MBT stands for Masai Barefoot Technology.  The company that makes MBT Shoes (also known as the anti-shoe) is Swiss Masai.  The uniquely-designed, multi-layered, cured sole is designed to simulate walking in sand (similar to the natural walking environment of the Masai in Kenya).  This creates a natural, uneven walking surface and forces the body to use all the major and stabilsing muscle groups, thus training the whole body to move correctly.

Do MBT Shoes Really Work?

Many people wonder if MBT Shoes really work.  In this review, I will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of MBT Shoes, best place to buy MBT Shoes online, and what you can expect if you decide to purchase them.

Some of the claims made about MBT Shoes include:

• They activate neglected muscles
• They improve posture and gait
• They tone and shape the body
• They can help with back, hip, leg, and foot problems
• They can help with joint, muscle, ligament, and tendon injuries
• They reduce stress on knee and hip joints

I've owned my MBT Shoes for over six months - using them primarily for taking 3-4 mile walks.  Once you become comfortable walking in MBT Shoes, you will notice your calf muscles will be worked in a way you don't experience in ordinary shoes.  For the first few times you wear them, after about 20 minutes the soreness goes away, and walking seems effortless.  Your stride shortens and becomes quicker, and you naturally walk with your back straight and stomach pulled in.

One of the claims you may have heard is walking one mile in MBT Shoes is the equivalent workout of walking two miles in ordinary walking shoes.  I was unable to find any studies to substantiate this claim.  Personally I have noticed my muscles get more of a workout when I am wearing MBT Shoes.  Since I purchased them I want to walk more, and for longer distances, which has lead to weight loss.

I have had chronic back pain my entire adult life, and walking in these shoes takes the strain off my back.  I have also talked to several people who also own MBT Shoes, and they say they are the only shoes they wear because they relieve their back pain.

Another question people ask all the time is...

Where Can I Buy MBT Shoes?

Most cities have one (or two) stores that carry MBT Shoes.  The problem is, local stores don't carry all the styles and sizes.  I tried MBTs on at two different local stores, and in both cases I was presented with shoes that were a half size too large (and told the heel should be loose when wearing them).  The truth is, the heel should be snug.  Both stores did let me walk around in them.  I even walked outside the store, but you really need 20-30 minutes to get used to them.  When you first walk in MBT Shoes, you tend to walk on the balls of your feet (instead of walking from heel to toe).  You feel like you are walking on stilts, and you feel a bit unsteady.  Trying them on in the local store actually reduced my confidence in them. 

A better approach is to purchase them online.  Most MBT Shoe styles run true to size.  If you normally wear a half size, purchasing them online may be your best option because the online store I recommend carries all sizes (including half sizes) - and best of all, has free shipping, will also pay the shipping on any returns, far and away the largest selection of Authentic MBT Shoes (styles you won't find anywhere else), and they have the best prices online.  For a limited time they have Disount MBT Shoes starting at $130.00 on some shoes.  They are an authorized MBT Shoe retailer.  There are a lot of websites selling knockoff MBTs at prices below $100, and people have had a lot of problems when ordering from those sites (see the comment section below).

IMPORTANT NOTE: Right now they are having their biggest sale of the year, with deep discounts on more styles than ever before.  The sale could end at any time, so visit them today (by clicking on the link above) for the lowest prices you will find anywhere.

Local shoe stores usually do not carry half sizes.  If you are a half size, I would suggest ordering a half size larger than your normal shoe size since MBTs tend to run a little small.  Spend 20-30 minutes walking around your home with them to make sure they are a good fit. 

Another frequently asked question is...

Can You Run In MBT Shoes?

I personally wouldn't recommend it.  MBT Shoes are made for walking.  Because of the collapsible heel, running in these shoes is difficult and takes some practise.  You can jog in them, using short strides.  Swiss Masai calls this floating.  The motion is different than regular jogging.  MBT Shoes are best used for walking and normal daily activities. However, Kenyans often win marathons using this type of stride.

The video below demonstrates the proper way to jog in the shoes:

Customer MBT Shoes Reviews

I usually read many reviews before I make a significant purchase.  One of the things that impressed me the most, before I purchased my MBT Shoes, was the overwhelming number of positive customer reviews on these shoes.  There are literally hundreds of MBT Shoes Reviews by customers, and I couldn't find a single legitimate negative review.  A few people complained about the shoes size being too small, or they had an issue with the store they purchased them from (which is far and away the most common complaint).  100% of the reviewers had positive things to say about the quality of the shoes.  Simply put, if you spend any significant time on your feet, MBT Shoes will be the most comfortable shoes you will ever wear.  Everyone who owns them absolutely loves them.

There is no question MBT Shoes are a significant investment, so I was pleased to find out that Swiss Masai made arrangements with Resole America to resole your MBT Shoes with original parts for just $65.

Where to Buy MBT Shoes Online

I recommend purchasing MBT Shoes from >> The #1 MBT Shoe Retailer.

This online store is family-owned (with 8 physical locations), has a stellar reputation, provides free shipping, offers a lifetime  money-back guarantee, will pay the shipping cost on any returns (with no restocking fees), and and has the GUARANTEED lowest prices online (see their website for details).

They carries the largest selection of MBT Shoes online, when you clicking their link above you will receive an upgrade to free 2-day shipping or a free pair of premium socks (on regularly priced shoes).  Their prices start at $119 for the M. Walker (limited sizes).

The best entry level shoe is the M. Walker.  Two of the top MBT Womens Shoes are the Lami and Kaya sale priced from $130.

The Very Popular Women's M. Walker $119 - $168 (Closeout)
The Women's Lami Mary-Jane Starting at $130.00 (Closeout)
The Classic Men's M. Walker - $119 (Closeout)
The Highly Rated Men's Chapa - $149
The Men's and Women's Sport - $179 (First time ever on sale)

The M. Walker is a very solid shoe.  A great choice if it is your first time purchasing a MBT Shoe.  The Tariki is a great looking casual shoe.  They have the largest section of discounted MBT Shoes.

The New Spring Line of MBT Shoes

Have you seen the new MBTs? MBT has a great new line of shoes - available from our recommended online retailer (just click the New Arrivals link).  They are the only retailer that carries all of the new MBT styles.

The new line, which includes the Baridi, Panda, Habari, Fora, Wingu, and Salama, are more streamlined than the traditional MBT shoes. My new favorite? The Women's Baridi - Dove Leather. Take a look -

Yes, isn't it fly? Now I can get all the benefits of MBT shoes while expanding my shoe wardrobe.

Please Note: Many of the MBT Shoes that are discount priced have limited quantities.  If you find a style you like in your size - buy it, because it may not be available the next time you check.  When I bought my MBTs I liked the shoe so much after the first couple of weeks, I went back to purchase a second pair and they were out of my size.

Back to the original question....

Do MBT Shoes really work?  The answer is YES.  If you decide to purchase MBT Shoes, you will be very happy with them.