MBT® - Masai Barefoot Technology

When acquiring a pricey object, I always think of how it will give me benefit or consider if it's a value for your money. I always have preference for its multi-function, ease and comfort. Like a multifunctional gadget, multi-way clothes, multi-purpose makeup and other wonderful "multitude-thing-a-magics" that makes our life easier to get by.

And speaking of this, there is a shoe that gives you multiple benefits as well. I know this is not a new technology because I'm aware there are other brands on the market that has similar features. I'm talking about Swiss manufactured MBT® (Masai Barefoot Technology) shoes. I first discovered these in magazines but never really bothered to take notice because well, the sole is really bulky and it looks like I'm wearing a boat. Not exactly my type of sexy looking shoes which I always go after. But believe me this is no Louboutin but if I were to choose between those two, I'd go for MBT. (But then, I'm just a woman. If if I have extra bucks to spare, I'll get Louboutins too:)

But last month, I got to try on a pair my Tita got at Glorietta and it really made an immediate difference. I made the following observations:

• My posture was immediately corrected the moment I stood up very much like the effect when you sit on a Backjoy.  A welcome relief to my back pain when I use super flat shoes. 

• It felt odd stepping on a wobbly boat shaped sole while I walked. I mean it's not the usual flats that we see but the shoe has a curved concave shaped bottom. I noticed my calves and thighs constrict as I take each springy step and it lands with a bit of a bounce like I'm getting a mini workout. I like the tight muscle feel after. Maybe if I walk in these regularly I'd get a slimmer and shapelier legs. Hmmm. 

• When standing still, my feet tend to roll back and forth due to the rocking chair-like sole. A good balance practice perhaps and that rocking motion at the same time gives your hamstring a slight stretch which relaxes your legs. 

• I thought I looked funny but looking at the mirror, the thick curved sole was just normal once you step on it. In fact, I stood two inches taller.

• Overall it felt strangely but comfortably good. 

My Tita claimed that it just took several minutes to break in to the shoe and her feet never felt better. She even likes to wear them at home. She also reported that wearing it for almost a month made her less fatigued. Her usual treadmill test usually shows below satisfactory results. With MBT, her results were above satisfactory and still even wants to walk further.

Curiosity and my constant complaint about feet, heel and back pain when wearing flats prodded me to do a little research when I got back home.

MBT® – For The Human Movement™

However, for many the pursuit of living a more active lifestyle is difficult. The packed nature of our busy schedules means that healthy activity gets squeezed out by life commitments. MBT® wants to break the start-stop cycle of broken health and fitness resolutions by working with the reality of today’s consumer. When wearing MBT® shoes, whether standing or walking, one can’t help but be “on the move” due to its patented construction.

The MBT® innovative design includes a multi-layered, curved sole which makes for a unique and rewarding walking experience. The key to MBT® is its patented sole structure. The shank, PU midsole with Pivot and the MBT® SensorTechnology™ create a soft surface that is akin to walking barefoot on springy moss or on a sandy beach in what has been described as a pleasant and natural feeling, reminiscent of walking on a sandy beach. The Pivot Axis promotes a rolling movement to your step.

Each pair of MBT® shoes features one of three possible levels of rock, or MBT® Index:

Our MBT® Index simplifies the process of finding the right level of MBT® shoe for your needs. It ranks MBT® into one of three categories, starting at Activate, our least level of rock, and progressing through Dynamic and ending with our highest level of rock, Performance.

The unique MBT® sole - how it works!

The natural instability of the unique MBT® sole imitates walking on soft, uneven surfaces. The technology in the sole has been patented worldwide to provide the greatest comfort possible, as it allows you to enjoy the natural benefits of walking every day.

With a strong science and innovation foundation, MBT® has a unique approach that understands the human benefits of health, wellness and staying on the move. We know our consumers have realistic health and fitness ambitions. They want to maintain a healthy lifestyle which enables them to live and love life to the fullest.

I realized that this technology is meant to make the core strengthening muscles more active, creating better posture and increasing shock absorbtion for all of the joints. These shoes have been marketed as "the world's smallest gym." They increase muscle activity, strengthen and tone the leg, buttock, stomach and back muscles while wearing them and doing everyday activities like walking and standing.  Their unique design is supposedly help wearer's tone up, lose weight, and even reduce cellulite (which I read somewhere). While no such claims are made on the manufacturer's web site, I also read that MBT® shoes have been used in training by top athletes and olympic medalist and is recommended by podiatrist and other doctors as well. 

MBT® shoes look weird, and bulky from my point of view. But the new designs are quite modern and trendy. They come in boots, athletic shoes, sandals and office shoes. It took a while before I actually began to like them. Functionality finally won over me.  I just had a bit of concern, they're horribly expensive. Around Php 7,000.00 - 10,000.00 a pair. But then my frugality versus living a life of constant backaches and plantar fasciitis, I finally gave in and decided to get a pair for myself. The bargain hunter in me took over and called up my friend in the states to look for the most affordable pair she could find. Luckily, she had a friend who works with MBT® and secured me an original pair at more than half the price. Not bad. I had it shipped thru another friend and she brought it here in Cebu. I still owe them a dinner and this review. :). I recommend you to watch the following videos to understand more about the product the what it can do for you. I'm personally saving up for my next pair. Teehee.

Be wary of fake MBTs though. There are lots of them online. Fake ones don't work.

Product Videos

Learn about the design and benefits of MBT® footwear in this introductory video. Learn about proper sizing and fit and how we help fit customers in MBT shoes.

This video explains the various preventive, strengthening and recovery exercises you can do with MBT® shoes. Whether you’re a newcomer to fitness or high level athlete, This video shows you how you can get the most out of your MBT® shoes.

Designs that I luv, luv, luv! 

MBT® Stores in the Philippines:

MBT® Philippines (Tutto Moda Paseo de Sta. Rosa)

Sta. Rosa Business Park, Sta. Rosa, Laguna

MBT® Philippines (Rustan's Alabang)
GF Rustan's Alabang Town Centre, Muntinlupa, Metro Manila

MBT® Philippines (Estancia)
2F Estancia Capitol Commons, Pasig, Metro Manila

MBT® Philippines (158 Designer's Boulevard )
Shangri-la, Mandaluyong, Metro Manila

MBT® Philippines (Shangri-la Ladies')
2F Shangri-la, Mandaluyong, Metro Manila

MBT® Philippines (Shangri-la Men's)
2F Shangri-la, Mandaluyong, Metro Manila

MBT® Philippines (New Glorietta)
GF, Space 1-008, New Glorietta, Ayala Center, Makati City

MBT^® PHILIPPINES (BLUE BAYWALK)
Shop J147, Blue Baywalk, Pres. Diosdado Avenue, Macapagal Boulevard, Pasay City

Photo Source and Information: www.mbt.com

This is a compensated review.

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