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Closed models are worn tight on the heel, snug on the instep, and comfortable on the toe. Sandals are worn with the heel as far back as possible, the toes reaching the very front end of the sandal, and the straps tight, but comfortable. The footbed should mirror the foot as closely as possible. Unlike conventional footwear that causes the foot to slide forward with each step, the rolling motion of MBTs drives the heel back.
MBTs start from a size 35 to 41 2/3 (UK 2.5 to UK 7.5) in the women’s range and 41 to 47 (UK 7 to UK 11.5) in the men’s range. MBT sizing is different therefore your size will vary depending on the style. Please visit your nearest MBT stockist for further advice.
The unique sole of MBT changes a hard flat surface into a soft uneven one. This creates a natural instability underfoot to which the body automatically reacts with increased muscle activity. This increased muscle activity leads to activation of neglected muscles, improved posture and gait and relief of back and joints.
MBT stands for “Masai Barefoot Technology.” The product name was inspired by the Masai tribe of Africa. Their elegant upright posture and lack of joint and back problems are attributed to walking on uneven, natural surfaces — which is what is emulated when wearing MBTs.
Conventional shoes stabilize and cushion the foot in an unnatural way.The unique sole construction of MBT creates a natural instability and activates the "natural cushioning system" (small muscles around the joints). MBT is the functional antithesis of a conventional shoe and therefore the anti-shoe.
The sole of the MBT is curvilinear. The negative heel creates minimal heel strike and lessens the impact to your joints and skeletal system. The curve also minimizes plantar flexion by creating a rolling motion rather than a stop-and-go motion common when wearing ordinary shoes.
MBT wants to help people all over the world to live healthier and better lives. Wearing your MBTs increases muscle activity in multiple parts of the body. MBTs strengthen core muscles, tighten and tone the feet and ankles, calves, hamstrings, upper and inner thighs, buttocks, stomach, and back. The bottom line: You will become stronger and more resilient just by wearing MBTs to perform your everyday activities.
The most important thing is the difference you will feel. Just by standing and walking in your MBTs you will be increasing muscle activity; improving your circulation, posture and balance; toning your legs, hips, abs and glutes; and reducing stress and pressure on your back, feet and joints.
The technology of the MBT is in the sole, and that remains the same in every style. The uppers vary to accommodate different style needs and preferences, allowing MBTs to be worn morning, noon, and night.
It’s because MBTs are physiological footwear—making them much more than just a regular shoe. They are built specifically to strengthen and tone your body, help prevent injuries, shorten healing and rehabilitation time for injuries, as well as promote natural healing for some minor injuries. More than 10 years of research have gone into making the MBT of today, allowing you to stand or walk your way into a better body.
Yes, there are 10 years of intensive study and research on MBT. Research guides our product development and provides proof of the benefits of wearing MBTs. We’ve done research to direct the evolution and quantify the effectiveness of MBTs, and the scientifically proven physiological benefits are impressive and desirable to anybody ready for a more healthful and energetic life.
No, not at this time.
The size range of MBT defines the target group. (Size 33 – 49). Each age group can benefit from the technology of physiological footwear.
MBTs are meant to be an everyday walking, fitness walking, and general lifestyle footwear.
You may walk and stand in your MBTs as long as you feel comfortable. Try to wear your MBTs as regularly and as often as possible. Note: If MBTs are being used as a secondary therapy for existing basic health conditions, wear should be supervised by a physician.
MBTs are not recommended for lateral and stop-and-go movements. Instead, you should choose shoes specifically designed for your desired sport.
MBTs should be used solely as a walking shoe for the first 8 to 12 weeks (depending upon your fitness level). Once you have gotten used to this then you can start to expand your use into other areas such as training in the gym on the treadmill or eliptical walker.
Yes, but please make sure that:
Slow running can also be referred to as trotting or “floating.” It is essentially how to comfortably and safely move faster than walking and slower than all-out running. It uses the entire leg all the way up through the hip joint to move. The first action is stepping down on the middle of the Masai Sensor and then rolling through the mid-foot and off the toes without pressure. You should feel relaxed. Light jogging in MBTs is for relaxation purposes and recovery. The end result is a feeling of active massage. Ultimately, you should feel a full leg swing and low heel recovery as you float.
MBTs are absolutely great for typically healthy people who stand all day. They are designed to decrease pressure to the skeletal system. A regular shoe’s impact enters directly through your heel, traveling into your joints and skeletal system. In comparison, MBTs transfer the shock behind the heel and body. We suggest rocking back and forth in your MBTs while you stand. This activity increases circulation, reduces shock to the body, and helps you to stand for longer periods of time — without discomfort and pain.
MBTs have great benefits before and after pregnancy. If you have been wearing MBTs prior to the pregnancy then you can continue to do so as the body will have adapted to the changes. If you have not worn MBTs before then we recommend that you wait until after the birth. This is because the body is experiencing significant changes during pregnancy so it is important to keep these to a minimum. Do not continue to wear MBTs during pregnancy if there is any discomfort associated with wearing them. As the pregnancy progresses, swelling in the feet can occur which can affect the fit of the MBTs leading to undue pressure on the structures of the feet. MBTs may be indicated for use during pregnancy as part of treatment of back pain related to the pregnancy and for ante-natal fitness purposes. If you are under the supervision of a medically qualified women’s health specialist such as a physiotherapist or midwife and are pregnant and wish to start wearing MBTs during pregnancy then consult with your specialist as to whether MBTs would be suitable.
MBT is a medical device class 1 in the EU and several health insurance companies reimburse the cost of MBT. The concept is backed up by the leading sport medical and biomechanical institutes in the world and leading medical specialists recommend the application for muscular skeletal problems such as:
If MBT is used as secondary therapy for existing basic health conditions its application must be supervised by a medically trained specialist.
Yes, they were designed specifically for the treatment of back pain, rehabilitation and for the prevention of injury. Over 70% of people in developed countries will experience low back pain at sometime in their lives. It is most common between the ages of 35-55 years. Pain is non-specific in 85% of people. MBTs will help to improve posture and muscle activity of the leg and core muscles and therefore, help to take strain off the back. People with Scoliosis (curvature of the spine) frequently benefit from wearing MBTs as the shoes encourage balanced muscle activity throughout the body.
MBTs reduce the pressure in the heel and mid-foot and therefore will be helpful for problems such as heel spur, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis and arthritis. MBTs also reduce the joint forces in the ankle thus taking strain off the foot-ankle complex. MBTs are also useful for Metatarsalgia as they will reduce the pressure to the front of the foot.
Yes, MBTs activate the muscles in your feet therefore help rebuild fallen arches. It is very important that the MBT are used correctly to achieve this.
Wearing orthopaedic sole inserts in MBTs is not recommended as orthopaedic inserts support feet, whereby the foot muscles are not activated as much. MBTs on the other hand, stimulate and activate the foot muscles. People should try to wear MBT without orthopaedic to fully benefit from the MBT technology.
MBTs dynamically alter loading through the foot, ensuring that the load is distributed evenly through the foot from the moment of heel strike until the foot leaves the ground at toe off. This mimics walking barefoot. Conventional shoes concentrate loading through the heel and then through the forefoot pain in those individuals with osteoarthritis affecting the big toe (a condition also known as hallux rigidus or bunions).
A varicose vein is due to the failure of a valve, which prevents backflow in superficial venous vasculature. MBT usage cannot correct for this mechanical venous malfunction. What MBT does is increase the blood flow in the deep calf veins, thereby minimising superficial venous return.
MBTs can be worn by individuals with both insulin dependent and non-insulin dependent Diabetes Mellitus. Wearing the MBT stimulates blood flow to all muscle groups in the legs. It is also a potent aid to proprioception thereby, stimulating the nerve supply to muscles, joints, ligaments and tendons in the lower limbs. This is of benefit and may help individuals who are prone to develop the neuro-vascular complications of Diabetes Mellitus.
It is our experience that MBTs last two to three times longer than conventional shoes based on normal wear.
Wash and dry your MBTs as soon as possible if they become muddy and dirty. Incorrect care or use can cause the Masai Sensor to deteriorate and the layers to separate. The leather styles should be polished prior to wearing them and the suede/nubuck styles should be protected with a spray prior to the first wear to help prevent wear and tear.
No, not in any circumstance.
COUNTRY SPECIFIC.
Please return to your MBT stockist who will offer you further assistance.
In order for you to get the full benefits from your MBTs, you need to have the correct size; they must be snug on the instep, tight on the heel and comfortable on the toe. Also, you will see that the sizing of MBTs is different from regular shoes so the size you usually wear in an ordinary pair of shoes isn't necessarily what you need in MBTs to get the correct fitting as described above. If you are at all unsure of the fitting of your MBTs please return them to your stockist.
Tip: Wear your MBTs only inside the house for the first few days to ensure you have purchased the right size. This way if you do need to get a different size your retailer might exchange it depending on their exchange/return policy.
The suitability of MBT is not based on age but on fit and ability to walk properly and comfortably in the MBTs. As long as there is a good fit and there is adequate strength around the foot and ankle to walk with a good gait pattern, MBTs are appropriate. In general, there is no upper age limit but children younger than ten may have difficulty with the current range of MBTs. If in doubt, please consult with MBT Academy.
MBTs can be a helpful part of a rehabilitation program to improve balance. This should be done under the supervision of a Chartered Physiotherapist or other medically qualified individual. Some conditions affecting the vestibular system within the inner ear, such as Meniere's Disease or Vertigo, may be aggravated by wearing MBTs.
If in doubt, consult with a medical specialist or MBT Academy.
You can download the care instructions here.
The life span of a pair of MBTs is dependant on how well they are looked after as they are made of a complex and sensitive material. However, if cared for as per the care instructions, your MBTs can last many years.
MBT doesn't offer different widths but we use different lasts which have different fit and width. Please visit your closest MBT stockist for a personal fitting.