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About MBT
What is MBT?
MBT (Masai Barefoot Technology) is a revolutionary range of footwear that takes its name from the Masai Tribe of Kenya, who walk on soft earth their entire life. Back and weight bearing problems are virtually unknown in their community.
Inspired by these people, MBTs re-establish the natural conditions of standing and walking on uneven terrain. Establishing these natural conditions, MBTs offer high potential for health, beauty, sport, fitness, and therapeutic applications.
How does it work?
The unique sole construction of MBT, physiological footwear, around the Masai Sensor, creates a natural instability under foot, which the body must balance with every step. This leads to a multitude of positive effects on the whole body.
Using a multi layered sole, MBT® transforms flat, hard, artificial surfaces into natural, uneven ground. Much like walking in sand, the unique uplifting lever spring action of the MBT® sole challenges the core strengthening muscles to be more active. This reactive, more supportive muscle action creates good posture and increases shock absorption for all the joints, significantly reducing muscular-skeletal compression.
Technology
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1. Inner sole
2. Shank
The TPU and glass fibre shank provides the necessary firmness of the sole construction. It also ensures a natural rolling movement of the foot with every step and optimises the pressure distribution over the whole sole.
3. PU midsole with pivot
The balancing section integrated in the PU midsole underneath the metatarsus requires an active rolling movement with every step and activates a large number of stabilising muscles throughout the whole body both when walking and standing.
4. Masai Sensor
The Masai Sensor is the heart of the Masai Barefoot Technology. It produces a pleasant feeling reminiscent of walking on a sandy beach or on soft moss - and creates the natural instability to which the body automatically reacts with increased muscle activity.
5. Outer sole |
Benefits
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Wearing MBTs increasingly activates muscle groups needed to coordinate and stabilise the body both when walking and standing. The muscular system is exercised all the way up to the neck, stretched and relaxed again, the body balanced – with every step.
Hundreds of thousands of consumers and scientists worldwide have experienced the many positive effects of MBT:
Masai Barefoot Technology ...
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activates neglected muscles |
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improves posture and gait |
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tones and shapes the body |
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can help with back, hip, leg and foot problems |
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can help with joint, muscle, ligament and tendon injuries |
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reduces stress on knee and hip joints |
MBT activates the whole body.
RESULTS OF SCIENTIFIC STUDIES*
| Stresses on knee and hip joints |
– 19 % |
| Improved posture and more upright gait |
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| Increased muscle activity when walking: |
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| Lower limbs |
+ 18 % |
| Rear thigh muscles |
+ 19 % |
| Buttock muscles |
+ 9 % |
| Oxygen intake |
+ 2,5 % |
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| Increased muscle activity when standing: |
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| Lower limbs |
+ 38 % |
| Rear thigh muscles |
+ 37 % |
| Buttock muscles |
+ 28 % |
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| * at the University of Calgary, CAN; Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, UK; Rennbahnklinik, Basle, CH etc.; in comparison to conventional shoes |
Research and Studies
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Calgary Study Results Presentation
Results coming soon. |
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Who Uses MBTs
People who use MBT physiological footwear have one thing in common; they want to do something to benefit their bodies. Many people only discover MBT when they want to relieve complaints quickly and effectively, especially in the foot, knee, hip or back. In most cases they react enthusiastically to the whole body effect of the physiological footwear.
The greatest increase in the number of MBT users is not the number of people suffering from complaints but those wishing to improve their performance levels, fitness and maintain their general wellbeing.
MBT may help:
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Joint and spine problems - lower back pain, arthritis*, neck problems, osteoporosis* |
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Hip and knee problems - muscular imbalances. |
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Foot problems - Hallux valgus, clubfoot, flatfoot, spread foot, heel spur and Achilles tendon tear |
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Injuries and rehabilitation of the lower extremities in support of therapeutic treatment |
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Recovery after - pregnancy. |
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Patients in rehabilitation following back, hip, knee and foot injuries |
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Following back, hip, knee, ligament and tendon treatment or operations to improve coordination, circulation and strength. |
*MBT is a therapeutic aid that can reduce pain and, may have a positive influence on the symptoms of an illness but does not treat the disease itself
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Dr. Roger Berbig Consultant at Sport Clinic, Zürich and former goalkeeper of Swiss National Football Team
"In the sports clinic in Zürich, we regularly and specifically apply MBT with our patients. The effects are impressive. The main application area is with strain damage of the lower limbs. We are convinced that the MBT can also be applied as a prophylaxis, because through wearing MBT, many problems of the musculo-skeletal system are avoided. Personally, I am a great fan of MBT. My work in the operating theatre and in case conferences is unimaginable without MBT." |
Facts & Questions (FAQ)
1. For how long should I wear my MBT's at first?
Depending on your fitness level you should wear them no more than an hour a day for the first few days. As soon as you feel comfortable you can increase the time. If applied as medical or therapeutic tools make sure you refer to a health specialist.
2. Can I wear MBT's every day?
Yes, the more you wear MBT's the better for your body.
3. When will my body benefit from wearing MBTs?
Whether you are walking in the park or simply standing in line at a café, as long as you are wearing MBTs your body is benefiting. MBTs create a natural instability which forces the muscles in your legs, buttocks and abdomen to compensate and work harder by making tiny corrections. Your muscles then work to support you, instead of overloading joints. When these neglected muscles are fired up, you burn more calories and tone up.
4. Can I play sports such as squash, badminton, tennis and football?
MBTs replicate walking on an uneven surface: so imagine playing squash etc on uneven ground. Therefore it's not suitable to wear MBT's for these specific sports. MBT's can be used when exercising with free-weights, step and aerobics. These activities should only be taken up once you are used to walking correctly in the MBT's and have reached a good fitness level (approximately 60 days).
5. Can you run and jog in MBT's?
Yes, MBT's are perfect for jogging and running. Always make sure that you are comfortable walking in them first, starting with the recommended time.
6. What were MBT's developed to do?
MBT's were developed as a medical device to reduce back ache, improve posture and lessen the shock on the joints. In the past few years we have learned about the toning effects. MBT’s are medically proven to help to tone and firm the muscles of the abdomen, buttocks, thighs and increase circulation. We have lots of positive customer feedback regarding cellulite reduction.
7. Do they help you to lose weight?
Wearing MBT's activates neglected muscle groups therefore helping tone the body. By wearing MBT's you burn up more calories because you are working your muscles harder. Customer feedback is very positive in terms of being an effective fitness tool - often being referred to as the "smallest gym on your feet".
8. Can you wear them with orthotics?
The MBT functions like an active orthotic rather than static. We do not recommend that you wear them with orthotics, as this will stop the activating of the muscles in your feet.
9. Can you wear them if you have flat feet?
Yes, MBT's activate the muscles in your feet therefore help rebuild fallen arches. It is very important that the MBT's are used correctly to achieve this.
10. Are they good for arthritis?
We recommend MBT's for arthritis but you should always consult a medical specialist first.
11. Are they good for back problems?
Yes, they were designed specifically for the treatment of back pain, rehabilitation and for the prevention of injury.
12. Do MBT's help for medical conditions?
MBT is a sport and medical tool class 1 in Europe. We are in the process of seeking endorsement for MBT by various medical associations in Australia as a medical and therapeutic tool. The MBT concept is backed up by leading sport, medical and biomechanical institutes around the world and leading medical specialists recommend the application for muscular skeletal problems such as: back, hip, leg and foot problems; and joint, muscle ligament and tendon injuries. If MBT is to be used as an accompanying therapy to specific health problems it is essential that you are supervised by a medical professional and therapist.
13. What is the difference between the sandal and other MBT's
There is no difference, the technology is in the sole. The uppers of the MBT vary to suit different customers.
14. Will MBT produce a shoe in a non-animal material in the future?
Yes, we are hoping to produce some styles in the future.
15. Are they available for children?
We are currently working on special children MBT's. They will hopefully be available in Australia mid-2006.
16. Do you have any high profile people wearing MBT's in Australia?
We have number of high profile people in Australia who openly endorse MBT due to the benefits they have personally found by wearing them. Examples include Australia's finest alpine skier, Zali Steggal who claims that wearing MBT's for a few weeks before hitting the slopes will prepare your legs for the strains of skiing. Three-time Olympic Rower, Kate Allen (nee Slatter) called MBT's her "saving grace" during her recent pregnancy due to the relief MBT's gave her legs whilst walking. Internationally, we have many athletes who wear them as a training and rehabilitation tool, including many Premier League Football teams in Europe.
17. How does the lace lock work and do I really need it?
The lace lock is very effective but customers that do not wish to use it can remove it. We do suggest you spend a couple of minutes working out the locking system as the lace lock saves a lot of time putting MBT’s on and off and really are quite a clever device, when you figure out how to use them. You will receive instructions on how to use the lace lock with you MBT’s
18. How do you clean MBTs?
Clean the same as a normal pair of shoes. Avoid the heel sensor coming in to contact with salt, acid and oil. Also avoid prolonged dampness.
19. Can you wash them in the washing machine?
No, because the sole is made up from specialized technology that would break down under those severe conditions. You can hand-wash your MBT's with mild soap or washing powder.
20. Do I really need to attend the free introductory class?
We highly recommend you attend one of the free 1 hour walking classes that are available in all major cities. You will find a list of these classes when you receive your shoes. During the class, a qualified MBT instructor will assist you in refining your walking technique in order to get the most out of your MBTs.
Classes are held in various locations around Australia and cover the following:
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Background of Masai Barefoot Technology |
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The biomechanical principles of MBTs |
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Basic posture and gait analysis and correction in order to achieve correct posture and gait |
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Exercises in daily living and combination exercises |
Duration = 1 hour. Cost = Complimentary for MBT customers
21. Are shoes produced by competitors better than MBTs?
MBT's patent is unique and has no competitors worldwide. The scientific research studies and the feedback of hundred of thousands of satisfied customers confirm the positive effects MBT claim. The shoes features are unusual and stand out which is the reason why they become so popular in countries like the USA and UK where even supermodels and celebrities wear them. We are developing new designs permanently and increase our range of styles.
22. Are MBTs proven?
There are many doctors and medical specialists worldwide who highly recommend the MBT's. We now have the results of two long-term scientific research studies carried out by the 'University of Calgary' - the worldwide leading specialist in bio-mechanics and sport medicine and from The Centre for Sport and Exercise Science 'Sheffield Hallam University' - both proving and reinforcing our product claims.
23. Are MBTs only suitable for a certain age group?
No, everyone can wear MBTs and benefit from it. The reasons why someone wears MBT might vary though with different age groups. Younger people are more likely to be concerned about fitness, wellbeing and beauty whereas older people might use them for therapeutical or medical purposes.
24. Why do people think MBTs are expensive?
The MBT is much more than a shoe. When people understand what MBTs can do for them they realise the price is very reasonable. They strengthen and tone your body, help to prevent injuries, shorten time for injuries to heal and encourage natural healing abilities besides all the other benefits, this may actually save you lot's of money and pain in the long term. There has been over 10 years of research into the technology and only the best materials are used to produce MBTs. The standard of the quality control is the highest that can be expected.
25. Do I only benefit while wearing MBT's?
No, if you have worn MBT's over a substantial period your body would have adapted and changing to another pair of shoes will not reverse the effects.
26. I am fit and healthy - why would I need the MBT then?
Even when you are fit and healthy you can benefit from MBTs. It is not natural to walk or run on hard and even surfaces and therefore wearing MBTs have a very positive effect on your whole body.
27. Where are MBT's made?
MBT's were designed by Swiss Engineer, Karl Mueller. They are made in our dedicated state-of-the-art factory in Korea, which ensures we are able to deliver the most technically sophisticated product to our consumers.\\
28. How many MBT's have been sold?
To date we have sold more than 2 million pairs globally. MBT's are relatively new to the Australian market and people are only just beginning to learn of the wide spread benefits of MBTs including the clinically proven facts - reducing back-ache, improving posture and lessening the shock on the joints. We are very excited about MBT's and look forward to further educating the Australian public of the benefits of this revolutionary product.
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