Has anyone heard of or used MBT shoes? They were researched and originated in Switzerland. They are shoes that mimic walking in sand to simulate the Masai. They are expensive but are supposed to really help weight bearing walking, using muscles, better posture, and it has been suggested that it help to increase bone density.
Sharon
What are "the Masai"?
Weight-bearing is weight-bearing regardless of the shoes you wear. And weight-bearing exercise directly stimulates the bones in the legs and back -- which is good. No need for special shoes -- just decent supportive ones. Cheapest exercise is to take a walk or dance around your kitchen.
Lucy Buckley PT aka Mother Goose
Thank you for your comment. I think that it very important to find the right show and very difficult to make that decision. I'm going to give these shoes at try. I'll let you know how they are in a couple months.
By the way, the Maasai are an indigenous African ethnic group of semi-nomadic people located in Kenya and northern Tanzania. They are a tall people with straight posture known for their long distance running skill.
Here is some info about the shoes: MBT shoes are physiological footwear - the first footwear that has a positive effect on the entire body. MBT stands for "Masai Barefoot Technology." MBT sneakers and casual shoes are designed using a multi-layered, curved sole which makes for a unique and rewarding walking experience. Few shoes can keep your muscles engaged in a purposeful way, but this is what MBT has done.
The many benefits of MBT shoes are not only substantiated by numerous scientific studies; they are also being enjoyed on a daily basis by more and more health- and fitness-conscious people who improve their physical fitness by merely wearing this physiological footwear. MBT shoes can activate neglected muscles and tone and shape the entire body.
Doctors and physiotherapists recommend MBTs as an effective therapeutic tool, and top athletes like Benni Raich and Michael von Grünigen use their MBT sneakers as mini training and regeneration centers. Shoes designed by MBT can have a positive impact in improving posture and gait, reducing stress on the knees and hips, and even help with joint, ligament and tendon injuries.
Sharon
Dear SharonG
I have two pair size 11 1/2 MBT's. Sounds like they have expanded the sales pitch. I thought they would improve my posture. After a month, I got pain in both hips in the back below the kidneys. Couldn't figure it came from. Stopped wearing the MBTs and the pain went away. From my experience, I wouldn't recommend them but sounds like you are going to try them. Good luck.
PS. My wife has a pair and likes them but doesn't have a posture problem either.
Dear Sharon,
About 2 years ago I bought the MBT sandals and loved wearing them! I thought my posture was better and I followed the directions for slow introduction to wearing them. After a few months my calves were aching every night. I couldn't believe how uncomfortable I was, had trouble going to bed, etc. I never connected them to the new shoes but when I went to my doctor to see if I had something serious wrong with the circulation in my legs, she asked me if I had new shoes and I thought for a minute and told her about these shoes. She said I should try not to wear them for a week or so, see if I felt better ()which I did), start again and evaluate. Sure enough as soon as I stopped wearing the MBTs the aching went away. She gave me a note and I was able to get a refund. Since then I have learned these shoes are not for everyone, others have had similar reactions.
Hi I've heard about these shoes as well, but never purchased a pair. My problem is two fold, one is the price and most importantly I've had many back surgeries and simulating walking in sand is really hard on your spine. When I had my last surgery, the surgeon told me I shouldn't walk on sand because of the added stress it puts on your spine, but the restriction was for 12 months, so I'm not sure if I could use them now or not.
I don't know how these would work for osteo, but I have heard it takes a while to get used to wearing them. Did your pair come with an *instruction* manual?
Good Luck...
I had a similar problem with Birkinstock sandals. After I injured my knee, wearing the sandals caused pain in my knee and hip.
I really appreciate all the feedback. I think I will probably return the shoes. They are too expensive to use as an experiment. I am having trouble gaining bone density, which is why I thought I'd try them. Frankly, I am new to these discussions and I am getting more confused as the days go on. It seems that I shouldn't be twisting my spine (there goes my yoga stretches) which is where my osteo is, Biophosphates have too many possible side effects (took them for 5 years) although I experienced few side effects, I have osteoarthritis in my hip so walking long distances is out. My DEXA scores get worse every two years. Oh well...
Sharon
When I first saw and heard about the MBT shoes, I thought they were the gimmick of all gimmicks. Since that time, I have visited a gait lab in Calgary where they are doing research on gait and balance on an unstable surface, which is what the MBT is. Although they are not for everyone, I now have 3 pair and use them for my walking program--I wear MBT, a weighted vest, and use Exerstriders (quite a sight I am :+)!)--and I find they relieve the hip discomfort I have from osteoarthritis.
It is important to "break in" the shoes at first and not wear them for over 2 hours at a time. Perhaps the people who experienced problems wore them for too long a period of time? As I say that, I know my husband wears his MBT's for hours at a time and has no problems--they relieve his foot pain, too.
Research is showing that they trigger the postural muscles of the legs and back as one stands and walks on the unstable surface one must constantly be regulating balance. I haven't heard anything about effects on bone.
Another thought on shoe wear. I like to vary my shoe wear several times a day so that I don't get too used to any one shoe too much. I wear Birkenstocks (which allow me to be on my feet teaching 8-9 hours a day at the age of 69,) MBT's, go barefoot, and wear other running or walking-type shoes also.
In summary--if the shoe fits, wear it! And there is no one shoe perfect for all feet!
Sara,
Hmmm now I will reconsider keeping the shoes. I, too, have osteoarthritis, especially in my left hip. I am qualified for hip replacement and will do it as soon as I can't stand the pain any longer. In the meanwhile, it is a double edged sword. Weight bearing irritates my hip and the elliptical is not weight bearing. I am able to walk on a flat surface for about a half hour at a time. I suppose that is best, to do that a couple times a day.
I am still trying to figure out why I am not gaining bone and/or why I am losing bone.
Sharon
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