MBTs – Masia Barefoot Trainers – are remedial footwear that can help people who suffer from pain and discomfort in the back, legs and feet. Ordinary shoes can make problems worse because they often fail to support the feet adequately or absorb shock. In addition to answering these problems, MBT shoes also promote good posture and spinal alignment.
History of MBTs
MBTs were developed a decade ago by Swiss engineer Karl Muller who had suffered from back, knee and Achilles tendon problems for many years. He noticed that uneven surfaces made his problems worse and that the way he placed his foot on the ground was also a factor.
The Masia Tribe
He studied the gait of those who walk barefoot over long distances on uneven surfaces - like the Masai people of East Africa - and found that they rarely suffered from back or joint problems. He discovered that the secret is in the way they walk, rolling on the soles of their feet, keeping their backs straight and their heads up.
Shock Affects the Body
He also realised that the shock of uneven surfaces affects not only the foot, but the leg and hip joints and the spine. He was inspired to invent a shoe that incorporated a shock absorbing sole which would guide the foot in a rolling motion.
What are the Benefits?
Research by Human Performance Laboratory, University of Calgary, has confirmed the benefits that can be gained by wearing MBT shoes. According to Dr. Benno Nigg, Co-Director of the HPL, these benefits include:
- MBTs make the muscles in the leg work harder thereby toning and strengthening them
- MBTs curved sole forces the body to find its centre of gravity. This improves posture and spinal alignment.
- By strengthening the muscles, pain can be reduced. The research showed that after 6 weeks pain levels went down by 30% on average.
- The effect of shock on the joints is reduced by the thicker sole and by the strengthening of muscles.
- Increased muscle strength helped to improve balance after 6 weeks.
Case Study
Mrs. C. fractured her big toe in 2007 from a fall. Although the fracture healed after a few weeks, persistent pain continued which was upsetting her balance. Just two months after starting to wear MBT shoes she reported that the pain in her foot had completely resolved and that her balance was much improved.
Hard Wearing
The price of MBTs is comparable to that of an expensive pair of trainers. However their manufacture is of high quality and they are hard wearing. Unlike normal trainers, they can be repaired even if they fail outside the warranty period.
Research
For results of The University of Calgary study, click here.
