MANILA, Philippines - The first thing you’ll notice about MBT footwear is the unusual shape of its sole. It’s not flat like most other footwear but curved, like the bottom of a boat or a rocking chair. Thus, they’re often referred to as round bottom or “rocker soles.” And herein lies the sole (pun intended) of your MBT footwear.
It was a Swiss engineer named Karl Muller who developed the footwear technology that would mimic the conditions he observed among Masai warriors, whom he found to have excellent posture. Backaches, common to many urban dwellers, were unknown to the East African tribesmen who walked barefoot on soft, uneven ground. Their natural movement activated and strengthened the smallest foot muscles, which would otherwise be neglected when walking on hard, even pavements.
The concept behind Masai Barefoot Technology (MBT) is “to transform a hard, even surface into a soft, uneven one,” explains Jodi Lancaster, MBT vice president for Australia, New Zealand, the Middle East, North Africa and the Pacific Rim. “The rounded sole creates some degree of instability that forces the natural reflex of certain foot muscles to help you retain your balance. It helps keep your body straight while standing or walking. It’s effective in reducing back, hip and knee pain as well as in reducing pressure at the foot joints.”
A great deal of detail and workmanship is found in the sole of every MBT shoe. Lancaster says three important elements are always present: the TPU hard plastic molded shank that provides flexibility and support, the EVA midsole pivot access that provides cushioning and stability, and the heel sensor technology that absorbs shock and provides propulsion. “This is the DNA that’s consistent in all MBT shoes,” he adds.
MBT footwear has a wide range of sports shoes and sandals, as well as dress shoes for both men and women. The global brand has also introduced its first performance running shoe collection.
“It is with great excitement to bring MBT running shoes to life after 18 months of design and development,” notes MBT CEO Bob Dyer, who is based in Missouri. “We created a product line that is the result of countless hours of development, gait analysis and biomechanical testing to ensure the product exceeds runners’ expectations. The technology in MBT running shoes is an evolution of the MBT classic ‘rocker’ profile, but designed specifically for running, providing efficiency, comfort and protection.”
The MBT performance running shoe range consists of unique and proprietary SensorTechnolgy combined with the MBT modified running rocker construction and minimalistic support plate. It also features the MBT Pivot Strike mid-foot area, which provides runners the ideal foot-striking platform to transition into propulsion while enhancing support and cushioning. A tri-density feature with varying foam arrays adapts and promotes a soft mid-foot landing and absorbs harmful shocks. It works together with the heel and mid-foot sensors.
“MBT’s unique, running-specific rocker sole shape enhances transition into the runner’s next step,” Dyer continues. “Runners with different running gaits will experience a functional run through mid-foot striking with MBT running shoes.”
The MBT performance running shoe range provide three specific options for runners who seek a more natural run through mid-foot striking: the Lightweight profile is best suited for those new to the MBT brand who want “a soft comfortable running experience with minor rocking,” while the Performance profile is for the more experienced avid runner who wants “additional cushioning and an improved transition from mid-foot to forefoot.” The Cushion profile is “for the runner who wants maximum cushion for the softest ride during training or for the ultimate soft feel when recovering from a long rush or marathon.”
MBT footwear entered the Philippine market in May 2014 and has gained a good following among young adults, particularly women who have embraced the health and wellness trend. It’s a natural reaction to a modern lifestyle that often limits our opportunities to move as much as we should.
“Our revolutionary MBT footwear helps increase muscle activation as well as improve posture and balance, whether moving or simply standing in place,” Lancaster remarks.
This original “Physiological Footwear” brand is focused on promoting an active, healthy lifestyle as embodied in their tagline, “Life well lived.”
* * *
MBT is exclusively distributed in the Philippines by Stores Specialists, Inc. For more information, visit www.ssilife.com.ph.