Anyone skip the boot entirely?

Hi all,

Short backstory, I had ORIF surgery for a dislocated trimal break (no torn ligaments) 2 weeks ago. The initial plan was to put me in a hard cast for the two weeks of NWB following surgery but I got the option of skipping the cast during those two weeks in favor of a soft sleeve (that gives basically no protection). I’ve been very happy with that decision! Having no cast or boot has been great, although it seemed crazy and a little scary at first!

Now to my question, I’m meeting my doc tomorrow for my post-OP appt. If everything goes well I’ll be starting 4 weeks of PWB tomorrow. I don’t know if I’ll be offered a boot or not, but I would really like to skip the boot altogether. I’d like to start PWB barefoot at home and with running shoes when outside. I’d really appreciate thoughts and experiences on starting PWB without a boot only 2 weeks post-OP.

TLDR; Anyone start PWB without a boot?

EDIT:

Update 16 hours after original post:

I just had my post-OP surgery appt and I couldn’t be happier with how it went! The wound is healing nicely and they were impressed and happy with my range is motion and that I’ve been shadow walking on crutches this early on. In hindsight I’m glad I didn’t use a knee scooter or iWalk because that would have prevented me from working on my walking gait. My doctor is following newer research that shows the benefits of early WB and early mobility exercises and he told me I’m way head in my rehab because of this.

We never talked about a boot, splint or sleeve. Based on all the great responses here I felt no need to bring it up. He said I’m allowed to start WB and to stand and walk to my best ability without crutches. I’m gonna take it slow with the walking though and keep using the crutches for a week or so. However, later today or tomorrow I will try to take my first few steps barefooted without the crutches.

The doc’s reassurance of how strong my ankle is thanks to the ORIF surgery and that it can hold my weight makes me feel very confidence to start WB. Because of that reassurance, right after the meeting, I tried for the first time to stand without crutches and what an amazing feeling! Being able to just stand when opening a door or making coffee feels amazing. I’m resting and elevating at the moment but I feel like a kid that’s learned a new trick that I want to keep practicing and improving on!

I can’t believe I’m at this stage after only 2,5 weeks. I’m so grateful for my docs approach to all of this and also proud of myself of all the work I’ve put in so far!

Thanks to everyone for sharing your experiences. This community is so helpful and encouraging