p.16-17 exercise footwear 10:FOOTWEAR NEW TEMPLAT 10 08 6/10/09 12:42 Page 16
Exercise Footwear
MBT RRP from £145
The idea behind MBTs (Masai Barefoot Technology) is that they reproduce the effect of walking in bare feet on soft,
uneven terrain - just like the Masai Tribe who inspired them. MBTs are designed with a curved sole and patented
'Masai Sensor' that create a rolling walking action. With every step, all sorts of muscles have to work harder to
counteract the instability created by the sole, and you naturally walk more upright.
Walking on flat ground in flat shoes prevents muscles being used properly, causing posture problems, painful joints
and misalignment of the spine. By changing the ground we walk on, MBTs are designed to negate those negatives
and bring benefits instead - toning thighs, stomach, and buttocks, correcting posture and reducing shock
forces to the joints. They also help to prevent varicose veins and reduce cellulite through
increased circulation.
Our verdict: We found the sandals and trainers comfortable, with no hard edges or
rough surfaces. For walking and bottom tightening, they were brilliant.
New lines: Core to the AW09 range is the new lower sole construction MBT. The
sleeker, more streamlined design boasts all of the same muscle activating,
calorie-consuming, posture-improving benefits that are integral to MBT’s pioneering
technology. These include the Goti, a casual leather boot for women, and the waterproof
Fanaca GTX, an outdoor-style male lace-up. The range also sees growth in professional
lower-sole styles such as the female loafer Kiada, or the smart male lace-up Bia. www.theantishoe.com
Don’t just stand there, firm something!
Kick start your fitness with a change in your footwear
F
rom burning calories to relieving back and joint pain, soothing
aching feet and toning your bottom muscles, these “exercise” shoes
promise to improve your health. But, do they live up to the
manufacturers’ claims? Footwear Today road tests some of the
latest products on the market designed to tighten your tush and bring
relief from lower back, knee and foot pains.
FitFlop RRP £36 to £199
FitFlop sandals were originally designed by
Dr. David Cook of London South Bank University
to make it easier for wearers to stay in shape.
With multi-density microwobbleboard
TM
midsoles to create an unstable environment,
they force leg muscles to work harder to
maintain posture and balance. But, weeks after
launch, testimonials from FitFlop sandal
wearers started pouring in, detailing not only
improved posture, but relief from lower back
pain and foot pain (like heel spurs and plantar
fasciitis). The highly cushioned sole is said to
reduce shock, decrease joint pain and reduce
foot and lower back pain.
Our verdict: My sciatica improved within
weeks (I don’t leave home without them!)
Another tester reported rapid relief from
plantar foot pain.
New lines: The cold weather line-up from Fit-
Flop footwear delivers the same body-bettering
benefits as FitFlop summer sandals do, but now
in a sporty snow SNUGGER, a short MUKLUK,
luxuriously long sheepskin INUK boot, and wool
slip-on clog GOGH II. UK stockists: John Lewis /
Running Bare / Victoria Health / Rubbersole /
Look At My Crazy Shoes / Harrods / Shuropody.
www.fitflop.com
16
•
FOOTWEAR TODAY
•
OCTOBER 2009 www.footweartoday.co.uk
Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40