Discover Meracus®
Experience the power of pure composites with Allard's new Dynamic Response Foot — Meracus®
Crafted from 100% composite materials, Meracus® sets a new standard in prosthetic design. Brought to you by the dedicated team behind the Allard AFO, Meracus® is a prosthetic foot free from metal joints and extraneous components. The pure composite design, combined with a rocker sole, ensures a smooth, natural transition from heel strike to toe-off — ensuring a confident and effortless stride. Step into a seamless gait experience with Meracus®, and join us in our mission to provide Support for Better Life!
100% composite design for a seamless gait experience
Hybrid composite technology maximizes support
From the attachment to the toe, the composite design of Meracus offers a smooth transition and improved dynamic response. The lay-up of composites is designed to maximize function and support throughout the gait cycle.
Composite rivets for improved flexibility
The heel and keel are joined with composite rivets. This new patent pending technique eliminates metal fasteners for improved flexibility and strength.
Thoughtful design for a smooth and confident walk
Meracus® features a low build height, J-shaped keel, extended heel lever and dynamic roller shape. The foot has a full split heel and keel. The longer composite curve offer better shock absorption and energy return. Heel and forefoot contours improve loading response and stability.
Designed to optimize the walking pattern throughout the gait cycle
Meracus® dynamic design simulate the anatomy of the human foot and provides shock absorption during heel strike, a smooth transition into midstance, a smooth rollover of the forefoot and promotes an efficient energy return during push-off.
Meracus® contributes to:
- a smooth, natural walking motion throughout the gait cycle
- support and comfort while standing still
- active everyday life due to its versatile features
Meracus® – a prosthetic foot for your everyday activities
Meracus® is an energy-storing, dynamic-response prosthetic foot made from 100% composites. Meracus® is well suited for individuals with the ability, or potential, for ambulation with variable cadence.
Effortless movement with over 95% energy return
Meracus® provides an energy return above 95%, empowering the user throughout the gait cycle.
The lack of functional ankle musculature in persons with lower limb loss reduces ankle push-off and can decrease walking performance*. An energy-storing prosthetic foot will assist the foot from heel-strike to midstance and provide push-off at terminal stance, mimicking a healthy foot during walking.
The geometry and lay-up in Meracus® score high in functional energy return. By closing the gap of energy loss between loading and unloading, Meracus® brings dynamics to gait.
*Sources: Quraishi et al., 2021; Segal et al., 2012
Design innovation for flexibility and stability throughout the gait cycle
Loading response
The Meracus® heel plate's long lever arm creates a deflection which pulls the forefoot down, aiding shock absorption, stabilizing weight bearing, and initiating tibial progression over the foot.
Midstance
As the center of gravity shifts forward, the heel restores, pushing the keel forward and allowing tibial progression. Once the heel and keel are in full contact, the keel deflects and the ankle dorsiflexes. The material's resistance controls lower leg movement.
Terminal stance
As the center of gravity passes the ballpoint area, the keel continues to compress. Inspired by the Allard AFO, the geometry of this area ensures a smooth roll-over at terminal stance. The stored energy in the compressed keel is then released during pre-swing.
Pre-swing
When unloading the dorsiflexed (compressed) forefoot, the foot releases the energy and contributes to push-off the limb into the knee flexion needed for foot clearance during swing phase.
We know composite technology
At Allard we have nearly three decades of experience with producing functional dynamic orthotics from composite materials, also commonly used in aerospace, civil and military engineering, and motorsports. Our expertise in composite materials and processing techniques enables us to optimize manufacturing and quality aspects. With our unique competence of combining carbon and glass fibers of various functionality, we are able to craft composites of highest standard and target specific mechanical properties in our materials.
Mastering the art of lay-up and fiber selection gives our designers great freedom to shape products for optimal function. Our state-of-the-art facility employs the latest manufacturing techniques and equipment, and we have a fully equipped QA laboratory to ensure the highest product quality. By eliminating voids in the laminates, which can negatively impact mechanical properties, we have significantly improved our products over time.
Today, all our composite products are made using 100% renewable energy. Our commitment to continuous improvement ensures that we will develop even better products in the future. Our expertise and experience in composites and orthotic products have enabled us to confidently develop and launch an innovative new prosthetic foot.