Trying MBT’s balance-challenging footwear
At Vildmarksmässan in 2011, we tried MBT shoes and found their distinctive curved soles comfortable, though walking in them took some adjustment.
MBT makes shoes with a distinctive sole designed to create slight instability and challenge balance while walking. The brand presented the idea as a small training opportunity in each step.
The 2011 announcement named athletes Charlotte Kalla, Hanna Marklund and wrestler Jalmar Sjöberg among its users, saying they wore the shoes to engage muscles in the feet, thighs, back and abdomen.
The characteristic sole was intended to create a foot movement similar to walking barefoot on a sandy beach. Wearers were said to notice a more upright posture.
One of the year’s new products was a sandal for men and women with a lower sole and streamlined straps for a lighter, airier feel. The broader range included boat shoes, boots, men’s dress shoes and training shoes.
We tried the shoes at Vildmarksmässan and found them very comfortable. Walking with the unfamiliar instability took some adjustment, but we immediately felt a more upright posture and a softer stride. Those were our impressions from trying them at the show.
