I’m not sure if I’ve mentioned it before on the site, but about 3 years ago I had vascular surgery on my leg. Due to who knows what, several veins in my leg collapsed. It caused an unbearable throbbing pain, not to mention a disgusting display of ‘blood blockage’ — i.e. I looked like I had the veins of an 80-year-old, or as my mother so eloquently puts it, cauliflower veins –SEXY!
I had eight of my veins removed and now visit my surgeon regularly for injections in order to prevent further damage. Relax, I’m fine. Aside from the occasional ache or tenderness, due to scarring and poor circulation, it doesn’t affect me. at all. The scars aren’t even that bad - if you squint 
One of the best things I can do however, is WALK! Lucky for me, I LOVE walking. It’s my favorite form of exercise. I especially enjoy going on walking dates with my mom. Whether we walk outside or in the mall (DORK ALERT!), we always have a good time and she makes the time fly!
Due to my circulatory issues, it was suggested that I look for a walking shoe that helped increase blood flow to the legs. After a bit of research and trial-and-error, I not only found the best shoes for my circulation, but for my posture and muscles, as well! And the best thing about them? ANYONE can benefit. These shoes are not just for people with poor circulation –HARDLY! Improved circulation is merely one of the many benefits of wearing them.
MBT shoes, coined as “the world’s smallest gym,” have been around for at least 5 years, but have just started picking up publicity – probably since celebrities have started adding them to their shoe collections. MBT shoes increase muscle activity, strengthening and toning the legs, buttocks, stomach and back muscles.
In addition, many have made the claim that the shoes’ unique design helps walkers smooth cellulite.
While you won’t find those claims on the shoe manufacturer’s Web site, MBT shoes have been used in training by Olympic medalists and other top athletes.
According to Swiss Masai Inc., the shoe manufacturer, other benefits of the shoes include:
- Activates neglected muscles
- Improves posture and gait
- Tones and shapes the body
- Can help with back, hip, leg and foot problems
- Can help with joint, muscle, ligament and tendon injuries
- Reduces stress on knee and hip joints
As well as relief of:
- Muscular Tension
- Joint Problems
- Back Problems
- Leg & Feet Problems
Let me start by saying these shoes do not look like your average Nike or adidas kicks. No, they are a bit more ‘bulky’ (to put it nicely!). The first thing you’ll notice is the thick and curved sole. Setting the shoes on the floor, you’ll see that the sole curves upward at the heel and toe. Yes, it looks a bit odd, but not as odd as the feeling you’ll receive when you first put them on — a sense you might fall backwards – I’m surprised I didn’t! Don’t be alarmed, this is just the shoes’ technology at work! By curving the soles in the front and back, the shoes force you to stand upright directly over your center of gravity. Take a look at this diagram for a detailed explanation.
I wear these shoes for about an hour to an hour and a half at least 3 times a week. When walking was my primary form of exercise, I would wear them for an hour every day. When I first started wearing the shoes a few years ago, my posture immediately improved and my legs started looking like I was spending hours at the gym. Since I’ve continued to wear the shoes, my posture has improved, my legs have gotten stronger and I have far less pain due to circulatory issues.
I only use these shoes for walking. In fact, I don’t think it is recommended that you run in these shoes –I imagine it would be quite easy to break an ankle (for me, the klutz, anyway)!
Sure, I get a few raised eyebrows and interesting looks, but it seems that more people are interested than turned off by the young professional channeling her inner granny! In all seriousness, the company started to create more ‘cute’ and ‘fashionable’ styles. My pair are white and grey with a pink stripe! All I know is that I’ll be staying away from the ‘professional’ styles. Because any tennis shoe made “workplace friendly” is just a fashion crime waiting to happen.
Classic MBT shoes (image credit: www.mbtshoes.tv)
A cuter version (image credit: media.merchantcircle.com)
Have you seen/tried MBTs? What shoes do you swear by?
