After going through several weeks of walking in a temporary sizing socket for my prosthesis, I finally have a brand new carbon fiber sleeve with Ossur Re-flex shock system. The system takes heel pressure to open the pump and rolls forward to the front to close it as you walk/run. I tested it while I was at the clinic, jumping around, running for a short (5-7 step) sprint. I could tell immediately I’ve been stagnant too long – The muscle tendon on the heel of my good foot pulled a bit as I was jumping around. That’s alright, that will heal in a day or two. Now, I can change things.
The dimensions of the new sleeve is different than my old one. The old one was a simple matter of following the dimensions of the leg, while this one encloses a button system that I press when putting my leg into it. This evacuates air, and I let it go. BAM, ready. It also holds the hose in a cavity within the carbon fiber as it flows down. Quite a nice feature, cosmetically.
My favorite feature:
On the right-hand side notice the bow-like metal bar. This is a flexible metal suspension bar, which actually bows as weight is placed on the sleeve. This is to absorb the downward force and allow a free flow while running.
The entire unit, including my tennis shoe, only weighs 5.4 lbs.
Thankfully, my insurance company is very good. I have Blue Cross Blue Shield, which covered about 75% of the total cost. (80%+deductible) The total cost of this puppy is the cost of a small car, ~$18,000. Compared to most prosthetics I’ve seen, which range from $30,000+, this is a steal.
The plus side is if I really want to, and I have $6,000 I can just fritter away, I can unbolt this re-flex shock foot system and bolt on a blade running system like this (which is not mine, this is a woman’s legs):
The Sociopathic Mind of a Certified Eclectic 
The lifespan of this technology is quite large, it seems. I was worried about it failing in some shape due to age and pounding, so I went to my prosthetist and he removed all but the metal. It had little to no wear, except for the box at the ankle which has impact markings. It seems they made this buddy to last, and I’m only going to need to replace the leg socket as size changes with age and me losing weight.
I run 4-5 times weekly for about 1/4 mile, and the only real downfall I’ve found so far is weight differentiation between legs. That in my mind is better than not being able to, and it feels good to run next to others who aren’t disabled.