Washing with a Torn Achilles?
You're not alone - this is one of the most searched questions during Achilles recovery
- • Your foot is trapped in a boot 24/7
- • It's getting sweaty, smelly, and uncomfortable
- • You're worried about hygiene and skin health
Why Your Boot Foot Gets So Smelly
Understanding the problem helps you solve it
"One of the most frustrating parts of boot life is not being able to wash your foot properly. Your foot is trapped in a boot 24/7, getting sweaty and uncomfortable."
Skin Maceration
Your foot is trapped in a warm, moist environment 24/7. This causes skin to soften and break down, creating perfect conditions for bacterial growth.
Bacterial Growth
Bacteria thrive in warm, damp conditions. Without proper washing, they multiply rapidly, causing that distinctive 'boot smell'.
No Air Circulation
Walking boots are designed for support, not breathability. Your foot can't breathe, trapping sweat and odor inside.
Fungal Risk
Prolonged moisture increases risk of athlete's foot and other fungal infections. Check your skin daily for redness or patches.
Foot Hygiene Essentials
- Use antifungal powder daily inside boot liner
- Wear merino wool socks - antibacterial and temperature-regulating
- Change socks daily (or twice if sweating heavily)
- Air the boot out when resting
- Check skin daily for redness, blisters, or fungal patches
Essential bathroom safety setup: shower chair, non-slip mat, clear dry floor, and crutches stored upside-down for stability
Critical Safety Warning
Never remove the boot unsupported. If removing the boot to wash, keep your foot in a tip-toe position or supported by a splint. Do not let your foot go flat - this stretches the healing tendon and risks re-rupture.
How to Shower Safely with Your Splint
A simple step-by-step guide to make showering easy and safe
Prepare Your Setup
Place a sturdy shower stool inside the shower. Leave your crutches right outside the shower door where you can easily reach them.
Get Into Position
Use your crutches to hop into the shower and sit down on the stool. Make sure you're seated comfortably before the next step.
Switch Boot for Splint
While seated on the stool, remove your walking boot and put on the Thetis splint. Now you can shower with proper Achilles support.
Wash & Get Rid of That Smell
Finally! Properly wash your foot and leg that's been trapped in that stinky boot. The splint is waterproof, so you can clean thoroughly.
Exit the Shower
Grab your crutches and carefully hop out of the shower while still wearing the splint.
Dry & Swap Back
Dry off your splint and foot, then remove the splint and put your boot back on. You're all done!
Pro Tip
The splint is waterproof but not fully submersible. It handles shower water perfectly fine. After use, just air dry it before storing.
We Made the Splint to Solve This Exact Problem
After hearing from thousands of patients frustrated by not being able to wash properly, we designed a waterproof splint that lets you actually clean your foot - not just protect the boot.
Unlike generic waterproof covers that just keep your boot dry, the Thetis Splint lets you remove the boot entirely and wash your foot properly while maintaining Achilles protection.
Always check with your medical team before using. Usually approved after week 2-3.
View product detailsTrusted by Medical Professionals
Surgeons and clinicians recommend the Thetis splint for safe washing
Mr James Davis
Past President of the British Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society
A fantastic alternative to uncomfortable hospital boots for night wear
"When I tore my own Achilles tendon, the hardest part was wearing the hospital boot in bed. This splint is certain to improve the recovery experience for patients."
Dr Robbie Ray
Foot and Ankle Surgeon
Setting a new standard in Achilles tendon rehabilitation
"A game-changer in my practice. The splint's design prioritizes both comfort and functionality, enabling controlled, progressive recovery."
Professor Matthew Welck
Foot and Ankle Surgeon
An excellent piece of equipment
"Patients sometimes find sleeping in a boot uncomfortable, and having an alternative, more lightweight option is well received."
Mr Ian Gill
Foot and Ankle Surgeon
Get a good night's sleep!
"Worth every penny as it stops the misery of trying to get good nights sleep in an uncomfortable boot!"
Mr Sohail Yousaf
Foot and Ankle Surgeon
Excellent tool for enhancing recovery and comfort
"Lightweight and effective, it provides relief during sleep and protects the foot outside the boot."
Mr Andy Roche
Foot and Ankle Surgeon
Comfort and usability all round.
"Makes complete sense to use something like this and I highly recommend this product. Comfort and usability all round."
Mr James Davis
Past President of the British Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society
A fantastic alternative to uncomfortable hospital boots for night wear
"When I tore my own Achilles tendon, the hardest part was wearing the hospital boot in bed. This splint is certain to improve the recovery experience for patients."
Dr Robbie Ray
Foot and Ankle Surgeon
Setting a new standard in Achilles tendon rehabilitation
"A game-changer in my practice. The splint's design prioritizes both comfort and functionality, enabling controlled, progressive recovery."
Professor Matthew Welck
Foot and Ankle Surgeon
An excellent piece of equipment
"Patients sometimes find sleeping in a boot uncomfortable, and having an alternative, more lightweight option is well received."
Mr Ian Gill
Foot and Ankle Surgeon
Get a good night's sleep!
"Worth every penny as it stops the misery of trying to get good nights sleep in an uncomfortable boot!"
Mr Sohail Yousaf
Foot and Ankle Surgeon
Excellent tool for enhancing recovery and comfort
"Lightweight and effective, it provides relief during sleep and protects the foot outside the boot."
Mr Andy Roche
Foot and Ankle Surgeon
Comfort and usability all round.
"Makes complete sense to use something like this and I highly recommend this product. Comfort and usability all round."
Thetis Splint vs Waterproof Boot Covers
Why being able to clean your foot makes all the difference
Thetis Waterproof Splint
- Actually clean your foot - gets wet and washed
- Maintains plantarflexion for safety
- Waterproof AND supportive
- Purpose-built for Achilles rupture
- Comfortable for extended wear
Generic Waterproof Covers
- Cannot clean your foot - stays trapped in boot
- Foot remains dirty and smelly
- Requires wearing heavy boot in shower
- Not designed for Achilles injury
- Awkward and difficult to put on
What Patients Say About Washing
Total game changer for sleeping while recovering!
Finally got the restful sleep I needed. The cast and heavy dirty boot made sleep tough. If you're recovering from an achilles rupture buy this immediately.
Perfect splint for achilles injury recovery
It literally takes a few secs to put on and remove. Its comfortable as well. Highly recommend.
Life Saver!
This worked great and kept me from having to wear my big clunky walking boot to bed! So glad I found this. I couldn't sleep with that walking boot at night!! Great product.
Eine absolute Erleichterung!
Nach der OP an der Achillessehne war diese Schiene eine Erleichterung in der Nacht! Würde ich auf alle Fälle empfehlen wenn man wieder durchschlafen möchte!
Superb
Really useful after my dreadful Achilles tendon tear when I didn't want to wear the boot in bed!
Night time saviour
This is a saviour for night time wearing. So much easier than the big boot. Five weeks down and another five or six to go. Would have struggled with the full boot.
Peace of mind for Achilles injuries
A great alternative to wearing the walking boot to bed, without worrying about inadvertently straightening or knocking your foot.
Wonderful device and splendid service
Brilliant device. Arrived the day after it was ordered. Delighted in all respects.
Trusted by Professional Athletes
Athletes recovering from Achilles rupture trust the Thetis splint
athleteGame changer!
The Thetis splint was really helpful for staying safe when doing my rehab exercises. I've also been sleeping in it since I came out the cast which has been an absolute game changer.Ollie LawrenceEnglish Rugby Union Player2024-01-01
athleteSlimmer, lightweight, and allows free movement while protecting the tendon
The Thetis Splint is a lot slimmer and far more lightweight than the orthopaedic boot I was sleeping in. It allows me to move my leg more freely but still stops me from flexing my toes beyond a certain point, which is ideal whilst the tendon heals. The splint even comes in my favourite colour, so I ...Olivia BlatchTeam GB Weightlifter2024-01-01
athleteSimple design that allows better sleep and wound breathing
The Thetis Splint has a simple design that is perfectly fit for purpose. It has allowed me to get the sleep that is so vital as I recovered from achilles tendon rupture and surgery whilst also feeling secure and protected. Apart from being less bulky than the orthopaedic boot, it also gives the surg...Kim DaybellTeam GB Table Tennis and Doctor2024-01-01
athleteThe Thetis splint was an absolute saviour
After my Achilles tendon rupture surgery, I was advised by a specialist to invest in a Thetis splint as the best product to use as part of my recovery. The difference between sleeping in a big bulky boot and the Thetis splint was an absolute saviour. It made sleeping at night so much better and eas...Steff EvansWelsh Rugby Union Player2024-01-01
athleteRevolutionary splint - comfortable sleep with no fear of injury
I recently began using the Thetis Splint overnight. My regular boot is good for daily use but very heavy and uncomfortable to sleep in - the splint has been revolutionary for me! It keeps my foot perfectly in place but without being bulky, meaning I can sleep more comfortably with no fear of hurting...Andrew LawrenceTeam GB Basketball2024-01-01
Frequently Asked Questions About Washing
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