MBT physiological footwear
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LET THE MASAI TEACH US HOW TO WALK THE NATURAL WAY

MBT® is a revolutionary range of footwear, which re-establishes the natural conditions of standing & walking.

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FAQ

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1. Why are MBTs that expensive?

MBT is the firs t phys iological footwear: footwear that has a positive effect on the whole body. Long-term research and tests were, and still are necessary to improve the product step by step. The product has a lot of positive effects on the whole body: MBT activates neglected muscles, improves posture and gait and can reduce stress on knees and hip joints. Increased quality of life is priceless. MBT is not a shoe, it is a piece of training equipment.

2. Do different s tyles have different benefits?

There is no difference in the function of each style of shoe. The technology is all in the sole. The uppers of MBT vary to suit different customers.

3. Are they available for children?

We are currently working on special childrens MBT’s. It is predicted they will be available in Australia in 2009.

4. Do you have any high profile people wearing MBTs in Australia?

We have a number of high profile people in Australia who openly endorse MBT due to the benefits they have personally found by wearing them. These include: -Naomi Flood (National Ironwoman) -Layne Beachley (World Champion Surfer) -Zali Steggall (International Skier) -Tom Carroll (World Champion Surfer) And many more.

5. MBTs do not look attractive.

Form follows function MBT‘s offer unique functionality and they differ visually from other, normal shoes and sole constructions. It is difficult to discuss tastes“ Subjective and personal opinions: Models, VIPs and stars in the US and UK love these trendy shoes. MBTs can improve your look by promoting An upright posture A sporty and natural gait Tightening and strengthening the buttock, stomach and legs. MBT offer models that fit to all different outfits (suits, jeans, dresses,shorts etc).

6. MBTs are only for older people.

MBTs are for all age groups. They are a piece of fitness equipment. For older people they may be used as a therapy tool as well. Everybody can benefit from wearing MBT‘s. Athletes use them to aid in recovery and regeneration following training/competition or injury. Many use them to relieve joint pain or certain foot pathologies. The increased muscle activity can benefit all by improving tone and definition and providing a workout while you walk. Everyone can benefit from the positive benefits of a natural gait pattern in an unstable shoe.

7. I do not need MBTs because I have no aches or injuries.

Precaution! Prevention! A correct and natural gait from the beginning brings advantages for the future. Increased sense of well-being. MBTs increase the aesthetics.of posture while standing and walking. Everybody can benefit from increased muscle activity and reduced loading to joints due to an increased ability to balance

8. Why is an introductory course necessary?

To get maximum benefit from your MBTs it is important to attend an introductory class. Classes are run by qualified experienced health professionals and it is a good chance to ensure you are walking correctly in your MBTs. For details on times, dates and the nearest class to you please call head office at (02) 99729988.

9. How should the shoe fit?

Closed models:
Tight on the heel Comfortable at the toes
Open models / sandals:
Heel should be as far back as possible and toes should reach the very front of the sandals Instep strap tight, but comfortable

10. How do you clean MBTs?

Never wash MBTs in a washing machine. Clean them by hand using a sponge and soapy water up to 30 deg celsius then dry well. Clean your dirty MBTs as quickly as possible because mud, fertilizer and salt can damage the masai sensor and sole construction.

11. How do I care for my MBTs?

The sole construction and the Masai Sensor must not come into contact with aggressive fluids (acids, disinfectants etc) or salts, fats or grease, fertilizer, protein (blood etc) MBTs can be worn in rainy conditions, when drying avoid direct heat

12. Can I wear MBT every day? And for how long?

For most people there is a build up period in MBT‘s. Once your muscles have adapted to MBT‘s and you no longer feel soreness you can wear them all day. When building into them, as soon as you feel some muscle soreness you should take them off. Once you have built up in MBTs use them regularly and as often as possible. Ideally daily use. When using MBT as a secondary therapy: supervision of a medically-trained MBT-instructor is necessary.

13. Why do my legs ache after wearing MBTs ?

MBTs increase muscle activity. When muscles are activated and worked it is normal for them to become slightly damaged before they repair themselves with slightly better capabilities to handle the increased work. This slight damage can cause a little muscle soreness. This is a good thing as it means these muscles are being activated and preparing themselves to better handle the work next time.

14. Why do I get backache after wearing MBT?

Aches in the back can occur because there is also an increased activation in the muscle groups of the back and the pelvis. People gain an upright posture when walking or standing in MBT. This can alter the position and load on the muscles in the back initially causing some soreness.

15. Is it more likely to sprain one´s ankle in MBT?

Yes MBT’s are a great jogging shoe but remember there is a build up phase and you should be comfortable walking in them first over a longer period of time before you attempt jogging.

16. Can you jog in MBT’s ?

Yes MBT’s are a great jogging shoe but remember there is a build up phase and you should be comfortable walking in them first over a longer period of time before you attempt jogging.

17. Do they reduce Cellulite?

MBT’s were developed as a medical device to reduce back ache, improve posture and lessen the shock on joints. In the past few years we have learned about the toning effects. MBT’s help to tone and firm the muscles of the abdomen, buttocks, thighs and increase circulation. Wwe have lots of positive feedback regarding cellulite reduction.

18. Can I do the following in MBTs : squash, badminton,tennis and football ?

MBTs are not great lateral movers so are not ideal for multi directional sports such as these. They may be used by an advanced athlete wishing to add specific instability when training in these sports.

19. Do they help you lose weight?

The instability of MBT’s as well as the improved upright posture help to activate neglected stabilising muscles as well as the larger muscles at the rear thigh. This increased muscle activity in turn burns more calories. As a result of burning more calories weight can be reduced. Muscles can increase in tone and definition. It is like an extra workout while you walk and stand. ?f course to lose weight a healthy lifestyle must also be maintained.

20. Do MBTs help with medical conditions ?

MBTs are a sport and medical tool class 1 in Europe. MBT trained instructors offer introduction courses for free, in order to increase the benefits of wearing and using the MBTs.
MBTs can help with…
… back, hip, leg and foot problems … joint, muscle, ligament, and tendon injuries
Supervision by an MBT instructor is obligatory for people who use MBT as a secondary therapy for existing health conditions.

21. Can I wear MBTs with orthotics ?

We do not recommend that you wear MBT‘s with orthotics as they can take away from the unstable function of the shoe. MBT‘s are designed to make your muscles support a correct walking pattern and posture. An orthotic provides guidance and support therefore taking away some of the function of the shoe. However there will always be cases where orthotics may be necessary and those wearing them can still benefit from MBT‘s.

22. Are MBTs good for people with arthritis ?

MBT‘s have had a positive influence on relieving arthritic symptoms.
This is due to:
-The decreased shock and impact on joints
-Intrinsic muscle activity helping to stabilise joints and dissipate shock
-reduced force through ankle flexion.
-Maintenance of active muscle tension to support joints.

23. I s till have varicose veins , although I wear MBTs which should help?

The failure of a valve causes a backflow in the superficial venous system. As a result varicose veins develop. This failure cannot be corrected with MBTs. The wearing of MBTs increases the blood circulation and it can minimize the superficial blood remaining in the veins as well as maintaining an active muscle pump to return blood to the heart, thus reducing the blood remaining in the vein.

24. Can You wear MBT’s if you are Pregnant?

If you have been wearing MBT’s prior to pregnancy then you can continue to do so. If you have not worn MBT’s previously we recommend you wait until after the birth. This is because the body has experienced significant changes during pregnancy, the centre of balance is affected and there can be an increased chance of falling.

25. Can you wear MBT’s if you have flat feet?

Yes MBT’s activate the muscles in your feet therefore can help to rebuild fallen arches. It is very important that MBT’s are worn correctly to achieve this.

26. Are they good for back problems ?

Yes, they were designed specifically for the treatment of back pain, rehabilitation and the prevention of injury The improved spinal alignment as well as decreased impact through the body can help relieve back problems.

27. I Have Diabetes , Can I benefit from MBT?

Wearing MBT’s stimulate blood flow to all muscle groups in the legs. It is also a potent aid to proprioception by stimulating the nerve supply to muscles, ligaments and tendons in the lower limbs. This is of benefit and can help individuals who are prone to develop the neuro-vascular complications of Diabetes Mellitus.

28. I have poor blood supply to my legs , will MBT’s help with this ?

Depending on the severity of the abnormal blood supply, MBT may be an aid to improving blood circulation in the affected limbs. MBT’s cause an increase in muscle activity in the lower legs and as a result these muscles require an increased blood supply to function. It is important to remember however that initially the increased blood supply may lead to increased pain. This is due to the difference of the prior inadequate blood supply.