Additive manufacturing is one of the most promising emerging technologies for building prosthetic sockets. However, there is no reliable way to estimate the factor of safety and the lifetime of 3D printed prosthetic sockets. Here, we explore 360° 3D digital image correlation (DIC) and discover how this new tool can increase our understanding of prosthetic structural failures. We establish that this new technology can dramatically improve the prosthetic design cycle by identifying local strain concentrations and by highlighting limitations in current simulated models. Overall, 360° 3D DIC technology empowers prosthetic engineers to characterize the performance of new materials and create innovative designs that are both safe and affordable.