MBT - Masai Barefoot Shoes

The MBT or Masai Barefoot Shoes naturally help you roll your foot as you walk. 

The shoe has a curved sole that gives you a natural rolling action when you walk. This is what helps build your leg and back strength.

I know this to be true because when I was heavily into walking, my instructor told me to roll my foot as I walked from heel to toe. The more I did this the more of a workout my legs got. And that's exactly what the MBT Masai Shoes do.

The Masai Barefoot Technology and is also referred to as physiological footwear. 

The inventor got the idea from the African Masai Tribe. He noticed the benefits of a bare foot walking on natural surfaces, which apparently has its benefits as the Masai tribe members are strong, fast and don’t suffer from bad knees, backs or feet. Impressive.

Here’s another interesting fact; the Masai shoe is designed with a slight instability.

Why would they do that?   

Because it forces the wearer to work muscles they don’t usually use to help you stand upright. That's where strengthening comes in.  MBT also claims that you use 2% more oxygen when wearing these shoes. 

The reviews for these shoes are quite impressive. In fact I've read reviews where people who wear MBT shoes have less pressure in their lower back, one person said he felt he could even breathe better as if his diaphragm had more room, so he also had more energy. I guess we could all some of that!

Things to note about MBT shoes:

- They are heavy. This adds to the muscle benefit.

- You could trip a little while getting use to them.  To avoid this pick up your feet a little higher when stepping up or over things. It will take time to get us to them so don't start out wearing them everywhere. Gradually get use to them by wearing them on long walks to start.

- They have a high price tag but deliver on quality. For the $250 price tag, they are durable and made very well.

- Take the time to get a good fit.  The function of the MBT is to benefit and smoothen the transition within your entire foot and strike activity, so you want a good, comfortable fit.

Getting the Correct size for your MBT Masai Barefoot Shoes

One thing to note about MBT's is that styles vary in width. Here are some thing to note when sizing:

• Select half a size down in MBT's if you have a normal width
• Select a full size down if you have a narrow foot
• Select your normal size if you have a wide foot

The Sport Black style is broad with a big toe box.
The Mwalk is fairly narrow and not as long.

*** If you like MBT's you might want to try Skechers Shape Ups Review. They have a similar rolling design for less money and owners love them.