Physiological Footwear


MBT (Masai Barefoot Technology)



masai barefoot technology
Q: What is MBT?
A: MBT is the first footwear that has a positive effect on the whole body. The health and fitness-enhancing concept behind MBT is based on a simple insight : the human musculo-skeletal system is designed for walking barefoot on soft, natural ground. However, we spend most of our time moving on hard, flat surfaces.

In the 1990's, Swiss engineer Karl Muller made a discovery: the natural instability of walking barefoot creates a stimulating effect on the body's supporting muscle system.

Muller began to develop a unique sole technology that enables the body to walk naturally and allows it to benefit from all the positive effects of natural instablility also on hard, flat surfaces.
Q: How does MBT work?
A: Conventional shoes constrain and control the foot, stabilising the body in an unnatural way. With its special construction the MBT creates a natural soft surface. This natural instability causes neglected muscle groups to automatically make the balancing movements that nature intended.
Q: What are the benefits of MBT?
A: Activated muscles relieve the pressure on joints and discs while walking, making a "passive" gait impossible. Every step taken with MBT acts like a tiny fitness exercise.

The entire musculo-skeletal system is strengthened even when standing.

Results of scientific studies



Increased muscle activity when walking in MBT (compared to conventional shoes)
Lower limbs: +18%
Rear thigh muscles: +19%
Buttock muscles: + 9%
Oxygen intake: +2.5%
Increased muscle activity when standing in MBT (compared to conventional shoes)
Lower limbs: +38%
Rear thigh muscles: +37%
Buttock muscles: + 28%
Stress on knee and hip joints: -19%
Improved posture and more upright gait