Light as possible is correct . Weight balanced for gait doesn ' t matter as much for the majority of the amputated population , as they are far less mobileambulatory . As well , more weight means greater energy expenditure to get the limb through swing phase , and muscle on the ipsilateral side is generally atrophied from lack of use . Source am a prosthetic technician Edit another reason for keeping the limb as light as possible , is to compensate for how heavy the rest of the components can be . The componentry that connects the socket to whatever type of foot is used can have substantial weight to it , and greatly increases overall weight . However , the amputees I work with are generally much older , less mobile , and diabetic , so this may differ from younger , athletic amputees .