When Jérôme Bernard was just nine years old, he lost both legs and an arm in what he casually calls 'a little incident in life'. Of course, it was a life-changing event, but that didn’t stop him from playing with his friends and taking on countless challenges. With the unwavering support of his family, he crafted makeshift prostheses that allowed him to cycle over mountain passes and carve his way down ski slopes. 

 

As you may have gathered, Jérôme is not the kind of man to let life get him down. But when he became a father, he faced a new challenge - how was he going to run after his sons one day?

 

In France, as in many other countries, running blades were considered non-essential and were therefore not eligible for insurance coverage. Buying them out of pocket wasn’t an option for Jérôme - especially since he needed two!

 

He had a knack for DIY, no doubt about that. But crafting rigid prostheses for cycling and skiing was one thing - making blades for running was a whole different story. 

 

 

One day, while waiting for his children outside primary school, he started a conversation with Benjamin Trarieux, a fellow parent. When he found out that Benjamin was an engineer at Airbus, he half-jokingly asked if, by any chance, he could help him figure out a way to make running blades.

 

Benjamin took him at his word and suggested launching a call for projects at the nearby engineering school, IMT Mines Albi, in the South of France. It was September 2019, and this marked the beginning of an incredible adventure - one that would go on to change more than one life.

 

At IMT, Jérôme and Benjamin met Victor, Hugo, Lou, Émilie, Melvin, Julie, and other students who were immediately drawn to Jérôme’s outgoing and playful personality, as well as his unique way of describing the challenges he faced with disarming ease.

 

Through their conversations with Jérôme, this team of young and enthusiastic students discovered the key barriers that prevented most amputees from accessing the simple joy of running.

 

 

Accessibility was quickly identified as a major limiting factor - not just in terms of cost but also in ease of use and access to information.

 

Another key challenge was versatility (or rather, the lack of it), as most blades were designed primarily for running tracks, making them impractical for other terrains. Lastly, there was the issue of support. Many amputees had little to no guidance on how to choose, fund, or use a running blade effectively, making the prospect of running feel even more out of reach.

 

Determined to break down these barriers, the dedicated team of student engineers set out on a mission to find solutions.

 

During a visit to Airbus, they discovered an incredible opportunity: Large quantities of unused carbon fiber, originally intended for the fuselage of the A350, were set to be discarded.

 

This sparked an ambitious idea - what if this aerospace-grade material, instead of going to waste, could be repurposed to create affordable and efficient running blades? Turning waste into innovation while benefiting the environment - that became the plan!

 

A global pandemic, countless hours of work, a few innovation awards, key partnerships with Airbus and Salomon, and several happy amputees later - et voilà: Hopper was born.

 

What was initially meant to be a four-month student project evolved into a fully-fledged company, driven by a small but dedicated team united by their motto: Dare to Dream. They dared. And they encouraged the amputees around them to dare. Because it takes courage to try running again when you've been told you never would.

 

 

For Hopper, running is not just about competition; it’s about reclaiming movement - running with your child in the park, teaching them how to ride a bike, joining a local running group, or simply feeling the wind in your face. Hopper blades were originally designed for the vast majority of people who just want to experience these simple joys again.

 

But because Hopper blades are comfortable and versatile - and likely also thanks to their Salomon outsoles, a game-changer for outdoor enthusiasts - they quickly became a favorite among those who enjoy running on rough terrains or covering long distances. Trail and even ultra-trail athletes have embraced them, using them to push their limits and conquer extreme terrains.

 

Another unexpected but exciting development is that Hopper blades have found their way into rehab centers - not to make people run, but to help them take important steps toward regaining confidence and mobility. Used for short exercises designed to improve gait, balance, and strength, they are now playing a role in rehabilitation under the guidance of healthcare professionals.

 

Hopper’s mission is to democratize the use of carbon blades among amputees because classifying them as ‘non-essential’ is not just frustrating - it’s fundamentally unfair. A blade is more than just a piece of equipment; it’s a tool for health, well-being, and most of all inclusion. It helps prevent secondary health issues like cardiovascular disease and obesity, improves mental well-being, and fosters social participation. Its use should be actively encouraged by healthcare providers.

 

Hopper’s staff includes a prosthetist and a physiotherapist, and part of its mission is to educate and train healthcare professionals. Another key focus is tackling the financial and systemic barriers that prevent people from accessing running blades.

 

Each country has its own complex healthcare system, and understanding the available funding options can often feel like navigating an overwhelming maze.

 

That’s why Hopper dedicates time and effort to exploring government-funded initiatives, grant programs, insurance loopholes, and alternative funding models. In some cases, it’s possible to access partial or full coverage through specific healthcare provisions. In others, charitable organizations and adaptive sports federations can step in to help cover costs.

 

 

Hopper works closely with nonprofits, sports federations, and NGOs that share its vision of inclusivity. The groundwork laid has already contributed to advances in government action, driving progress toward better access to running blades in France and Belgium. There is still much to be done, but collective action has the power to drive real, lasting change.

 

Hopper has come a long way from that first encounter in a small village in the south of France. Today, they are expanding internationally in partnership with Proteor, especially in Germany, actively challenging norms and reshaping accessibility in adaptive sports.

 

If you’re an amputee who has ever doubted whether running is for you, Hopper invites you to take that first step. Feel free to contact us if you want a trial! You can do so here (this is an exetrnal link that will bring you to the Hopper page).

 

Because, at the end of the day, running isn’t about speed - it’s about freedom. And everyone deserves that.