Please click on the link “Stores” .
Yes, please visit our online store at www.shopmbt.com as well as our online retailers.
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 35.5 to 41 2/3 in the women’s range and 41 to 49 in the men’s range. MBT sizing is different therefore your size will vary depending on the style. Please visit your nearest MBT retailer 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.
The new Dual Board (lower) sole provides the wearer with the same benefits as the classic one – the only difference between the two sole constructions lies in the feeling for the wearer. While still curved, the Dual Board construction reduces the heights of the sole by approximately 8mm, offering a new slender look and additional style choice to customers.
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.
Yes, but 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 offer recovery, regeneration, and cross training to help you be fit and ready for your next training session.
We have a different philosophy:
We recommend to use small waterbottles or trainings devices like heavy hands for walking in MBT's.
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.
MBTs activate the intrinsic muscles of the feet and increase circulation, making your entire foot more active. Subsequently, your feet become warmer and may perspire more. We have addressed this by creating a ventilation system called the MBT DRY&COOL Climate Management System. The basis of DRY&COOL is the combination of a high-grade 3-D mesh lining with a functional sock liner. With its open and three-dimensional structure, 3-D mesh facilitates air circulation in the MBT and conducts moisture away from the foot. The special sockliner complements the DRY&COOL effect with its moisture management.
The concept behind MBT 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.
An individual walking in MBTs automatically attains a more upright posture rather than a forward leaning gait. This leads to an increased activation of the lumbo-sacral musculature due to the alteration of trunk angle relative to the pelvis when wearing MBTs. When muscles start to work harder they can be painful. This should normally resolve within a few days.
Sciatica, or pain that radiates down the back of the leg is a symptom of a problem usually stemming from the low back, therefore it is considered as a back problem. Symptoms, pathology and radiological appearances are poorly correlated. Acute low back pain is usually self-limiting and the majority of people will have recovered within 6 - 12 weeks. Activity speeds symptomatic recovery, reduces chronic disability and leads to less time off work than rest. MBTs also affect the angle of the trunk relative to the pelvis; this places the lower back to load optimally through the pelvis and hips, rather than the forward lean individuals have with conventional footwear. MBTs also affect the lumbo-sacral musculature, which also helps to strengthen the lower back and aid recovery. MBTs should be seen as a tool that may help to resolve the pain associated with the condition of sciatica. If back or leg pain persists then an individual should see their doctor to rule out more serious conditions such as infection, tumour, fracture, inflammation, osteoporosis or rheumatoid arthritis.
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.
Yes, as long as you find the MBTs comfortable then they are suitable for people with high arches.
MBTs can be helpful for plantar fasciitis as they reduce the pressure in the arches of the feet where the plantar fascia lies. You will need to gradually wean into wearing the MBTs and over time they will help to gently stretch the plantar fascia whilst protecting it and strengthening the muscles which support it.
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.
Yes definitely. Approximately 30% of individuals with ankle ligament sprains will have symptoms of pain, stiffness and recurrent sprains if not managed appropriately. The big benefit of MBT in rehabilitation is the sensorimotor stimulus, which they provide. They are also potent activators of the ankle stabilising musculature. Many individuals who have ligament injuries are given ‘wobble boards’ to assist rehabilitation. These are used for 20-45 minutes per day. In effect the MBT acts like a permanent wobble board due to its inherent instability and can comfortably be worn every day, thereby strengthening the ankle in the long run. MBTs can also be helpful for Achilles Tendonitis however it is important to build up very slowly with this condition.
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, culminating in a push-off from the big toe potentially causing pain in those individuals with osteoarthritis affecting the big toe (a condition also known as hallux rigidus or bunions).
MBTs we know will reduce loading through the knee. We also know that walking in MBTs benefits the muscles acting around the knee. Specifically MBTs cause a stretch of the hamstring muscles and also specifically cause activation of the quadriceps. These features assist the management of anterior knee pain. It is always advisable to contact a medically trained MBT specialist (doctor, physiotherapist, osteopath, podiatrist or chiropractor) for a definitive diagnosis.
Clinical studies at Calgary University and Sheffield Hallam University have demonstrated that MBTs reduce loading through the hip, knee and ankle. This may well reduce the pain in these joints due to osteoarthritis. MBTs also activate knee and ankle musculature and stimulate proprioceptive feedback around these joints. All of these factors may be beneficial. They will certainly be of benefit in the pre-operative period.
Provided you are already familiar with MBT they can be seen as a valuable tool in postoperative rehabilitation. It is advisable, however, that they are not worn until 6 - 8 weeks post operatively as the potential risk of a fall in this period would dislodge the artificial joint. It is recommended that MBTs be used post-operatively in conjunction with supervision provided by a rehabilitation specialist such as a physiotherapist.
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.
Cardiac rehabilitation improves coronary risk factors and reduces the risks of major cardiac events in people after myocardial infarction. MBTs may therefore be used as part of a cardiac rehabilitation programme. Together with education, medication and lifestyle modification as indicated.
Depending on the severity of the altered or abnormal vascular supply MBTs may be an aid to improving peripheral circulation in the affected limb. It is important to realise, however, that as MBTs may increase muscle activation initially the compromised circulation in the affected limb may lead to an increase in pain. This is due to an inadequate blood supply.
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.
The aims of treatment after the acute phase of a stroke are to minimise impairments, disability and secondary complications with minimal adverse effects from treatment. To this end MBT may be beneficial. The MBT is a potent activator of vascular flow in the lower limb and has also been shown to have a significant impact on muscle activation in the gluteals, hamstrings and calf musculature. We know the MBT gives active proprioceptive feedback with every step taken. It should always be remembered, however, that MBT is fundamentally an unstable footwear device. With prolonged supervised usage it should aid rehabilitation but initially there may potentially be an increased risk of falls if used without supervision.
Multiple Sclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system. In Europe and North America it is the most common cause of neurological disability in young adults with an age of on set between 20-40 years. It has a prevalence of 1 in 800 people. In 90% of affected individuals the disease process is relapsing and remitting in nature. Randomised clinical trails have demonstrated that outpatient rehabilitation reduced MS symptom frequency and fatigue. Clinical studies have failed to demonstrate the benefits of exercise on disease progression. MBT may therefore, be worn in individuals who have MS as part of their normal rehabilitation programme. The MBT will aid proprioception and muscle function.
A heel raise for a true leg length discrepancy (usually due to a congential abnormality or due to a fracture of the femur or tibia) of 1 centimetre or greater should be worn with MBTs (most commonly this is due to a congenital abnormality or following a fracture to either the femur or tibia). If the discrepancy is less than one centimetre then usually a raise is not necessary. This raise should be built into the shoe by the MBT customisation centre as a full-length raise is needed to maintain the biomechanical action of the MBT sole. If the leg length abnormality is due to muscle shortening or joint dysfunction caused by tendon or ligament dysfunction the individual should consult a musculo-skeletal specialist as the problem may be amenable to remedial treatment and heel raises may not be required.
MBTs should not be worn in the early stages following diagnosis of a deep vein thrombosis. This is because the increased muscle activation of the calf musculature may lead to the clot becoming dislodged and leading to a potentially fatal pulmonary embolus. Most individuals who have a DVT are put onto the drug Warfarin and once stabilised and told by their doctor to resume exercise, MBTs may be worn.
Yes, you may treat the MBT upper like you would any other high-end footwear purchase. However, do make sure that you protect the sole construction by not allowing any foreign materials to come in contact with the Masai Sensor.
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.
Yes, however it is important to let them dry thoroughly before wearing them again. For best results lay them on their sides and let them air dry. Using heat could damage the Masai Sensor.
MBT cares for you after the sale. And we go the extra distance to help you protect your investment in our fine footwear.
That’s why we’ve partnered with Resole America to offer MBT Product Maintenance Service. After miles and mile of adventure, your shoes may need to be resoled and refurbished. And the only way they will feel like MBT’s is to resole them with original MBT soles, heel sensors, insoles, and laces.
We know you’re busy. So Resole America makes it easy to order. We will return your repaired MBT’s in approximately two weeks.
www.resole.com 888-FIX-SHOE (349-7463)
MBT USA Corp. unconditionally guarantees MBT footwear against manufacturing defects and workmanship for a period of six (6) months from the consumer’s original date of purchase. This warranty does not apply to any damage resulting from normal or excessive wear and tear, nor from improper use or abuse of the product. Alterations of any nature made to MBTs shall void this warranty.
Potentially defective MBTs must be returned to the retailer where they were bought, together with dated proof of purchase. The MBT retailer is then responsible for returning the potentially defective product to MBT USA Corp. for evaluation in accordance with our Warranty and Returns Policy. If after inspection we determine that the returned product is defective, we will offer product repair or replacement free of charge or we will refund the dealer their cost of the product.