MBT Shoes/Sneakers? Anyone..?

[LD92599]

I've seen ads for the brand: MBT. They are pricey but I know a few people that wear them and swear by them to help alleviate back pain, etc.

I want to get my mom a pair....

are they comfortable?
do they run wide/narrow?
true to size?
Do they last?!

Thanks! One of these weekends I'll find a local store for her to try them on.

Laura

[supercalifragilous]

IME, MBTs run small & narrow, but I have wide feet. I ran into a family @ Starbucks who just got back from a month-long vacay in Italy. The only shoes they wore were MBTs and they walked all over. Mom, who owns several pairs (including sandals), and Dad are both die-hard MBTs who have even had them resoled.

Some people prefer SpringBoost or ChungShi shoes and they're a little cheaper. SpringBoost has variable footbeds. Earth shoes also have the dorsiflexion, but they're very granola/Birkenstock-looking.

I got a pair of FitFlops during the Foot Locker F&F sale and I really like them. Similar technology, but SUPER cushy - I walked the whole day @ Disneyland in them!

The dorsiflexion technology seems to be aimed towards those who want to work out their legs in a different way, like "yoga in a shoe," not as much for back pain relief (though I suppose that would be a side effect with strengthened muscles). For pain relief, there are a lot of staff in the hospital (from cafeteria workers to nurses) who wear Z-Coil shoes. They're not pretty, but they're very "Tigger-like" springy.

[Dcclerk]

I have the sandals, and they are my "Disneyland shoes." I'm not sure that they strengthen my legs or help my back, but I wear them a ton (even though they are fugly). I got mine last year and they show no sign of being near breakdown. If you like the concept, I figure it is worth a try.

[MelissaTC]

My hairstylist wears MBT shoes exclusively. She loves them and has been trying to talk me into a pair.

[MamaMolly]

I tried them on at a store and I felt like they'd be great if I didn't have to ever go up or down stairs or carry DD. The rocking footbed was just too much for me. I think it would depend on how klutzy prone your mom is. If she's anything like me you might as well get her a pair of roller blades! :) I'm off to google the other brands mentioned...

[wiza]

I've been wanting to try a pair for a couple of years now. I asked my orthopedic surgeon (foot specialist) what he thought of them and he basically gave them a thumbs down. I don't remember what his explanation was but he said he didn't like them-that was enough for me to lose interest.

[deannanb]

I don't know anything about these shoes - but just looked up ChungShi shoes and this was one section of the description:

Beauty Aspects

* Helps with the reduction of cellulite
* Increases calorie consumption
* Improves blood flow of the feet and legs
* Helps prevent varicose veins
* Improved posture and body control

hahahahahahahahahah

I can wear these shoes - and sit around and reduce cellulite!

that made my morning.