MBT Shoes First Wear Walking Guide

feature 4, Fitness Shoes, MBT Shoes, Rocker Bottom Shoes, Walking Shoes - By Jackie Burns on Wednesday, March 17, 2010 - 16:19

Here’s what you know already.  MBT shoes are fabulous shoes for a lot of reasons.  They are great for your health, your posture, your muscles, and so on.  They have a funky look to them with a thick, layered, convex sole.  They are comfortable and supportive.

Here’s what you don’t know.  How to walk in your fabulous new pair of MBT shoes for the first time!

MBT shoes are not like any other shoes, so just lacing ‘em up won’t work.  Yes, actually putting MBT shoes on is the same, but those first steps are very different.  There are actual steps you need to take to take those first steps.  If you have gotten your MBTs from an authorized retailer, you will be able to get additional support from their knowledgeable customer service representatives.

Initial Wear

After you have admired your MBT shoes fresh out of the box, put them on.  Easy enough.

• You will have extra room at the toes.  Do not jam your toes further up!
• The shoes will fit snugly at the instep and heel.
• Your heel should be pushed back to the edge of the shoe.

Before you walk:  If you have bad posture (and you probably do – even if you think you don’t), take in a very deep breath – through your mouth - and fill your lungs and chest.  The resulting position you should be in is proper upright posture.

Put One Foot In Front of the Other

Look straight ahead of you.  Do not look at your feet.  Your first steps should be slow and even.  They should also be as natural as possible.   Your foot and leg positions should be essentially parallel, and your legs should be hip-width apart.

The Actual Step

Your foot should land on your heel with each step – at the Masai Sensor.  Roll over the sole of the shoe without lifting your foot, and then roll forward to your toes.  Your foot should lift off at the toes. Repeat.

Increase your pace to a speed that is between walk and jog – not a jog itself.  You should be maintaining the rolling movement with each step and an upright, straight position.  After several steps, reduce your speed and stop. 

Each time you wear your MBTs, you will be able to go farther, faster - but increase this gradually so your muscles can adjust.

• Standing Exercise: When you are standing in your MBTs, do not let your feet roll out or in.  Focus on staying steady and balanced.  This will require effort, but that is the point.  Rock yourself back and forth from heel to toe.  Finding your balance and maintaining it is a wonderful exercise.

General Tips to Walk Correctly

Yes, I know you can all walk.  But if you’re like me, you just walk.  You do not pay attention to the form and function of your walking.  MBT shoes are designed to force you to call attention to those details, and if you want the most benefit from your MBTs, you should know the basics.

• Keep your back straight – all of the time
• Keep your shoulders back and your chest open
• Have a slight bend in your knees – never lock them
• Use opposite arm and leg movement (right arm moves with left leg and reverse)
• Maintain a steady gait
• Focus on your center of gravity and core – balancing and supporting the weight of your upper body with your upper body, not just your legs

Your should be activating all of the following muscles – neck, back, abs, hamstrings, calves, shins, and buttocks.

And Soon You’ll Be Walking Out the Door…

So now you have done it.  Your first steps have been a success, and you are ready for more.  Enjoy your MBTs – the comfort they offer and the health benefits!

“The first steps felt a little awkward, but I was surprised at how quickly I got used to them."

“I really appreciated having some guidance on how to take my first steps.” 

“I had no idea how incorrect my walking stance and balance was until I found MBTs.  Wearing these shoes has forced me to focus on each step and the position of my entire body – and the results have been tremendous!” 

If you still have any questions, you can always visit The Top Authorized MBT Shoes Retailer to get more information – on sizing, fit, and walking tips.  You'll find a wealth of information on their website.  Oh, and you can buy a pair of MBTs from them, too.