Buy MBT Shoes and Experience the Difference for Yourselves
MBT stands for "Masai Barefoot Technology" and these are a type of shoe I genuinely believe everyone should have a pair of in order to enhance their quality of life, reduce joint aches and pains, improve posture, tone the body and lose weight.
This might well sound like a sales pitch to anyone reading this, but I had never heard of these shoes until about 9 months ago when my Stepfather mentioned them to me. He went on to explain how he had heard great things about these shoes and had set off into town to buy some, only to be put off by the seemingly expensive price the shop was asking for them. Needless to say he had left empty handed unwilling to take a chance on spending over £150 on a pair of shoes / trainers that may not be as good as he had been told. He asked me if I could see if I could find him a pair at a better price online, and sure enough I managed to find him a pair at a far more sensible price.
Before long these MBT trainers / shoes arrived and my Step Dad was thrilled as he tried them on for the first time. Yes it took him a bit of practice around the house to get used to walking in them as they do change the whole way you walk for the better, but it took him a very short time to say how great it felt every time he put them on.
The designers of MBT shoes have studied how the Masai tribe in Kenya walk barefoot on uneven sand, and how this therefore forces their bodies to use all the major and stabilising muscle groups and ultimately trains the whole body to move correctly, and with perfect deportment and posture.
MBT shoes have been billed as "the world's smallest gym.". Because they increase muscle activity, strengthening and toning of the leg, stomach, buttock, and back muscles during everyday activities like walking and standing. Their unique design has allegedly helped wearer's tone up, lose weight, and even smooth cellulite, which has naturally brought the brand a lot of attention.
MBT Shoes are mainly designed for walking. Because of the collapsible heel, running in these shoes is difficult and takes some practice. You can jog in them, using short strides and 'Swiss Masai' (the company that manufacture MBT shoes and trainers) call this "floating". The motion is different to regular jogging, however MBT Shoes are best used for walking and normal daily activities, (although Kenyans often win marathons using this type of stride).
The first time you wear MBT shoes you may well find for the first 20 minutes your calf muscles will be quite sore, but this will quickly go as you adapt to the new improved way of walking. After this, walking will feel effortless, and you will find that you are naturally walking with your back straight and your stomach pulled in.
Every one of the claims made by the makers of MBT trainers and shoes stand up to scientific research, which is why the 'anti-shoe' (as they are also known), are now recommended by both Doctors and fitness experts.
The positive effect of the MBT is based on the principle of "natural instability", an effect which can, in fact, be achieved without the benefit of high-tech footwear by simply walking barefoot on soft, uneven, natural ground such as sand or moss. However, in today's thoroughly modern world this is not always easy to do, but the health benefits are significant. While wearing MBTs the body is forced to maintain its natural balance, thereby stimulating and exercising the body's supporting muscle system which results in numerous pro-body benefits.
MBTs activate and strengthen the small supporting muscles which are the body's "natural shock absorbers". The key to the MBT is the patented sole construction, the soft Masai Sensor. It is situated directly beneath the heel of the shoe, and simulates walking and standing on uneven ground. This creates a natural instability, which the body responds to with small, subconscious, compensatory movements. The midsole, with its integrated balancing area, requires an active, controlled rolling movement with every step. In conjunction with the Masai Sensor, the body's musculoskeletal system is activated and exercised, the muscles in the buttocks, stomach and back are strengthened, posture and gait are kept relaxed and upright, and stress on the joints and back is relieved. Not only does the anti-shoe increase the fitness levels of its wearer with every step, it also has ongoing health benefits.
MBT shoes and trainers are made for both men and women, and come in a huge range of styles and colours. My Step-Dad was so impressed by his first pair that recently he asked me to buy him a second pair, mainly because he wanted a pair that were brown, and naturally more suitable for smart wear, (as opposed to the trainer styles that MBT shoes also come in). He was equally delighted with the new pair which were described as "walnut" in colour and made of leather. Apparently when he had to visit his physiotherapist she noticed he was wearing a pair of MBT's, and told him she wears them herself and recommends them to her patients.
Another impressive fact about MBT shoes and trainers is that when the soles finally wear out they can be replaced by Resole America with original parts for just $65, a great saving compared to buying a brand new pair.
What I would emphasise is that it is important to learn to walk in them properly before venturing outdoors in them, (and this is technique is thoroughly described in the DVD that accompanies each pair of MBT shoes sold). It does take a bit of practice at first, but once you get the hang of them you will not want to go back to normal shoes or trainers and will soon long to put them on in order to feel your whole body breathe a big sigh of contentment as the comfort immediately returns.
Just one customer review I found online read as follows:
MBTs are worth every penny!!, December 29, 2008
By heath.norton
"I have been a runner for years, and have recently been suffering the effects of pounding my body on hard pavement for hours a day. In a quest to find the ultimate shoe, and to possibly help relieve the pain in my feet, knees, and lower back, I tried on a pair of MBTs. I was so impressed with the feel, I immediately purchased a pair.
It has been almost 8 months now, and let me say, "I AM A CUSTOMER FOR LIFE"!!.
At first, MBTs caused me some pain, and soreness when worn for a full day, but the pain in my heel, knees, and lower back have all but completely dissapeared. WOW!!! All this from a pair of shoes.
I am able to degrade a pair a Nike running shoes in about 6 months, and can wear out a pair of MBTs in about the same amount of time. So, is $250 dollars every six months worth the price? ABSOLUTELY!!! Anyone that complains about the price, or the quality is overlooking the benefit.
MBTs are far less expensive than a chiropractor, or Physical Therapy visit.
Additional Research Sources Used
- MBT Shoes - Home of the Anti shoe
This is the official homepage of MBT, the anti-shoe. It is the first physiological footwear that has a positive effect on the whole body. - Do MBT Shoes Really Work? | Wandering Educators
Advantages and disadvantages of MBT Shoes. Surprising findings. Customer reviews. Best Places to buy online. Special Discounts. Lowest Prices Ever on MBT Shoes.