Finding the best prosthetic foot for you.
It’s so much more than a foot. It’s your foundation.
Your prosthetic foot makes everything else possible. Whether you‘re an above or below knee amputee, the quality and performance of your whole prosthesis will be impacted by the quality and performance of the prosthetic foot.
With a wide range of Ottobock prosthetic feet you can be sure that together with your Prosthetist you will find the one to suit your personal needs. Whether it is a foot made out of carbon or it is a microprocessor controlled foot – our whole portfolio is based on the same idea: building a foundation. We take our responsibility seriously. When choosing a prosthetic foot from Ottobock, you can be sure that each one is designed with passion, in compliance with highest quality standards and always with your needs in mind.
In addition from giving you more insights into our prosthetic foot portfolio, we have compiled some useful information on selection criteria, general insights about prosthetic feet, and frequently asked questions. We believe that the more you understand about how your prosthetist selects the right foot for you, the more actively you can engage in the fitting process. This collaboration ensures a satisfying outcome that meets your expectations.
This is what you can rely on.
Heritage
For generations, Ottobock feet have helped define what’s possible with lower limb prosthesis. With every step, our feet carry on the traditions of craftsmanship, invention and passion – that continue to set our products apart.
For generations, Ottobock feet have helped define what’s possible with lower limb prosthesis. With every step, our feet carry on the traditions of craftsmanship, invention and passion – that continue to set our products apart.
Quality
Every detail within a prosthetic foot can make a difference to your daily life. That’s why when designing a foot, we treat each detail like it’s the most important one. Built to the same exceptional standard, our feet start and end with your needs.
Every detail within a prosthetic foot can make a difference to your daily life. That’s why when designing a foot, we treat each detail like it’s the most important one. Built to the same exceptional standard, our feet start and end with your needs.
Trust
If you decide together with your Prosthetist for an Ottobock foot, you can trust that you have chosen a foot that has been meticulously designed, rigorously evaluated and preferred by amputees around the world.
If you decide together with your Prosthetist for an Ottobock foot, you can trust that you have chosen a foot that has been meticulously designed, rigorously evaluated and preferred by amputees around the world.
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Choosing a prosthetic foot.
Designing a prosthetic foot is complex, it’s difficult to reproduce the natural movement of the human foot and ankle. Ideally, a prosthetic foot should be lightweight because its weight is added to the rest of the prosthetic leg. If the foot is too heavy and the suspension system is inadequate, the connection between the socket and your limb may be compromised, affecting the overall function of the prosthesis.
In addition to being light, a prosthetic foot must also be strong. It needs to withstand the significant forces and torque generated during walking and running. While also being small enough to fit within a foot shell and shoes. Being light, strong and small whilst still remaining functional and durable is the primary challenge in prosthetic foot design.
Early prosthetic foot designs were often made from a solid piece of wood. A similar concept, the SACH (solid-ankle cushioned-heel) foot, remains in use today due to its sturdy and reliable function, especially for individuals with lower activity levels. The SACH foot typically features a rigid core (wood or plastic) encased in a compressible foam cosmetic shell.
Modern prosthetic feet offer advanced features and are secured in a foot shell. Most users never see their prosthetic foot without this outer covering. The cosmetic shell serves two key purposes: it gives the prosthetic foot a natural, anatomical appearance, and it allows the prosthetic foot to fit securely within a shoe.
What's inside the shell can vary significantly, as prosthetic feet are designed to accommodate different lifestyles and activity levels. Here are some important factors to consider when choosing a prosthetic foot:
Materials
The materials in a prosthetic foot differ by activity level. Wood, plastic and foam are usually found in feet designed for individuals who have low activity levels and require stability, whereas lightweight carbon fibre is used to meet the needs of active individuals as these feet are built for shock absorption and energy efficiency.
The materials in a prosthetic foot differ by activity level. Wood, plastic and foam are usually found in feet designed for individuals who have low activity levels and require stability, whereas lightweight carbon fibre is used to meet the needs of active individuals as these feet are built for shock absorption and energy efficiency.
Comfort
A prosthetic foot needs to be comfortable for you to achieve your activity goals. When it feels good, you're able to stay more active, and the functionality of the prosthetic plays a key role in that comfort.
A prosthetic foot needs to be comfortable for you to achieve your activity goals. When it feels good, you're able to stay more active, and the functionality of the prosthetic plays a key role in that comfort.
Function
Prosthetic feet are designed to mimic a human foot at a specific activity level. For lower activity individuals, a prosthetic foot is designed to provide stability and balance. For those who are more active, a prosthetic foot must mimic the natural foot during the act of walking. It must act as a shock absorber as you strike your heel to the ground, adapt to uneven terrain, provide a smooth rollover from heel to toe, and provide a rigid lever for propelling forward when you finish your step (“toe-off”).
Prosthetic feet are designed to mimic a human foot at a specific activity level. For lower activity individuals, a prosthetic foot is designed to provide stability and balance. For those who are more active, a prosthetic foot must mimic the natural foot during the act of walking. It must act as a shock absorber as you strike your heel to the ground, adapt to uneven terrain, provide a smooth rollover from heel to toe, and provide a rigid lever for propelling forward when you finish your step (“toe-off”).
Multi-Axial Motion
Some prosthetic feet are designed to replicate ankle movement, allowing the foot to move in multiple planes. This multi-axial capability enables the foot to adjust in all directions, helping absorb the impact of uneven terrain. These movements include forward and backward motion, side-to-side shifts, and rotation around the ankle. Multi-axial motion is essential for walking comfortably and confidently on uneven surfaces, where the foot must adapt to whatever it encounters.
Some prosthetic feet are designed to replicate ankle movement, allowing the foot to move in multiple planes. This multi-axial capability enables the foot to adjust in all directions, helping absorb the impact of uneven terrain. These movements include forward and backward motion, side-to-side shifts, and rotation around the ankle. Multi-axial motion is essential for walking comfortably and confidently on uneven surfaces, where the foot must adapt to whatever it encounters.
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How you and your Prosthetist select the right prosthetic foot for you.
Choosing a prosthetic foot that best suits your personal requirements, needs and goals is a complex task. Your Prosthetist is an expert in this field. Thanks to their education, experience and biomechanical knowledge, they will choose the prosthetic foot that helps achieve the best possible fitting outcome for you individually.
Please note: The information provided in this section only serves as a guidance. Please contact your Prosthetist if you have more detailed questions.
Amputation Level
When selecting components for your prosthesis, one of the first factors considered is your level of amputation. For above-knee amputations, a prosthetic knee joint is necessary, and the type of knee joint will influence the choice of prosthetic foot. Your Prosthetist will assess the functions of the knee joint and recommend the most suitable prosthetic foot. For below-knee amputations, where the natural knee joint remains intact, your Prosthetist will consider on factors such as the length of the residual limb, strength, and range of motion to recommend the right prosthetic foot for your needs.
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Activity Levels
Prosthetic feet are categorised by activity levels, also known as mobility grades, meaning not all prosthetic feet are suitable for every user. Choosing a prosthetic foot that matches your activity level is crucial for optimising both your mobility and quality of life. Below are basic guidelines to help identify your activity level. If you're between two levels, your Prosthetist will consider multiple options to determine what is best for you.
Activity Level 1
The amputee has the ability or the potential to use the prosthesis for transfers or for the purpose of moving slowly on level floors. The amount of time and the distance the amputee can walk are seriously limited due to their condition.
Therapy goal: Restoring the ability to stand and to walk indoors to a limited degree.
Body Weight
Each prosthetic foot is designed for a specific weight range. Therefore, to ensure that a prosthetic foot performs well for you, your Prosthetist will choose one suited to your weight category.
Build Height
Prosthetic feet come in different heights, referred to as "build height." For below-knee amputees, the height and length of your residual limb determine the available space for a prosthetic foot and the appropriate build height. For above-knee amputees, the length of the prosthetic knee joint is also a key factor in determining the build height of the prosthetic foot.
Energy Storage
A carbon fibre foot is designed to store and return energy while walking, giving you a literal "spring" in your step. The carbon fibre acts like a spring, compressing as you apply weight and then releasing energy to propel you forward as you roll off the toe of the foot. Some prosthetic feet feature dual springs, one in the heel and another in the forefoot, providing the flexibility needed for walking at various speeds, running, climbing hills, or descending stairs with stability and confidence. With carbon fibre, the longer the spring, the more energy it can store and the the more responsive the foot will be.
Foot Size
Just like human feet, prosthetic feet come in various lengths and sizes. However, they are measured in centimeters rather than standard shoe sizes. Each prosthetic foot is available in a specific size range, with options for children as well as adults. Some specialised prosthetic feet, such as Ottobock running blades and sports specific feet, are often available in only one standard size.
Personal Factors
In addition to the technical selection criteria, your prosthetist will consider your personal needs, lifestyle, and goals when selecting a prosthetic foot. Factors such as your desire to participate in sports or even simple activities like painting your toenails are essential. Ultimately, your prosthetic foot should feel like a natural extension of you, enhancing your daily life and personal expression.
Prosthetic feet from Ottobock.
Every individual is unique, with different needs, preferences, and goals. To meet these varying requirements effectively, we recognise that a single prosthetic foot cannot meet everyone’s needs. Instead, we offer a diverse range of prosthetic feet tailored to individual users.
Carbon prosthetic feet from Ottobock.
Terion K2
Designed for less active individuals who mainly navigate indoor environments and will utilise a walking aid for outdoor ambulation and place a high value on dependable support from their prosthetic foot.
Designed for less active individuals who mainly navigate indoor environments and will utilise a walking aid for outdoor ambulation and place a high value on dependable support from their prosthetic foot.
Trias
Designed for moderately active individuals who navigate indoor and familiar outdoor environments and place a high value on consistent stability when walking.
Designed for moderately active individuals who navigate indoor and familiar outdoor environments and place a high value on consistent stability when walking.
Taleo Family
Designed for active individuals who navigate varied indoor and outdoor environments and place a high value on effortless walking and the ability to go wherever life takes them.
Designed for active individuals who navigate varied indoor and outdoor environments and place a high value on effortless walking and the ability to go wherever life takes them.
Evanto
Designed for moderately active and active individuals, Evanto offers exceptional multi-axial flexibility. Its ability to adapt to uneven terrain ensures that you experience both comfort and confidence in every step.
Designed for moderately active and active individuals, Evanto offers exceptional multi-axial flexibility. Its ability to adapt to uneven terrain ensures that you experience both comfort and confidence in every step.
Triton Family
Designed for highly active individuals who navigate varied indoor and outdoor environments and place a high value on uncompromised response and control even when performing high impact activities.
Designed for highly active individuals who navigate varied indoor and outdoor environments and place a high value on uncompromised response and control even when performing high impact activities.
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Microprocessor prosthetic feet from Ottobock.
Meridium
Designed for moderately active individuals who navigate various indoor and outdoor environments and place a high value on intuitive adaptation that replicates natural movement.
Designed for moderately active individuals who navigate various indoor and outdoor environments and place a high value on intuitive adaptation that replicates natural movement.
Empower
Designed for highly active individuals who navigate various indoor and outdoor environments and place a high value on the ability to cover longer distances and walk at a higher walking speed.
Designed for highly active individuals who navigate various indoor and outdoor environments and place a high value on the ability to cover longer distances and walk at a higher walking speed.
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Sports prosthetic feet from Ottobock.
Runner
Designed for everyone who wants to use the same running blade that even elite athletes use.
Designed for everyone who wants to use the same running blade that even elite athletes use.
Challenger
Designed for everyone who participates in recreational sports while performing agile and powerful movements.
Designed for everyone who participates in recreational sports while performing agile and powerful movements.
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