MBT shoes - half price in John Lewis from £145 to £72

MBT = Masai barefoot technology. Info from their website http://www.swissmasai.co.uk/:

"Masai Barefoot Technology in everyday use: train muscles, burn calories, protect joints ... all while you're doing something else. Shopping, in the office, at home. MBTs act as training equipment, every step of the way. "

I've been wanting a pair of these for a while now, they are supposed to improve your posture as well, but at £145 a pair, I didn't think they were worth the money.

Selected models are now half price at John lewis. I bought a grey pair yesterday for £72 and they were also reduced in 2 other styles - one white and another grey.
Not buying clothes for a year - it's liberating!
«13

Comments

  • lisyloo
    lisyloo Posts: 29,583
    Name Dropper First Anniversary First Post
    Forumite
    I have 2 pairs of these and would say they are great.
    Have had confirmation from dance teacher that posture is greatly improved.
    They are worth it at full price IMO.

    The only downside to them for ladies is that they are very chunky so it's difficult to find styles that would look good with formal office wear.

    Personally I wear nice (uncomfortable) shoes in the office and wear chunky ones that don't look very stylish when outside.
  • yes local sports shop have these been tryin to find a pair in my size, is this offer on line?
  • marvin
    marvin Posts: 2,185
    Combo Breaker First Post First Anniversary I've been Money Tipped!
    Forumite
    yes local sports shop have these been tryin to find a pair in my size, is this offer on line?

    No, website says not stocked online.

    Bad for the knees these things in my view.
    I started with nothing and I am proud to say I still have most of it left.
  • lisyloo
    lisyloo Posts: 29,583
    Name Dropper First Anniversary First Post
    Forumite
    Bad for the knees these things in my view.

    They are intended to take the stress OFF your joints.

    Why do you think they are bad?
    What are your qualifications? (as it's useful for people to know).

    I have no medical training but I have minor back issues and anecotally I would say they are good. My husband would say the same and so would our dance teacher.
  • iamcornholio
    iamcornholio Posts: 1,900 Forumite
    Placebo effect?

    The problems with joints are not solved or caused by footwear
  • marvin
    marvin Posts: 2,185
    Combo Breaker First Post First Anniversary I've been Money Tipped!
    Forumite
    lisyloo wrote: »
    They are intended to take the stress OFF your joints.

    Why do you think they are bad?
    What are your qualifications? (as it's useful for people to know).

    I have no medical training but I have minor back issues and anecotally I would say they are good. My husband would say the same and so would our dance teacher.


    Neither do I but I do know people who have damaged their knees (backs of tendon's what ever they are not the joints themselves) using these things especially when going down hill in them.
    I started with nothing and I am proud to say I still have most of it left.
  • MiM
    MiM Posts: 658
    First Post First Anniversary Combo Breaker
    Forumite
    I thought problems COULD be caused by bad footwear.

    What about the specially-made insoles that podiatrists prescribe? Surely they work on a similar principle?

    And they definitely do work.
  • lisyloo
    lisyloo Posts: 29,583
    Name Dropper First Anniversary First Post
    Forumite
    Placebo effect?
    I would be very suprised if my dance teacher (who does NOT sell MBTs BTW) would be affected in a placebo way by the shoes on my feet :confused:

    I can well believe they are not suitable for everyone and they probably have the usual disclaimers about consulting your doctor or a qualified professional.

    I can also believe that some people do not read the instructions or watch the video/DVD to see how you are meant to walk on them. So it could maybe be a case of improper use (jsut a suggestion).
    I thought problems COULD be caused by bad footwear.
    I think the person was talking specifically about joint problems.

    OK - so may be we have to say - buyer beware - do you own research - whilst the jury is out.
    Fairy snuff.
  • MiM wrote: »
    I thought problems COULD be caused by bad footwear.

    What about the specially-made insoles that podiatrists prescribe? Surely they work on a similar principle?

    And they definitely do work.

    Hi everyone,

    MBT's are shoes designed with a negative heel and a rocker sole, which are meant to improve posture and make the muscles work harder when you walk (according to the manufacturer). Foot orthoses ( specialist insoles) are designed to improve the mechanics of the foot and lower limb, reducing stress on injured areas and helping them heal, and work in a completely different way (I'm a registered Podiatrist!).

    Shoes can be a cause of foot problems, especially if they don't fit well. MBT's are designed as an exercise shoe, not to cure specific foot problems, which is where your foot orthoses come in.
  • richdeniro
    richdeniro Posts: 308
    First Post First Anniversary Combo Breaker
    Forumite
    Are these shoes just for women?

    I just went to have a look in the John Lewis on Oxford Street and they were in the womens section with the words 'MBT Walking Shoes for Women' written underneith.
This discussion has been closed.
Meet your Ambassadors

Categories

  • All Categories
  • 342.5K Banking & Borrowing
  • 249.9K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
  • 449.4K Spending & Discounts
  • 234.6K Work, Benefits & Business
  • 607.1K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
  • 172.8K Life & Family
  • 247.4K Travel & Transport
  • 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
  • 15.8K Discuss & Feedback
  • 15.1K Coronavirus Support Boards