Do MBT shoes work for toning?

June 7, 2008 4:48 PM

Anyone have experience with MBT footwear for toning legs/rear end?

Due to work demands that aren't going to be lessening any time soon, I haven't gone to the gym regularly in ages. On top of that, even when I do go, chronic joint issues (knees and hips) have increasingly limited what I can do for an effective lower body workout (even "safe" squats are out, as are most machines). I'm fine working with hand weights at home for upper body toning, but am wondering if I can get some strength/tone back in my legs and glutes just doing a daily walk with MBTs? Given the price tag, I'd like to know that it's not just all hype before I buy. (Also, if it's relevant, I'm not interested in using them as part of a workout to lose weight -- I only want to gain muscle.)

Speaking of price tag, here's a much cheaper (and goofier looking) version of what appears to be the same principle. Anyone ever used those? And are there any other options between the $40 flip-flops and $250 walking shoes?

posted by scody to sports, hobbies, & recreation (8 comments total)

I watched a program on TV (maybe the Discovery Health Channel?) a few years back about various cellulite/toning treatments, like creams, shots, electric therapy, some other things, and the MBT shoes. They had different women all try one thing for a month, and none of them were effective at all. If I remember correctly, the MBT lady said something to the effect of "all it accomplished was making me look stupid."

That said, I've never worn them, nor have I ever known anyone who's worn them, so maybe it was just a bad experience for the lady on TV.
posted by phunniemee at 5:11 PM on June 7, 2008

I have wondered about these as well. I don't own a pair, but have looked at them more than once.

Here are some reviews at Epinions.

http://www.epinions.com/reviews/Mbt_Casual_41_US_8

http://www.epinions.com/reviews/Mbt_Women_s_Sport_High_Black

There are also Fit Flops. Blissworld.com sells them.
posted by LoriFLA at 7:28 PM on June 7, 2008

My dad is hooked on these shoes. But, I gotta say, they do not seem to be effective when it comes to making him more toned or muscle-y. He is aware of that, but he swears that they are the most comfortable shoes he has ever worn, and they make him able to take long walks, when previously he could not because of an old knee injury. He says the shoes make his knee pain just go away. He literally wears them all the time, and I gotta say, those are some goofy-looking shoes, especially with a suit!
posted by foxinthesnow at 7:50 PM on June 7, 2008

My boyfriend wore these shoes for about 7 or 8 months. I did not notice any change in his legs or ass. And I look at his ass a lot. The main reason he liked them is that he felt it helped his posture and strengthen his back. But eventually they started bothering his feet.
posted by kimdog at 8:53 PM on June 7, 2008

I have a pair. They did wonders for my posture, my back and for standing up straight. They did nothing for my ass (sadly). I'm not currently wearing them (they are more work than regular sneakers and if you twist your ankle you will fall more easily), but the posture benefits have definitely lasted, and now that I think about it, I no longer have knee pain either!
posted by zia at 10:07 PM on June 7, 2008

Regarding the FitFlop:

"Health24 got their hands on a pair and decided to give this "wonder shoe" a go. Our guinea pig has been wearing FitFlops at least twice a week for the last two months. (...) There have been no changes in her body weight since she started wearing the FitFlops and no visible/notable changes in any of her leg muscles.

No shoe can do all that the FitFlop claims to do," says podiatrist Sean Pincus, executive member of the South African Podiatry Association and chairman of the advisory board to the University of Johannesburg, department of Podiatry.

"I am very wary of them – no results have been made available in a peer review publication. It is easy to put a name to a product and have it endorsed by someone, but as long as its effects have not been reviewed and confirmed by peers, I remain sceptical," says Pincus.

He warns that although the shoe could very well tone muscles, it could do so at a cost to your health. "It forces the muscles to work harder than they are supposed to, in the process straining and fatiguing the muscles." He also cautions that the "instability" of the sole might have an effect on the alignment of your pelvic bone. "Where's the evidence?" he pleads."
posted by iviken at 2:47 AM on June 8, 2008

I have a pair of fitflops. I wear them almost every day, as long as it's warm, and have for about a month. I don't see any toning, really, but they are MUCH more comfortable than regular flipflops, which tend to make my back hurt. And unlike the MBT they are only $45, so even if you don't get any results you won't feel like a sucker.

I don't see what this podiatrist is all worried about. Fitflops are certainly better for you than most of the shoes/torture devices sold to women. He should reserve his ire for spike heels.

(I should mention that I wasn't looking for weight loss or anything. I also don't feel my muscles are tired or anything after wearing them.)
posted by miss tea at 4:45 AM on June 8, 2008

Thanks for the comments, everyone. Sounds like the Fit-Flops would at least be pretty comfortable, even if they don't work any particular magic for my legs. (Guess my next question in the green will be how else to get some lower body muscle tone back without killing my knees...)
posted by scody at 6:44 PM on June 8, 2008