Do MBT Shoes Really Work?

Exclusive: Take an additional $10 off on the lowest prices you will find on MBT Shoes from the #1 MBT Shoes retailer. The $10 will be deducted in your shopping cart after any other discounts. See the details below. (Undated 12/03/19)

MBT stands for Masai Barefoot Technology.  The company that makes MBT Shoes (also known as the anti-shoe) is Swiss Masai.  The uniquely-designed, multi-layered, cured sole is designed to simulate walking in sand (similar to the natural walking environment of the Masai in Kenya).  This creates a natural, uneven walking surface and forces the body to use all the major and stabilsing muscle groups, thus training the whole body to move correctly.

Do MBT Shoes Really Work?

Many people wonder if MBT Shoes really work.  In this review, I will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of MBT Shoes, best place to buy them online, and what you can expect if you decide to purchase them.

Some of the claims made about MBT Shoes include:

• They activate neglected muscles
• They improve posture and gait
• They tone and shape the body
• They can help with back, hip, leg, and foot problems
• They can help with joint, muscle, ligament, and tendon injuries
• They reduce stress on knee and hip joints

I've owned my MBT Shoes for over three years - using them primarily for taking 3-4 mile walks.  Once you become comfortable walking in MBT Shoes, you will notice your calf muscles will be worked in a way you don't experience in ordinary shoes.  For the first few times you wear them, after about 20 minutes the soreness goes away, and walking seems effortless.  Your stride shortens and becomes quicker, and you naturally walk with your back straight and stomach pulled in.

One of the claims you may have heard is walking one mile in MBT Shoes is the equivalent workout of walking two miles in ordinary walking shoes.  I was unable to find any studies to substantiate this claim.  Personally I have noticed my muscles get more of a workout when I am wearing MBT Shoes.  Since I purchased them they caused me to me more motivated to walk more, and for longer distances, which has lead to weight loss.  This is pretty common, and I have heard the same thing from others who wear them.

I have had chronic back pain my entire adult life, and walking in these shoes takes the strain off my back.  I have also talked to several people who also own MBT Shoes, and they say they are the only shoes they wear because they relieve their back pain.

Another question people ask all the time is...

Where Can I Buy MBT Shoes?

Most cities have one (or two) stores that carry MBT Shoes.  The problem is, local stores don't carry all the styles and sizes.  I tried MBTs on at two different local stores, and in both cases I was presented with shoes that were a half size too large (and told the heel should be loose when wearing them).  The truth is, the heel should be snug.  Both stores did let me walk around in them.  I even walked outside the store, but you really need 20-30 minutes to get used to them.  When you first walk in MBT Shoes, you tend to walk on the balls of your feet (instead of walking from heel to toe).  You feel like you are walking on stilts, and you feel a bit unsteady.  Trying them on in the local store actually reduced my confidence in them, because you don't have time to get comfortable in them.

A better approach is to purchase them online.  Most MBT Shoe styles run true to size.  If you normally wear a half size, purchasing them online may be your best option to choose between all sizes (including half sizes).

Local shoe stores usually do not carry half sizes.  I would not recommend buying a size that is that is a half size large or small.  Because of the way the heal sensor works a smaller size could be tight around your toes, and a larger size could cause your heel to side up and down in the back of the shoe.

MBT Shoes can be hard, if not impossible, to find in store these days, but you can get them at the lowest price from our friends at Footwear etc.

Click here to take an additional $10 off your order of $100.

The discount can be combined with any other discount. The $10 can only be applied to MBT Shoes.

You'll find a large variety of the latest styles. You'll also find some alternatives that are worth giving serious consideration.

Another frequently asked question is...

Can You Run In MBT Shoes?

I personally wouldn't recommend it.  MBT Shoes are made for walking.  Because of the collapsible heel, running in these shoes is difficult and takes some practise.  You can jog in them, using short strides.  Swiss Masai calls this floating.  The motion is different than regular jogging.  MBT Shoes are best used for walking and normal daily activities. However, Kenyans often win marathons using this type of stride.
 

MBT Shoe Size Conversion Table

Customer MBT Shoes Reviews

I usually read many reviews before I make a significant purchase.  One of the things that impressed me the most, before I purchased my MBT Shoes, was the overwhelming number of positive customer reviews on these shoes.  There are literally hundreds of MBT Shoes Reviews by customers, and I couldn't find a single legitimate negative review.  A few people complained about the shoes size being too small, or they had an issue with the store they purchased them from (which is far and away the most common complaint).  100% of the reviewers had positive things to say about the quality of the shoes.  Simply put, if you spend any significant time on your feet, MBT Shoes will be the most comfortable shoes you will ever wear.  Everyone who owns them absolutely loves them.
 

The 2019 Fall Line of MBT Shoes

Have you seen the new MBTs? MBT has a great new line of shoes - available from our recommended online retailer (just click the New Arrivals link).  They are the only retailer that carries all of the new MBT styles.

The new Fall line of MBT Shoes features the women's Colorado X, Gadi Heron, and Modena Slip-On. The men's Colorado X, GT 11, Jomo, and Modena Slip-On.  This year's New Fall Line is one of their best yet.

The MBT Shoes on Sale

There are several MBT Shoes currently on sale starting at $69.99. Some of the shoes you will find on sale include the featured MBT Women's Speed 2 for $69.99 (see below), the men's GT 18 Running Shoe at $99.99.

Please Note: Many of the MBT Shoes that are discount priced have limited quantities.  If you find a style you like in your size - buy it, because it may not be available the next time you check.  They have the largest selection of MBT Shoes on Clearance you will find anywhere, but they do go fast. When I bought mine I liked them so much after the first couple of weeks, I went back to purchase a second pair and they were out of my size.

Back to the original question....

Do MBT Shoes really work?  The answer is YES.  If you decide to purchase them, you will be very happy with them.