u/AlphoBuddha

I’m interested in designing and eventually making my own running and trail shoes using more natural and sustainable materials. My main challenge is that I have a structural leg length discrepancy of about 3 cm the bones in my left leg are physically shorter than my right.

Currently I use EVA foam midsoles and corrective lifts because I still need cushioning, impact absorption, and long-term stability for running and high activity levels. I have my shoe lifts be 1 inch because my doctor recommended not a fully correction yet. However, I’m trying to explore whether there are viable alternatives to petroleum-heavy foams that could still function biomechanically for someone with my asymmetry.

I’m especially interested in:

• natural or bio-based cushioning materials
• cork/rubber or latex composites
• layered density systems
• sustainable and repairable shoe construction
• trail and natural-terrain performance
• ways geometry or material structure could compensate for reduced synthetic foam use

I understand that a fully natural high-performance running shoe may involve tradeoffs, especially with a 3 cm discrepancy and the need for impact management and stability. I’m not necessarily trying to perfectly replicate modern maximalist running shoes. I’m more interested in creating a durable, environmentally conscious system that balances:

• running capability
• long-term joint health
• biomechanical stability
• repairability
• and sustainability.

I’d especially appreciate insight from people with experience in biomechanics, materials science, footwear engineering, orthotics, or sustainable product design.

I’m interested in designing and eventually making my own running and trail shoes using more natural and sustainable materials. My main challenge is that I have a structural leg length discrepancy of about 3 cm the bones in my left leg are physically shorter than my right.

Currently I use EVA foam midsoles and corrective lifts because I still need cushioning, impact absorption, and long-term stability for running and high activity levels. I have my shoe lifts be 1 inch because my doctor recommended not a fully correction yet. However, I’m trying to explore whether there are viable alternatives to petroleum-heavy foams that could still function biomechanically for someone with my asymmetry.

I’m especially interested in:

• natural or bio-based cushioning materials
• cork/rubber or latex composites
• layered density systems
• sustainable and repairable shoe construction
• trail and natural-terrain performance
• ways geometry or material structure could compensate for reduced synthetic foam use

I understand that a fully natural high-performance running shoe may involve tradeoffs, especially with a 3 cm discrepancy and the need for impact management and stability. I’m not necessarily trying to perfectly replicate modern maximalist running shoes. I’m more interested in creating a durable, environmentally conscious system that balances:

• running capability
• long-term joint health
• biomechanical stability
• repairability
• and sustainability.

I’d especially appreciate insight from people with experience in biomechanics, materials science, footwear engineering, orthotics, or sustainable product design.

I’m interested in designing and eventually making my own running and trail shoes using more natural and sustainable materials. My main challenge is that I have a structural leg length discrepancy of about 3 cm the bones in my left leg are physically shorter than my right.

Currently I use EVA foam midsoles and corrective lifts because I still need cushioning, impact absorption, and long-term stability for running and high activity levels. I am have my shoe lifts be 1 inch because my doctor recommended not a fully correction yet. However, I’m trying to explore whether there are viable alternatives to petroleum-heavy foams that could still function biomechanically for someone with my asymmetry.

I’m especially interested in:

• natural or bio-based cushioning materials
• cork/rubber or latex composites
• layered density systems
• sustainable and repairable shoe construction
• trail and natural-terrain performance
• ways geometry or material structure could compensate for reduced synthetic foam use

I understand that a fully natural high-performance running shoe may involve tradeoffs, especially with a 3 cm discrepancy and the need for impact management and stability. I’m not necessarily trying to perfectly replicate modern maximalist running shoes. I’m more interested in creating a durable, environmentally conscious system that balances:

• running capability
• long-term joint health
• biomechanical stability
• repairability
• and sustainability.

I’d especially appreciate insight from people with experience in biomechanics, materials science, footwear engineering, orthotics, or sustainable product design.

So I have a specific problem. I have a leg length discrepency of 1 inch, meaning the bone in my left leg are 1 inch total shorter than my right leg.

Usually I just use eva as the midsole for my running shoes but I was wondering if there were any natural alternatives so I do not have to rely on plastics for my foot wear?

I would just like to become more environmentally friendly and start to make my own shoes.

This would be for running shoes so the cushioning would definitely be needed.