How to Test MBT Shoes

MBT shoes have a thick, curved sole that mimics barefoot walking. Developed by a Swiss engineer, MBT stands for Masai Barefoot Technology; the shoes are designed to alleviate the joint and muscle pain you may experience walking on hard surfaces and pavement that does not "give" under your feet. A study at Sheffield Hallam University in Great Britain concluded that wearing MBTs is better for the hips and knee joints than wearing traditional athletic shoes. Due to the curved, wobbly design and the expensive price tag, you should test your MBT shoes at home before walking outside to ensure MBTs are the right shoe for you.

Instructions

    • 1

      Take the shoes out of the box and put them on. MBTs fit differently than other shoes. Many MBT shoes have numerous Velcro bands you can tighten to get a perfect fit. Wiggle your toes. You should have more room than you are used to in the toes so your toes can rock forward with the shoe. Your heel should be pushed back to the very end of the shoe and fit snugly at the instep and heel.

    • 2

      Breathe deeply and stand upright. You'll notice the shoes force you into an upright, aligned posture.

    • 3

      Look straight ahead and take a step. The shoes will force you to stand upright and look ahead. If you look down at your feet, your center of balance will be off and you may stumble.

    • 4

      Step down near your heel on the Masai Sensor on the bottom of the shoe and roll forward into the step.

    • 5

      Walk around inside your house. You should feel increased muscle activity in the back of your legs and decreased pressure on your hip and knee joints and your lower back.

    • 6

      Watch the DVD included in the MBT shoebox. The DVD explains in detail how to work up to walking miles in your MBTs, how to climb stairs without falling and how to walk downhill. If you are uncomfortable walking around your house and feel unbalanced, wear your MBT shoes inside for a few minutes each day. After a week of testing your MBTs, you should know whether MBTs are the shoe for you.