We continue our fabulous fitness footwear series with a great, high quality, well known brand that we’re very proud to carry here at Planet Shoes - and that’s MBT Footwear!

MBT Footwear has a loyal following and a growing business because their technology works. Their “anti-shoe” mentality is all about helping people to use technology in shoes to get back to a more natural walking experience.

“Natural instability” which comes from walking barefoot on sand or soft ground is some of the best and most healthful activity in which you can engage. The reason this technology and design works is that your whole body is engaged in movement, balance and momentum.

MBT Footwear uses a rocker outsole, which is thick and rounded to encourage a rolling gait. This rolling movement reduces the shock and strain on joints, tendons and muscles and also encourages better posture, a longer and more natural gait and because it’s engaging more muscles, MBT Footwear help you train just by being on your feet.

The shoe is constructed with three major sections. There is a TPU and glass fiber shank that provides the firmness needed to maintain the rocker sole construction and distributes weight and pressure evenly throughout the whole sole of the shoe.

The balancing section of the shoe is integrated into the midsole beneath the metatarsus to encourage the natural destabilization which activates more muscles throughout the body.

Finally, there is an elliptical section underneath the heel of the shoe which creates a comfortable cushion that also emulates the sensation of walking on sand or soft ground, therefore activating additional muscles.

MBT Footwear is popular for every kind of walking activity, including pacing in your office, and they are offered in all styles, shapes and colors so you can use them for your activity of choice. They are also recommended for athletes because they improve post workout recovery and build core muscles and balance at all times.

So how do MBT shoes measure up against the other players in this space?

What often holds people back from getting in on the MBT Footwear craze is the fact that they look a little different and they are not inexpensive. Running at about $250 retail with the occasional promotional pricing, they can be beyond the reach of many folks.

Of course, their innovative design is the key to their success and these shoes aren’t inexpensive because they are made with very high quality materials and they are designed to support you and keep you going in a way very few shoes are.

Essentially, if you are ready to truly invest in a shoe that will withstand time, elements and a lot of walking, MBT footwear might very well be the right choice for you. With their style versatility, they do make a better choice for a transitional shoe from office to home or out and about on the weekend.