Completely new walking experience with the innovative prosthetic foot Evanto

How can we make daily life easier for prosthesis users with our prostheses? That's what we at Ottobock deal with every day. For the Evanto prosthetic foot, our designers went back to the drawing board. With today's knowledge and technology, they worked on our most innovative mechanical foot in 40 years. The result? User Jeffrey van Kippersluis: "A brilliant foot that makes everything easier, from hiking to kitesurfing. Truly a leap forward."

The goal was to offer users a completely new running experience, explains Tom Bernard. He is technical sales prosthetics at Ottobock. "Not to build on existing prosthetic feet, but to develop a completely new and as natural a foot as possible, mimicking natural movement as closely as possible. Based on the anatomy of the human foot. We challenged ourselves to think out of the box as much as possible." So armed with the latest technologies, current test results as well as personal experiences of users, the team started all over again.

Standing and moving feel more natural

In early 2024, the Evanto prosthetic foot appeared on the market. It is Ottobock's most innovative mechanical foot in 40 years, says Tom. "Thanks to its advanced construction, the foot offers more movement and rotation possibilities, especially in the ankle. Movement has to come less from the stump. As a result, standing and moving feel much more natural. The foot also features shock absorption and cushioning, reducing stress on the hip and back."

Exercise costs less energy

"Another great advantage of the prosthetic foot is that the foot absorbs and releases energy very efficiently while walking," Tom continues. "The foot gives a kind of pulse with every step, which optimally supports movement. Because walking and moving in this way takes less energy, the Evanto prosthetic foot is also very suitable for more intensive exercise or walking longer distances."

In addition, the foot features what is known as multi-axial flexibility, allowing the user to stand stably and comfortably even on side slopes, uneven surfaces or uneven terrain. This means that the body has to compensate much less with each posture, resulting in less strain on muscles and joints.

For active users

Thanks to its innovative mechanism, the foot is suitable for both everyday activities and moderately intensive (sports) activities. Hiking, cycling, badminton or table tennis; with the Evanto prosthetic foot it can be done very easily. The foot is also waterproof and seawater resistant. Unlike many other prosthetic feet, it can be worn in the pool or on the beach. Ideal for active users.

From hiking to kitesurfing

50-year-old Jeffrey van Kippersluis is one such active user. His work as a transformation consultant requires him to stand all day and he also leads an active life. He has been wearing the prosthesis for a few months now and is enthusiastic. "When I first used the Evanto, I immediately noticed a difference from my previous prosthetic foot. It felt right away. When stationary, you are much more stable which removes tension from the body. This puts less strain on my other knee, back and gluteal muscles. I have more relaxed muscles, and that's a luxury for a prosthetic user!"

"This is much closer to the natural standing and walking experience. With more flexibility, rotation capabilities and better ankle function, the movements are also much more homogeneous and even," Jeffrey continued. "It's a foot that moves completely with what's going on underneath me. I do skateboarding and kitesurfing, for example, and that's really enhanced with the Evanto. It is bizarre how flexible I can now move with the board under my feet, how much harder I can make turns. And yoga also goes much better thanks to the flexibility and stability of the Evanto. With this foot I perform better in all areas."

Leap forward

A new prosthesis always takes some getting used to. Yet for Jeffrey, the transition was very smooth. "Getting in and walking out, that's how it felt. Of course it will be different for everyone, but I could actually do everything in daily life right away. Working, walking, climbing stairs, playing sports. And cycling is also a lot nicer now; you make much better contact with the pedals. I think it's a brilliant foot; really a leap forward."

"Whether I can recommend the Evanto prosthetic foot to other prosthetic users?" Jeffrey has to laugh. With a wink, "Sure, buy two I'd say!"