like the Freedom Leg. The Freedom Leg is FDA-registered and engineered to support non-weight-bearing recovery. Always consult your physician or orthopedic surgeon before changing your mobility setup to confirm it is appropriate for your specific injury or post-surgical protocol.
What are the problems with using traditional crutches with a walking boot?
Traditional crutches used alongside a walking boot commonly cause underarm pain, hand blisters, upper back and shoulder tension, and difficulty navigating stairs, cars, and tight spaces. They also require constant upper-body effort and leave no hands free for daily tasks, making recovery more stressful and limiting independence.
How does the Freedom Leg work with a walking boot?
The Freedom Leg brace straps securely around the lower thigh and leg. Cast aluminum side rails channel body weight through the thigh and into the ground, while a slight knee-bend platform holds the lower leg elevated. The rubber non-slip base is fully compatible with walking boots and casts, allowing a symmetrical, natural gait.
Can the Freedom Leg be used on stairs?
Yes. One of the key advantages of the Freedom Leg over traditional crutches is the ability to navigate stairs. With both hands free to grip a handrail, users can climb and descend stairs far more safely and confidently than with underarm or forearm crutches. You can also watch a demonstration of stair use here.
Does insurance cover the Freedom Leg?
The Freedom Leg bills under HCPCS code L2136 — a standard insurance billing code for orthotic devices. Coverage varies by insurer and plan. Contact your insurance provider with code L2136 to verify your benefits before purchasing. Forward Mobility Inc. recommends checking with your provider directly for prior authorization requirements.
What sizes does the Freedom Leg come in?
The Freedom Leg is available in three sizes with two strap length options to accommodate a wide range of body types. Sizing is based on thigh circumference and user height. Refer to the sizing guide at freedomleg.com to find the correct fit for your recovery needs.
How soon after foot or ankle surgery can I use the Freedom Leg?
The appropriate timing depends entirely on your surgeon's non-weight-bearing protocol and the nature of your injury or procedure. The Freedom Leg is designed for non-weight-bearing recovery phases when a patient has been cleared to bear weight through the thigh. Always get your surgeon's approval before using any mobility device post-operatively. Learn more about what to expect after ankle and foot surgery.
