Ossur AFO Leaf Spring for Mild to Moderate Drop Foot Ankle-Foot Orthosis | Lightweight, Low-Profile Heel-less Design for Optimum Comfort | Flexible Customizable Sole | Large - Left

I have peripheral neuropathy caused by agent orange exposure in Vietnam. For years I have been dealing with numbness in my feet, lower legs, and hands. A few weeks ago my left foot began to drop and drag when I walk. Since it is virtually impossible to get an appointment with a neurologist at my VA, I took a shot in the dark and ordered this device. My wife and I have always been hikers, but my pace had slowed by over 50%; I was using a cane; actually fell a few times, was reluctant to climb or descend steps, and only left the house wearing high-top hiking or work boots. I do not believe in miracle products - most Vietnam veterans are real skeptical of everything. It fits right into all my shoes, doesn't hurt my foot or leg anywhere, doesn't add any weight; all my shoes still fit, and most of all, I can walk normally at a good pace again without my foot dropping. This thing has given my life back! We just ordered a second one.

A bit cumbersome to put on shoes with these inserted but they are comfortable once they are on. They do provide the necessary support needed.

For me it was very uncomfortable. The cut-out for the heel dug into the bottom sides of my heels. Due to muscle atrophy I have very bony heels so it's not like there was extra fat for the plastic to dig into. Perhaps the men's size would have a broader heel cup but I don't want to risk ordering them because I found out that these are considered health items and are not returnable. So, I now have a pair of AFOs I can't use. I have worn AFOs for over 30 years so I know that none are completely comfortable, but you shouldn't have immediate discomfort. For those in search of an awesome AFO and have the money for it, look at the carbon fiber dynamic kind. They are $600 here, thru my insurance my copay would be over $850 each, so Amazon is probably the best place to get those. That's what I used to wear before MDA quit providing things at their clinics.

I have been wearing this for drop foot for the past 14 months or so. It does the job but isn't quite as smooth as my expensive AFO. For the price, it is great. I even took it on a 45 mile backpacking trip and I was sure it would fall apart - but didn't. I still have it and now use this one to mow the lawn, etc. I actually can't believe that the velcro strap is still in place. The foam against your calf definitely wears out pretty quickly but so far, it hasn't been uncomfortable to me. With heavy activity like hiking or while aerating multiple lawns this last weekend, I can feel some rubbing near my achilles but not so bad that I had to stop. Great purchase and for the price, can't be beat.

I have moderate drop foot due to brain surgery and this afo is way to flexible for me. It also creates a callous on my foot. I am not saying it is a good or a bad product, just not right for me.

If you have drop foot, this brace is hard to beat for the money. It does help. I don't have a severe case, but I do drag my toes often. I'm writing this review after only one wear. As I said it does help. Not only do I have drop foot, but I also have trouble lifting my leg to start the stepping motion. With this AFO I'm able to concentrate more on the leg motion, and not so much on my foot. My leg more or less swings out to the side to compensate for my toes. On top of working to keep my toes pointed straight ahead. As much walking as I do at work, it did save some energy. I'm feeling that it will save boots too. I generally only get 6 months out of any boot that I buy due to my toe dragging a lot. The sole rubs down to the insole before I get to wear a boot out. Tried resoling, but they don't stand up to the chemicals as good as the manufacturers glue. I can't recall any time today that it has dragged the floor. It also has reduced the slapping noise that my foot makes when I take a step. It's pretty loud. I couldn't sneak up on anybody. Overall, this AFO has helped. It will probably fit into any shoe that I own. I really didn't notice it too much other than the obvious stiffness at the ankle, but then again that's a good thing. That's probably what has reduced the slapping noise by giving me more roll to my step instead of my heel hitting the floor, and my foot just falling. The only downside that I have found so far is the fact that since I don't have good use of my left hand, I tend to buy work boots without laces. Wellingtons are easy and quick to put on and take off. It's somewhat of a chore with the leaf spring, as you won't get any flex at the ankle to just slide out of it. Anything with laces should be fine though.

The brace works. I immediately noticed a difference in his gait. It is made out of a light weight material. The Velcro hits just below his calf and secures very well. He is 5' 6" and wears 8.5-9 shoe. BUT..... The brace rubbed about 1 1/2"-2" his fibula. He adjusted the Velcro closure but that didn't help. My husband wore it for just a few hours yesterday and developed a sore on his fibula 1/2" long. Then it started rubbing the bottom right side of his foot this morning. He is a diabetic and does not need sores on his lower extremities. He lined the side with mole skin but this still rubbed. He then put on an ankle brace and wore a thick sock, but this did not keep the brace from rubbing either. The material is trimable, but we did not want to alter it and it still not work. It does work, but I gave it a 2 star because of the rubbing.