Why does flat ground limit athletic performance?

The subtalar joint axis sits at 42 degrees from the horizontal plane and 16 degrees medially. This oblique axis cannot perform correctly on a geometrically flat surface, which is what every field, court, and track is built from. The mismatch means the elastic return system of the foot — responsible for 35 to 50 percent of mechanical running energy — cannot fire correctly on every step.

What is Protalus Landing Gear and how is it different from insoles?

Protalus Landing Gear is not an insole. It is a geometric correction applied to the surface beneath the foot rather than a shape built around the foot's silhouette. In an independent 3D motion capture study by Dr. Martyn Shorten Ph.D., former Director of the Nike Sport Research Laboratory, 28 of 31 subjects walked within correct biomechanical range with Landing Gear versus 0 of 31 on standard foam.

How does geometry affect running economy in sport?

Flat surfaces produce a 2 to 3 percent reduction in running economy per step. Over a 90-minute match covering 8 miles, this compounds into approximately 9 seconds lost per 3 kilometers — a deficit that becomes decisive in the final minutes when reserves are lowest.

Athletic Performance Insoles — Protalus Landing Gear

Protalus Landing Gear — Sports Performance

Every field is flat. Your foot wasn't built for that.

Name: Protalus M-100 Landing Gear — Sports Performance
Brand: Protalus
Price: 64.95 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.8 (99000 reviews)

Flat surfaces cost 2–3% running economy every step — a debt that compounds across a full game. Landing Gear restores the joint geometry your sport needs, closing the gap from the first step.

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Landing Gear technology is universal — find which one your footwear can accommodate.

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Landing Gear technology is universal — find which one your footwear can accommodate.

2–3%

Running economy lost per step on flat surfaces — every field, court, and track.

35–50%

Of mechanical energy should come from elastic return. Flat ground prevents it from firing.

28 of 31

Correct joint range in M-100 vs. 0 of 31 on standard foam — independent 3D motion capture.

Independent testing by Dr. Martyn Shorten Ph.D., former Director, Nike Sport Research Laboratory. Full methodology →

Your sport

Different sport. Same floor. Same fix.

Baseball

Bat speed & exit velocity

Football

First step explosion

Soccer

~9 sec per 3km

Basketball

Vertical jump & landing

Tennis

Split step & serve

Pickleball

Lateral reaction speed

Get the edge — M-100

Give your body the ground it was built for.

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What off-axis loading is linked to

The same mechanism that costs performance also shows up in these.

Not inevitable — the documented output of correct anatomy on incorrect geometry.

Turf toe ACL & non-contact knee injuries Ankle sprains Hip degeneration Plantar fasciitis Lower back — rotational athletes

The edge you've been looking for

Superman has Kryptonite.
You have Landing Gear.

Every athlete on that field is competing on the wrong surface. Most of them always will. Your body was built for different ground. Now you can give it back.

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