FAQ

MBT dynamically changes impact through the foot, ensuring that your weight is evenly distributed across your foot from the moment your heel strikes the ground until your foot leaves the ground. It’s as if you were walking barefoot on a natural surface. Conventional shoes concentrate the impact in your heel and raise it across the foot, ending with the big toe leaving the ground, which causes a lot of pain for people with arthritis (a condition also knows as hallux rigidus or bunions).

MBT reduces impact through the foot, ensuring that your weight is evenly distributed across your foot from the moment your heel strikes the ground until your foot leaves the ground. It’s as if you were walking barefoot on a natural surface. Conventional shoes concentrate the impact in your heel and raise it across the foot, ending with the big toe leaving the ground, which causes a lot of pain for people with arthritis (a condition also knows as hallux rigidus or bunions).

Sciatica, or pain which radiates down the back of the leg, is generally a symptom of a back problem. Intense back pain generally affects people’s quality of life, although most people get better within 6-12 weeks. Activity helps to eliminate symptoms earlier, reduces chronic incapacity and reduces time in treatment. MBT also affects the angle of the trunk relative to the pelvis. MBT causes the lumbar spine to adopt the ideal position to take the load through the pelvis and the hips. MBT also helps to strengthen the lumbosacral musculature and recovery of the lower part of the spine. MBT should be used as a tool to help treat sciatic pain. If pain in your lower back or leg persists, you should see your doctor to eliminate more serious conditions, such as infection, tumour, fracture, inflammation, osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis.

It depends how serious your problem is, MBT can help to improve peripheral circulation in the affected limb. However, it is important to note that if the increase in the activation of the muscle caused by MBT makes circulation in the affected limb more painful, that could be a sign of something more serious.

Heart rehabilitation improves coronary risk factors and reduces the risk of heart pain, which is important in people who have had a heart attack. MBT can be used as part of a programme of heart rehabilitation. With education, changes to medication and lifestyle changes as advised by your doctor.

The most important thing in terms of treatment after the acute phase of an embolism is to reduce weakness, incapacity and complications to a minimum. To that end, MBT can be beneficial. MBT is a potent activator of blood flow in the lower limbs. It has been shown that it can lead to a significant improvement in the activation of the tendons of the arch of the foot and the musculature of the foot and leg. Remember that the basis of MBT is for your shoe to be unstable. It should be used under professional supervision. Long-term use may aid rehabilitation, but at least at first it may lead to an increase risk of falls if used without medically qualified supervision.

The pain that some people experience, especially in the early days of using MBT, may be the natural result of a new exercise programme since you are using muscles that haven’t been used when walking in conventional shoes. It is known as delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). It normally disappears after using MBT for five days.

MBT can be used by people with insulin dependent and non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Using MBT stimulates the flow of blood in the muscles of the legs. It also helps to improve sensitivity to touch since it stimulates the sending of signals by the nerves from the muscles, joint, ligaments and tendons of the lower limbs. This is a good thing because it can help to reduce the neuromuscular complications of diabetes mellitus.

Yes. Clinical studies carried out on people with below-the-knee amputations and on one person with an above-the-knee amputation have shown that MBT can improve the gait and help to reduce pressure on the stump. Using MBT causes less hitching, since it encourages a smooth gait which makes forward progress easier.

MBT reduces pressure on the heel and so is beneficial for problems like heel spurs, plantar fasciitis, tendonitis in the Achilles tendon and arthrosis. MBT also reduces the impact experienced at the knee. MBT is also useful for metatarsalgia as it reduces pressure in the front part of the foot.

MBT is very beneficial before and after pregnancy. If you have used MBT before falling pregnant you can continue to use them since your body has already fully adjusted. If you haven’t been using MBT before falling pregnant, we recommend waiting until after you’ve given birth. This is because your body is already going through quite a few changes in your pregnancy, so you need to keep any other changes to a minimum. Do not continue to use MBT during your pregnancy if you feel any discomfort. As your pregnancy progresses, MBT may lead to swelling in your feet which affects the fitting of MBT due to excess pressure in the feet. MBT is suitable for use in pregnancy as part of treatment for back pain related to physical exercise for pregnant women. If you are under qualified medical supervision or are being overseen by an expert in women’s health and you want to start using MBT during your pregnancy, ask your specialist whether you can and how you should use MBT.

Walking in MBT automatically produces a more erect posture. This involves greater activity in the lumbosacral muscles due to the correction of the angle of the trunk with the pelvis. When the muscles start to work harder, sometimes it can be painful, but the pain normally goes away after a few days.

Yes. They were specially designed for the treatment of back pain and for the rehabilitation and prevention of back injuries. More than 70% of the population of developed countries experiences back pain at some time. It is more common between 35 and 55 years of age. Pain is non-specific in 85% of people. MBT helps to improve posture and increases the muscular activity in the legs and in the body’s stabiliser muscles. People with scoliosis (curvature of the spine) improve significantly wearing MBT since the shoes balance out the action of their muscles.

MBT can help plantar fasciitis since it reduces pressure on the arches of the feet. You should introduce MBT gradually to help stretch the plantar fascia gently while protecting it and strengthening the muscles that support it.

If you are already used to using MBT you can think of it as a good postoperative aid. However, we recommend not using MBT during the first 6-8 weeks after the operation, to reduce the risk of falls that might cause serious harm. We recommend use after that time and under professional medical supervision.

MBT can be used by people who have this condition as a part of their normal programme of rehabilitation. MBT will help with special orientation and muscle function.

MBT is carrying out clinical studies into this question. If your problem is slight to moderate, MBT can be an effective part of your rehabilitation. This is because the Achilles tendon and the muscles of the calf are stretched and strengthened by the use of MBT. However, in more serious cases, where there is serious inflammation of the tendon, the stretching produced by MBT may be too strong and may exacerbate the condition. In serious cases, do not use MBT. MBT should always be comfortable. If you are unsure, ask your medical specialist.

MBT can be a useful part of a programme of rehabilitation to improve balance, but it should be used under the supervision of a qualified physiotherapist since some conditions that affect the vestibular system of the inner ear, like Meniere’s disease or vertigo, can be aggravated by the use of MBT. If you are unsure, ask a specialist doctor.

As with multiple sclerosis, MBT can be used as part of a programme of active rehabilitation. MBT does not affect the natural clinical progression of the disease, but it can help to keep the level of function at its maximum during the course of the disease.

Definitely, yes. Approximately 30% of people with sprained ankles will experience pain and recurrence of the injury without appropriate treatment. The great advantage of MBT for rehabilitation is the proprioceptive training that it provides. MBT can also activate the stabilising muscles of the knee. MBT should only be used for 20-45 minutes a day in these cases.

Yes, MBT activates the muscles of the foot and helps to strengthen the arch. It is vital to use them properly.

Yes, as long as you’re comfortable they are good for people with high arches.

We know that MBT reduces impact through the knee. We also know that walking in MBT will provide the benefit of activation of the muscles surrounding the knee. MBT stretches the foot and activates the quadriceps. These features help in treatment of knee pain. We recommend medical advice from a qualified expert (doctor, physiotherapist, chiropodist) who is familiar with MBT for a definitive answer.

Clinical studies at the University of Calgary and Sheffield Hallam University have shown that MBT reduces impact through the hip, knee and ankle. This can reduce pain in these joints from osteoarthritis. MBT also activates the muscles of the knee and ankle and stimulates proprioceptive regeneration round these joints. All these factors can be beneficial to the human body. They are suitable for use in the pre-operative period.

Varicose veins are generally caused by the failure of a valve involved in venous return. The use of MBT cannot correct that mechanical-venous problem. But MBT does increase blood circulation (and therefore the flow of blood) such that it reduces the failure of the valve to the minimum.

If you have prescription inserts prescribed by a doctor or other health professional, we recommend asking them first whether using MBT would be good for you. MBT stimulates and activates the muscles of the foot, so that, in many cases, it is not necessary to use orthopaedic inserts. However, each case is different.

The sensation of heat that some people experience is due to the increase flow of blood in the muscles of the foot. It stops after a few weeks. In some people, it may continue for longer and may be an indication of a vascular problem, probably due to conditions such as arteriosclerosis and diabetes. If it persists, consult your family doctor to check for any underlying issue.

MBT technology makes the muscles of the feet activate more than when using conventional footwear, since the muscles have to work at greater intensity. This can lead to improvements in the circulation and the activation of the muscles of the lower part of the leg, which don’t work when working normally. Sensations such as itching, engorgement or sweaty feet when you start using MBT are normal and will disappear after you have been using MBT for a while.

The soft parts of the sole of your MBTs (which produce the instability effect) are sensitive to salt, oil, mud and any other acidic or corrosive substance. If your MBTs come into contact with such substances, you should clean them as soon as possible. You can ask in the Point of Sale about cleaning products for each model and material. It is advisable to clean dirty MBTs as soon as possible to prevent dirty drying on. Make sure that they are completely dry before putting them on again.

To keep your MBTs in good condition you should: - Clean them when they get dirty. Don’t let dirt dry on. - Never wash them in the washing machine. - Avoid contact with oils, acids and corrosive liquids. - If your MBTs get wet, dry them before putting them away or wearing them again. You can ask about cleaning and care products for different types of material in the shop where you bought them.

Yes, you can treat the upper parts of your MBTs like any other quality shoe. However, be sure to protect the sole which is the only part of your MBTs that cannot be treated with anything so as to avoid wear or damage, especially round the Masai Sensor. Water/Rain

No. MBT technology means you can’t put them in the washing machine. Also, if you do put them in the washing machine they might break or be damaged and it might not be possible to repair them. Remember that MBT’s guarantee will be invalidated by improper use of the product and that includes how you clean them.

MBTs can be worn in the rain, but afterwards they should be dried completely. The best way of drying them is to put your MBTs sideways on and on both sides near a radiator (never on top) or in a window so the sensor can dry completely. Warning: Do not put your MBTs in an oven, microwave or under the grill.

Enclosed models should fit snugly but without squeezing the foot. For open shoes, put your foot as far to the back as possible (within the sole of the shoe and the straps). Your ankle

[PR1]

and toes should not reach the end of the sole. Be sure to lean correctly on your heel, checking that the shoe: - Supports your instep. – Tight to your heel. – Comfortably situated round your toes.

Our sizes are European standard shoes sizes. For women, they go from size 35 or 36 up to size 41 or 42. Men’s shoes go from size 39 or 40 up to size 45. Depending on the model, other sizes may be available. In addition, MBT has sizes that go up in steps of 2/3 with sizes: 36⅓, 37, 37⅔, 38⅓… These are models from previous collections. If you are unsure about your size, please ask at your nearest Point of Sale or check the sizing chart on this website.

To get the fully benefit of MBT, you need the right fit or size; they should not be pressing on your instep, they should be tight to the heel and comfortable round your toes. You will also see that MBTs do up differently to other shoes. That is why the size you wear in conventional shoes may not be the size you need in MBTs so you can do them up properly, as described above. If you are not sure that the size of your MBTs is correct, please return them to the Point of Sale. Recommendation: Only wear your MBTs round the house for the first few days to make sure you have the right size. That way, if you do need a different size your retailer can change them depending on their returns policy.

Thanks to the unique design of the sole, MBT changes hard, flat surfaces for uneven, soft surfaces. This generates natural instability under your feet to which the body will automatically respond by increasing muscular activity in a natural way. This increased activity activates forgotten muscles and improves posture and gait, lessening the impact on the back and the knees and hips.

Conventional shoes balance the body in an artificial way and make some muscles stop working. Unlike conventional shoes, MBT retains the natural balancing motion of the foot and recruits the whole muscular system of the body. This creates natural instability which activates the muscles that have been inactive for so long with positive effects for the whole body.

MBT technology is in the design of the sole. The benefits are the same for all models. The upper part is what varies, allowing a variety of uses to suit everybody, whether at work or at play.

The sole of MBTs is curved. The soft MBT Sensor in the heel lessens the impact on the joints and the skeletal system. The curve decreases flexion, creating a different motion on standing and walking, unlike what you see in conventional shoes.

MBT is physiological footwear: it does a lot more than conventional shoes. It is specifically designed to strengthen your body, help to prevent injury and in recovery or rehabilitation after injury. More than 15 years of research have gone into the MBT of today, which allows your body to adopt the ideal posture when you walk or stand and produces an improved quality of life.

Yes, over the last 19 years MBT has been studied and researched into exhaustively. The studies undertaken in the development of the product confirm and support the benefits of using MBT. We have done research to steer the development of the product in the right direction and to quantify the effectiveness of its significant scientific and physiological benefits for people who want to have a healthier and fitter life. You can read the more than 40 scientific studies at

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed

If you have any problems with your MBTs after buying them, please take them back to the Point of Sale/shop where you bought them. MBT has a Customer Services team to help you. You can be in touch with them by email to atencionalcliente@ mbt.com or by ringing free: 900 106 801

MBT is a means of recovery, rehabilitation and regeneration to help you be in form for your next training session.

Yes, but make sure: - You run very slowly. – Your posture is correct. – You increase your speed by taking quicker steps, not stretching out your stride. – Roll from heel to toe (don’t lean backwards).

Yes, you can. Make sure you’re comfortable in your MBTs before driving in them for the first time. You may need to adjust your seat, since the sole of your MBTs is thicker than on a conventional shoe.

MBT want to help people all round the world to lead a healthier life. Walking in MBT everyday increases muscular activity, not only in your feet but throughout the body. MBT strengthens the principal muscles of the legs, feet and back. The result: you will be physically stronger just from using MBT in your everyday life. The result: you will be physically stronger just from using MBT in your everyday life.

The concept MBT is based on is accepted by biomechanics institutions round the world and medical specialists who recommend its use for muscular-skeletal problems such as: - Back, hip, leg and foot problems. - Injuries to joints, ligaments, muscles and tendons. If MBT is used as a secondary treatment, its use should be supervised by a qualified medical professional.

The most important thing is that you will feel different. Just from standing and walking in your MBTs: muscular activity will increase; your circulation and posture will improve. Plus, your legs and hips will be getting stronger and the impact on the joints in your back, knees and hips will decrease.