***Important 2008 Update: Please take the time to check out this additional information and reader comments on MBT shoes.
I've had a lot of shoes in my time, but I can honestly say MBT shoes are the first that have come with an instruction manual. What's to know about wearing shoes?
- 1) Put shoes on.
2) Stand, walk or sit in the shoes.
3) Repeat as necessary.
*** Shoes of the Day ***
Naturalizer Shoes - Heeled Loafers
Comments
If you want to buy MBT shoes online, just like going to a shoe store it is very important that you are fitted correctly with the MBT.
Ideally you want some room for your toes since the construction of the MBT shoe is exaggerating your toe-off movement. At the same time you want both of your feet to be securely locked into your MBT shoes.
Since the function of the MBT is to enhance and smoothen transition within your entire foot-strike activity, this causes more movement (and need for precise fitting) than in most regular shoes.
If you are interested in trying MBTs, but have nowhere to go to try them on, the first challenge is to get an accurate measurement of your feet in “European Size” and always use this as your standard for fitting MBTs. For accuracy it is always best to use the sizing of the country of origin (MBT’s are engineered and were developed in Switzerland).
So how can you get your correct fit if you are not able to visit a shoe store? Very simple — http://www.FeetFirstFitness.com outlines some very basic but excellent online MBT fitting techniques that guarantee you will be fitted with the MBT as professionally as is possible (prior to actually trying on the shoe).
Last year our personal friend and inventor of the MBT, Karl Mueller, departed from his MBT kingdom in order to pursue other inventions and creations. At first we felt that this would not at all have an impact on the MBT product, which seemed to be at such a high quality and outstanding level. Nor did we feel it would impact the company’s business units as Karl had partnered his brand with many excellent people worldwide.
On the business side we were wrong: immediately MBT’s US subsidiary in Idaho (our direct business partner for the brand) was completely reorganized and new managers were hired, most of whom had made their previous careers in the low end and discount shoe businesses.
Their first move was to completely change the MBT product line: out with the old and in with the new. And as a consequence at the end of 2007 we ran an amazing sale on the dropped MBTs and we thank many of our customers for their enthusiastic participation and business in this sale of our existing inventory.
Even more significantly, on the product side we were unfortunately also wrong: having recommended, fitted and sold over 5,000 pairs of the entire MBT product line since 2004 from both our brick & mortar and our online virtual stores, it quickly became apparent to ourselves and to our customers that most of the MBTs produced after Karl’s departure were not even close to what we had become accustom to…
In particular, starting in November 2007 we began receiving a plethora of complaints from customers that their MBTs were wearing out — of the outsoles and collapsing Masai sensors — already after only three weeks of usage (attached is a picture study of the outsole of the MBT Sport comparing the older and the newer product executions).
Since then we have also wear-tested many of the new Spring 2008 MBTs and, also unfortunately, the results have been extremely poor: POOR FIT, COLLAPSING MASAI SENSOR, PREMATURE & COMPLETE OUTSOLE WEAR, LACK OF STABILITY, EXTREMELY HEAVY… And as a result somewhat reluctantly, we have now decided to no longer sell the MBT in our store until (hopefully) the former quality of this once-great-product has one day been completely restored.
Just as we had been so enthusiastic in communicating and promoting the MBT brand when it was in its prime, we hope you understand our decision that we can not support any of our former efforts, convictions and recommendations based on the poor product quality issues present in almost all of the current MBT products. Quite frankly, there is no way we could recommend & sell the MBT in its current execution FOR OVER US$ 200!!! and expect our customers at all to continue to take our advice and recommendation seriously.
To conclude, it appears that even more significantly than driving the MBT creation and innovation, Karl Mueller, during his time at the company, was successful in maintaining the MBT shoe’s high execution standard of quality production. With him no longer involved, we are convinced that the MBT is no longer what it once was… and that anyone who has been as involved with the MBT as closely, as thoroughly and as long as ourselves is similarly in complete agreement with our position.
Mbts good shoes, very poor wear now and 3rd rate quality manufacturing these days.Why do I say that because I wandered into RonWhite shoe store one day with my partner and we purchased 2 sandels, one each and a shoe for her.
It was summer 2007. I sparingly used my sandels, 3 times a week may be if that.
3 months later, I discovered to my utter horrer that the sole was separating, eacn and every layar was coming apart, seemed as if the glue used was giging in, as if aftyer the sealed mail envelop opens up after dipping in to the water.
I also notices a section of the sole had disintegrated leaving a gaping hole in the sole.\ It was disturbing when I phoned the sales person and was told “we never heard of it before”
There was 1 year warranty on the shoes, so I returned it for a new one.
What caused it no exolanation was offered”may be it was a bad batch”
A week later my partner discovered the same thing hapening to her 2 new MBTs.
They were replaced as well and was given 2 new pairs.(3 months, usage 2-3 times a week)
2 months usage of the new mbt shoe, last week she advised me that the sole is separating again.
Why-can some body tell me.
Review above, read by me makes sense.
Can some one tell me what the hipe is about.
I just wanted to let you know that after wearing MBT shoes for about 6 months, I severely rupuptured my hamstring by just pivoting on my right leg. It has been 15 months and have not and probably will never recover. I was always an avid runner and tennis player and can no longer do either. My Physical Therapist says it is because of the MBT shoes and it is not recommended to every put a muscle in a full stretch while exercising which is what these shoes required you do it. perhaps it is good for some back issues etc. but i am so regretful to have ever worn them…and i would suggest that you perhaps give fair warning to using these shoes if you are already in good shape with tight muscles. sincerely, janice good
Hey Janice (and everyone),
I’m very sorry to hear about the problems you’ve had, but thanks for sharing your comments.
I’ve just posted an update so that others can easily find this information as well.
Best,
Desiree
I am a very activer person. I do Yoga 3 times a week and I swim 3 or 4 times a week. Fortunately, I have been injury free. I have had my MBTs for about 1.5 months. After using them for about 3 weeks, I did alot of walking one day on regular city streets and at the end of the day both of my knees were very sore, a bad sore. Yesterday I did another day of lots intermitant walking and again both of my knees were very sore. One of my knees is still sore today. I’m off the MBTs and not taking chances with my knees!!
I have had mbt shoes for a couple years on and off. the first pair after wearing them correctly hurt my right food bad. they came with directions saying that if they start to hurt your feet dont wear them anymore. so I threw them away. a year later, I broke my toe and I saw a brand new pair at a thrift store. so I decided to get them and try again. although, they took the weight off my toe which was great. after wearing them for 3 months my legs started to hurt. especially in the back of my knees. I mean they really hurt alot. I went back to regular shoes and it subsided. I beleive that these shoes can be very bad for some people and I strongly suggest to people who want them to listen to me, I am afraid those shoes have done damage to the muscles in my legs and I am afraid. so please be careful.
I got my 1st pair MBTs Sept 08. Barabara.
True: I love floating. Perfect for me. Also true: I have to tie the shoes on so tight to lock my foot in properly, that when I am not on my feet, they impair circulation. So I’m tying, retying throughout the day.
I read so many great reviews about these shoes that I was determined to love them. Then I noticed the dates of the reviews and sought out blogs that told a story that makes sense to me, and explained my latent reaction to my shoes.
When I got my MBTs I noticed immediately that, for the price, the quality just wasn’t that good. I am a long time Earth wearer and I like the idea of MBTs better. But for quality, there is no comparison. Kalso beats MBTs later models. Earth lasts For-Ever. For the money, I expect at least that quality, even given their unique air chamber design, in MBTs. They don’t deliver.
I might understand and accept them wholeheartedly. If they were 150$ cheaper.
Also, I live in snow, ice, salt country, so I cannot afford to expose my shoes to “volatile liquids” as the insert says.
I’m disappointed. I’m on a mission to find an alternative so I can float again. All the time. All year. For my whole life. It’s disappointing that it probably won’t be in MBTs.
RYN Active Comfort Footwear has been around for the last eight years in Korea and is only now just being exported this year. Developed parallel with MBT from the same studies.
They are lighter, more stable, more supportive, more energized, don’t have heel slippage causing blisters, can get wet and can withstand all sorts of exposure, more compactly designed and don’t need to be resoled.
I have had my MBTs for over two years, and wear them walking every morning. My only problem with them is I have almost worn a hole in the sole (seems I walk on the outside of my feet, judging by the wear pattern of the soles). Does anyone know if there is anywhere to have these $250 shoes re-soled? (I love ‘em!)
I sell Avon and we have a shoe exactly the same but WAY cheeper!!!! $39.99
Each shoe size has a different item # and they are made by Curves and called the leg toning sneaker.
Check out the site http://www.youravon.com/tmarese
I am recovering from a stress fracture after wearing MBTs for no more than an hour at a time to see how they worked for me. They put pressure on a part of the foot (where the toes meet the ball) that is not meant to bear weight. My podiatrist says MBTs have added to her business. BTW I am a small, athletic person in excellent physical condition. Until now.
Bought my MBT’s less than a year ago–I loved them immediately–I have had both hips replaced and I have sore everything–they stopped all my pain, even cured the callus problem on the bottom of my feet-I even walked 10 K and 5K races –no problem–then after 6 months I noticed my right leg on the inside by my ankle was so sore that I ended up on crutches—the outside of my right shoe collapsed–the store had changed owners and the new owner pleads ignorance–where and how do you fix this shoe , or who can you go back on–Terry Vancouver BC
I love, love, love my MBT sapatu’s, that I bought from a podiatrist/shoe store- I have a foot injury and they are the only comfortable shoes for me until I have surgery– that being said, I recently bought a couple more styles and they are no where near as well made as the first two pairs I have. The footbed feels weird, like everything is irregular or just out of place. They don’t feel as cushioned– I am so disappointed.
The good news is that I was able to dig up a couple of pairs of the old ones– there are still plenty out there and they are so comfortable, I’m thrilled. Beware, the new versions of old styles (same style name but with small changes to the shoes) are terrible.
I really hope MBT will decide it’s worth spending the money to produce the quality shoes they once made– before it’s too late
I am very sad to read the comments on this page. I bought a pair of mbt shoes a few years ago and I love them. I have neuropathy in my feet and they are the only shoes that make my feet comfortable. I was going to buy a new pair as I am needing to send these in to be rebuilt. I sure hope there is still quality there. I am sure glad that I found this information, however, as that is a lot of money to spend on shoes that no longer have the quality or fit of the ones I have now.
New MBT design after it was sold does not work
When the company was first started and was run and overseen by Karl Muller, the MBT shoes I bought were PERFECT. I wore them daily for 2 years. Never an issue and saved me from surgery. Now, it was sold and it is out sourced to many other countries to make. Mine were perfect and made in Vietnam originally. Now, they are made in Indonesian. The milimeter differences in the design, have thrown off my gait and balance just enough to have ruined my back and extensor muscle. I can not wear my two pair of almost new 270.00 MBT leathers now. After 30 days of walking all day with them as I do in my job, my gait is so off, I am inconstant pain. I had to go back to old sneakers and that ruins my tailors bunions. That was the reason I went to MBT in the first place. I now am at a loss as to what to wear. The smallest amount of difference in these shoes now being made, would make Mr. Muller not proud. I so wished he kept his hand in this product he discovered and not sold out. Or, I wish that they same company who made them in Vietnam, was still being used. They fit me perfectly then for 2 plus years the four pair I bought. Buyer beware of possible gait issues as you wear the new models.
product review of MBT Sandals : 2 stars
MBTs gave me my life back as I suffer from neuropathy in both feet. However, I just purchased my 3rd pair of these shoes off of eBay and were concerned they were fakes as they aren’t nearly as cushion-y as previous. Now I wonder if it’s just a newer pair. These sandals are stamped made in Korea and my orignal pair (different style) doesn’t say where they were made. I must say if the newer MBTs are like this I’ll be heartbroken as they were the only shoe I can wear without pain.
I LOVE THE MBT’S! They have saved and strengthened my legs. I have a family history of bad joints but I keep very active and had of job of standing all day. These are the only shoes I can wear. They are not for acitivities where you need to move side to side, but for walking, standing, or slight running they are amazing! My legs and body have been strengthened and I can go sooo much longer walking or standing. I get a good workout with just walking with them. I know many people who also can not live without them. They can be re-soled inexpensively at your dealer.
To be fair, I’m a new MBT wearer. I have had increasingly painful knee problems due to what my doctor says is an articulation problem. When I exercise, I have complete relief but this winter I was lax and in a great deal of pain.
I stumbled on a shoe display for these shoes and decided to buy a pair of sandals. After about three weeks of solid wear, my knee pain has completely gone — I was constantly taking two Aleve pills. Today, I’ve walked all over on hard city surfaces and am in no pain.
The quality of my pair of sandals seems very high. They have far exceeded my expectations. I can feel my leg muscles working, this definitely affects my whole leg…no knee pain!
Suzanne
MBT shoes——we are developing some new styles shoes,we are a shoes manufacturer in China, in fact, there is no big difference between fake and original only the price is a big difference, I have been in the line of shoes-making for 7 years, you want know some more about MBT shoes? or other shoes, or how to know the quality of shoes? welcome discuss with me!
So where are the best MBT shoes made? Vietnam, Korea, China, Indonesia? I just got a Korean pair off of ebay and they are nice but Im suspect of their authenticity. They look perfect if they are fakes..I bought them from a private seller with great feedback so Im hoping they are the real deal. I wear them about 4 hours a day and the bottom of my feet really bother me. Whats great though is that all my back pain is gone..Not sure which is the lesser of two evils.
I bought a pair of MBT’s and wore them regularly for 2 years. I was aware of a problem with my feet when I was forced to see a physiotherapist. He diagnosed plantar fasciitis. This condition in it’s severe form is extremely painful and incurable. I am forced to do special therapy and wear special implants in my shoes. The implants are expensive but necessary. I also am forced, in order to reduce the pain to do therapy several times a day. I have intentions to take a legal route. If anyone has the same issues please contact me at granger.colleen09@gmail.com. Thank you, In constant pain.
I just received a pair of MBT mary jane Lami style from http://www.onlyMBToutlet.com. The shoes appear to be seconds. They are not a matched pair and the sizing is completely different than a pair I tried on of the same style in a shoe store. In the store the US8 was perfect. These seem to be at least a half, and perhaps a full size larger and MUCH wider. They gab even with the velcro closed as tight as possible. I did not know it when I ordered, but this company is in China. They ran the charge through on my credit card (Sept 30) but I had no notification from them as to shipping dates. I emailed them on the 10th of Oct to cancel the order. They replied that the shoes had been shipped on the 5th, but when I followed the tracking order they had not been received at the shipping center until the 10th. I suspect it will cost me so much to ship the shoes back to them that it will not be worth it. Plus, I have no confidence that I will get a credit to my account. All in all, I would never order from them again. I see that the same company has several different email addresses, so buyer beware!
terra’s comment (see no.11) is ridiculous: AVON has no curves shoes available online …the product is not even into their warehouse yet!
I would love to know how she got hers before anyone else did!
by the way her comment can only be motivated by the fact that she will get the commission if you use her site so how objective is her mention of these shoes! I say RUBBISH!
I just saw a the curves shoes (both sneakers and flip-flops) on the website of my local avon rep….
I have Ankylosing Spondilitis and my feet and ankles have been deteriorating terribly for several years, most recently getting so bad I have to use braces to walk. My orthopedic surgeon suggested that I try MBT’s and after my first purchase, now have a total of 9 pairs. I have used MBT’s for a few years now and they have completely allowed me to walk without braces and I have loved them. Part of it is the “roll” and not having to use/bend my ankles as much – also the inner space has helped not pinch my deteriorating feet. They definitely helped muscle tone in my legs and have helped my hips enormously.
I was thrilled to see that Curves looked similar and the info was similar as well and purchased a pair of Curves as the cost was so much less. I was extremely surprised to find that they did NOT wear the same or accomplish the same. I’m not sure why but it is a noticeable difference and I do not wear them. I’m sooo sad to hear about the new problems with MBT’s and am glad that I purchased those on sale – i.e. older versions. I’ve not had one problem with them at all aside from getting used to new sore areas until I had built my muscles up with their use.
I probably will not add to my BMT collection after hearing the news about the changes. It’s just too bad that once again a respected brand has been destroyed by trying to reduce cost while raising prices.
First at all, sorry for my english, I am italian. MBT are the best shoes of my life (I am 58y old and in italy they do beautiful shoes) I have big problems of knees and column. BUT I spent more than 400 euros in one year for two pairs of MBT and now they are out, the “masai sensor” is gone. Note that my income is 1000 euro montly !! Now I bought a pair of “Sano” by Mephisto. I hope they will perform better. Mario
Dear sirs
As of April 2009 to date, we have spent 1500 pounds on MBT shoes, mainly being attracted to Kenyan names, as we are Kenyans and divide our time between Nairobi and London.
All our families have found that:
1. After a while in high altitudes (Nairobi 5000ft above sea level) the ankles swell.
2. The sandals have rubber that heat up after wear on hot tropical days.
3. For most of our female family members the shoes are heavy.
4. Shoes were bought at Sweaty Betty across London.
They made us members and promised discounts on purchase. The last payment on January at Selfridge, we were told discounts only on old designs (sad if you have bought over a dozen pairs).
Please comment as all this is most unsatisfactory. All our friends from Nairobi to Kisumu rushed to buy on their next trip, as we had praised it to high heavens. Promises on membership discounts must be honoured. This kind of situation only arises in maasai countries, TRUST US!!!
Salma Kara-Palmer
Excellent information on Rocker Sole Shoes…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=20mc99zOiwc
i,
Recently bought a pair of shoes from this site. I thought it was real, but when the shoes arrived, they fell apart. Even though they did not say say so on the site, they came directly from china. The site is mbt@edonly. I have 7 pair of (authentic) MBT’s and love them but if this were my first pair, and I didn’t know they were knock offs, I would never buy another pair. It is my own fault, I love MBT’s and thought I found a great deal on another pair. Anyway, I am pursuing getting a refund
I have been wearing Finn Comforts and interchanged with MBT – just bought the Mary Jane Style after having running shoes. Last week, I wore my MJ’s all week while away, then came home and wore my Finn’s. Then suddenly, my knee felt like it was going to pop out. Now I am not sure what to wear
REAL MBT shoes are GREAT, however, DON’T BUY THEM FROM edonly.com….they are knock-offs and they will NOT return your purchase even though the website says they will! I was stoked because I thought I was getting a REAL pair of MBTs for only $102!! NOT the CASE. DO NOT PURCHASE ANYTHING FROM edonly.com!! You have been warned!!!
Worst running shoe ever. The rubber sole falls comes apart and the inner foam rubber disintegrates, making the running shoe unworthy and unsafe to wear. MBT are NOT the running shoe the manufacture claims.
I have Ankylosing Spondilitis and Plantar Fasciitis and since wearing MBT’s I swear it has reduced my pain. I have been wearing them (almost exclusively) almost every day for two years and the inner foam has now disintegrated on one pair. This has also happened in the same place with my friend’s pair and she only had them a matter of 12 months.
I desperately need another pair, but the new ones don’t seem to fit so well and the shop “Back in Action” say to wear an insole. I don’t think so. If I am paying £170 ish for a pair they need to fit perfectly, thank you very much.
I am currently researching alternatives to MBT’s as I have so much less pain wearing them. It feels like you’re floating on air and it has saved me pounds in osteopath fees. I know they are expensive, but pain v money. Winner every time.
What a great disappointment that the quality of MBT’s has changed. They have missed a great opportunity to have a great product.
Purchased first mbts in sept 10 …hoping to aid my sore back. The sensor disintegrated before christmas. Retailer blames it on me….but agreed to send them back to manufacturer. They have the staying=power of a pair of cheap slippers. NEVER again!
google
agreed to send them back to manufacturer. They have the staying=power of a pair of cheap slippers.
I bought a pair of MBT two days ago and wearing it for the first time tonight. I experienced serious pain on my foot after walking a very short distance, just from my car to the restaurant, especially when I was resting my legs at a talk, and not walking at all. Anybody can help to explain why? Shall I wear this pair of shoes out for walking again? Shall I return it to the shop? Any advice would be very much appreciated.
Hi Michelle,
you should definitely NOT wear them again, until you talk to a doctor about the issue — shoes shouldn’t cause you serious pain, no matter what they claim to do for you.
Colleen: Stick with the Finn Comfort, if you can afford them they are great shoes.
MBT Quality Poor. Thank you, Jen, for your post about the demise of MBT quality. It is now 2008 but until recently I had been wearing my original Kisumus and Sports Shoe. When I tried to buy the Kisumu again, I could find only Kisumu 2 with poor ratings. I purchased Tengas and sent them back, then the very unstable and inconsistently sized Pata, and sent them back, and finally a new sandal. I am going to keep the sandal for rare wearing–obviously, it will not hold up. If they fail within a short period of time, I will send them back, too. In the meantime, I am shopping for something to take MBTs place. A great loss indeed.