Like most American women, I drooled when I saw the ads for the Reebok EasyTone (yes, I know you know what I mean. Remember that commercial with the hot chick when the camera focuses on her backside and the voiceover says the butt-toning effects of the show would make even “your boobs jealous?”).
And then came Sketchers and what seems like a million different shoe companies following suit on the “toning” shoe craze. Remember?
Yes, America does love its skinny Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue type models hanging on the idealistic “figure” tree, but the irony is that most diets fail, most pills give you only a temporary slimming effect, and most New Year resolutions end up in the “Coulda Shoulda Woulda” category by February.
When my feet got wind of the new MBT shoes that are springy and blooming for the Spring and summer, they jumped as though they were on a trampoline. I attended a workout hosted by trainer David Kirsch to learn more about the new athletic shoes that are 20% lighter and more geared towards — well– athletes.
The bottom line is this: there are exercises you can do with your MBTs; the shoes absorb the shock of your feet hitting the pavement every single day (more than thrice your body weight lands on each step); and the Masai technology in the soles promote “unstable” body weight.
When I first wore the shoes, I felt as though I was on a rocking chair. But my feet felt surprisingly light and wonderfully spring-y, as though they were made of some strange, foamy air.
And then I became completely addicted, refusing to set foot on pavement again with anything but a pair of heels or the MBTs (now mind you, if MBTs are the “anti-shoe,” they’re definitely the “anti heel” as well). The shoes have a huge following, but they are indeed pricey at $250 a pop.
So, why would you choose the MBTs instead of its clones? Well, to be perfectly honest, I think the original workout shoe has terrific technology.
The pivot system is all hidden — inside the shoe — and what most other companies are copying is just the shape of the heel. But the real weathering of the wear and tear comes from a sound infrastructure and shoe technology, which is something that cheaper brands can’t imitate.
Did I notice a difference? Yes, in the overall tone of my muscles. Did the shoes help me lose a ton of weight? The answer is no, but they’re not meant for that. They’re meant to help protect, nurture and stimulate your muscles and help prevent injury. So if you have an ailing back, or have chronic muscle pain, I really think this shoe may be just the ticket.
But take your time and find the perfect one (MBT has several styles) and splurge on the best technology so that you don’t become the chiropractor’s BFF.
- Charu Suri
A pair of MBT shoes was given to me for editorial consideration.
From Melissa:
I have the same sentiment about MBTs. I first bought a pair over 5 years ago because I suffered from plantar fasciitis. This was when the competitors did not have their versions and feel in love with them. Yes, there was the learning curve, but with the DVD and some practice, I learned to walk. I wouldn’t trade them in for another brand and glad you feel the same way. Great post!
From azanbbs:
ny more spoilers!
And … there are new scans and pics of Dan from Tu Chile, XL Semanal and TV Taro thanks to our friends over at SnitchSeeker. Tu Chile | TV Taro 1 | TV Taro 2 | XL Semanal 1 | XL Semanal 2
UPDATE : I have gathered together some of the photos from yesterday's filming that have appeared overnight, and popped them into an album, which can be seen Here.
Many thanks to Tracey, Megan, SnitchSeeker, Jain, UHP -
From p90x workout:
I purchased the p90x DVD’s off online a little more than a month ago. I’d seen the commercials several times and sifted though a load of reviews before I purchased the product.Thanks dinmomnidzyx.