Energy return orthotic systems

A tri-layer orthotic system comprising:

• a base layer having a distal toe end and a proximal heel end;
• a mid-layer having a distal toe portion, a mid-portion and a proximal heel portion, the distal toe portion of the mid-layer operably coupled to the distal toe end of the base layer to form a forefoot portion;
• an upper layer having a front upper layer portion, an arch upper layer portion and a heel upper layer portion, the heel upper layer portion operably coupled to the proximal heel portion of the mid-layer to form a heel portion;
• one or more cuts that extend from a medial side of the upper layer to a lateral side of the upper layer and from an upper portion of the upper layer to a lower surface of the upper layer;
• and
• a semi-rigid spine positioned beneath said upper layer and operably coupled to said front segment, said arch segment and said heel segment and configured to allow for deflection of said segments around an axis of the spine while controlling a shape of the upper layer,
• wherein the operable coupling of the distal toe portion of the mid-layer to the distal toe end of the base layer and the heel upper layer portion to the proximal heel portion of the mid-layer is configured such that the upper layer is suspended over the mid-layer and the heel portion is suspended on the proximal heel end of the base layer to create a rear spring section, a mid-spring section and a front spring section.