Suay

Somebody commented recently on one of my earlier post on his MBT and how it doesn't last. Consoled him that 18 months for a pair of shoes is good enough and secretly thanking my lucky star that mine was still going strong after 15 months of wear.

1 week later discovered a tear on the seam of my MBT. Is that suay or what?

Went back to the shop and was told repair (they called it resoling) has been temporarily suspended. In any case, it will cost $170 cos they need to send it to Australis for the repair! I almost faint when I heard that. $170 for repair! I might as well buy a new pair but then hor a new pair cost $380.00.

Sigh..Worn a normal leather shoe to work yesterday but after more than a year in the MBT couldn't get use to the lack of comfort and support in the shoe. Went home bought a tube of glue - viola - hopefully the self repair will last me another 6 months.

MBT shoes review

It has been like 3 months since I got my MBT and after the initial period of getting used to it and the elevated height, I am now comfortably acustomed to it, so much so that this week up in Malaysia, it felt strange to walk so much in a normal pair of shoes. My initial review here: http://runningsucks.blogspot.com/2006/10/mbt-shoes.html

Initially, during my check with the physio and the oestopath, they had some doubts as to its effectiveness as an aid for my recovery. Nevertheless, as I had already gotten hold of the shoes, decided there was no harm wearing it since my working shoes was going bald anyway.

My leg has recovered and in fact gain strength - not too sure whether as a result of the shoes and the physio and weight training (probably all 3) and Megan(my first physio) even commented that for someone my age (yah I am that old) and with such extensive injuries and repair works), my progress is much better than the average person.

I attributed a lot of it to the shoes - mostly because it forces me to really use my balancing skills and leg strength to walk about and balance on the train. One other thing is it forces me to walk slightly straighter although I don't think I can get rid of my hunch in such a short time.

Conclusion, the MBT is comfortable, fun to wear in fact and I think most beneficial as a tool for strengthening the legs. Wah this sounds like an advertisement:( but definitely for those who want to strengthen their legs without wearing ankle weights, or get a leg workout during the entire office hours, I would definitely recommend buying it.

In fact, I thinking of getting the sandal version if the shoes isn't so bloody expensive.

MBT shoes

It has been almost 2 weeks since I got my MBT shoes. Still trying to get use to walking around in them. So far so good but can't really balance myself on the train.

What is this MBT shoes? MBT stands for Masai Barefoot Technology.

"Designed by a Swiss engineer to simulate barefoot walking or running, MBT shoes were supposedly inspired by the Masai people of East Africa, who walk barefoot over miles of uneven terrain, yet allegedly experience few back and joint problems. Some even train barefoot for marathons. The multi-layered soles, in essence, turn a flat surface into an uneven one, giving muscles you don't normally use a workout and challenging you to walk more upright. You'll experience a rocking motion when you wear them. Some athletes, including those on the Austrian National Ski Team, use MBT during training."

More information from this website: http://www.backinaction.co.uk/mbt-info:

"MBT shoes can change the way most of us use our muscles as well as reduce shock forces to the entire skeletal system. Masai Barefoot Technology makes all surfaces like walking in sand. Unlike most conventional training shoes that only support and cushion your feet, the unique lever spring action of MBT's challenge the core strengthening muscles to be more active. This creates good posture and increases shock absorption for all the joints.

The MBT range of footwear is designed to allow you to walk on a soft, uneven surface in order to stimulate exceptional muscle use; so increasing tone, alignment throughout the body, benefiting circulation and giving you a feeling of overall good health and well being.

Training with MBT improves: Coordination, Core Stability, Power & Speed, Running Style, Endurance, Flexibility, Recovery and Injury Prevention. Performing on a high level needs to balance all of your abilities. MBT makes training more effective, challenging and gentle to your spine.

For treatment, rehabilitation and prevention of: Back, hip, leg and feet problems, Joint, muscle, ligament and tendon injuries, Therapy resistance. GPs, physiotherapists, osteopaths, chiropractors and alexander technique teachers recommend the use of MBTs to successfully help prevent and treat injuries"

More on MBT shoes here: http://www.swissmasai.sg/

Have I benefitted from the use of the shoes? I'm not too sure. They are comfortable but due to the thickness of the shoes, I am now 2 inches taller. It certainly forces me to walk and stand straighter which is good for me as I hunched most of the time. However, the Physio at CGH and Jo at the OPRC doesn't think too highly of it. So the verdict is still out.

One thing though - why can't they design it nicer?