MBT Shoes Revisited
In 2006, I wrote an article about my own brief experience with MBT shoes. Since that article was written, the inventor of MBT shoes left the company to pursue other interests, and according to some, the quality of the shoes has declined. I only know this because I've received a fair amount of feedback about the brand -- some has been cautionary, most of it has been negative, and at least one reader even blames health problems on the shoes.
I believe it's important for people considering a pair of shoes that are A) so technologically different from other shoes, and B) so controversial, and C) very expensive, to be informed of both the pros and the cons so that they can weigh them out and make an informed decision. Therefore I want to call your attention to these people's comments, and thank them for taking the time to share their opinions and experiences. If you have something you'd like to add, feel free to leave your own comments on this blog post, or my original blog post about MBT shoes.
But remember, all of these experiences and opinions (my own included) are just that: personal experiences and opinions. A quick web search will also bring up many positive comments about MBT as well. If you're considering trying MBT shoes for yourself, you should consult your own doctor first.
Click here to view the comments to my original post about MBT shoes.
Comments
I saw another website that stated mbt ownership had changed, and quality of shoe declined. I took a chance and ordered the MBT Boost Rose shoe that says it’s being discontinued, and I’m so glad I did. It is worth every cent! I also bought the kisumu sandal, and the kilima boot is even more amazing. I found a local store and tried them on there and instantly fell in love with them. I have FSH muscular dystrophy and migraines. I’ve had to wear ankle support shoes most of my life and have had orthotics too. I had to go 1 shoe size higher, and with my new AFO / supramalleolar othosis (SMO), I’ll probably order another pair with 1.5 shoe size higher (MBT boost) to accommodate the SMO. My previous orthotic wedge didn’t fit, but I didn’t need it. The mbt shoe did replace the wedge orthotic, and I immediate had more energy, and migraines even improved. However, with my new SMO, it’s like I have new legs. Even my Orthotist couldn’t believe the change in my gait with this shoe and my SMO. It’s truly amazing! These shoes are the BEST and it’s really hard to go back to normal shoes, nor do I want to. Definately is taking time to adjust, but it’s so worth it. kilima boots was 1/2 size larger, boost shoe was 1 size larger and 1.5 size larger with AFO/SMO, and sandal was 1 size larger with plenty of room. I’m able to put my SMO in the sandal, and don’t need it with the boot. I feel my leg muscles balance. Without the SMO in the sandals, my legs were too unstable and I was having a hard time wearing them. I have weak ankle muscles. But with the SMO’s they rock! I love standing in place and rocking in them. Posture is key, and watching the video is helpful. I have wide feet, and could see how fit people may not benefit from the mbt shoes.
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.
And by they way the kismu shoes mentioned in the prior comment are one of the styles that recently changed– they are a teva-esque looking shoe and the originals had a piece of fabric and some cushioning under each of the velcro straps. The new version does not have the extra fabric and cushioning, it also feels more narrow, and the footbed just feels awkward like something is just not right. I hunted around and found the original kismu at The Walking Store and bought them– thank goodness because the difference between the new version and the older better one is like night and day.
I am so disappointed that MBT has gotten so careless.
I don’t know if my new MBT shoes are a new style or an old one. I do know these shoes have made it possible to stand & walk without severe pain!
I ordered my shoes online and have had terrible service. It has been more than 3 weeks and despite 3 inquiries, I cannot even get a tracking number from them. I will never order from this company again.
I just bought a second pair after sandals completely took care of severe knee pain. My entire lower body, from my waist down feels better. There wasn’t time in the day to do the exercise I needed to mitigate my knee pain due to an articulation problem. In the past riding my bicycle took care of it but not any more. These shoes are the solution. I get the right exercise while I go through my normal day.