Amputee Teams Up with Students to Build “Goldilocks Foot”
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Finding a prosthetic foot that works well for your needs can be a common issue among individuals who wear them. Garrison Hayes, an engineering student who wears a prosthetic leg, has faced this issue and teamed up with four other biomedical engineering undergrads at Colorado State University (CSU) to create a “Goldilocks Foot.”
Hayes lost his left leg to pediatric osteosarcoma, the most prevalent bone cancer in children, at the age of six. But after the surgery, he thrived in sports like soccer, skiing, and cycling. He also became a top Paralympic javelin thrower.
Despite his athletic achievements, Hayes found his prosthesis was lacking. He has worn many different prosthetic legs and feet over the years, and even during moments of relaxation at home, he always wore a shoe over his prosthetic foot to enhance alignment, cushioning, and flexibility.
Now a senior at CSU, Hayes and his team—comprising Eric Gutierrez-Camacho, Thomas Leachman, Lily Lindstrom, and Justin Rudrow—set out to develop a better prosthetic foot. Their goal was to create a design that strikes an ideal balance: offering greater comfort than cheaper options while remaining more affordable than high-performance models designed for running and competitive sports.
The ‘Goldilocks Foot’
In August 2024, the team began developing the Goldilocks Foot, a groundbreaking prosthetic designed to enhance comfort and customization for users, all while remaining affordable. A standout feature of this foot is its ability to return energy to the body, thanks to innovative materials and a unique lattice structure.
They named the prosthetic “Goldilocks Foot” because team member Gutierrez-Camacho expressed that it aims to provide a fit that is “just right” for its users. As the design engineer, he used his personal 3D printer to create prototypes, dedicating three days to produce each component.
In an interview with CSU Source, Hayes highlighted that the Goldilocks Foot is distinct from traditional feet that incorporate a rubber shell due to its 3D printed dynamic nylon material and latticework design. He explained that under force during walking, the material behaves like a spring, returning to its original shape and providing energy assistance--similar to carbon feet--resulting in a more natural feel for the wearer. Hayes has personally tested every prototype developed by the team.
The foot’s unique characteristics stem from its construction using a nylon known as polyamide. This material is applied layer by layer through 3D printing to create a lattice design, enabling full customization based on individual requirements, such as shape, size, and function. For example, a woman reached out to the team with an interest in a prosthetic that could be worn with high heels.
In an interview with the CSU Source, Gutierrez-Camacho said that the Goldilocks Foot's versatility allows them to cater to diverse markets. The design allows them to offer tailored solutions for very specific needs.
Transforming the prosthetic foot shell
Gutierrez-Camacho expressed their ambition to transform the typical prosthetic foot shell. The team’s innovative design enables users to bypass the typical injection molding process, allowing for a fully personalized product, according to Hayes. Injection molding is a method used to mass-produce the plastic components of prosthetics.
The team has applied for a patent for the Goldilocks Foot, which is currently under review. To secure venture capital for further development and marketing, they have established a startup named Mediflex Prosthetic LLC.
The team anticipates that the retail price of the Goldilocks Foot will be around $2,000, which is significantly lower than the $3,000 or more typically required for prosthetic feet of comparable quality.
On March 28, the team was recognized as the overall winner of the CSU MURALS event, which celebrates student innovations through research, art, and leadership. Additionally, they won two awards and a $3,000 cash prize during the CSU Venture RAMS Business Showcase on April 15, a competition focused on business pitches held on campus.
Next steps
The development of the Goldilocks Foot represents a significant step forward in prosthetic foot technology, combining comfort, affordability, and customization in a way that meets the diverse needs of users. As Hayes and his team continue to refine their design and seek support through their startup, the potential impact of the Goldilocks Foot on the prosthetics market could be transformative.
With its lower cost and unique features, the innovative prosthetic foot aims to enhance the quality of life for many individuals living with limb loss or limb difference. And the recognition the team has received is a testament to their hard work and dedication, promising a bright future for both the prosthetic foot and the countless users who will benefit from it.
Related reading:
Low-Cost Prosthetic Foot Design Allows Amputees to Walk Naturally
How to Restore a Discolored Prosthetic Foot Shell
