during a walking sequence at the same time the ball 14 and socket 18 assembly provides a guide for the desired direction of travel the spring 20 is compressed to approximately u00be the uncompressed length when the user is about halfway through the walking sequence see fig1 b spring 20 compression provides a vibrational dampening effect such that the user is subjected to a lower level of vibrations and perturbations transferred from the surface 34 through the shaft 12 as forward motion continues the compressed spring decompresses and propels the user forward see fig1 c thereby utilizing otherwise lost energy from the walking sequence alternatively the spring 20 can be compressed in a range of about 20 to about 90 of its greatest length the tension of the spring 20 can be altered based upon the primary use and weight of the user in an alternative embodiment the spring 20 is a combination of two or more separate springs alternatively the user can reverse the walking sequence in order to move backwards with respect to the direction they are facing furthermore the user can move from side to side or in combination with a reverse or forward movement cleats 38.