Walk The Masai Way for A Healthier You
18/08/2005

Now there is an simple opportunity open to all those of us who are able to walk to improve our health and well being.  Masai Barefoot Technology (MBT) is a revolutionary range of footwear, developed over the past 10 years by a Swiss engineer who realised that walking on soft uneven ground was much better for his bad back and knee damaged through playing semi-professional football.  He studied the biomechanics of the way humans walk and came up with a shoe which re-establishes the natural conditions of standing and walking barefoot on natural terrain.  He likened the effect of walking in them to the upright posture and gait of the Masai.

The Masai tribe are a semi-nomadic people whose lives centre on tending their cattle and as a consequence they walk long distances on a regular basis.  They develop lean, toned leg muscles and a perfect posture and suffer very few back and joint complaints.

MBTs actually imitate the terrain the Masai walk and turn the hard and flat surfaces that we walk on every day into the soft and natural ground that we were designed to walk on.  It's a bit like walking on soft sand - comfortable and forgiving but actually quite hard work.

This causes our muscles to work harder and become the natural shock absorbers they are supposed to be, thus protecting spine and joints, allowing us to stand upright with our shoulder girdle settled over our hips.  This in turn opens up the diaphragm, allowing more room for the lungs to operate.  The brain is 'balanced' because of the proprioceptive feedback from the feet. 

Instead of a traditional heel, the MBT shoe has a heel sensor which reduces on impact allowing a more natural, rolling gait.  There is a pivot point in the sole which forces us to constantly re-balance, even when standing.  It is impossible to stand passively - muscles must constantly re-evaluate thus improving core stability.  The short muscles which tie joint together are activated and strengthened.  And, with this more upright posture we not only look better, but feel healthier too.

MBTs can help:

• to tone leg, stomach and buttocks (can help reduce cellulite)
• with weight loss due to increased calorie usage
• to improve posture and gait
• activate neglected muscles
• improve muscle co-ordination and help with back, hip, leg and foot problems and joint, muscle, ligament and tendon injuries.
• prevent injuries and improve healing

Athletes and sports people train in MBTs to enhance their training but by walking in them every day we can all achieve better posture, less wear and tear on joints, improved circulation to the legs.  Recent scientific studies have shown that wearing MBTs increases Oxygen and calorie consumption (ie increases metabolism) compared to wearing normal shoes. So by wearing them to go about our daily lives, we can increase our level of fitness, improve health and posture and help prevent against future problems for health.

MBTs come in many different styles from trainers to boots.  They are an investment and so that you get the best from them they are sold by dealers who are trained to ensure a perfect fit and who will give instruction in walking in MBTs.  Some dealers, like myself, offer short workshops where you can try a pair and receive guidance on posture and gait.  This allows you to 'try before you buy' so that you see for yourself how comfortable and effective they are when worn.  Most people, after even 15 minutes of instruction and walking in MBTs will feel a difference in legs muscles.  I have witnessed people become more upright instantly and to walk without a limp when they had arrived walking with a limp.

The styles can be seen at http://www.mbt-info.com.  If you are in the Waveney area - surrounding Lowestoft in Suffolk, go to http://www.haventherapies.co.uk/ Otherwise the main MBT website contains a listing of dealers by area.  Full information about the scientific studies, the concept, the press coverage etc is also avalable on the MBT wesbite.

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