PVC or silicone: which foot prosthesis suits you?
A PVC foot prosthesis costs less and is sometimes chosen soon after amputation, but over time it can stiffen and darken, and its low elasticity can lead to rubbing or pain. A silicone foot prosthesis fits softly and has more give, so it is often considered for people who wear it all day or were hurt by a previous prosthesis. Either way, it should be designed around the arch and how the foot carries weight, not just its shape.
What are foot prostheses made from?
Prostheses for lost toes, a lost forefoot or part of the foot are mostly made in PVC or silicone. When new, both feel soft and look similar, but after a few months of walking the difference between the materials becomes clear. Many customers who come to Silobionic have worn PVC for a while and want to change to silicone because the discomfort has built up.
What problems did PVC wearers tell us about?
Customers who had worn PVC prostheses for some time described much the same things.
- Friction against the skin when walking, leading to rubbing or wounds
- Sweat building up during long wear, causing skin irritation
- The prosthesis hardening over time and turning black or brown
- Too little elasticity, so each step sent the impact straight through and caused pain
How do the two materials compare?
| PVC foot prosthesis | Silicone foot prosthesis | |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | Soft at the start, but tends to firm up and rub | Fits closely and softly, usually with less irritation |
| When walking | Low elasticity absorbs less impact | Elastic and flexible, generally not restricting ankle movement |
| Sweat and moisture | Trapped sweat can irritate the skin | Copes well with moisture and is easy to wash |
| Over time | Often hardens and darkens | Hardens less, but can stretch or tear with long use and needs checking |
| Cost | Relatively low | Quoted after consultation, depending on the extent and design |
| Tends to suit | People wanting an interim option soon after amputation | People who had wounds or pain with a previous prosthesis, wear it all day, or want a natural look |
Why looking like a foot is not enough
A foot prosthesis has to do more than fill out the shape. The big toe is where the foot makes its final push off the ground, and the arch carries body weight. If these are lost and the prosthesis merely copies the outline, weight is not carried properly and your balance can suffer — for example, the ankle may roll inwards or outwards.
So when we make a silicone foot, we design support for the arch and varied firmness alongside the missing shape. Our article on silicone big-toe prostheses explains in more detail what changes when the big toe is lost.
How does Silobionic make a silicone foot?
- Firmness tuned by area — silicone is made firmer where weight is borne and softer where comfort matters, balancing stability and comfort.
- Check socket — a temporary trial fitting before completion, to correct pressure points and loose areas.
- Skin-tone measurement — E-SKIN (SPECTROMATCH, UK) measures your skin colour digitally so pigments can be mixed to match.
- Aftercare — we provide after-sales service while you use it, and advise on a remake if a repair is not possible.
The standard process is three visits, with completion in around 4–6 weeks (1–2 weeks with express production). Before-and-after photos are taken under the same conditions with a standard colour chart and no retouching. Individual results vary.
Frequently asked questions
Can I switch from a PVC prosthesis to silicone?
Yes. We listen to what bothered you about your current prosthesis, take a fresh cast and design a new silicone one.
Can a silicone foot prosthesis get wet?
Silicone copes well with moisture and is easy to clean. We explain how to wash and care for yours when it is completed.
Does silicone change over time too?
It is less prone to hardening than PVC, but it can stretch or tear with long use. We provide after-sales service and advise on a remake if a repair is not possible.
What decides the cost of a foot prosthesis?
It depends on how much of the foot is missing, the structure needed and the colour work. We advise on the design and cost after seeing your foot at consultation.
