Masai Barefoot Technology Shoes (MBT’s) come with instructions. Shoes that include instructions may sound complicated, but MBT’s are shoes with a purpose. According to Masai,”MBT is not a shoe, but a type of sports training equipment.” The shoe is arched on the bottom, designed to recreate the natural condition for walking and standing. According to Masai, this technology prevents wearers from putting too much stress on any one part of the foot. Like any other sports equipment, the success of the shoe technology depends on how you use it.
To ensure proper wear and usage of your Masai Barefoot Technology shoes, they come with instructions. The instructions remind the wearer that there is no shock absorption or support. It is up to the wearer to walk correctly. The arch is designed to facilitate correct walking, but the wearer must initially pay attention to gait and foot rolls. This will doubtlessly cause initial discomfort and fatigue of the feet, legs, and back as your posture adjusts. This is why MBT describes wearing their shoes is, “like walking on sand.”
This isn’t a bad thing. It’s just different. The principle, according to Swiss Masai, is that the MBT shoe recreates the natural conditions for walking and standing. Instead of walking on a flat surface, like we do all day long, Masai Barefoot Technology “challenges the foot.” The principle is based on Swiss engineer Karl Muller’s observation that shoes and backaches were unknown to Masai tribesmen of East Africa. According to Masai, Muller theorized that many foot and back problems were caused by the atrophy of muscles that otherwise developed by walking on uneven ground. That is why he designed the Masai for a small gym, in the 1990’s.
For maximum benefit, proper fit of your Masai Barefoot Technology shoe is important. Unlike traditional walking shoes which prevent your foot from sliding, Masai’s arched sole allows your foot to push toward the front. With an improper fit, your foot will slide and you will develop blisters.
Masai estimates the life of the $245 shoe to be about one year; it may last longer if you are of average weight and use the shoe correctly. The correct arch on the sole is crucial to the shoes function. If the sole is worn away the shoe will not work properly and may cause more harm than good.
Unlike high end running shoes, designed with specific foot problems in mind, Masai Barefoot Technology is designed to help the wearer correct his/her own step and posture. There is no additional arch support or roll bars in the MBT, as is often found in running and walking shoes. Roll bars and step supports artificially force a correction in one’s step. MBT’s allow you to correct your own step over time.
Masai Barefoot Technology is ideal for someone who is flat footed, rolls on their foot, or has an awkward gait. MBT’s may help improve anyone’s gait and posture. The wearer is instructed to place more weight toward the front of the foot when taking a step forward, and not fall to the back of their foot for weight support. Runners and walkers should easily relate to the corrections the MBT is designed to accomplish.
Due to the increased circulation of blood to the foot, initially your feet will sweat more. Double running socks will help prevent blisters when your feet sweat. Running socks can be purchased at any athletic shoe store for less than $5 a pair. According to Masai, sweating should decrease as your foot becomes accustomed to the shoe.
To date, Swiss Masai reports selling over 300,000 shoes. Despite the workout the shoes endure, feedback indicates the shoes are holding up well. The technology seems appropriate for anyone who has foot, leg, or back problems. Masai Barefoot Technology should, theoretically, alleviate the load on the joints and spine by approximately 19%, according to Swiss Masai, creating less tension. This makes sense because your body frame rests on your feet. Proper posture may improve beginning with the feet.
The shoes also increase the use of buttock muscles by 9%, rear thigh muscles by 18%, and lower leg muscles by 18%, according to Masai. Masai Barefoot Technology shoes are not designed to replace a fitness routine, but some muscle tone should result from correct usage of the shoes. Some celebrities have been spotted wearing the shoes, and fashion magazines have hyped MBT’s as the answer to cellulite and leg toning. Please note, if you are purchasing Masai Barefoot Technology Shoes, their purpose is not cellulite removal. Leg and buttock tone may be a benefit, but it is not the shoes’ primary function.
These shoes are not designed to correct physical deformities, extreme conditions, or injuries. They should be used for these conditions, according to Masai, only with a physical therapists recommendation.
If you are interested in buying a pair of Masai Barefoot Technology shoes, the Masai company offers an easy search for retailers on their website.
