If you’ve ever rock climbed (I haven’t), then you’ll know (better than me) that the task takes a certain amount of balance, dexterity, and also rather special shoes that are flexible and extra grippy. Avid rock climber CJ Howard doesn’t have a left foot though, not a biologic one anyway. He did, but was diagnosed with osteosarcoma and had to have his left leg amputated below the knee. Quite the athlete, once a distance runner for the University of California, Irvine cross-country team, he continues to break records.

Climbing partners Mandy Ott and C.J. Howard.
CJ has since put plenty of vertical miles on the 5-pound foot, which is hollow for reduced weight and covered with rubber (by another company) intended for climbing shoes. Having climbed all over Northern California, from the Phantom Spires to the cracks of Yosemite, he’s come up with a couple other designs he’d like to try out. The human foot being dynamic, through a combination of muscles, tendons, and bones, can contour and spread or concentrate pressure as necessary for whatever terrain. Since CJ’s prosthetic is not dynamic, he could benefit from having several interchangeable feet designed for specific types of climbing; he feels a triangle shape would be ideal for cracks, and one with less downturn for slabby conditions. In 2012, it’s good to know that 3D printing will provide whatever feet CJ desires.