Category: Footwear

The MBT Shoes

Posted on by Staff

The Masai Barefoot Technology (MBT) shoes are a toning shoe that is claimed to have a number of health benefits

Masai Barefoot Technology (MBT) shoes are a unique footwear innovation designed to mimic the natural instability of walking on soft, uneven terrain. Developed in the 1990s by Swiss engineer Karl Müller, MBT shoes aim to engage muscles more actively, improve posture, and reduce joint stress. Let’s delve into the specifics of these distinctive shoes.

Design and Technology

At the heart of MBT shoes is a multi-layered, curved sole featuring the patented Masai Sensor and Pivot Axis. This design creates a rolling motion from heel to toe, simulating the experience of walking on soft ground. The intentional instability challenges the body to maintain balance, thereby activating various muscle groups, including those in the feet, legs, and core. This mechanism not only promotes a more natural gait but also encourages better posture and muscle engagement.

Health Benefits

MBT shoes are renowned for their potential health benefits. By promoting a mid-foot strike and enhancing muscle activation, they can alleviate pressure on joints, making them beneficial for individuals with conditions like plantar fasciitis or arthritis. The enhanced muscle engagement may also aid in strengthening the lower body and improving overall stability. Additionally, the unique sole design can contribute to better spinal alignment, potentially reducing back pain.

Considerations and Usage

While MBT shoes offer numerous advantages, they may not be suitable for everyone. Individuals with certain foot conditions, such as flat feet or valgus deformities, might find the instability challenging. It’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating MBT shoes into your routine. For new users, it’s recommended to gradually increase wear time to allow the body to adapt to the unique mechanics of the shoes.

Availability and Varieties

MBT offers a diverse range of footwear options, including casual shoes, athletic trainers, dress shoes, and sandals, catering to various lifestyles and preferences. Each style incorporates the signature curved sole technology, ensuring that users can experience the benefits across different settings. For those in Australia, MBT shoes are available through local retailers and online platforms, providing accessible options for those interested in exploring this innovative footwear solution.

In summary, MBT shoes present a distinctive approach to footwear, emphasizing natural movement and muscle engagement. While they offer potential health benefits, it’s essential to consider individual needs and consult professionals when necessary.

Most Useful Resources:
masai barefoot technology (Podiatry Arena)
Clubfoot (PodiaPaedia)
mbt shoes (Foot Health Forum)
MBT Shoes (Podiatry TV)
MBT Shoes (Podiatry Books UK)
MBT (Toning Shoe Market)
Are MBT Shoes Helpful? (Podiatry Update)
Does anyone know if the MBT shoes help heel spurs? (Podiatry Experts)
Do MBT Shoes Work? (Clinical Boot Camp)

Chung Shi Toning Shoes

Posted on by Staff

Chung Shi are a brand of toning shoes

Chung Shi Toning Shoes are a specialized type of footwear designed to promote natural movement and improve lower-body muscle engagement while walking. They feature a unique curved sole construction that encourages a rolling motion with each step, activating muscles in the feet, calves, thighs, and glutes more than traditional flat-soled shoes. This design aims to simulate walking barefoot on soft, uneven ground, helping to improve balance and posture while also providing a gentle workout during daily activities. Many models also include high-quality cushioning and ergonomic shaping to enhance comfort and reduce joint strain.

One of the key benefits of Chung Shi Toning Shoes is their potential to assist with both fitness and rehabilitation. For people looking to incorporate more muscle engagement into their routine without high-impact exercise, these shoes can help burn additional calories and strengthen stabilizing muscles simply through regular walking. They are also used in certain physiotherapy settings, as the sole’s design can encourage proper gait patterns, reduce tension in the lower back, and alleviate some common foot-related discomforts. The shoes are often recommended for those seeking a blend of mobility support and muscle conditioning in everyday footwear.

In addition to their functional benefits, Chung Shi Toning Shoes are made with quality materials and are often available in multiple styles suitable for casual wear, work, or light exercise. Many designs prioritize breathability, durability, and foot alignment, ensuring that users experience both performance and comfort over extended periods. While they may require a short adjustment period for new wearers due to their distinctive sole shape, most users adapt quickly and find the benefits well worth the transition. As a result, they’ve become popular among health-conscious individuals, active walkers, and those seeking supportive footwear with added wellness advantages.

Most Useful Resources:
Chung Shi (PodiaPaedia)
Chung Shi (Toning Shoes Market)
Chung-shi footwear (Podiatry Arena)
Chung Shi (Foot Health Forum)

Chinese Foot Binding

Posted on by Staff

Chinese foot binding was an ancient barbaric practice in rural China where the feet of young girls were tightly bound to try and prevent then growing. The practice resulted in severe deformity and painful feet. Special shoes were worn.

Chinese foot binding was an ancient cultural practice that lasted for nearly a thousand years, beginning during the Tang Dynasty and becoming widespread by the Song Dynasty. It involved tightly wrapping the feet of young girls, usually between the ages of four and nine, to prevent them from growing naturally. The goal was to create what was known as the “lotus foot,” ideally about three inches long, which was considered a symbol of beauty, elegance, and high social status. The process was extremely painful and often led to lifelong physical disabilities, but for centuries, it was deeply ingrained in Chinese ideals of femininity and attractiveness.

The practice had strong social and economic implications. Bound feet became a marker of refinement and were associated with marriageability, especially in elite circles. Families would bind their daughters’ feet to increase their chances of marrying into wealth or status, as small feet were seen as a sign of discipline, obedience, and desirability. At the same time, it reinforced gender inequality by limiting women’s mobility, effectively confining them to domestic spaces and making them more dependent on male relatives. Over time, the cultural association between beauty and bound feet became so entrenched that even women from poorer families adopted the practice, despite the hardship it brought.

However, foot binding also sparked criticism and reform, especially in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as China sought to modernize. Intellectuals, reformers, and missionaries began condemning the practice as barbaric and detrimental to the nation’s strength, since it physically weakened half the population. Anti-foot-binding societies were established, and the movement gained momentum alongside broader calls for women’s education and emancipation. By the early 20th century, the practice was officially banned, though it persisted in some rural areas for a few decades. Today, foot binding is remembered as a stark example of the extreme lengths to which cultural beauty standards can go, as well as a reminder of how societal pressures can profoundly shape and restrict women’s lives.

Most Useful Resources:
Chinese Foot Binding (Foot Health Forum)
Chinese Foot Binding (Podiatry Arena)
Chinese Foot Binding (Podiatry TV)
Women Make me Angry! (Angry Pod Doc)
WTF? Chinese Foot Binding! (Sunday Soapbox)
Cortical reorganisation and chinese foot binding (Podiatry Arena)
Chinese Foot Binding (PodiaPaedia)

Children Shoes

Posted on by Staff

The child foot is still growing, it is easy to mold, therefore the correct footwear to allow the growing foot to develop naturally is essential.

When fitting children’s shoes, the first thing to check is length and toe space. Children’s feet grow rapidly, so it’s important to have about a thumb’s width (roughly 1 cm) of space between the longest toe and the end of the shoe. This ensures that toes aren’t cramped and there’s enough room for natural movement and growth. Always measure both feet, since one is often slightly larger, and fit the shoes to the bigger foot.

The second step is width and overall shape. A child’s foot should sit snugly without being squeezed. If shoes are too narrow, they can cause rubbing and discomfort, while shoes that are too wide may lead to slipping and poor walking posture. Many children’s shoe brands offer different width fittings, so pay attention to whether the child’s feet are narrow, standard, or wide. Look at how the shoe hugs the midfoot and heel — it should feel secure without pressure points.

Next, consider heel and arch support. A good children’s shoe will hold the heel firmly in place, preventing excessive side-to-side movement. This helps with stability and reduces the risk of trips or ankle twists. The sole should be flexible enough to bend with the child’s natural walking motion, but still provide enough cushioning and support for everyday activities. Lightweight, breathable materials also matter — they keep feet comfortable and reduce sweat buildup.

Finally, do a practical fit test. Ask the child to walk, run, and even jump in the shoes to see how they feel in motion. Observe whether the shoes slip off the heel or cause them to adjust their step. Check for any red marks on the skin after a few minutes of wear, as these can signal tight spots. Since children outgrow shoes quickly, it’s a good idea to recheck their size every 2–3 months to ensure a proper fit and prevent foot health issues later on.

Most Useful Resources:
Children’s Shoes (Foot Health Forum)
Childrens shoes (Podiatry Arena)
Toning Shoes for Children (Toning Shoes Today)
Children’s Footwear (Child’s Shoes) (ePodiatry)
Children’s Footwear (Podiatry TV)
Footwear for Kids (Foot Health Friday)
Childrens Toning Shoes (Kids Shooz)
Childrens Shooz (Childrens Shooz)
Bunions and the Fitting of Children’s Shoes (Bunion Surgery)
The APMA are taking some heat for this advice on childrens shoes and its hard to defend (Its a Foot Captain)