Into the Desert with the Levitate Forever Foot and Traction Footshell
For Steven Arm, the outdoors has always been where he feels most at home. Living in Tucson, Arizona, he spends much of his free time hiking through the desert, exploring remote landscapes, and searching for reptiles in their natural habitat. What started as childhood curiosity has grown into a real passion for field herpetology, combining adventure, science, and a deep respect for wildlife.
After losing his left leg in a work accident, Steven's biggest goal was not simply learning to walk again, but getting back to the places he loved most.
"In the beginning, it was about just learning how to walk again and getting comfortable. Over time, it became more about performance, figuring out what works best for my lifestyle and pushing beyond basic mobility."
Today, staying active is essential to the way he lives. Long hikes across rocks, sand, dry washes, and uneven desert terrain require a prosthetic setup he can trust, giving him the freedom to focus on tracking, observing, and exploring.
The Levitate Forever Foot and Traction Footshell has become the foundation of that lifestyle. Whether he is walking, working, jogging, hiking, or training, it gives him the stability and comfort he needs to stay active for hours at a time and adapt to constantly changing terrain.
"When you're out in the field, especially in the desert, terrain changes constantly. Rocks, sand, uneven ground. Having the right prosthetic setup helps with energy return, balance, and reducing fatigue. That means I can focus more on what I'm doing, tracking, observing, exploring, instead of worrying about every step."
For Steven, one moment captured exactly what having the right setup means. During a long hike through rough terrain, he realized he had stopped thinking about his prosthesis altogether.
"I was just focused on the environment and what I was looking for. That's when it really hit me, having the right equipment doesn't just help physically, it gives you mental freedom too."
That freedom is what allows him to continue pursuing the adventures that have always been part of who he is. Whether he is covering miles through the Arizona desert or searching for elusive snakes hidden among the rocks, the Forever Foot and Traction Footshell gives him the confidence to move naturally, stay out longer, and keep exploring without feeling limited by his amputation.
"It means independence. It means not feeling limited by what happened to me. Being able to go where I want, push myself, and stay connected to the outdoors is a huge part of who I am."
Looking back on his journey, Steven has a simple message for others who want to stay active with a prosthesis:
"Don't settle for 'good enough.' The right setup matters. Stay consistent, push yourself, and don't accept limits that don't have to be there."
