Introducing Meracus Prosthetic Foot: Interview with Jack Richmond, R&D Advisor
8 September 2024
"Does the world really need another foot? Maybe not, but what we need is a better foot.”
Jack Richmond, R&D Advisor, has been working in prosthetics for almost 30 years and has helped design more than two dozen prosthetic feet.
“My knowledge as a patient in how things feel was valuable working with Allard in developing Meracus and the composite technology that’s a part of it,” says Richmond.
Meracus provides a natural gait experience
When talking about Meracus, Richmond explains that although the prosthetics market might already be saturated with feet, many of them don’t feel natural to walk with for a large part of the population of people with limb loss or limb difference.
“What’s different about Meracus is that it has a very natural feel and a very smooth transition from heel to toe. This is mainly due to the J-shape design. The J-shape keel has been around for a long time, but our new innovation is 100% composite from the pyramid attachment point, all the way out to the toe,” says Richmond.
100% composite design
Meracus is crafted entirely from composite materials using a unique composition of carbon, fiberglass, and resin. The patent-pending composite rivets combining the heel and keel differentiate Meracus from other prosthetic feet on the market.
“What this does is it eliminates any hard mechanical fasteners in the forefoot. That, combined with the shape of the foot at the forefoot, allows you to have more flexibility late in stance, which, for me, gives me the ability to reach out further with a step so I can take very even steps from one side to another,” Richmond explains.
The development of Meracus has been backed by Allard's nearly 30 years of experience working with composite materials and producing functional dynamic orthotics. Over the decades, Allard has mastered the art of lay-up, fiber selection and void elimination in the laminates, giving the product designers the freedom to create products with optimal function.
Meracus contributes to an active everyday lifestyle
“Does the world really need another foot? Maybe not, but what we need is a better foot,” says Richmond.
Emphasizing how natural the Meracus prosthetic foot feels to walk on, Richmond says: “Meracus is the foot I choose to do everything. From working around the yard, to hiking, to cycling and almost anything I want to do. The natural feel and dynamics of the Meracus allow me to not think about my foot, I just walk.”
Launching September 2024, Meracus® is an energy-storing, dynamic-response prosthetic foot designed for a smooth and comfortable gait experience.
Learn more about Meracus® and watch our inteview with Jack Richmond >>
About Jack Richmond, CPOA
Jack Richmond is an ABC Certified Prosthetic and Orthotic Assistant (CPOA). Jack is also a Research and Development Advisor for Allard. Jack has over 25 years’ experience in product development, specializing in composite designs. Jack is the past President/CEO of the Amputee Coalition, and OPAF. He is a transtibial amputee and limb loss/limb difference advocate, focusing on international missions.
In 2018, the American Academy of Orthotics and Prosthetics (AAOP) recognized Jack’s expertise as an educator and commitment to advocacy by awarding him an Honorary Lifetime Membership in the Academy.
Jack is an avid runner and cyclist and has completed five marathons since his limb loss. While the competition around him motivates Jack in races, he says his greatest motivation is ensuring others have access to the same support and prosthetic care that has enabled him to take care of his family and live a life of new ability after limb loss.