Orthopedic walking brace having a curved sole

A method of immobilizing an ankle against flexion while approximating a natural gait, comprising:

• providing an orthopedic walking brace, comprising:
• a housing configured to encompass a patient's ankle;
• and
• a curved sole having a proximal surface and a distal surface, the proximal surface configured to receive the patient's foot, and the distal surface having a posterior region, a mid region, and an anterior region, wherein:
• the posterior region is configured to lie under a heel portion of the patient's foot, and has a first anterior-posterior (AP) curvature,
• the mid region is configured to lie under a center portion of the patient's foot, and has a second AP curvature, and
• the anterior region is configured to lie under an anterior metatarsal and toe portion of the patient's foot, and has a third AP curvature that increases from a posterior side of the anterior region toward a middle portion of the anterior region and decreases from the middle portion toward an anterior side of the anterior region;
• and
• encompassing the ankle of the patient in said housing,
• wherein said curved sole is configured to provide a substantially smooth transition from heel-strike to mid-stance and from mid-stance to toe-off.