Masai Barefoot Technology (MBT, Switzerland) produces footwear that are intended to simulate walking barefoot on soft undulating ground. This study investigated the effects of MBT shoes on lower limb biomechanics during gait by using CODA MPX30 motion analysis to determine ankle and subtalar joint complex range of movement.
Forty-five participants completed a marathon race in their normal running shoes and then were assigned to wear MBT shoes, TR shoes, or control (CON) shoes for 3 days.
The Story
Swiss Masai Barefoot Technology shoes have been around since the 1990s and are designed to retrain your body how to walk. Often referred to as “anti-shoes” they are hard on the feet at first, but after a couple days of getting used to them, you will begin to feel the benefits. This systematic review of literature evaluated the immediate effects of MBT footwear on lower extremity kinematic and kinetic characteristics during gait in healthy males.
The Sole
MBT shoes are designed to transform flat, hard walking surfaces into uneven surfaces that simulate barefoot movement and challenge the muscles to become more active. This retrains the body to walk correctly, leading to a more stable, upright posture and activating neglected muscle groups, helping with muscle toning, core stability, weight loss and improved posture.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the immediate effects of MBT footwear on kinematic changes and ground reaction forces (GRF) during gait in healthy male subjects. Fourteen subjects wearing MBT footwear and 14 subjects wearing stable shoes were analysed using three-dimensional gait analysis software.
Forty-five marathon runners were randomly allocated to wear MBT shoes, trail running shoes or control (CON) shoes immediately after the marathon race and for the ensuing 3 days. Estimates of post-race fatigue were recorded and compared between groups. Results indicated no main effect of shoe group on estimated post-race fatigue.
The Fit
MBTs are a bit of an adjustment for first-time wearers, as they keep you slightly off balance to distribute your weight evenly. But once your body gets used to them, you’ll feel how they support your feet and help prevent injury.
This study compared the effects of MBT shoes to stable running shoes on kinematic and kinetic responses in healthy males. Forty-five participants ran a full marathon race, then put on either MBT shoes or trail running shoes and were asked to wear the assigned shoes for 3 days.