TrappedInTexas
2010-09-09
MBTs vs SkechersI've worn the MBTs for over a year and the Skechers for 8 months. I thought I'd throw in my two cents' worth in case anyone was interested in the comparison. First I should point out that my MBTs weren't these exact shoes.
I felt a difference between the MBTs and Skechers as soon as I put on the Skechers. I have a good arch and am a pretty neutral striker (basically, I wear my soles and heals fairly evenly) but after putting on the Skechers, it became obvious to me that MBTs seemed to be built for pronators. I didn't really notice much when I was just wearing the MBTs, but I could see more proof in the wear pattern on the soles of my shoes. Definitely, the sole running opposite my arch was worn more. That's why I give the MBTs 4 instead of 5 stars. The shoe made me supinate a little.
What I found about the Skechers is that despite the soles looking exactly the same as far as the curve was concerned, the Skechers didn't tire out my muscles like the MBTs did (and yes, I returned to the MBTs and felt the difference). So if I were to give the Skechers a rating, based on how I rated the MBTs, I'd give it the same rating based on the supination issue. (They lose a star based on how they don't work my legs like the MBTs.)
Both shoes make me stand up straight. After wearing these types of shoes for over two years now, I'd have to say that it's still a chore to walk quickly. I just can't seem to walk as quickly wearing these as regular running or walking shoes. That's not an issue for me, but it's proof to me that I have to work more to walk in these shoes.
I had no issues when I first started wearing the shoes; I'm a little surprised that there's a video describing how to walk in MBTs (I didn't get one with mine). Seems to me, there's only way TO walk in these shoes. Of course, I did spend at least one semester in college wearing Earth Shoes. These felt like Extreme Earth Shoes with less cushioning.
I ordered my first MBTs on line; I wouldn't do so again unless I tried on the same pair in the store. Though supinating slightly didn't bother me at the time, I appreciated the ability to walk neutrally in the Skechers. Take away this issue, which probably won't affect most people since I think more people are pronators, and I'd say if you have the money, go with the MBTs as they provide more of a workout. If you don't have the money, go Skechers. You can't go wrong.
Amy
2010-07-29
LOVE LOVE LOVE These SHOESI was a little skeptical, until I went into the Walking Store and tried these shoes on. HOLY COW! It was like walking on a cloud. They took a little getting used to, and the literature that comes with the product even suggests easing your way into wearing them. They make me walk taller, and even though I don't think I've lost a single pound, lots of people ask me if I have! I must walk taller and more confident with these shoes on! Crocs seem passable at best lately, but most other shoes just don't cut it anymore!
Lately, the only thing that makes my feet feel better than these shoes is to have no shoes on with my feet propped up!
Gabrielita
2010-05-26
Sprain in foot has gone away!I did some research on shoes that would help with my foot sprain. Six months ago, I sprained my right foot, and was off my feet for about three weeks. Even after it healed, I would wake up some mornings with my foot in pain. It didn't heal right. Five months later, I re-injured it doing nothing but being a little bit more active than I had been since my injury, and it was worse that time. Once I was able to walk on it again, my feet were so messed up from limping and favoring my right foot that I constantly had heel pain. One night, while at a friends house, I got up from the couch and my heel was in so much pain that I had to borrow their crutches just to get back to my car to go home.
It was that incident that made me research shoes to help my foot. I couldn't stand it anymore. That's how I came across the MBT shoes - they say on their website that they can help with sprains. So I went down to the store and bought my pair of shoes. (I recommend going to the store to try it on if it's your first pair since the sizing runs smaller and to see how well you balance on the arched sole. Also, the store I went to had technology to see the pressure points in feet - fallen arches. She actually looked in pain when she saw my foot map.)
I've been using them ever since, and I've only had heel pain once within two weeks of having the shoes. Plus, I've been on walks with no trouble and have been able to get back to hard work with only tired and sore (but not pained) feet at the end of the day. I also notice myself walking upright rather than slouched over, with my head held high, so I can only assume my posture is being corrected. I couldn't be happier with this purchase! I'm considering investing in MBT sandals for the summer. They definitely are worth it!
Tara Tickel
2009-12-05
plantar fasciitis relief!!I have plantar fasciitis..I received these shoes as a gift from my mother after a grocery shopping excursion that left me in tears wearing my (then beloved) Ascics running shoes. Before I started wearing these "anti-shoes" I would spend a vast majority of my day in severe pain and the rest just trying to avoid walking altogether (as a mother of 5 - yes 5 - kids that's not an easy feat!). When I started wearing these wonderful shoes I was almost immediately able to resume normal activity with little to no pain whatsoever. The only time I have pain now is when I go barefoot at home all day or if I MUST wear other shoes for a dressier occasion. They aren't very pretty (in fact I find them quite unattractive), but the comfort of these shoes far outweighs the unappealing exterior. As an experiment, I went 2 days without my MBTs, wearing my Merrils instead, and VERY MUCH regretted it! They ARE quite expensive (and I freely admit that I would NEVER have gotten past the price if my mother hadn't surprised me with them), but I fully intend to buy a couple (dressier) pairs in the future. I can tell you that if you have chronic foot pain, these shoes will be your relief!
Mary Predmore
2009-09-30
These shoes changed my life!The moment I put these shoes on, they changed my life! No more back pain and foot pain. The balance is different but I got used to it immediately. Improved posture and mobility right in the store after terrible foot pain for years. The price is hefty but worth every penny. I found out later that some people buy these for fitness reasons but, for me, that is just a bonus but NOT the reason I purchased them! I tried to go easy at first to get used to them as recommended but found I didn't need to or want to because of the foot relief I was feeling. I have had them for almost two months and still love them. I think they will last a long time so are a good investment. I can't wait to get a 2nd pair so I can alternate them but my budget is dead after the first pair.