MBT (Masai barefoot technology) shoes. Does anyone recommend them?

drc

I want to buy a pair of these http://www.swissmasai.co.uk/ for my husband as he has terrible posture and backache all the time. Do they work? Can anyone recommend them?

susiesue_2

mbt are good for people with inflexible feet such as some arthritic conditions. they are basically a rockerbottom shoe, routinely issued for certain foot types.
the reason for the bad posture should be addressed;

this can be as a result of

excessive pronation
leg length difference
tilted pelvis
flat feet
high arched feet
to name a few,
a good pair of orthotics prescribed by a podiatrist can really work wonders.

check out https://www.feetforlife.org

tara747

I would love a pair of MBTs but hear they're really expensive. I'll check out that website. Thanks susiesue!

Spirit_2

My husband and daughter both have a pair. They have been helpful to both of them - however there is an element of "novelty" about these shoes so be prepared for them to be worn less frequently once the novelty has worn off.

Having said that, they have had them for about 3 years, and each of them continues to wear them some of the time as a a part of managing their injury/joint/back/posture problems; so on the whole I would say yes, they are helpful but not an instant cure.

It takes a week or so to build up to wearing for long periods - don't rush into wearing them all day - it did add to the aches and pains of the one who "knew better":rolleyes: than the MBT leaflet suggested.

frivolous_fay

My mum got some (managed to find a good deal online I believe, after being fitted in a shop somewhere) and raves about them. Wanted to buy me some for Christmas but I was recovering from foot surgery at the time

Pennylane

I know a woman who has a pair and she loves them. Her hubby says "any gimmick or novelty and she's first in the queue" :rotfl: :rotfl:

I work with older people and when you hear them talking about how they had to share shoes with brothers and sisters and often wore old boots with no socks, it's a wonder they can still walk. Yet when the chiropodist calls she is often amazed at how healthy their feet are. Bet they've never heard of MBT's!!:rotfl:

nzmegs

I got my pair around three years ago and wore them until they literally wore out. i am now saving for some more. They cost around£120 but worth every penny. They take some getting used to and look a little weird but if you have hip problems (for me if was siatica) then it really will cure them provided you wear them often. I wore mine pretty much daily.
Take care if you are running in them though as they can be easy to trip in. You will also tire more eaily as you walk which obviously means more caloires burned!

Organic12

Saw them reduced to £89 in John Lewis in the winter sale. They had at least two designs on offer and the full range of sizes were available. (Only mention it in case they repeat the offer in the Spring/Summer sales.)

susiesue_2

Pennylane wrote: »

I work with older people and when you hear them talking about how they had to share shoes with brothers and sisters and often wore old boots with no socks, it's a wonder they can still walk. Yet when the chiropodist calls she is often amazed at how healthy their feet are. Bet they've never heard of MBT's!!:rotfl:

er....yes we have.

susiesue podiatrist/chiropodist

lostinrates

Just a note of warning, I wear them, and like them for all the reasons mentioned, BUT my ankle does turn quite a lot in them, collapsing. I have minor mobilty and balance problems, and anyone with similar should give them a very thourough test in the shop before buying them just in case.