Research on Toning Shoes (Kevin A. Kirby, DPM)
07/28/2010 Lanny Rubin, DPM
I have read with interest the various
discussions about so called "toner shoes." I am
a retired podiatrist who has been wearing MBT
shoes for more than three years. I have four
pairs plus sandals. As we all know, no one
treatment, device, medication, or type of shoe
is good or even satisfactory for everyone. We
each have different requirements that need to be
addressed. I am only reporting my personal
experience with MBT shoes.
I first bought a pair to see if the shoes would
be beneficial for my lower back pain due to
osteoarthritis. I was very skeptical. To fit me
properly, I had to get the shoes 1/2 size longer
than my usual shoe length. I can report a
definite improvement in my posture while wearing
them, find them comfortable to wear, and some
relief of my low back pain during and after
walking. I walk 3 miles most days. I do not wear
them exclusively, but do wear them for shopping,
walking, and traveling.
The MBT shoes are extremely well made. The
uppers last and stay in excellent condition. The
soles can be replaced for $75.00. I have one
pair I use exclusively for exercise walking and
have replaced the soles three times. The uppers
are still decent. I have no affiliation or
connection with an MBT affiliate or any shoe
store.
I am writing because I find the MBT shoes to be
of very high quality. They offer me comfort that
other shoes do not provide when I am on my feet
for hours at a time. I do not run in them and
feel the pounding force of running would
probably not be acceptable in a rocker bottom
shoe. I do believe that some patients with heel
pain, metatarsal pain, and perhaps tarsal area
pain may get some relief from wearing these
shoes. Trial and error may be the only way to
really find out in a specific case. People with
no pain or postural problems probably do not
need "toner shoes."
My wife wears both the shoes and sandals and
feels her back does better in them. She wears
them when she will be on her feet for extended
periods of time. I make no claims other than we
are both happy with our MBT's and feel they are
worth the expense.
Lanny Rubin, DPM, Ponce Inlet, FL,
lrubin11@cfl.rr.com
