A socket system (20) for use in a prosthetic or orthotic artificial limb for amputees, the socket system being dynamically activated by weight -bearing loads and variable in response to shear forces imposed by weight -bearing loads. The socket system includes: a liner (30) adapted to engage the residual limb; a semi - flexible inner socket (50) having a textured surface; an inner socket air wick (40) between the liner and the textured surface of the inner socket; a semi-rigid outer socket (70) having a textured surface; an outer socket air wick (60) between the inner socket and the textured surface of the outer socket; a sealing sleeve (80) engaging the outer socket and the residual limb, the sealing sleeve, the outer socket, and the residual limb creating a sealed chamber; and a vacuum source (120) connected to the sealed chamber and creating a vacuum within the sealed chamber. The vacuum source is dynamically activated in response to weight-bearing loads and varies the response of the socket system to shear forces imposed by weight-bearing loads. The socket system may alternatively be a single rigid socket (70) with a flexible brim (76).
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