Hi there!
I’m so glad to tell you that I’m going to get a boot in 2 weeks time!!! 
I’m under the NHS treatment in the UK (non-surgical) and boots are not used for ATR patients at my clinic. So I had to ask for one to make my life easier. I’m flying to Japan in 3 weeks time to work there for a few months and it is a must to have either a boot or a cut-cast when I fly. Another reason for my request is that a number of boot users have told me that a boot is more comfortable and better than a cast. I have to start commuting for 1.5 hours by train and walk from Week 10 and good protection is need to make my commuting safer.
When I was at the clinic this afternoon, the cast technician told me that a boot was more expensive than a cast and ATR patients usually won’t get one, but that my circumstance would justify the request. He then said that “Leave it to me” and sent someone to get the approval. I had this conversation while the technician was removing my cast which was put 4 weeks before. I expected an examination by a doctor, but the technician told me that I was seeing one after he put me in a new cast.
When he removed the cast, my poor calf caught my eyes. I knew it, but it was a bit shocking to confirm that. Next moment, I was surprised because the technician was sprinkling white talcum powder over my lower leg! He said it’d reduce smell if I’d sweat in the cast. If I had been in Japan, I’d have got a big tub of nice hot water to soak my foot. Oh, well… I can live without the wash for another 2 weeks. 
Without knowing my big disappointment, the technician continued his job. He told me to pull my toes towards me and I tried it hard, but it was not enough. He then put elastic cotton cloth around my lower leg and foot and told me to pull the further end towards me. I did so slowly feeling tightness in my AT area as I pull it. The technician said feeling that way was a good sign. Having achieved the right ankle angle, he started rolling that warm bandage over my foot and lower leg (with my ankle at semi-equinus position). While he was doing so, I felt pains in my AT area, but pains faded away gradually after he finished the job.
We then waited for 5 minutes or so and Dr. A walked into the cast room. He didn’t ask me anything about my AT, but did asked a few questions trying to find an excuse not to give me a boot. I was well prepared for this and managed to persuade him to give me one!!
Thank you very much for the useful input I got from your guys here.
Norm - I especially thank you for your detailed information about different kinds of boots and for sharing your experiences in two of them!
The boot I will get in two weeks time is called “moon boot” at the clinic. It is the AirCast boot. I prefer to the MC Walker boot with a adjustable hinge to the rigid one (AirCast), but I decided to take the offer! The cast technician told me that he had ruptured his AT one year ago and knew what was going through. He smiled at me behind the doctor when the doctor was signing the document to order a moon boot for me. 
Anne - I’m glad you’ve got a boot! I will get there - partial weight bearing - in two weeks! Enjoy the freedom you’ve got and keep us informed.
Norm - thanks for the useful tips for novice boot users! I will remember them when I’m in a boot.
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