How good are the MBT shoes?
Masai Barefoot Technology (MBT) shoes are a unique shoe that are marketed as the anti-shoe. They are called this as the shoe is supposed to make walking more like barefoot walking and that has benefits for the posture, the biomechanics and the lower limb and low back function. The footwear is named after the Masai tribe in Africa who spend their time barefoot. The manufacturers of the MBT shoe like to claim that these Masai people have no back problems and that this is because they get around barefoot without shoes. The MBT shoe has a large rocker underneath on the sole which is supposed to help mimic the barefoot walking.
Do the MBT shoes work? There is some research from the company that does show what the shoe does to leg and back function and it does appear to more closely resemble the gait we have when walking without shoes. However, there is actually no research that shows that barefoot walking or running is actually any better for us than doing it inshoes!. All the evidence shows is that they are different. The only claim that barefoot has going for is it could be thought of as being natural. The surfaces that we need to walk on these days are not natural (ie hard concrete).
Clinical studies of the Masai Barefoot Technology shoe has shown that they do have some medcal benefits in those with some types of low back problems. Those who have experience with the use of the shoe also point that the change in walking and posture can also hurt people as well as help people. MBT shoes do potentially have some health benefits, but probably should only be worn for short period of time if they can be tolerated. Adequate training for the use of MBT shoes is also often needed.
More on MBT Shoes.
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