Uglier Than Crocs!? By rogue34 on - Updated Oct 15, 2011
Sorry Croc lovers, I've found a shoe that is even uglier! My MBTs are ugly, but they do have great benefits.
I first saw these shoes in Herrington catalog and was intrigued about the story of these shoes. The designer used the Masai people of Africa as his inspiration. The theory stated is that the Masai walk barefoot on shifting, sandy unstable soil therefore their muscles have to work harder to keep them balanced. The muscles get stronger, you walk more erect, and there is less pressure on your joints. These shoes were designed to mimic that walk.
My mom also read about them and decided to purchase a pair. She enjoys walking but has had a hard time finding comfortable walking shoes with good support. When I first saw her shoes, my initial reaction was YUCK! But then I tried them on. Immediately, I could tell that these shoes were different from every other shoe I had ever worn. You have to use lots of muscles to stay stable as the sole has a sort of rocker on the back. The sole also feels a bit "springy" as there is a lot cushioning there as well.
I had read on another site that MBTs were available on Zappos.com. They have a fairly large selection of MBT styles and sizes. Plus, they offer free shipping and free return shipping! I ordered one half size larger than my normal size because many of the reviews stated that you should size up a bit. I'm still trying to decide if I need to go up a full size, but Zappos has a pretty good return/exchange policy if I do need to get a different size. I ordered the Sport High style.
I received my shoes within a few days of ordering and am now wearing them a bit everyday. The site for MBT advises to wear the shoes for short periods of time in the beginning. I'm hoping that once I'm used to them, I'll be using them for daily walks and they will help me to avoid shin splints (the bane of my daily walks). I would not advise trying to use these shoes for running as they are heavier than a regular athletic shoe. The link below takes you to zappos MBT section if you want to experience the "stylishness" that is MBT.
http://www.zappos.com/n/p/dp/31979278/c/118281.html
Seriously though, I did not buy these shoes for their looks (unless I was getting together a Frankenstein costume) so I can't to see if my leg muscles and other, er, not so firm areas benefit from wearing these shoes.
I've been wearing these to work all week and am finding these shoes to be really comfortable. While I don't walk too much at work, the building is pretty large and I'm on the 3rd floor, so when I taking the stairs can tell a bit of a difference in my muscles working. I hope to be able to get back into my daily walks with these now that the shoes are broken in. I hope I can update again on the shin splints issue.
About The Author:
MBT Sport High Purchased at: zappos.com Price: 259.00
For $250, you better be getting some great muscle toning! Bet I could find an uncomfortable pair of shoes a lot cheaper. wink
That is a lot of great information on the design of the shoe. I really love the idea behind it but would not pay that much for it... It is just really outside of my budget. I do wonder, however, what the comparison of these would be to the Fit Flops that I have heard a lot of women rave about recently. The design of the Fit Flops is supposed to also improve muscle tone. I am not sure of the price though.
I can't imagine a shoe uglier than crocs. I do like the idea of gettign some mustle workouts in while just walking. I'm not sure if I am willing to shell out the money to get them though.
Wowzers, those are some expensive ugly shoes! I like the idea that they work muscles while you walk, but that is a LOT of money for a pair of shoes.
Crocs are still uglier in my opinion. My sister has a pair of these shoes and she swears by them.
I actually looked these up on line to see if they were ugly LOL. They are unusual looking but I like them!! They are actually nice looking than crocs in my opinion LOL They look comfortable!
Wow those are pricey! I don't think I could ever pay that for shoes. And I must say that I still think crocs take the ugly award, haha.
I never buy a shoe for looks, only for how they feel. Keep us posted on the shin splints thing! I need a shoe that supports my arch and strengthens my calf muscles. I appreciate all the details, and the link -- great job!
Never mind about the look , provided they are comfortable and non slippery on the sole.Thanks for all the details , very helpful for our next purchase.